Christian Reflection and Prayer

Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalms 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6;
John 1:1-18

"The word was made flesh, He lived among us"
(John 1:14).

You may have heard that the giant, online retailer Amazon
is experimenting with the idea of delivering packages in
certain areas using drones -- you know those strange,
remote controlled aircraft that are deployed these days for
everything from aerial travel photography, to police work,
even pizza delivery! Addressing this lofty topic, a recent
New Yorker Cartoon depicts a mother encouraging her
reluctant little boy who is waiting in line to have his
Christmas picture taken. Instead of the jolly old department
store Santa, we see a strange looking contraption seated
on Santa's throne, beckoning the little boy to come forward.
The caption reads, "Don't you want to sit on the Amazon
drone's lap?" Who knows, maybe next year we'll have
drones helping the real Santa!

The popularity of Santa Claus is astonishing. In one form
or another he is almost universally loved around the world,
even in places where the Christian religion is completely
without followers. In Japan, for example, only one percent
of the people identify themselves as Christian. But the spirit
of Santa Claus and gift-giving has made Christmas a time
for Japanese children to look forward to. Everywhere, the
spirit of Santa Claus seems to play a larger role than the
Incarnation -- in the sense of the excitement, and the joy
surrounding Christmas. Like clockwork, every year around
Christmas, Santa Claus receives some hard criticism from
persons who feel strongly that the season has become
under-spiritualized, and over-commercialized. Like
clockwork, every year at this time, the slogan "Put Christ
back in Christmas,"  reappears. Of course, the true meaning
of Christmas has been taken out of context in this sense.

For Christians, the main emphasis in our celebration is that
we have received something beautiful from God. This God,
who is the Sovereign Creator, Sustainer and Lord of Life
has taken the initiative to reveal His love for us. He has done
this not in some abstract, general way, but in a very concrete,
specific human way. He has revealed the fullness of His love
through Jesus the Christ. We celebrate this event because
God's love for us in Jesus Christ is the source of our hope,
our joy and our peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
GOD BLESS US EVERYONE

Verse

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver
her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger,
because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7

Voice

He is born of a poor Virgin, in a cave, wrapped in poor
swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. Riches, honours,
glory of this world! Fall down, fall down in humility, tearful
devotion, and deep gratitude before the Saviour of men,
and share your riches with the poor and needy. Do not
pride yourselves on your visionary, fleeting distinctions,
for true distinction can only be found in virtue. Glory of this
world! Learn here, before the manger, your vanity. Thus,
let us all humble ourselves; let us all fall down in the dust
before the boundless humility and exhaustion of the
Sovereign of all, of God, Who has come to heal our
infirmities, to save us from pride, vanity, corruption, and
every sinful impurity.
St. John of Kronstadt

Prayer

Lord God of Hosts, as a helpless and homeless infant
you conquered the earth and overthrew our souls — we
love you!

Sojourners (sojo.net)

Christmas Day: December 25, 2015

Read John 1:1-5; 9-14. TEXT: ... and wrapped Him in
swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:7b).

Advent        It wasn't the ideal time or place for Mary's
Child--God's Son--to be born into this world. Joseph
hadn't had time to establish his carpenter's trade in their
new town of Bethlehem; he couldn't even find suitable
lodging for his wife and her Child, just a shelter for
animals. There was no time even to build a handsome
cradle. Jesus would be laid in a manger--a feeding
trough for animals.

That hardly seems like a fitting way for God's Son to
come into our world. But God's thoughts are not our
thoughts, neither are our ways His ways
(see Isaiah 55:8). His Son didn't come to a perfect
paradise. He came to fix our broken world and mend
our broken lives. He came to a world of suffering, loss,
hurt and death--and He came to share that suffering,
loss, hurt and death.

This Christmas Day may find you in a place you never
dreamed you'd be. You may be alone and afraid. Perhaps
you're suffering from unemployment or underemployment.
Maybe you're sick, dying or grieving the death of a dear
loved one.

But Jesus came to share all the worst this life has to bring.
He has experienced all the hurt and heartaches we will
ever face--and much more. He paid the price for our sins
as He hung on the cross. This Christmas Day He's ready
and able to handle all your doubts and fears.

THE PRAYER:

 Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself to leave
Your throne in heaven and to become one of us. You lived
among us, experiencing all the worst things of life that You
might cheer and comfort us in all our sufferings. Be with us
this special day and fill us with Your joy and peace. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)