Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Read Luke 2:11-12

TEXT: "Unto you is born this day in the city
of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

I remember being devastated one year when
mom and dad took down our Christmas tree
early. They said it had gotten too dry, but I
never saw any danger. Years later our youth
group had a Christmas tree bonfire. In seconds
the tree exploded into flames, lighting up the
entire field. We all were forced to step back
from the intense heat. In that moment I realized
what great danger we had been in, and how
mom and dad had saved us.

If the shepherds were anything like most people,
they felt no danger sitting out in the fields that
Christmas night. Then in an instant the angel
appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them. In that horrifying moment they saw the
darkness of their sinful lives in the holy light of
God, and they were gripped with terror of His wrath.

Each of us will experience that moment someday-
either at our death or at Christ's return. We will be
immersed in the bright light of God's glory, as we
stand before Him for judgment. God will not weigh
out your good deeds versus your bad deeds, or
compare you to other people. Instead, He will look
deep into your thoughts, desires and attitudes. If
you committed one sin, one single wrongdoing at
any time during your life, you will stand condemned.

But that is why Jesus came as our Savior. He took
every sin to the cross, where He suffered God's fiery
wrath in our place. When we trust Jesus as our Savior,
all our sins are taken away, and we can be confident
we will be able to stand spotless before His judgment
seat.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place and
suffering for my sins. Guide me to show others why
they need Your salvation too. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)