December 23

Tomorrow in worship (on Christmas Eve) we will read the Christmas story, as told in Luke 2:1-20.  This is the classic telling of the birth of Jesus – the one that Linus reads in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”  This is where we hear about Mary and Joseph traveling far from home, and Jesus being placed in a manger because “there was no room at the inn.”  This is the story of “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God” – it’s a story about an army of angels showing up in a field, terrifying shepherds, and singing God’s praise.  This is the story about shepherds who come to see the mystery and wonder of this baby who is born in the city of his ancestor David, and who is born to be the savior of the world.

As we reflect on this story over the next few days, I encourage you to listen to how God might be speaking to you through it.  Here are some questions that might help you reflect on it:

1. Jesus was born in humble surroundings. How does the simplicity of His birth challenge your views about what matters in life?
2. The shepherds were ordinary people chosen to receive the message of Jesus’ birth. How open are you to receiving God’s messages in unexpected ways or through unexpected people?
3. The shepherds were filled with joy and praised God after encountering Jesus. What about the Christmas story inspires you to worship and praise God?
4. The angels proclaimed “peace on earth” at Jesus’ birth. How are you praying for peace? How are you working for peace? How are you longing for God’s peace to enter into our world and your life?
5. After meeting Jesus, the shepherds shared the news with others. How do you share the Good News of Jesus and his love with those around you?
6. Jesus is called Emmanuel – a name that means “God with us.” What does it mean to you that God has chosen to be with us? How does that matter for your faith and your life?