I love going through the church year each year with my World Impact missionaries. TUMI each year produces a devotional that has different readings and thoughts that supplement the different seasons of the church year. I loved Dr. Davis's thoughts on the Christmas season and wanted to post below. Here is the link of where you can find an online version of this devotional.
http://tumi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=600&Itemid=19
Christmas celebrates the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, the Word made flesh. He enters the world to reveal the Father’s love to humankind, to destroy the devil's work, and to redeem his people from their sins. Although the highest Christological reflection has sought to plumb the depths of this mystery, only faith, awe, and worship can draw near to its richness. In order to redeem humankind from its waywardness, to reconcile creation that was cursed at the Fall, to destroy the enemies of God, and to reveal the Father’s glory to the world, the eternal Word became a human being. The One through whom the Father created the trillions of galaxies by his omnipotent, creative Word, was joined to human likeness, and entered the world as a baby boy. And all this for love and grace.
This grand celebration and time of remembrance is an invitation to wonder, to meditate upon a truth that can easily be recited in the dry theological language of the schools, but can never be fathomed fully. Who can possibly grasp the total meaning of the Christ-child, the One sent and anointed by God to reign forever after he conquered sin and death through his passion? As Christians, we join the shepherds and the magi at the foot of the baby boy, and quietly, reverently bow with Mary and Joseph under the gleam of the star that rested above him who would one day become King of kings and Lord of lords. His coming is soon, and we eagerly wait still for that time when the prophets’ foretellings will become true. Yes, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of this child, and he will reign forever and ever.
At Christmas, believers worldwide celebrate the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus Christ. Together we affirm that Jesus was--and is--God's only begotten Son, the Word made flesh, and the human son of the Virgin Mary. In him we see the love of God revealed for all humankind. He is God’s mystery that causes broken hearts to marvel and rejoice. This little child would fulfill the prophecy of a Savior who, by dying and rising, would conquer humanity's mortal enemy, the devil, free us from sin’s bondage and curse, and restore creation under the reign of God. "Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!"
Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis.
