The Call To Give
The flurry of opening presents is often the center of Christmas morning, but once the wrapping paper is cleared, we should let our thoughts settle on the ultimate transaction of the season: God giving His Son.
Yesterday was about receiving the gift of Christ. Today is about reflecting on what that gift calls us to do in return.
The Apostle Paul challenges the early church with this question, which is just as powerful for us (John 1:12, KJV, paraphrased for context): "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
Joy to the World! The King Has Come!
It’s Christmas Day! The anticipation is over, the waiting is done, and the prophecy is fulfilled. Today is not just the celebration of a birth; it is the celebration of a coronation!
We sing carols like "Joy to the World," often focusing on the "joy" part, which is certainly appropriate. But look at the reason for the joy. It’s the declaration in the second line: "The Lord is come!"
The angels announced to the shepherds (Luke 2:11, KJV): "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
The Night Before Christmas
Here we are. The night before Christmas. The time is now "full." For centuries, the world was in the dark, waiting for the promise of a deliverer. And tonight, that anticipation became a glorious, physical reality.
The final devotion leading up to Christmas Day must focus on the certainty of Christ as the Light overcoming the ultimate darkness.
John 1:5 (KJV) beautifully summarizes the entire Nativity: "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
The Gospel in the Carol
The Christmas season is filled with music. We hear carols everywhere we go, and sometimes we sing them so often that the true power of the words fades away. But many of these hymns hold the core gospel message within their verses.
Take, for example, the beloved carol, "O Holy Night." Written in 1847, the words are a masterpiece of theology. Listen to the passion and truth in these lines:
"Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth."
"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."
"Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; and in His name all oppression shall cease."
The Meaning Behind the Wreath
One of the most common and beautiful symbols of the Christmas season is the wreath. If you’re like me, you probably haven't thought much about its meaning, but it beautifully points to the everlasting nature of Christ.
A typical Christmas wreath consists of two main parts that carry profound symbolic meaning:
Evergreen branches: These come from pine, fir, or cedar trees, which remain green and alive even in winter. They symbolize everlasting life and victory over death.
The circular shape: The circle has no beginning and no end. It symbolizes eternity and the unending nature of God's love and covenant.