Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Scripture:

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.