The Daily Bible Readings and Prayers for Sunday, December 25, 2022 — Christmas Day — Nativity of Our Lord

 

The Daily Bible Readings and Prayers
Sunday, December 25, 2022
The Word, the Light, the Glory of God
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14
with commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

The First Christmas

Introduction & Theme

Rescue, return, rejoicing, and recognition are the themes running through these scriptures. Reflecting forward, the prophet Isaiah and the psalmist foresaw the incarnation as an act that would expand God’s salvation from the family of the chosen people to the wider world, one that the entire creation would greet with rejoicing (Isaiah 52 and Psalm 98). The letter to the Hebrews and the opening verses of John’s Gospel reflect backward to this historic moment, placing Jesus as both the eternal and the human embodiment of the divine presence, the one who we must rightfully worship.

Opening Prayer
(Isa 52, Ps 98, John 1)

How beautiful upon the mountains, O God, are messengers of your light and love who come announcing peace.

How delightful in the congregation are voices singing the good news of our salvation.

How wonderful in the wretched places of our world are heralds of your justice and mercy who proclaim the coming of your reign.

Bring us your peace, Holy One, and remind us once more of the good news of our salvation, that we might sing with joy this day, and shout for all the world to hear.

Christ is born. Alleluia!

Call to Confession
(Isa 52, Heb 1)

God of new beginnings, when our eyes become fixed on the glitz of the season, turn our gaze once more to the hills, where your messengers come bringing news of hope and peace; when our attention becomes trapped in bitter conflicts of the past, remind us once more, that you speak a freeing word to us through your Son.

Free us from the surface trappings of this day, and refocus our hearts on the glory of Christ’s birth, that we may be messengers of peace and children of your Spirit. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Ps 98, Heb 1)

With righteousness and equity, Christ has come to bring justice and grace, love and compassion. Through the tender mercies of our God, and the glorious love of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:
Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus Christ came into the world to be our Prince of Peace—something that far exceeds what we experience on an earthly level. He also came to be our Wonderful Counselor through the Holy Spirit. And He came to reveal Himself as our Mighty God. He came to restore our relationship with Himself—our Eternal Father. Finally, He came to make us one with Himself.

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
From the Prophetic Books of Major prophets
Isaiah 52:7-10
Heralds Announce God’s Salvation

7 How beautiful on the mountains
     are the feet of those who bring good news,
  who proclaim peace,
     who bring good tidings,
     who proclaim salvation,
  who say to Zion,
     “Your God reigns!”
8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
     together they shout for joy.
  When the Lord returns to Zion,
     they will see it with their own eyes.
9 Burst into songs of joy together,
     you ruins of Jerusalem,
  for the Lord has comforted his people,
     he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm
      in the sight of all the nations,
   and all the ends of the earth will see
      the salvation of our God.

Commentary

The gospel proclaims liberty to those bound with fears. Let those weary and heavy laden under the burden of sin, find relief in Christ, shake themselves from the dust of their doubts and fears, and loose themselves from those bands. The price paid by the Redeemer for our salvation, was not silver or gold, or corruptible things, but his own precious blood. Considering the freeness of this salvation, and how hurtful to temporal comfort sins are, we shall more value the redemption which is in Christ. Do we seek victory over every sin, recollecting that the glory of God requires holiness in every follower of Christ? The good news is, that the Lord Jesus reigns. Christ himself brought these tidings first. His ministers proclaim these good tidings: keeping themselves clean from the pollutions of the world, they are beautiful to those to whom they are sent. Zion's watchmen could scarcely discern any thing of God's favor through the dark cloud of their afflictions; but now the cloud is scattered, they shall plainly see the performance. Zion's waste places shall then rejoice; all the world will have the benefit. This is applied to our salvation by Christ. Babylon is no place for Israelites. And it is a call to all in the bondage of sin and Satan, to use the liberty Christ has proclaimed. They were to go with diligent haste, not to lose time nor linger; but they were not to go with distrustful haste. Those in the way of duty, are under God's special protection; and he that believes this, will not hasten for fear.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions

Psalm 98
Cantate Domino

Leader: Sing to the LORD a new song,

People: for he has done marvelous things.

