Thursday, December 24

Luke 2:15

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Reflection

Today is Christmas Eve.  Traditionally, people will celebrate in homes, churches and in gatherings everywhere the birth of Jesus.  Tonight as we gather for our services of Christmas at Southport United Methodist Church we will be doing in our own way what the shepherds did on that first Christmas.  “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”  We might not physically be going to Bethlehem but as we gather in worship we are, in our own way, recognizing that a great thing has happened. 

Jesus is born!  The Savior has come!

What has it meant in your life to “go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”?

Wednesday, December 23

Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Reflection

What was the purpose of Jesus Advent into this world?  The purpose of Jesus coming into this world was to bring God’s love and grace to all people.  That is what the angels meant when they said, “peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Through Jesus the favor of God rests upon all who receive his love and grace.  Christmas is good news for all people!  Because of that we should sing along with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest…”

How have you experienced the favor and blessings of God through Jesus Christ?

How do you praise God for those blessings?

Tuesday, December 22

Luke 2:8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Reflection

The birth of Jesus was not just an earthly affair.  It was also a heavenly event.  The birth of the Savior of the world was celebrated among the heavenly hosts.  This is indicated by how the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the fields.  The angels were signaling that all creation should burst forth in joy.

Why did heaven and earth celebrate at the birth of Jesus?  It was because this birth ushered in a new era.  The Kingdom of God was being established through the salvation that would come through the ministry of Jesus.  Sin would no longer control and dominate our lives.  Jesus’ death and resurrection would eradicate and render null and void the effects of sin and death.  This new era of love and grace is why both heaven and earth celebrated and that is why we still celebrate today.

Monday, December 21

Luke 2:1-7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Reflection

The birth of the Son of God, the Savior of all humankind is described in 135 words.  Luke simply records with little fanfare that Jesus was born in humble surroundings in the city of Bethlehem.  Jesus came into this world very quietly.  Most of the world had no idea that the one true God had come into our midst.  Jesus’ birth was simple.

As we think about our celebrations of the birth of Jesus it might be good to take time to quietly meditate, not with a lot of fanfare, but to just consider what it means to us that Jesus came into our world to save us from our sins.  Jesus was not announced as the powerful King; he was born as a tiny infant and he did it all for us.  Jesus’ birth was simple but the implications of that birth for our lives is astounding.  For that we simply give thanks.

December 20-26

Christmas

Luke 2:1-20

This week we are focusing on the Advent of Jesus.  It is a glorious thing to consider that the God of all creation came into the world in a tiny infant and lived among us.  Jesus is truly Emmanuel, God with us.  This story is second only to Christ’s death and resurrection in being representative of the depth of God’s love for each of us.  God was incarnated in human flesh for the ultimate goal of bringing us salvation.  The true message of Advent and Christmas is the reality of God’s presence in Jesus with each of us. 

One additional thing that we don’t often think about as we celebrate Christmas is that Jesus has promised a Second Advent.  Jesus promised he would come again to establish his kingdom for all eternity.  As we remember Jesus’ first Advent let us look forward with anticipation to Christ’s glorious return

Saturday, December 19

Acts 4:33

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Reflection

The disciples were about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  They lived their lives as a testimony to the resurrection of Jesus.  They wanted people to know the goodness, grace and love of Jesus. 

As they lived for the cause of Christ it gave them a single, common cause for life.  The cause was the mission Jesus gave the church to make disciples of all nations, baptize them and to teach them to obey everything that Jesus commanded.  As they lived out this mission together they were working to accomplish all that Jesus commanded.  As they lived out the mission it deepened their sense of community together.

Do you have a deep desire for others to know Jesus?  If so, has that helped build community between you and others who share that same desire?

Friday, December 18

Acts 4:32

All the believers were one in heart and mind.  No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

Reflection

Have you ever been in one heart and mind with another person?  If you have, then you know that creates a bond between you and the other person.  The Christian community described in the Acts of the Apostles possessed that kind of oneness and unity throughout the entire church. 

What can cause us to look over our differences and come together in unity?  What can do that for the church is our common love and devotion for Jesus Christ.  As we live for Jesus together it gives a common faith experience that draws us together.  If I love Jesus and you love Jesus and we realize that then we automatically have a deep connection.

Do you feel a deep bond with others who share your love of Jesus?  How is that deep sense of community expressed?