Christmas 2019
Scripture: Colossians 1:15-16
He is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were
created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for
him.
Christmas Devotion:
Two thousand plus years ago, a baby
was born. Ordinary in every way. Yet this child was special. He was from his
birth 100% human and 100% God. They named him Jesus because through him
humanity and indeed all creation would be released from its groaning and decay.
Here was the very God that put the
stars in the sky and made the Earth along with all the life on it. You wouldn’t
know to look at him, but he even created the one who gave him birth. Here this
helpless baby who would draw nourishment from his mothers’ breast was the very
one who created that nourishment. Jesus was indeed a special child.
Angels would come from heaven to
worship and announce his birth to humble shepherds in the fields watching over
their sheep. A new star would appear in the sky so wisemen would know of his
coming to Earth. Thus, both the shepherds and the wise men would come to worship
him. Wondering what kind King would be born in a stable and rest in a cattle
trough.
His birth and indeed his whole life
would be difficult to understand. Why would the God that made the universe need
to come to this insignificant planet in an out of the way galaxy? Here the one who
was born king of angels, would become servant of his own people even unto his
untimely death.
This unremarkable birth would ultimately
lead to humankinds’ salvation. This baby was born that we might be born again.
It was God’s love of creation that started an insurrection that would
ultimately lead to spiritual life for billions of people through the ages. The
promise of his birth is that eventually all evil would be vanquished, and love would
reign on the Earth and indeed in the whole universe.
A miraculous birth that would lead
to a life marked by many miracles. The lame would walk, the deaf would hear,
the blind would see, and the dead would be raised. The greatest miracle of all
is that the sinner would be forgiven all their sins. The unrighteous would be
declared righteous. The captive of sin would be made free to live a life of
goodness and charity.
Prayer: God who came to
be with us. Help us to seek your Christ child this season. We need Jesus like
we never needed him before. This old-world creaks and groans in pain from the power
of the evil one. Help us to open our lives up to your love. That we may treat
each other with loving kindness, even when that is not what we think the other
deserves. Let us let the Christ child into our hearts this Christmas.
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