Leader: With his right hand and his holy arm

People: has he won for himself the victory.

Leader: The LORD has made known his victory;

People: his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

Leader: He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel,

People: and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Leader: Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands;

People: lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

Leader: Sing to the LORD with the harp,

People: with the harp and the voice of song.

Leader: With trumpets and the sound of the horn

People: shout with joy before the King, the LORD.

Leader: Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it,

People: the lands and those who dwell therein.

Leader: Let the rivers clap their hands,

People: and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD, when he comes to judge the earth.

Leader: In righteousness shall he judge the world

People: and the peoples with equity.

O Father, Your holiness, love, and majesty fill the earth. All creatures praise You as God and King. We gather with thankful hearts, and join them in singing joyous songs of love for You. We long to express our love for You, but too often mere human words fail us. Forgive us for those times when we have had the opportunity to express our faith in You, but have remained silent. Forgive us for disappointing You by acting on some of our poor decisions. Lead us in the way that we should go when we pray as Jesus taught:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

From the Epistles
Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]
God Has Spoken by a Son

1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

[5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

   “You are my Son;
      today I have become your Father”?

Or again,

   “I will be his Father,
      and he will be my Son”?

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

   “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

7 In speaking of the angels he says,

   “He makes his angels spirits,
      and his servants flames of fire.”

8 But about the Son he says,

   “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
      a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
      therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
      by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

10 He also says,

   “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
      and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
      they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
      like a garment they will be changed.
   But you remain the same,
      and your years will never end.”]

Commentary

Verses 1-3: God spake to his ancient people at sundry times, through successive generations, and in divers manners, as he thought proper; sometimes by personal directions, sometimes by dreams, sometimes by visions, sometimes by Divine influences on the minds of the prophets. The gospel revelation is excellent above the former; in that it is a revelation which God has made by his Son. In beholding the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ, we behold the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Father, John 14:7; the fullness of the Godhead dwells, not typically, or in a figure, but really, in him. When, on the fall of man, the world was breaking to pieces under the wrath and curse of God, the Son of God, undertaking the work of redemption, sustained it by his almighty power and goodness. From the glory of the person and office of Christ, we proceed to the glory of his grace. The glory of His person and nature, gave to his sufferings such merit as was a full satisfaction to the honor of God, who suffered an infinite injury and affront by the sins of men. We never can be thankful enough that God has in so many ways, and with such increasing clearness, spoken to us fallen sinners concerning salvation. That he should by himself cleanse us from our sins is a wonder of love beyond our utmost powers of admiration, gratitude, and praise.

Verses 4-12: Many Jews had a superstitious or idolatrous respect for angels, because they had received the law and other tidings of the Divine will by their ministry. They looked upon them as mediators between God and men, and some went so far as to pay them a kind of religious homage or worship. Thus it was necessary that the apostle should insist, not only on Christ's being the Creator of all things, and therefore of angels themselves, but as being the risen and exalted Messiah in human nature, to whom angels, authorities, and powers are made subject. To prove this, several passages are brought from the Old Testament. On comparing what God there says of the angels, with what he says to Christ, the inferiority of the angels to Christ plainly appears. Here is the office of the angels; they are God's ministers or servants, to do his pleasure. But, how much greater things are said of Christ by the Father! And let us own and honor him as God; for if he had not been God, he had never done the Mediator's work, and had never worn the Mediator's crown. It is declared how Christ was qualified for the office of Mediator, and how he was confirmed in it: he has the name Messiah from his being anointed. Only as Man he has his fellows, and as anointed with the Holy Spirit; but he is above all prophets, priests, and kings, that ever were employed in the service of God on earth. Another passage of Scripture, Psalms 102:25-27, is recited, in which the Almighty power of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared, both in creating the world and in changing it. Christ will fold up this world as a garment, not to be abused any longer, not to be used as it has been. As a sovereign, when his garments of state are folded and put away, is a sovereign still, so our Lord, when he has laid aside the earth and heavens like a robe, shall be still the same. Let us not then set our hearts upon that which is not what we take it to be, and will not be what it now is. Sin has made a great change in the world for the worse, and Christ will make a great change in it for the better. Let the thoughts of this make us watchful, diligent, and desirous of that better world. The Savior has done much to make all men his friends, yet he has enemies. But they shall be made his footstool, by humble submission, or by utter destruction. Christ shall go on conquering and to conquer. The most exalted angels are but ministering spirits, mere servants of Christ, to execute his commands. The saints, at present, are heirs, not yet come into possession. The angels minister to them in opposing the malice and power of evil spirits, in protecting and keeping their bodies, instructing and comforting their souls, under Christ and the Holy Ghost. Angels shall gather all the saints together at the last day, when all whose hearts and hopes are set upon perishing treasures and fading glories, will be driven from Christ's presence into everlasting misery.

