ZPCBlog

About the author: Liz has been a member of ZPC since 1987. She has served as a Deacon and 2 terms as an Elder, sung in the choir since its inception, taught Adult Sunday School, and been a part of The Great Banquet. She states, "my greatest achievement of course is that I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior some 42 years ago."

Luke 2:1-20

As a child my favorite hymn was “Away in a Manger.” I probably did not know too many hymns at that young age, but this one was my favorite. I would ask my mother during months other than December, “When are we going to sing that hymn again?” I now understand it was only sung at Christmas and not throughout the year. Yet the message of this birth carries us to the end of our lives on Earth and into our next life in heaven. We will be with him, surrounded by the love of God because of a baby in a manger.

This gift of God, sending us a baby, was the beginning of his physical act of love in the form of a man so we could understand. We know from Old Testament scripture that the world would receive a Messiah, a Savior who would save us from our sin. The time has come to start this “love walk” with our Messiah Jesus. Now, I understand that this baby was to become the answer to all our sins and hurts the world throws at us. We are to grow up in Christ just as he grew into a man. He promises to save those who turn to him. It starts in Bethlehem beside the manger of the baby Jesus and ends at the cross on Calvary.

How interesting that the shepherds were the first ones to visit and worship this child. Those who sacrificially looked after their sheep are an example of how Jesus lovingly and unconditionally becomes our shepherd. He rescues, comforts, leads, guides, teaches, and most of all loves us no matter our condition. There is no greater love than this. WOW and backwards WOW! What a gift the world has received. This baby truly has come through the Father’s unconditional love to us, the sheep, who have lost their way. 

Who can we invite to participate in this holy birth? Perhaps the most unlikely person or persons in your life would say “Yes” to your invitation to attend a Christmas Service so they too could hear the Father’s love story to the world. Ask them.

Activity:

Take time to quietly take in the wonder of the manger and all it means.

Prayer:

Father,
Thank you for this unfathomable gift of love that only requires us to say “yes, I believe and accept this baby as my Savior.” Let us hurry to his manger, as the shepherds did, so we too can worship and wonder at his birth. May this Christmas bring great joy and love as we accept and share what you have given us in the Christ Child.
Amen

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