Reflection
As we step into these last few days of preparing our homes, gifts, and menus for Christmas we are praying that you will take some time to prepare your hearts as well. It is vital that we not only remember why we are celebrating but who we are celebrating as He calls for us to respond with faith, hope, and love every day towards everyone. If we do not take time to be still, to pray, and to meditate on His Word we begin to lean on our own understanding and strength that quickly proves weak without the power of the Holy Spirit filling us. We invite you to take a few moments with us now to read and be reminded of the incredible blessings and details of the birth of our Savior.
Luke 2:1-20
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Would you please join us in prayer?
Lord, your Word fills us with joy as we sing hymns and carols of your birth bringing joy to the world. We pray now that Your perfect joy would fill our hearts and homes as we celebrate Your coming and bringing salvation. We pray that every person on earth will put their faith in You and in believing they will be filled with peace, joy and abounding hope in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we, like the shepherds, glorify and praise You for all that You have shown and spoken to us. Thank You Lord Jesus, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. We praise You as we pray in Your great name that brings us great joy, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
