Christmas Eve

 

December 24

Christmas Eve

We stand at the threshold of the celebration of the incarnation—Immanuel, God with us. May we allow our incarnate God, our Savior, our Lord, to be the heart of our joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

Most believers have imagined themselves to have been at the Nativity scene. We’ve pondered the wonder of hearing the angel chorus announce the birth of the One who came to fulfill the prophesy, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 We’ve contemplated the amazement of the humble shepherds who were privy to such grand news.

We think of the wise men, indeed wise beyond the knowledge of the astrological signs they analyzed in order to discern the arrival of One highly favored and anointed. This One, they knew, was unique among the potentates born into the realm of man; they knew He was worthy of their finest gifts of treasure and of homage.

When we think of how we would have acted or what we would have done, we know we would have been struck with awe and wonder, even as were the shepherds. And like them, we would have heard the angels reassure, “Don’t be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy that is for all people,” Luke 2:10.

Perhaps we would have proclaimed as did the elderly father of John the Baptist when he heard the news of Mary’s pregnancy and the imminent birth of the long-awaited One, “Through the tender mercy of our God, the Dayspring from on High has visited us” Luke 1:78.

Perhaps we would have rejoiced to have Jesus as our Savior. Like Mary His mother, perhaps we would have said, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He who is mighty has done great things, and holy is His name.” Luke 1:46-55

That joy is still available to anyone who will receive it.