O Holy Night
2002 Advent Devotion Collection
December 5
READING: Isaiah 9
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder, his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9.6
As prophesied a "Holy Night" was realized in Bethlehem. The "good news" of Jesus' arrival was heralded by angels who proclaimed good tidings of great joy. When He first appeared in public at a wedding Jesus made the guests "happy". Later, words most often on Jesus' lips were "be of good cheer", "be not anxious", "be not afraid", "rejoice and again I say, rejoice" - Jesus did not sadden life-he gladdened it.
Today our world and community are
full of stories of gloom, doom, war, death - not happiness and joy - just
bitterness, animosity, rancor, and violence. We live in a world divided
between people and groups who think they are right - even here in Decatur.
Some people walk into a room and seem to light a candle - others blow
it out; a difficulty for every solution - they see only a hole in a doughnut.
Pope John XXIII said, "I don't agree with the prophets of doom. They
always talk as if the present, compared with the past, is getting worse.
I see humankind entering a new era, and I see a divine plan. This plan,
in the course of time and in and through what man does, pursues its own
purposes, its own goals, and they are far, far beyond man's expectations."
Pope John was a realist. His faith
in the future and joy in the present had its roots in the response that
is encouraged in the life and teachings of Jesus.
The dominating theme of the New Testament
and the lives and Jesus and Paul is Joy. The very meaning of the "gospel"
is "good news" - to be joyful is good news.
PRAYER: Lord, during this season, and in mind of THE HOLY NIGHT, let Christian life enter to help us to be the joyful, radiant and attractive people Jesus intended us to be-read His lips and live His actions. Amen, Until Tomorrow. -- Marilyn and Bill B.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336