Today’s Gospel Reading
John 1:1-14
The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-14

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Commentary

Verses 1-5: The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. What the evangelist says of Christ proves that he is God. He asserts, His existence in the beginning; His coexistence with the Father. The Word was with God. All things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our redemption and salvation. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ.

Verses 6-14: John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus. Nothing more fully shows the darkness of men's minds, than that when the Light had appeared, there needed a witness to call attention to it. Christ was the true Light; that great Light which deserves to be called so. By his Spirit and grace he enlightens all that are enlightened to salvation; and those that are not enlightened by him, perish in darkness. Christ was in the world when he took our nature upon him, and dwelt among us. The Son of the Highest was here in this lower world. He was in the world, but not of it. He came to save a lost world, because it was a world of his own making. Yet the world knew him not. When he comes as a Judge, the world shall know him. Many say that they are Christ's own, yet do not receive him, because they will not part with their sins, nor have him to reign over them. All the children of God are born again. This new birth is through the word of God as the means, 1 Peter 1:23, and by the Spirit of God as the Author. By his Divine presence Christ always was in the world. But now that the fullness of time was come, he was, after another manner, God manifested in the flesh. But observe the beams of his Divine glory, which darted through this veil of flesh. Men discover their weaknesses to those most familiar with them, but it was not so with Christ; those most intimate with him saw most of his glory. Although he was in the form of a servant, as to outward circumstances, yet, in respect of graces, his form was like the Son of God His Divine glory appeared in the holiness of his doctrine, and in his miracles. He was full of grace, fully acceptable to his Father, therefore qualified to plead for us; and full of truth, fully aware of the things he was to reveal.

Here ends the Lessons

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction

By the tender mercy of our God love has broken upon us! Light is given where once there was darkness and hope where there was only death. We go into this season knowing that God will guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.

Mary Did You Know

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org. The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible.

The Daily Bible Readings and Prayers
Sunday, December 25, 2022 — Christmas Day — Nativity of Our Lord
The Word, the Light, the Glory of God
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14

“The Word Became Flesh” The Gospel Message for Sunday, December 25, 2022 — Christmas Day — Nativity of Our Lord

Our Gospel message comes to us today from the 1st chapter of John, beginning with the 1st verse.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”

—John 1:1-14

All mighty God, we thank you for your Word and the way that you in it revealed to us who you are and what you’ve done for us in Christ. Now, as we open that Word, we pray that your Spirit may be present, that all thoughts of worry or distraction may be removed and that the Spirit will allow us to hear your voice. And so, oh God, fill us with your Spirit through the reading and proclamation of your Word this day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“The Word Became Flesh”

Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

In the Christmas gospel, we are given a word picture of that first Nativity Scene in the stable in Bethlehem. It’s a picture that has been burned into the minds of Christians and non-Christians alike. Some of you might even have one set up in your yard or in your home. We have one set up over the TV cabinet in our house. No doubt, you have some sort of favorite Nativity Scene you picture in your mind when you hear the Christmas Gospel read each year.

For many, it’s merely a seasonal decoration to be taken down come December 26th. For us as Christians, we recognize there’s something special about that Nativity Scene. What is it? What might those people in that scene be thinking about as they gaze upon the Christ child? What was it really like to be there that first Christmas night? That’s what I want to explore with you this year. So with the eyes of faith, let’s go back in time to the first Nativity Scene.

