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Listen while you read: "Christians Awake"1 (Lyrics) |
Matthew 5:17-18 – Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (NIV)
During His time on earth, the use and facts of Scripture were the basis of Jesus' ministry. Whatever He did or said lined up with the Word of God. It did not matter what situation He found Himself to be in, where it was, before thousands of people, His encounter with the devil, or speaking to His disciples: the facts of Scripture were His foundation.
Likewise, as Christmas approaches, I want the facts of Scripture to be my foundation for the celebration. So often, I have discovered during this festive season that I can easily be enticed into becoming so wrapped up in the feelings and modern-day glitz of Christmas, that the party becomes more important than the Person whose birthday we are celebrating.
Luke 2:4a,6-7 – So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NIV)
Before I read this Scripture passage in its entirety during our annual Carol Service on the last Sunday evening before Christmas last year, I had prayed that I would be able so to read it with meaning that hearts would be touched. And God heard my prayer and answered. For as I stood and read these facts concerning the birth of Jesus, I was so moved by the love of God, through the giving to mankind of the gift of His Son and the humble circumstances of His birth, that I was unable to read the last verse without tears.
Jesus, the very Son of God, chose to come to earth to be the Saviour of mankind. And He chose to come as a poor and lowly child, not as the King that He is, that He might experience life as a human being with all its temptations and trials, joys and laughter, that He might identify with us, and us with Him. How marvelous, how wonderful is such a fact! And this is the One whose birthday we are meant to celebrate at Christmas.
So, this Christmas season, may we all be praying that our eyes and our hearts might be focused, not upon the festivities or the party, or even upon the traditions that we can't observe this year, but first and foremost on the facts of Scripture which point us to the truth of God: Jesus, Immanuel, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the Word Himself.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this wonderful celebration of Christmas, a time to celebrate the facts of Scripture that outline the truth concerning the Saviour of mankind: Jesus, Mighty God, the Word, Himself. May our focus be upon Him, the reason for the celebration. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
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Amen!!
Amen, Lynne.
So important, thanks. Merry Christmas and God bless, Lynne!
Thank you for this and all your good writing. Merry Christmas.
Yes, Lynne, Christ Jesus is the real reason for this Season! Thanks for the reminder. Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
Thanks for your meaningful devotion.
I shared it with my family and close contacts.
Dear Lynne,
Many thanks for centering our thoughts on the Lord Jesus so beautifully.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas.
…and may Christmas be so…Christ centred, Christ filled, Christ everlasting!
Thank you!
(Ontario)
Lynne, Today, my pastor preached on John 3:16 and related it to Christmas. I’d never thought of it as a Christmas verse, but it is, as your devotional says, God gave us His Son — at Christmas.
Good Sunday morning Lynn,
The “glitz” of Christmas which is so prevalent now bothers me no end and I echo your words.
I wish you and yours a very blessed Christmas.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for the wonderful focus on keeping ourselves in Christ-thought instead of secular thought for this celebration of Christ’s birth. How grateful we are for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I love it when the same key message finds its way to my inner being from several sources at the same time. Your devotion, along with others, have all spoken of the reliable historicity and absolute centrality of Scripture. What a great thing to pray before reading the events that really happened!
I wish you a joy-filled Christmas full of grace and truth.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for this special morning devotional. Although Christmas will seem so different this year for many, you are so right that our main focus needs to be on the real meaning of this time to joyously celebrate the birth of our loving Saviour. Taking time to read the scriptures and reflect on the situation of Jesus’ birth and all that God had planned for the life of His son, brings heartfelt feelings to us for sure. Blessings for these thoughtful and very mindful writings you do. May you have a joyful time celebrating the great event of Christ’s birth with your family.
(B.C.)
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for the reminder.
I pray that all we do will line up with our Lord’s way for us.
Thank you for bringing truths out clearly for us.
Save us from grumbling when our days are clouded by the horrors of covid. Let us pray instead.
Let us all give glory to God in the fact that scientists have brought us closer to universal use of serum and medications and cure for the covid virus.
We pray, “Thank you, Lord,” and “Please God, may the fright and the fact of covid be conquered by Your great power to overcome.”
For Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
Thanks, Lynne, for your devotion.
I see myself in your shoes when it’s my time to read or bring the message to the pulpit.
We have had a Candlelight service for the last fifty years, on Christmas Eve, and the last six years, I have been privileged to give the message.
My heart leaped with joy when my pastor asked me to do it again this year.
This year, we will be broadcasting on YouTube.
I love story telling.
That’s my gift from God.
Have a good and Merry Christmas.
I’ve always enjoyed your devotions, keep it up.
(Quebec)
The fact That Jesus taught using Scripture is not a point I have heard very often.
It’s a helpful reminder.
Thank you.