Friday December 24, 2021

Today is Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, and during this fourth week of Advent we explore what the Bible says about seeking Christ in Christmas.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply, and focus myself on the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. Reveal the message you have for me this Christmas through the power of your Holy Spirit. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, born in a manger and born in my heart anew. Amen.

I join the ancient peoples and praise God with the words of Psalm 105.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:1-4

Pause and Pray

Christmas Eve has finally arrived. Our four week Advent journey is coming to an end as we light the Christ Candle and celebrate the coming of Jesus. Today more than ever, I long to find Christ in Christmas. I attentively watch for Jesus. I faithfully seek him above all things. The three wisemen embarked on a long journey, traveling very far in search of Jesus. The shepherds did not have so far to travel. They were out in the fields when news of the Messiah’s birth was told. The life of a shepherd in the ancient Middle East was difficult. They were cold, alone, and afraid, listening to the howls of wolves, wondering about the weather forecast, worried about surviving the night, concerned about their next meal. Many were crippled, lame or mentally impaired and unable to do other types of work. The shepherds were the forgotten of the world. Yet they were the first to hear the good news and the first to worship the Christ child. They were the first to seek Jesus and the first to find Christmas.

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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:13-20

The shepherds did not hesitate to go to Bethlehem and seek the baby Jesus. The scripture says they “hurry off” to seek him and find him lying in a manger. I consider my own response to the message of the angels proclaimed each Christmas, praising God for his amazing gift to humanity. I want to run along with the shepherds all the way to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus in his tiny crib. However, I confess that In the remaining busy hours leading up to the celebration, I barely have time to read this First 15 devotion, let alone reflect on finding Christ in the upcoming festivities. I gaze at the nativity scene. All the figures are focused on the tiny baby in the center. Jesus. The incarnation of God Almighty. The Word made flesh who came to live among us. The savior of the world. Jesus.

Ask: Where do I see Christ this Christmas? How do I experience the incarnation of God on earth?

Pause and Pray

Almighty God, I praise you alongside the voices of the angels, in awe of your glorious goodness. I run to the manger alongside the lowly shepherds, thankful for the opportunity to glimpse the King of kings. I kneel at the creche to worship my savior, who gave his life, shed his blood and died for me. I read Luke again, listening for the message you have for me today.

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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:13-20

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

God is speaking to me this Christmas. I hear the voice of the angels singing. I hear the response of the shepherds. God is inviting me to visit the incarnation and see Jesus for myself. God encourages me to hurry and not delay. I am invited to find Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. Perhaps it is time for me to spread the word about this baby Jesus, or treasure these events, or ponder them in my heart. Maybe I am called to return to my place of labor, like the shepherds return to the fields, changed forever by my encounter with Christ – glorifying and praising God. Tonight God wants me to experience the fullness of joy that finding Jesus brings to every heart that seeks him. I don’t want to miss Jesus this Christmas.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, born in a manger this night. Blessed Jesus, I have been searching for you this entire Advent season – waiting, watching, listening and seeking you. I pray you will come into my life anew. Come, Lord Jesus, be born in me this day. Come into my heart and soul and make your home in me. Abide with me, blessed Savior. Amen.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

It is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12b

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout the day of Christmas Eve, I go seeking Jesus and spreading the word about the joy of his salvation. Amen.