Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Christmas thinking

Saturday, December 25, 2004

Luke 2:15-20
When the angels had left him and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Isaiah 9:6-7
To us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be upon his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

The final candle is lit, and Advent gives way to Christmas. Light brushes away the darkness, dawning slowly, then growing majestic, overwhelming. The power of the sun burns off every tiny fog, every lingering corner of dark. Day has come.

Our street is still. There is no traffic. Steel blue cold crushes the air, and tiny noises echo - a dog's bark, footsteps. Smoke from every chimney etches white clouds on the blue sky, straight up in the windless air.

Mary knew the prophecies in Isaiah. She held the baby and knew he would be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. Already she saw grown men bow down before her baby, and she was amazed. He was a baby in every way, but they saw much much more.

Today there are soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and many other places around the world. We exchange Christmas greetings in hundreds of different languages. Unity among people is an exception rather than the norm. We are as much in need of Jesus' "government and peace" as we ever have been.

Christmas church and Christmas parties, Christmas food and Christmas gifts fill this day for most of us. Although we might be surrounded by people today, eventually all of us will again be alone. So much to reflect upon, to consider, to ponder in our hearts.

In the stillness of Christmas Day my heart and mind is full. God is coming alive. He makes all things new.

What Child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Devotions Archive

Christmas thinking

Saturday, December 25, 2004