Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 2:6-7. TEXT: And she gave birth to her firstborn
 Son .... (Luke 2:7a).

Advent      Christmas Eve. I can't hear those words without
being filled with a childhood wonder and thrill. Tonight is
always a magical time with all the dazzling lights, the brisk
air, and the joyous music in church. What a night to sit
around the tree with family and recall fond memories of
Christmases past.

But my Christmas Eve experiences pale in comparison to
what Mary and Joseph experienced that first Christmas
night. Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son, and together
with Joseph she looked into the eyes of God. She stroked
His baby-soft skin, and felt His tiny fingers wrap around
her finger. Wonder of wonders, indeed.

Over the centuries since that first Christmas we have
layered many traditions, decorations and activities into the
fabric of our celebrations, but underlying it all remains the
one thing that truly transforms our Christmas celebration:
that tiny newborn Baby.

This is the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince
of Peace. On His shoulders rests the government of the
entire creation. Yet He comes to us in a familiar form, a
Baby, One who drives away our fears and melts our
hearts of stone. Whatever fears weigh on your heart this
night, be sure to stop and look upon this precious Child,
take Him in your arms, and wonder at the God who came
to save you and drive away your fears.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming one of us. By Your
birth, life, death and resurrection, You have won eternal
life for each of us. Drive away from my heart all fears and
concerns, and fill me with Your heavenly peace. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Luke 2:1-5. TEXT: In those days a decree went out
from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered
(Luke 2:1).

Advent     When we last saw Mary in our story, she was
returning to her home in Nazareth, since Elizabeth was ready
to give birth. Luke moves us a few months forward to the
circumstances of Jesus' birth.

The prophet Micah announced that Jesus was to be born in
the southern town of Bethlehem, not in Mary's northern town
of Nazareth. To get her in the right place at the right time, God
works through an edict of the Roman Emperor Caesar
Augustus to bring her to Bethlehem to fulfill Micah's prophecy.

It must have been strange and a little scary for Mary and
Joseph to leave their familiar haunts to travel to Bethlehem.
But move they did, and from the events that followed Jesus'
birth, it seems probable they planned to stay in Bethlehem to
raise Jesus. In fact, they only left when warned in a dream to
flee (see Matthew 2:1-13). Even after the death of King Herod
who sought Jesus' life, Joseph may well have returned to
Bethlehem, until the Lord directed them to return to Nazareth
(see Matthew 2:22).

The paths of our lives can take some strange and frightening
turns. But no matter what doubts, fears and uncertainties may
be in your path, you don't travel it alone. The Christ Child came
into this world to assure us we will never be alone; He will be
with us wherever we go.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding the course of Jesus'
life--and ours. Give us confidence that You will never leave us
nor forsake us, that we may live in peace and confidence. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Reflection:

One common refrain in the Christmas holiday season
is a call for peace. And yet is there is a more chaotic
time of year?  We rush about to get to the stores in
time "while supplies last" battling for parking, and
hoping to stay within the budget by getting the
"best deal". Some of us fall into depression and
despair.  All this does not seem peaceful at all.
     In this passage, Paul had every reason to be
stressed out.  He was in prison,not knowing what his
fate might be.  And yet he encouraged the Philippians
to find joy again and again and again (v.4).  He had
a deep sense of the nearness of his King to his
condition (v.5).  He understood the power of prayer
and praise to overcome anxiety and stress (v.6).  He
found a peace that defied the chaos and pain of his
surroundings, transcending conventional understanding
(v. 7)

Prayer:

Dear Lord my gracious King.  I pause right now from
whatever I am doing to thank you for your provision,
your presence and your peace. AMEN

(Covenant Home Altar author,Quaime Lee)