Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Saturday, December 25, 2004
My Prayer Today
Happy Birthday Jesus! I thank You for coming into my world so that I would have the opportunity to be in right relationship with You! Without Your birth, death, and resurrection, I would not know the hope or joy that I have experienced because of Your salvation. I want to celebrate You today and give to You my most treasured possession -- my heart. I give to You all of me so that I can know the fullness of Your love and Your life. Help me to spread Your love to others around me this Christmas Day. You gave me love when I didn't deserve it, and so I ask that You would help me to love others even when they don't deserve it. I ask this in Your name Jesus! . . .amen.
God’s Word Today
Matthew 11:1-6
1 "When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went off teaching and preaching in towns throughout the country. 2 John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 'Are you really the Messiah we've been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?' 4 Jesus told them, 'Go back to John and tell him about what you have heard and seen -- 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him: 'God blesses those who are not offended by me.'"
Reflecting on God's Word
What is the question that John asks in verse 3?
How would knowing the answer to this question give joy to John who is sitting in a prison cell?
How would knowing the answer to this question give joy to us today?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Read Luke 2:1-20. After you read this passage ask yourself, "what difference does Jesus' birth mean in my life?"
Understanding God's Word
What would this world be like if Jesus had not come to earth? How about your life?
Why make such a big deal about Christmas?
Is there anything in your life that you have more joy over than Christ's coming? If so, what?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What will you do with Christ this Christmas Day?
Does knowing Christ give you joy? If so, does this joy supercede any stress that comes your way today?
How can you share the joy of Christ's birth with someone else today?
Thoughts...
What will you do with Christ this Christmas? For years Christmas to me was all about the presents, the lights, the songs, the Christmas trees, and the snow. As much as I still do enjoy each of these things, I have come to realize the centrality of Christ and Christmas. One tradition my family had on Christmas morning before we opened any presents, my dad would sit down and read the Christmas story to all of us. As we all sat down and read the story for about 10-15 minutes and then pray, I have to admit that my brothers and I were in such a hurry to open the presents under the tree that we often missed what my parents read. Of coarse we knew what Christmas was all about, but it has only been since I have moved away from home that the message has truly captured my heart. The gifts and glitter of Christmas is not as important to me as knowing that a Savior has come into the world to save me from my sins. Jesus is truly the greatest gift of all!
Maybe you find yourself surrounded by people today, maybe you find yourself in the context of your immediate family, or maybe you find yourself alone? Whatever situation you are in today, remember that the message of Christmas is more important than anything the world can buy, or any human can offer. What you do with Christ this Christmas makes all the difference in the world. As we have been looking at John the Baptist's question all week about who Jesus really is -- let the knowledge of Jesus as Savior and Messiah sink into your heart until you find the deep joy of celebrating Jesus' birth. He came into this broken world to heal it -- He came into our broken lives, to heal us. May God bless you this Christmas Day as we celebrate Jesus!