Friday, December 25
The Nativity of the Lord
Isaiah 52:7-10
They see directly, before their eyes, the Lord, restoring Zion. (Isaiah 52:8)
Two thousand years ago, something beautiful and earth-shattering happened. The eternal Son of God entered the world as a baby. Angels rejoiced that day. Shepherds exulted. Joseph was in awe. And Mary was filled with adoration. Yet for all that, anyone passing by the manger would have seen nothing more than a poor tradesman and his wife trying to make the best of a hard situation.
That’s the difference between the quick glance that comes from every day “seeing” and the searching, penetrating vision that comes when God opens our hearts. One sees something ordinary and moves on, while the other senses Jesus’ presence and kneels in worship.
Today, more than any other day; we can imitate Mary, Joseph and the shepherds as they gazed on the infant in the manger. We can welcome Jesus as the Saviour who came to redeem us, not to condemn us. We can embrace Him as our Good Shepherd who has laid down His life for us. We can praise Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who rules all creation from a cross of self-giving love.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Don’t let the demands or the excitement of the day reduce you to “ordinary” seeing. Don’t let the challenges of the present or the fear of the future or the pain of the past cloud your vision. Wherever you are and whatever you have to do, take some time alone to gaze at the sleeping Christ child. If it helps, use your nativity set. If you don’t have one, use the cover of this magazine! Whatever it takes, focus on Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to help you see Him.
Jesus has come to restore not only Zion but you and everyone around you. Come to Him today; and let His promise of restoration fill you with hope and gratitude.
“0 come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!”
Psalm 98: 1-6
Hebrews I: 1-6
John 1:1-18
Daily Reflections from “The Word Among Us”
Recorded music remains the property of the Artists/Writers.
No ownership is implied
Our Hymns:
Angels We Have Heard on High
The Huron Carol
Adestes Fideles
Joy to the World
