Friday December 24, 2021
THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:1-20
KEY VERSE: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
A little boy was standing at the bottom of a department store escalator staring intently at the movement of the stairs. A saleswoman asked, “Are you lost?” “Nope,” said the boy, “I’m just waiting for my chewing gum to come back.”
Waiting is hard. Just ask any child who has given their “wish list” to Santa – it’s hard to wait.
All through this Advent season we have been waiting – waiting for this night. Waiting to welcome the Christ Child.
This year has been a rollercoaster of fear and hope. There have been days filled with anxiety, and moments where God’s peace has quieted worried souls. Tonight our hopes and fears are met in the birth of our Savior.
Tomorrow many of you will gather with family to celebrate. But tonight, I encourage you to make time to linger at the manger. Maybe after returning home from a Christmas Eve service you could sit in a darkened room, in front of your lit Christmas tree. Of course, the tree is decorated, from top to bottom; maybe there are presents underneath that have been carefully chosen and thoughtfully wrapped. Those presents are for the people you love the most.
But, did you notice your present? There, at the base of the tree or on a table next to it — or somewhere else in the room — is the Nativity scene. That gift is for you. Jesus was born to bring you what you need – love, hope, peace and salvation. Jesus is God’s present to you. Take time to stand in awe of the miracle of God who came to live among us. Breathe in the hope of a newborn Savior. Remember the peace that he brings with him. Celebrate the joy that his birth offers. And share the love that inspired it all.
PRAYER: Loving God, in this moment we pause to offer you our thanks for your most precious gift – the gift of your Son. Remind us not to get so involved in the celebration of his birth, that we lose sight of the gift itself. And help us to share your love with others today and throughout the upcoming year. Amen.
Pastor Ruth