The first thing that is going to stand out is the environment you’re standing in. Watch where you step; you might get an unpleasant surprise. After all, remember, this is a stable. Not the nice, cleaned up, pristine type you usually see in Nativity Scenes today, but a real stable, a barn, a place used to house animals. So that means, yeah, you have all the smells and everything else a stable usually has. This doesn’t look like the place where you’re going to find anything glorious. Finding glory in this scene is going to be like, well, finding a needle in a haystack. As we make our way through the stable, we see a young couple and a baby. Let’s go see what they’re up to.

We see the new mother, Mary, laying her newborn Son into his first bed, a manger, a feeding trough for animals. No doubt, this is not how she envisioned giving birth to her first child. And we’re not just talking about her surroundings either. You see, the last nine months have been quite a journey for this young woman. She was going about what up to that point had been a pretty ordinary life for a young woman in Nazareth and had even become betrothed, or engaged, to Joseph, the local carpenter. Things were going pretty well for her, and it seemed as if she’d just live her life anonymously until an angel showed up. “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). With that announcement, the angel declared to Mary that she would not only become a mother, but she would be the mother of the long-promised Savior of the Nations. Being a virgin, Mary asked how this would work, and the angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God” (v. 35). It was clear from that moment that this was not going to be an ordinary pregnancy. Not only that, but she would have to face the ridicule and scorn of the community. And, of course, what would Joseph think of all of this?

Speaking of Joseph, there he is, next to his bride and the newborn child. He’s not rich by worldly standards. He’s certainly not a king or someone with a lot of power and stature in the world, or even in Nazareth, for that matter. He’s also been through quite an emotional roller coaster. Things were going along as planned, he had been preparing his home so that he could take Mary fully as his wife, and then, she had some bad news. “Joseph, I’m pregnant.” Joseph knows it can’t be his child. What has Mary done? Why him? Mary tries to tell him what happened, about the angel, about the conception by the Holy Spirit and that she had done nothing wrong, but he just can’t believe it. He considers what to do about the situation. He could turn Mary in; after all, in those days, adultery was an offense punishable by stoning to death. But he cares too much for Mary to have that happen, so he decided to just simply divorce her quietly and wash his hands of the situation. That is until he received a visit from an angel himself. In a dream, an angel tells him: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21). Indeed, Mary was telling him the truth. The prophecy from Isaiah was true: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Joseph is now charged with the task of being the stepfather to the long-promised Messiah. Knowing that his savior from sin, death, and the devil is entrusted to his care is an awesome responsibility. There’s a lot of joy in that man’s face that night; he, a humble, ordinary carpenter, is among the first to look into the face of his Savior.

Off in the distance, we see some shepherds making their way into this scene. Yeah, those same shepherds we passed by out in the fields outside Bethlehem that you probably ignored on our way into town. They’re not the cleanest people in the world. Their occupation is among the lowest on the totem pole of the day. They are among the last people you would expect to be the first ones to pay homage to the newborn King. How do they know about this event? An angel appeared to them with this message: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). An angel, sent from the presence of God himself, told them this! That this baby was the sign that God had kept His promise of a Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil. So here, these shepherds come to see their Savior for themselves, to see that promise from God be fulfilled.

Now, as we look at those who are looking in at the Child in the manger, what do they all have in common? They were told what this Child was destined to do by an angel; a messenger sent directly from God. Quite often, you’ll see an angel depicted in a Nativity Scene. You’ll see one hanging toward the top of the nativity scene outside. The Greek Word for angel is literally translated as “Messenger.” The shepherds, Mary and Joseph, were all visited by a messenger from God Himself, who told them what this Child was destined to do. In the hymn “What Child is This,” we hear a hymn version of what this child will do, especially in the 2nd verse where we sing: “Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!” This Child was no ordinary child, He is Immanuel, God with us in human flesh. This is the long-promised Messiah, who would go to the Cross to win forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation for all people. This is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! This is God Himself! Today, through the reading of the Word, you have had a visit from an Angel, in this case, a called and ordained Messenger of God, who is bringing you the same message that the Angels gave to Mary, to Joseph, and to those Shepherds that first Christmas so many years ago. That message points you to the manger, where your peace, goodwill, and salvation are!

