24 Dec 2009
Advent Devotional
Christmas Eve
Luke 2:1-7
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.”
What emotions these simple but majestic words arouse! What memories! Christmas pageants. Worship services. My best memory is of Robert Shaw reading Luke 2 prior to directing Handel’s Messiah, and my excitement and expectation as I heard the opening strains of that beautiful oratorio.
“Joseph also went from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, the city of David.”
We are on the road to Bethlehem, the scene of God incarnate, the beginning of the Christian story and experience. There is hope, joy, and yes, some fear. What changes may be required of me after Bethlehem?
“And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths.”
He is here. It is Christmas and nothing will ever be the same for any of us.
PRAYER: Lord, we can never be worthy of your great gift, but knowing your amazing grace, we gratefully accept it. Amen.
John Hollender