Scripture Saturday - December 12, 2015

 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest,

    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:8-14

Whenever I read this portion of Scripture, I always hear it in the voice of Linus when he stood on the stage telling Charlie Brown what "Christmas is all about".

The simple faith of a child explaining the Good News about the birth of the Christ Child...

It may seem funny that I hear Linus speaking whenever I read those verses in Luke, but it reminds me of Jesus' words,   "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:17  

I think all adults will admit they feel child-like excitement as Christmas approaches; decorating the house and tree, reinstating childhood traditions, enjoying the Christmas tree lights, looking forward to family gatherings, and of course, the giving and receiving of gifts.   We reminisce about happy childhood Christmas memories, and look forward with anticipatory expectation to Christmas morning, and that maybe just maybe this year there will be a white Christmas....

There certainly isn't anything wrong with feeling this way.  It's a wonderful feeling to be in the Christmas spirit! 

But I confess that when I say I am in the Christmas spirit, it is more about nostalgia -  chestnuts roasting on an open fire, silver bells, jingle bells, and a white Christmas...  not about the true Spirit of Christmas...

Dear Heavenly Father,

  Renew in me a child-like wonder this Advent, fill me with anticipatory excitement, to receive once again the Good News of great joy remembering the birth of my Savior who is Christ the Lord, the One who came to save me from my sins.  Instill in me the joy of the Spirit of Christmas this Christmas and throughout the year.

In Jesus Precious Name, Amen

Good Christian Men Rejoice is a hymn that shares the Good News in wonderful lyrical detail.  You can read more about this lively hymn in my Wednesday Worship post here.

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