Monday December 18, 2023

Today is Monday, December 18 and we are studying about the love of God born in Jesus.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As the Christmas celebration approaches, I prepare my heart to receive God’s great love realized in the birth of Jesus.

Pause and Pray

God, you loved the world so much you gave us your only Son. In this time of prayer and reflection, remind me of the greatest gift ever given – the birth of Jesus the Messiah for the salvation of the world. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s great love and praise him with the words of Psalm 148.

Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Psalm 148:1-4

Pause and Pray

On the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to a handful of shepherds out in the fields of Israel. The angel brought good news that would bring joy to the entire world. A Savior was born and this baby was the long-awaited Messiah of God. The shepherds were told they would be able to identify the newborn in the unique circumstances of his birth. The baby boy would be found lying in an animal’s feeding trough wrapped in meager cloths for warmth against the cold. After the angel’s message to the shepherds a myriad of other angels showed up.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 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.” Luke 2:13-15

Angels are messengers from God sent to the world. There are nearly three hundred references to angels in the Bible. That is a lot of angelic activity. Angels appeared to many different people in the Old and New Testament. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to Daniel, Zechariah and Mary (Daniel 8:15-17, Luke 1:18-20, Luke 1:26-27). When an angel appeared to someone in the Bible there was usually just one angel. Sometimes the presence of two or three angels was recorded (Genesis 21:1, Luke 24:23). But on the night Jesus was born ALL of the angels showed up. A multitude of angels were present for this eminent event. His birth was the most extraordinary occurrence in the entire history of the world.

Ask: Why would a multitude of angels be present at the birth of Jesus? How do the songs of Christmas remind me of the angel’s praise?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, all of heaven and earth rejoiced in praise and thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given – the birth of your Son Jesus. I join alongside the angels and praise you this Christmas season. I sing to your glory. I pray for peace on earth. I ask for your blessing. I hope to find Christ this Christmas. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 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.” Luke 2:13-15

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

A multitude implies a great number. There were numerous, countless angels. The heavenly host was a form of spiritual army sent from heaven to earth. Their testimony revealed the overarching sacred meaning of this miraculous birth. The throng of heavenly beings communicated two messages before their departure. Gloria in excelsius deo or Glory to God in the highest. Peace and good will to the people of earth. This is the message of Christmas. This is a message for me. I praise God and believe in his blessing of peace and good will for me, for my family, my loved ones, my friends, my church and for all the world.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I welcome you into the manger of my heart this Christmas. I hear the good news of joy. I listen for the songs of the angels, praising your glory and goodness. I journey alongside the shepherds and walk the lonely road to Bethlehem to find the promised baby born to save the world. Amen.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11

I leave this time of prayer filled with the joy of Christmas, I go to share God’s good news of love with everyone I meet.

Amen