What’s amazing as we take one last look at this scene is how humble it is. The Word made flesh is born not in the powerful city of Jerusalem, but lowly Bethlehem. His parents are not of the family of Caesar Augustus, the Emperor of the day, but a humble carpenter and a young maiden. His first visitors are not rulers, military leaders, or the rich and mighty of society, but humble, lowly shepherds, among the lowest of society. His first bed is not the comfortable cradle one would expect to find in the palace, but an old wooden feeding trough filled with some straw. While angels sing “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” that night in the sky, it’s hard to find the glory because it’s hidden in simple human flesh.

For most of our world today, when they gaze upon a Nativity Scene, the true Glory of God gets passed by. That’s the blindness of sin at work. You see, if we’re going to talk about that baby in the manger, we have to talk about him being a Savior. And when we talk about Him being a Savior, we have to talk about being saved from something, in particular, our own sin of thought, Word, and deed. And on a day where the world wants to talk about peace and joy and just being happy, they want to keep that part of Christmas quiet. But God has sent you a messenger today who has shared His Word with you, so now, you see that this picture in Bethlehem for its true glory. You see your Savior looking up at you in that manger. The One who was born to save you from sin, death, and the devil! And that’s good news!

When one thinks about it, just as His life begins in a humble, seemingly un-glorious way, His life will also end in a similar way. His glory will be hidden then when that same flesh we see in the manger is pierced by nails driven into His hands and side, and that same blood is shed on a cross outside of Jerusalem. To the eyes of the world, it’s one of the least glorious scenes one will ever see. But through the eyes of faith, we see the true Glory of this Man as our Savior suffers the punishment of our sin on that cross. That’s how He brings us peace with God. That’s what He was destined to do from his birth in this stable!

Christmas is a time of peace, joy, and happiness for the world. Yet, that doesn’t change the fact that we live in a sinful, fallen world, and there are many people, some even reading this today, who have a hard time seeing it or feel that their “Christmas Joy” has been ripped out from under them. This Christmas, some worry about their future; will they still have a job next year? How will we provide for our family’s needs? Others will sit down for family gatherings today, and there will be an empty place because a loved one in the family has died. Others suffer through pain, suffering, and loneliness this Christmas Day, caused by the actions and words of others who intended to cause that hurt, which leaves them ripped of any sense of joy and happiness, and they wonder if they will ever experience joy again. For them, a sentiment of peace and joy this Christmas is next to impossible to find or some sort of a cruel joke.

But with the eyes of faith, we look into the manger and find our true peace. That peace that the angels spoke about is not a worldly peace that can be easily disturbed, but a peace we have with God. Because of what His Son will do for us, our sins of thought, Word, and deed are forgiven! For those of us who worry about what the future will bring, we find peace this Christmas day because of the Baby in the manger! For those who have lost a loved one who has died in the faith, they can be comforted at the thought of their loved one spending this Christmas festival with that Baby forever, where they no longer know tears, sorrow, or pain. It’s all because of that baby in a manger.

He’s the greatest Gift ever given! Lots of gifts are going to be exchanged today. Some of them will be great gifts, things you’ve always wanted. Yet, toys break, electronic gates go on the fritz or quickly become outdated. That new sweater you got will get snagged on the filing cabinet and become unraveled. Gifts of this world wear out or break. This gift in the manger from God to us, the gift of His Son in human flesh to save us from our sin, death, and the devil, is the perfect gift. It never stops giving. It never comes in the wrong size. It never wears out or breaks. And in the Christmas Gospel, you see this Gift face to face!

