by Godloves.me | 16. December 2023
Despised by men, chosen by God. While the shepherds probably still could not understand what the words of the angel (see text yesterday) meant, the heavens opened and they witnessed a heavenly feast.
The heavenly host sang:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.“
Luke 2:14
Peace on earth for all people. That is what we all wish for, and yet it seems so unattainable. On that night when Jesus was born, heaven was opened. God came to earth and became man. God was not afraid to humble himself to give us access to him.
God is not in inaccessible spiritual spheres, but he meets us today, as he did then, in the midst of our humanity, need and neediness. He came to earth to meet us at eye level.
It is God’s heart’s desire to be connected with you and to bring peace into your life. Not only external peace, but holistic, deep peace, which you will find in the relationship with him. Peace on earth begins in our hearts, at eye level with God.
Have you already found this peace in your heart?
Bible text: Luke 2:13-14
by Godloves.me | 15. December 2023
That night, as the people slept, a small group of shepherds kept watch outside in the open field open field, tending their flock of sheep. A shepherd in the society of that time did not have the same rights as the rest of the people. He was despised, considered a robber and a cheat.
Suddenly, in the middle of the first Christmas night, an angel appeared to the shepherds and said:
“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 Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.“
Luke 2:10-11
The Jews at that time were expecting the Messiah, a strong leader who would lead the Israelite people from the oppression of the Roman Empire. The fact that not the scholars and powerful were informed first about the good news of Jesus’ birth, but the poor shepherds in the field, is scandalous.
God chose the outcasts and the needy to be the first to hear the good news. The good news is for everyone, regardless of social status and personal status and personal guilt. There is no person in any age to whom the good news of Christmas would not apply.
What does the good news trigger in you?
Bible text: Luke 2:8-12
by Godloves.me | 10. December 2023
The many candles, lights, celebrations, gifts, delicacies, that are part of the Christmas Season – make me forget that the birth of Jesus was rather sub-ideal.
Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:7
Did you know that the word manger used to mean wickerwork? In the old German language, it meant a woven feeding trough for animals. Later, when the troughs were made of wood or stone, people still said crib to it.
But why was Jesus laid in such an unworthy manger? Quite sub-ideal for a newborn. In our Bible verse above it says: “… For in the hostels they had found no place. When it says, “they had not found a place”, it shows that at another time when there wasn’t a referendum going on, things could have been very different.
As normal as the birth of Jesus may have been, the circumstances are not ideal. This first Christmas happens in the middle of normal, human, messy everyday life.
What situation is rather not ideal in your life? This is exactly where God wants to come to you.
Bible text: Luke 2:1-7
by Godloves.me | 9. December 2023
When I was a child, I was encouraged to write a Christmas wish list. Every year, I had many, good and great wishes, but on this list I wrote only my three top ones. When Christmas came around, I was of course very happy when I could unwrap these precious gifts.
But the importance of these gifts has passed with time, in fact it was forgotten quickly. In all honesty, I could no longer tell you what I received as a gift when I was nine years old.
The greatest gift at Christmas will not be under the Christmas tree this year either, since no one bought and wrapped this gift. Also, it does not belong to you or me only. God gave this greatest gift to all of us when the first Christmas occurred. Jesus came into the world!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
What is the greatest gift for you?
Bible text: Luke 2:1-7
by Godloves.me | 8. December 2023
For many centuries, the Israelites waited for the coming of the Messiah, a King, Savior and Deliverer. With the birth of Jesus, the wait finally came to an end.
This newborn was not only the Messiah, but God Himself!
This newborn was not only the Messiah, but God Himself! In the beginning was the Word, … and the Word was with God, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:1 and 14a
The miracle of Jesus’ birth is that he was fully God and fully man. He came from the glory of his Father, but took on human form.
At Christmas we celebrate this miracle! Thanks be to God that he sent his Son to earth.
Jesus, God himself, has a birthday on Christmas. How do you celebrate Christmas?
Bible text: Luke 2:1-35
