Daily Devotional – Sunday, December 25, 2022
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:8 (NKJV)
Christmas is arguably the most popular holiday on earth. People spend enormous amounts of money on food, beverages, clothes, travel, hospitality and various other fun activities. For many this is the time to engage in unbridled merrymaking.
Facets of the Contemporary Christmas
When Christmas is finally over, there are many happy individuals and families. They have met and strengthened their bonds and social networks. A number of needy people have food to eat and clothes to wear.
On the flipside, there are many casualties. They include lives, personal reputations, relationships, families and property. On the day when the world purports to commemorate Christ’s birth, His name is brought to shame.
Born in a Manger, not a Palace
Contrast that with the first Christmas. Joseph and Mary are in Jerusalem for a national census. Luke narrates “And she (Mary) brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:8).
The Son of God is not born in a palace. Only His earthly parents, several cattle, sheep, and the owner of the manger witness His birth. Why was Jesus not born into an affluent family that could afford a better maternity room?
The Grateful and Happy Shepherds
The only spectacular occurrence is the presence of angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Verse 14). In contrast, life in Bethlehem, goes on as usual.
Two groups of people visit the newborn Baby to celebrate Him. First, a group of shepherds who are directed to the Messiah by the reveling angels. They bring no gift but their gratitude and praise to God for the gift of the Messiah.
The Reverent Magis
Second, the Wise Men from the East (the Magi). “…when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11).
In essence, the modern Christmas revolves largely around pleasing the human ego, making merry and anything but celebrating Jesus. It is a commercialized holiday where traders make a kill. Christmas is more about self and less about Christ.
Contrasting the Original and Subsequent Noels
Christmas becomes meaningful when we model it on the first Noel. It becomes a festival to praise and worship Jesus. We give offerings to Him and alms to the needy. It is a time of reflection on God’s unconditional sacrificial love. The day is about Jesus and Him alone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, may this Christmas be about You and Your unconditional and sacrificial love and not about me.
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God bless you.
Amen. I wish the whole world could be reached by the message
Thanks, Philip. Just share with your contacts. Of they also share, the mwssage will reach many people.
Amen,very true elder,we have been focusing on ourselves and forgotten the what Christmas and even actually what our calling as Christians is meant for,we have largely been focusing on ourselves as mentioned. May our lord forgive us for this selfishness and give us the strength to do what is required of us.
True, Brian. Christmas is over-commercialized and has lost the original intention.