Daily Reading
When the angel of the Lord came to announce the birth of Jesus, people were terrified. And perhaps, we are, too. When the supernatural breaks into the natural, it is terrifying. When God impedes on our plans and projects, it strikes fear in us. And sometimes, we'd like to tell Him to get lost - we've got life under control. But the Christmas story is not merely about a snuggly baby and a makeshift manger and an inn with a "No Vacancy" sign. It's about God Himself coming into the world, interrupting our lives and our schedules and our ways of managing things to bring about His rule and reign. He comes bearing gifts, and if we're preoccupied with our own plans we might miss the good gifts He has for us. Christmas is more than just a time to remember the birth of Jesus as a historical event. Christmas is also a time to be interrupted by the radical grace of a God who comes near, who inconveniences us, who challenges us, who wants to change us, and change the world in which we live.
So, will this Christmas be just another opportunity to get a few days off and open a few presents? Or, will you allow the rule and reign of the King to break into your life? On Christmas morning, may you hear the angels rejoicing, and speaking to the fear in your heart – Do not be afraid! The King has come! All things, even your fearful heart, will be made new!
Special Song:
Silent Night, Holy Night
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin mother and child—holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, Love's pure light Radiant, beams from Thy Holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.