Advent
December 24, 2016

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

I wonder how many times I have read or heard this scripture. When does it sink in that God came to dwell among us, experience humanness, and eventually provide atonement, making us at-one with God? Has the story become just another childhood tale bringing feel-good sentimentality? Has it fallen in line with remembrances of Mom’s applesauce cake or hanging our favorite ornament or singing Silent Night to the neighborhood with friends? These are all good things, wonderful memories of childhood carried forwarded for the next generation.

God has always been with us, but apparently, God came to the realization that we sometimes lose track of that truth. So, God came to dwell among us in the personage of Jesus, the greatest act of love ever recorded. On this Christmas Eve, we may be a part of a picture-perfect experience engulfed in all the love we can handle or we may be with no one shivering in the cold seeking warmth from the heat of a grate on the sidewalk. No matter where we are, God is with us, has always been with us, and will always be with us. Thanks, be to God.

Prayer: Lord, let the warmth of your love infuse our beings wherever you find us today. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.