Christian Reflection and Prayer

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)

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)