“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:11-14)
Finally, the day we have been waiting for, a day when all of the candles on the Advent wreath are still burning. The candles of hope, peace, joy and love. It has all come into the world through the brightest candle, the Christ candle.
Christmas is the culmination of all the preparations and hectic schedules typical of this time of year. It is so busy that sometimes we miss the C-H-R-I-S-T in Christmas. No more planning, buying, wrapping or baking has to be done. It is a day to enjoy and give thanks for all that you have received from loved ones, and to enjoy the greatest gift of all: the Savior. He has appeared in our hearts to save us, not because of our goodness, but because of his own.
God’s mercy has come to dwell among us in the flesh of his son. We never have to spend another day wondering where to find a shoulder to cry on or a friend who understands our weakness. From this day forward we can walk confidently knowing that because Jesus willingly entered into our world, nothing can separate us from his love. His love and salvation were not dependent upon a promise we made, but on the promises that were made thousands of years earlier. The love of God prepared him for the journey to earth and then one night while shepherds were watching over their sheep, the angels announced that a Savior was born. A Savior for all people. He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes in the city of David.
The shepherds saw him and they worshipped him. He is no longer in a manger, but he still desires to shine the brightness of the Christ candle in your heart. Today, take a moment to stop and worship him. We can join together with the heavenly host and say, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
Prayer point: As you celebrate today with family and friends, take a moment to ponder God’s mercy and send a prayer of gratitude. It is the real reason Christmas is merry!
God bless you!
