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Listen while you read: "Hail To The Lord's Anointed"1 (Lyrics) |
Ade, my five-year-old granddaughter, arrived on my doorstep lugging a large package behind her up the snow-covered steps. A parcel had arrived for me, and she was the acting postman.
Of course, when I opened the door to receive the parcel, she also wanted to come in to watch me open it. I had ordered several Christmas gifts online, so I knew that this big box would contain one of them. Having ordered something for Ade just a day or two before, though, I knew that this was not one of them, so I told her, "Okay, you can come in."
She was very excited as I slit open the taped seal and began to unpack the treasure within. It was a gift for her younger sister, Lindy, one which Ade, upon seeing it, now wished was for her. As we admired the present and talked about how happy Lindy would be on Christmas morning, I also warned Ade several times that this was our secret and that she mustn't spoil the surprise by telling Lindy what was in the package that she had just delivered to me. Ade very solemnly said that she would remember and keep our Christmas secret.
There is one Christmas secret, however, that none of us should keep. For the angels themselves said on that first long-ago Christmas, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10b-11 NIV)
The greatest Christmas gift of all time, Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, was — and is — not to be kept a secret. Rather, this precious and indescribable gift is to be shared freely to all peoples in all nations at all times.
That was something that the shepherds took to heart as they hurried off and found Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, Who was lying in a manger, just as the angels had gone on to tell them. "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." (Luke 2:17-18 NIV)
This Christmas, may we all follow the example that the shepherds demonstrated. Whether it be through the Christmas cards that we choose to send out, or the spoken greetings that we give to each other, or the way that we decorate our homes, may each one of us proclaim, "Merry Christmas! — Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, is born."
Prayer: Lord God, thank You that the greatest Christmas gift of all is not to be kept a secret, but to be shared worldwide. Guide and direct our hearts this Christmas to be like the shepherds who spread the word concerning what they had been told about this Child, Jesus. May all who hear it, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, be amazed at what is said to them. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Amen, and thank you for your Christmas Gift – this timely message.
Loved your devotional again this morning! Thank you! Blessings.
(Ont)
A very endearing and heartfelt devotional, Lynne! May God continue to inspire you.
Thank you, Lynne, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
AMEN, Lynne, and thanks. It is such a blessing for you to be able to share the Ives of your granddaughters.
Thanks for this touching an intimate scene with Ade! Precious moment indeed!
I only have grandsons! How different their priorities – not so inquisitive!
Thanks Lynne, we need to remember it is “good news of great joy”, a joy needed in our lives today. Your devotions are always so thoughtful and inspiring. Blessings to you and your family.
Hello Lynne,
It is always such a joy to read your devotionals. Your use of the Christmas secret has a wonderful application that we should all heed. Many thanks.
Thank you, Lynne. I love these stories that give a glimpse into your family life.
And such good advice: may each one of us proclaim, “Merry Christmas! – Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, is born.
Lynne, thank you for today’s devotional. You have such a gift of taking a very simple experience and drawing out of it such profound truths. Thank you once again for your writing.
Blessings
Hi Lynne: I so enjoy your messages about life in the North and particularly those that include your granddaughters’ adventures. I hope Ade keeps/kept the secret. A great reminder today about secrets and what not to keep secret. Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for this lovely and sweet perspective on sharing Jesus with others. I wish you peace and joy during this season of remembrance as you and yours remember the blessings of Christ.
Hi Lynne,
Thanks for another awesome Devotional. I so look forward to your Devotionals. Keep them coming.
Have an amazing week.
(Ont.)
Thank you for your devotional ‘The Secret’. I have always enjoyed your writings and continue to do so. It could be because of my love for animals and grandchildren and how you can use them to enhance your message using real life experiences.
Thank you again.
Lynne, after reading your words this morning about secrets a very old song came to mind. The words are “it is no secret what God can do. What He’s done for others He’ll do for you!”
With Jesus, our way and truth and life, there are no secrets. Good news to spread to all. Thanks for the joyful reminder!
Dear Lynne, many thanks for another of your very encouraging and very meaningful devotionals. I could just feel the excitement that Ade was experiencing as you opened that big package and now, she has the big job of keeping Lindy’s present a secret. I pray that goes well for her! Your words are so very true, that the greatest gift of all is that which we receive from our Lord Jesus. There can be nothing more stable in our daily life than seeking His ways and spreading His type of love with others that they may know special joy. Blessings for these beautiful writings you prepare, along with sharing heartwarming interactions with your little grandchildren.
Good morning, Lynne,
I got COVID a few weeks ago and have had no energy. On Sunday, the beginning of Advent and hope, I turned a small corner and have some energy. I was pleased to see that one of your devotionals was today.
I loved keeping secrets at Christmas to really enjoy the joy when the person opened their gift. Your message is a good one of sharing the HOPE that our belief in Jesus provides us with others so that they can also be filled with hope.
Thanks for sharing and may you be filled with hope of the Christmas season. Blessings.
Loved this. And I will.