Hope Born In a Stable
Christmas Light
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 2:11-14 ESV)
I love reading the Christmas story in Luke 2. There is so much hope in it. Last week I read a great quote by Pastor John Piper in his Advent devotional “Good News of Great Joy”:
“The reason Jesus became man was to die…Good Friday is the reason for Christmas.”
Mankind was so far removed from God that God had to come up with the salvation plan. However, the plan had to be a little boy born in a stable so that He could take our sin and nail it to the cross.
Christmas has become very commercial over the past years. Goodness, this year I saw the first Christmas decorations in the stores at the beginning of October. Why is that? Have we lost the true meaning of Christmas? I guess it all has to do with being politically correct and remove Christ from Christmas. Many people rather say “Happy Holidays” or “Merry X-Mas” so that no one gets stepped on their toes.
For me though, Christmas is hope born in a stable. A hope that gives me peace and deep down joy. Without that hope, I don’t know where I would be. There is so much sadness and darkness in the world these days, but His hope shines bright in my heart. May I never forget the true meaning of Christmas, but share it with the world.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for sending Your Son to give us hope. Thank You Jesus for humbling Yourself to be born as a human in a cold stable. Lord, help me to let Your light shine in this darkened world. May I never forget the true meaning of Christmas. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
Merry Christmas and blessings for 2013!
Merry Christmas to you, Iris! I like the title and how true that is, so fitting! HOPE
Have a beautiful Christmas my friend.
Awesome issues here. I am very happy to see your article.
Thanks so much and I’m taking a look ahead to touch you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?