In
that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their
flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in
the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This
will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and
lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory
to God in the highest heaven,
Can you picture this amazing event? This
was not a surprise that was just revealed, but something that was foretold through
the prophets of Israel. There was to be
a Savior born to the people promised through the line of David (Numbers
24:17). So why was it such a “non-event”
to so many who were long awaiting the arrival of their Savior and King? He was a gift given for all. [LOVE ALL]
He was (is) the
answer to the questions we ask about God and life’s purpose and also, almost a
complete enigma.
How many presents
have you opened, enjoyed and set aside this Christmas? Will there be many that you will even
remember one year from now? Consider
what that first Merry Christmas (Christ’s Festival) must have been like. The
greatest present ever to be given to humanity was lying there in that manger,
yet few embraced the small child or the meaning behind his miraculous
birth. Is he a present or presence that
we can afford to ignore?
What gift did you
give Jesus for his birthday? [SPEND LESS]
God of Mystery, open our hearts that we might
gladly receive the gift of your love for us first of all, then return the
favor…to you and to those with whom we live in this world.
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