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.