Christmas Devotional Revisited 2022
December 17th
Centenary Christmas Devotional - 2009
Read Luke 2:15-20
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How lucky can you be? The shepherds received front row seats to the birth of the millennia! They got the invitation in person from a heavenly host. As I read the text, I noticed three key choices that the shepherds made concerning this momentous occasion.
First the shepherds were faithful to the call and were obedient by actually going to see Jesus, the Christ. Obedience is an important first step.
Secondly, the shepherds began to spread the word. Lastly, they returned to their fields giving praise and worship to God for what they had seen. Review: obedience, sharing the good news, and remembering to be grateful by praising God. If you are on track with your devotional, Christmas day is only one week away. Are you caught up in the business of the holiday, or are you taking an example from the shepherds? Are you being obedient to God? Are you sharing the real reason for the season? Are you taking the time to praise God? If not, I ask you to consider why not. My hope is that you are able to spend time in His heavenly presence this season.
Digging Deeper
First the shepherds were faithful to the call and were obedient by actually going to see Jesus, the Christ. Obedience is an important first step.
Secondly, the shepherds began to spread the word. Lastly, they returned to their fields giving praise and worship to God for what they had seen. Review: obedience, sharing the good news, and remembering to be grateful by praising God. If you are on track with your devotional, Christmas day is only one week away. Are you caught up in the business of the holiday, or are you taking an example from the shepherds? Are you being obedient to God? Are you sharing the real reason for the season? Are you taking the time to praise God? If not, I ask you to consider why not. My hope is that you are able to spend time in His heavenly presence this season.
Digging Deeper
- What was the reaction of those who heard the message (vs. 18)?
- How can you find that same amazement this Christmas season?
Suggested Prayer: Pray for those who will be alone this Christmas
A Special Christmas Memory from Sue S.
I thought of a tradition I have been doing each Christmas since 1977. In trying to keep the focus on Jesus, I began collecting creches . . . large and small. Some are figurines, others are ornaments and special ones given to me by friends. I display them in my curio cabinet along with my collection of angels and music boxes. I place them on the buffet that was my mothers. I get much joy each year as I unwrap each one, remembering who or where I got them. In turn, other memories come to mind of Christmases past. I take my time, usually a day or two, decorating our home. It's one of my favorite things to do during this time of the year.
I thought of a tradition I have been doing each Christmas since 1977. In trying to keep the focus on Jesus, I began collecting creches . . . large and small. Some are figurines, others are ornaments and special ones given to me by friends. I display them in my curio cabinet along with my collection of angels and music boxes. I place them on the buffet that was my mothers. I get much joy each year as I unwrap each one, remembering who or where I got them. In turn, other memories come to mind of Christmases past. I take my time, usually a day or two, decorating our home. It's one of my favorite things to do during this time of the year.