Scripture: 1 John 4:7-16

Key verse: (9) God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.

Reflection: Merry Christmas! Whether you are alone or surrounded by family and friends, whether you were awakened early by excited children or you slept late under cozy covers, whether you are looking forward to this day with anticipation or with anxiety, take time now to stop and give thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ.

We believe in a God who chooses incarnation, to choose human flesh, to live among us. Our God isn’t distant and detached. Our God doesn’t get fed up with us and abandon us to our own devices. Our God reveals love for us, in the birth of a baby in Bethlehem, so that we might live with that love and share it with others.  God chooses vulnerability to win the strong, God chooses humility to confound the proud, God chooses love to defeat evil. What good news! Joy to the World! Go Tell It on the Mountain!

Prayer: Who would think that what was needed

To transform and save the earth

Might not be a plan or army;

Proud in purpose, proved in worth?

Who would think, despite derision, that a child should lead the way?

God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.

 

Shepherds watch and wise men wonder;

Monarchs scorn and angels sing;

Such a place as none would reckon

Hosts a holy helpless thing.

Stable beasts and bypassed strangers watch a baby laid in hay;

God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.

AMEN!

(from the hymn “Who Would Think That What Was Needed” #138 in Glory to God)

Author: Millie Snyder

[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].