Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scritpture:

Read John 1:6-8.

There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John. ... He was
not the light, but came to bear
witness about the light. (John 1:6, 8)

Reflection:

Have you ever taken a close look at
a manger scene? There are a bunch
of figures all gathered together: Mary
and Joseph, the shepherds and the
wise men, perhaps even some sheep,
camels and a donkey. Usually they
aren't placed in little groups talking
among themselves. Instead, they're
focused on that Baby whose birth
brought them all together in that place.

What if you were one of the characters
in that manger scene this Christmas?
Would you be focused on the Christ
Child like the others, or would your
attention be somewhere else? Would
you be gazing out to the side, staring
at the Christmas tree and all the
presents lying under it? Would you be
scanning the kitchen and dining room
thinking about Christmas dinner?
Would you be staring into the family
room where friends are gathered for
a Christmas party?

All those things are great parts of
Christmas, but only one thing belongs
in the center as the focus of our
Christmas celebrations. That is God's
Son, born on Christmas day. The
mighty God became one of us and
came into our world to share our life,
to suffer and die in our place, and to
rise to life again to guarantee our eternal
future.

His birth brings joy, hope, comfort and
peace to all our Christmas celebrations.
He is always with us to provide our needs
and protect us from all harm until the Last
Day when He will come in glory to bring
us to our everlasting home.

PRAYER:

Son of God, Christmas holds so many
distractions. Please focus my mind and
heart on Your birth so every part of my
Christmas celebration will be more
meaningful. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)