Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Friday, December 22
By Martha Pierce
What is Christmas?
Read: John 14:27
Peace I leave with you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Christmas is not just toy trains, dolls, and magnificent food. What is it? It can be just another awakening day. But most of us plan carefully for a day filled with family time and abundant, favorite foods.
My memory as a child included one year when I knew my brother was getting a bike, but I was totally surprised when I got a handmade cedar chest. Most of all I remember the wonderful food made by my mother: country ham cured by my father and boiled custard.
Growing up on a farm in a rural area offered open spaces with nature all around you. It also gave sounds of cattle mooing and dogs barking. There was peace at times … and also disorder! Christmas morning was always a special meaning.
But Christmas is more than gifts and beautifully decorated trees. The phrase “Christ is in man” has more meaning. We recognize that a tiny baby was born to bring joy and light to us. The word Christmas gives us the opportunity to be overjoyed and feel the presence of God more than any other time. We realize what Christ has done for us. We think of all the times we could have been more thoughtful in caring for others with a forgiving spirit.
To sum it up, Christmas is much more than gifting and holiday decorating. It’s what is in the heart and our electric connection to our Master’s presence. The sounds in music, the candlelight service, and this Advent time together prepare us for abundant blessings.
Prayer
Open our eyes that we may see what you have revealed to us, so we might know what is your will to be done. Help us be an example of hope and not fear as we abide in your word. We ask this in Christ’s name, amen.
