Christian Reflection and Prayer

"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a
Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus" (Luke 1:31).
Read Luke 1:30-33.

 

I love studying the ornaments on our Christmas tree. Each
has a history and a meaning all its own; each triggers a
memory. But when I was a kid I never really cared that
much about the ornaments. For me the best thing was the
tree itself -- all lit up and shining in glory.

 

As Mary looks at the angel shining in all his glory, she is
confused and gripped with fear. Gabriel cancels that fear
by revealing God has chosen her to be the mother of a very
special Son. In simple words he spells out the whole story
of Christmas. She will conceive and give birth to a Son, a
special Son; His Name will be Jesus.

 

Sadly, that is all most people see when they pass by a
manger scene: a baby lying there in the hay. But we need
to pause and step closer, so we can study each detail the
angel reveals about Him, just like the ornaments on a tree.
First, He says this Child will be great: the greatest human
to ever live. Next, he calls Him the Son of the Most High,
the mighty Son of God.

 

Now he reveals this Child is born to be King, but He will
not be like any other earthly king. Other kings and leaders
depend upon the might of their military or the assent of
their people to rule. But Jesus' Kingship rests on His
strength alone. He does not need an army of angels to
keep Him on His throne; nor does He need our consent.
In His greatest hour (and ours), He will go to the cross
alone. There He will defeat sin, death, hell and the devil
for us.

 

THE PRAYER:

 

 Heavenly Father, Your Son is our mighty King. Receive
our thanks for His great salvation and help us spread His
reign of grace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

(Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)