Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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WISH ALL OF YOU

A MERRY AND

BLESSED

CHRISTMAS
The Dayspring from on high has visited us
 Luke 2:1-20 
Rev M P Samuel
Atlanta MTC
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord (vs. 10,11)

 Today is Christmas. It is a time of joy. It is the day in which Jesus Christ has come to bring radiance of joy into our lives. It was announced in that day by the angel to the shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you”. The presence of this Savior among us is the reason for great joy. He is Emmanuel, “God with us”. Almighty God has stepped down from heaven to earth to be with us in our life situation. In the birth of this Savior, in other words, "the dayspring from on high"(Luke 1:78 - KJV) has visited us to transform and reshape our lives. It is the dawn of a new era which reaffirms the presence of God among us. It redefines our understanding about the nature of divinity and humanity.
 The nature of the divinity revealed in the Christmas can be seen in the sign given by the angel to the shepherds: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger (v. 12). He is present in the extreme experiences of  humanity. This is the message and hope that the Christmas gives to the fearful and wounded world. This is the message to the people who left their homeland and live as refugees. This is the message to the people who are going through persecutions and struggles. Yes, our God is present in the pains and struggles of the people. That good news gives joy to all the people.

The shepherds were the first who experienced the great joy because of their positive response to the message that they had received. In the first part of the narration, we see some people who denied the occasion of great joy because of their inhuman responses, by closing the doors of the inn. But in the case of shepherds, they responded to the message in a different way. They made themselves available for the great joy and saw the child lying in the manger. This is the challenge that we face today. Are we willing to make ourselves available to see Christ who is in the difficult life experiences of the people? Do our Christmas celebrations help us to respond positively to the needs of the people around us? 

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, give us a genuine heart to see Your presence in the midst of the pains and sorrows around us and to make ourselves available to spread the great joy around us. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
  
"Christmas is truly the essence
Of joy that the Savior brings;
Christmas is surely the presence
Of Jesus, the Kings of Kings!"
                                              
William Arthur Ward


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