Advent Devotional - Day 26: by Margene Wampole

READING: Luke 2:1-14
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2: 5-7

Luke begins the Christmas Story with a journey, then tells us of the joyous arrival of God’s gift to the world, His Son, the Messiah, long promised to herald the NEW covenant between God and man. The gift of God’s love is made flesh to dwell among us. This Babe in the manger is our Savior and our guide in loving God and one another, in accepting God’s love for us.
In a world increasingly segmented, we need to open ourselves to God’s gifts around us so we are giving, receiving and passing on God’s love. This open conduit circulates God’s love through our society so we can concentrate on what we have in common instead of dwelling on our differences. Sharing, kindness and humor, reaching out a helping hand, offering an unexpected gesture, kind word or compliment enriches us and validates our common humanity. We grow into loving people, with the same love Jesus shares with his disciples, with us.
Looking for our Lord in others makes it more likely others will see the Lord in us. The moment of seeing others as a gift of God gives value and recognition to souls behind eyes….. A moment of connection. We are not alone, we share this journey together, and the Lord God is with us every step of the way.

Christ Jesus, on this day of your birth, help us to grow into loving people with the same kind of love you show us and then guide us on how to share this love with others as we journey together with you by our side.
Amen.