As you look at that scene today, let your eyes of faith transport you back to that day in Bethlehem. Take in the humbleness of the scene. Reflect on the fact that the almighty God of heaven and earth has chosen this humble scene to begin His life of service to you. Remember that this scene was necessary to win the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life. This scene, and what this Baby is born to do, is where you will find your true joy and peace this Christmas day and this Christmas season! Amen.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, don’t let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebration on Your birth. You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. As we celebrate your birth, may we begin to see the world in the light of understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace, and I ask You for that supernatural peace to reign in our hearts. Thank You for the simple but life-changing message of Your love for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Scripture taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)® Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Sermon contributed by Rev. Christopher Martin.
In the Christmas gospel, we are given a word picture of that first Nativity Scene in the stable in Bethlehem. It’s a picture that has been burned into the minds of Christians and non-Christians alike.

The Daily Prayer for Sunday, December 25, 2022

 

The Daily Prayer
Sunday, December 25, 2022

Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.

— Psalm 65:1–2 (NIV)

Lord our God, our Father, out of reverent silence comes the praise that is due to you, O God in Zion. It is right for us to praise you and to keep our promises to you. People everywhere shall come to you, for you answer prayer. Protect us your children in the task you have given us. Watch over us so that we can serve you in the right way and receive from you the gifts we need in order to go toward your kingdom and witness to your name. Help us on every step of the way. May our lives be entrusted to your hands, and may we always find our strength in you, our God and Savior. Amen.

Verse of the Day Sunday, December 25, 2022

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, December 25, 2022

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus Christ came into the world to be our Prince of Peace—something that far exceeds what we experience on an earthly level. He also came to be our Wonderful Counselor through the Holy Spirit. And He came to reveal Himself as our Mighty God. He came to restore our relationship with Himself—our Eternal Father. Finally, He came to make us one with Himself.

Read all of Isaiah Chapter 9

Listen to Isaiah Chapter 9

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Travel the World from Home — Psalm 23: Finding Safety in the Wilderness

 

The Holy Land:
Connecting the Land with Its Stories
Psalm 23: Finding Safety in the Wilderness
Season 2 — Episode 1

 

The wilderness is a place of hardship and danger. At first glance at the barren landscape, it looks impossible for people and animals to survive in it. Yet, as Jack Beck says, "It's not about what you don't have, but what you do." We'll look at two "characters" that appear regularly in the Bible—wilderness and shepherds—and answer these questions: How could David survive in this desperate land and even find comfort enough to write Psalm 23? Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd? And how do we find what we need when we experience times of desperation?

In the season 2 opener, Jack Beck invites a friend, Dr. Con Campbell, to the Wadi Qelt in the Judean Wilderness to show the harshness of this tough environment. Standing atop a mountain between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, they ponder the role of shepherds to their sheep. From the nomadic shepherds to Jesus, who identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, we see the role of the shepherd is to protect, sustain, and comfort his flock. And for those who treasure the popular Psalm 23 passage, you'll come to an even richer understanding of these meaningful verses. Then we'll meet, Khalid, a goat and sheep herder whose family has been herding for generations. And while the animals are interesting to watch, we definitely learn the deeper meaning of the great responsibility of the shepherd to protect his sheep, as well as the trust it takes for them to depend on him for their very lives.

Join us as we learn that the key to survival in this wilderness, and in your own personal times of wilderness, is who you put your trust in.

Season 2 — Episode 1 | Psalm 23: Finding Safety in the Wilderness

The Twelve Days of Christmas — The First Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The First Day

The 12 days of Christmas are the 12 days that separate Christmas Day on December 25 and ends on January 5, with the next day being Epiphany, which is celebrated January 6. Depending on the church, January 6 may mark Christ’s baptism (in the Catholic tradition), or it may mark the day that the wise men (or the Magi) visited Jesus with their gifts.

The Day of Epiphany is when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi. Magi means wise men.

From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During that era someone wrote ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas‘ as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.

Some beliefs believe that the day after Christmas started the 12 Days of Christmas. You also hear some people think its the 12 days that lead up to Christmas. But reality, it starts on December 25, that is the first day.

Starting December 25 to January 5, I am going to republished each of the 12 Days of Christmas. So stay tuned by following today! You won’t want to miss the hidden meaning of each of the 12 days of Christmas.

The First Day of Christmas

The carol says On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave To Me

A Partridge in a pear tree

According to catechism hidden meaning it means …

The One true God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