Advent Devotion - December 25th

Christmas Day
Written by: Diane Bechtold

Reading: Luke 2:1-14

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:9-11

How often we’ve read and heard about the trials of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem to register for the census. The streets and inns were crowded with people whose only purpose was to fulfill their civic duty. Surely, this new baby was an unexpected entry of God the Son to humankind. Angels praised God as they announced the Christ’s arrival to shepherds. What a night of awe and mystery.
This was God’s quiet entry into the midst of our life on earth. He came to us as an innocent baby, of lowly birth. Those looking for the Messiah often missed this gift because they were looking for earthly power and might. They looked for a king in royal robes who would be served by armies that would free them from Roman oppression; instead, they received innocence and the directive to love God and one’s neighbor.

Prayer: God Almighty, we pray to recognize You when we are expecting someone else. Teach us to look for what You have for our lives rather than for what we want for them. Help us to watch and listen as you speak to our hearts. Amen