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Listen while you read: "Away In A Manger"1 (Lyrics) |
Luke 2:11-14 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV)
Christmas morning is probably one of the most emotion-laden mornings of the year. For many, it is a happy time of smiling children, presents under the tree, and stockings to open. For others, it might be a difficult time of depression or loneliness, perhaps missing loved ones who have passed away or who no longer live nearby. For some, it will be a day of plenty; for others, a stark reminder of good things that they can't afford.
It's been the same throughout time. Think of the first Christmas morning so very long ago: the happy birth of a blessed child, but a child being born in a time of oppression and uncertainty, to parents of meagre means. What a morning of contrasts!
The miracle is that into all of that — into that world of inequality, uncertainty, and doubt — perfection was born: a perfect child, beyond sin, destined to be a source of rekindled hope for all of humankind for millennia to come; a perfect child born in the image of His heavenly Father, God of the universe.
The miracle of our faith is that the perfection of Jesus is available to each and every one of us — and it is available just for the asking. No matter our personal circumstance on this Christmas morning, we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. We are all equally imperfect, equally broken, equally undeserving, all with the same access to the perfect salvation offered through Christ Jesus.
On this morning of all mornings, let's claim that perfection as our Christian inheritance. Perfection was born 2000 years ago, and perfection lives today.
Rejoice!
Prayer: Loving and perfect God, thank You for being with us today. Surround us this Christmas with the warmth of Your love. Thank You for the perfect gift of Jesus, in whose name we humbly pray. Amen.
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Thank you.
Merry Christmas, Scott.
Thank you Scott. Great perspective on Christmas.
Spoken in perfection! SHALOM
(ONTARIO)
Christmas blessings to you today Scott. Thank you for sharing. A good read!
(Ontario)
Dear Scott,
Thanks for the excellent devotional. Most appropriate for to-day.
Thank you Scott, for a perfect devotional on this day of blessed celebration.
Merry Christmas.
Dear Scott,
Thank you for the perfect, wonderful devotional on this glorious Christmas Day!
Dear Scott, Thank you for this inspiring and hopeful devotional on Christmas Day. May God’s blessings fall on each and every one today as we await his return.
Dear Scott,
Thank you for writing this morning’s special devotional. May you enjoy this special day and every day of celebrating our loving Saviour’s birth.
Blessings,
(B.C.)
Thank you for your reflection on the circumstances into which Christ was born, into which God sent Him. Certainly not a perfect world nor a ‘perfect’ family. Of course, we read your good words, knowing that while our journey with God is towards perfection, it will never be ours on this earth. ‘Progress, not perfection,’ is a slogan that is often used. The pilgrim’s progress. Trying to be perfect without God’s help leads to procrastination and finally to paralysis. But ‘I can’t handle it, God – YOU take over!’ is the prayer that helps me most on the journey. Love to you today at Christmastime.
Thanks Scott, for sharing this good word with us!
Blessings.
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your devotional. We had a really good service at the local Long Term Care Centre for Christmas worship. There were about half the residents. Some of course could not come because they are bed ridden others just did not want to, but and I preached on the text you quoted.
Thank you for writing, and I wish you and yours a Happy New Year.
What a wonderful explanation of the day and its meaning and effects! Thank you for reminding us. Have a special time with your loved ones! Cheers!