O Holy Night
2002 Advent Devotion Collection
December 6
READING: Luke 2.1-20
And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2.6-7
Because of a decree made by Caesar
Augustus two thousand years ago, crowds of people were traveling to their
city of birth to be enrolled for the purpose of taxation. Among those
traveling were Mary and Joseph. They had to journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem,
Joseph's city of birth and Mary was pregnant. No doubt the travelers talked
about current events, unaware that they would be in Bethlehem at the precise
time when God would act with a world-shaking event-the birth of his son!
Prophets had foretold about the coming Messiah. Through the centuries
his coming was longed for and had been anticipated. Because of the crowds
there was no room for them in the inn; they found shelter in a stable.
There Mary gave birth to a son, Jesus. This would always be known as the
most Holy of Nights.
Just as people in that day did not
comprehend the significance of that event, there are still many in our
time that do no understand the real meaning of Christmas. Just as there
was chaos and confusion on the road to Bethlehem, there will be crowds
now frantically rushing from place to place without participating in or
accepting any of the eternal truths of Christmas. But for those of faith,
this will be a season of wondrous spiritual renewal. Even thou God's previous
actions to reconcile sinful mankind had failed, He interrupted the affairs
of the world and came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ.
As we ponder these things, will we be unchanged in spirit? If not, we
will miss the great meaning and miracle of Christmas. Instead, let us
vow to renew our spirit, continually glorifying and praising God for what
He did that first Holy Night. Merry Christmas.
Prayer: O God, we thank you for sending Thy Son to show us that through Him we may have eternal life. Amen. Roe C. S.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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