Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Go tell it on the mountain

Wednesday, December 25, 2002

Luke 2:1-14
1)And it came to pass in those days,
that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,
that all the world should be taxed.
2) And this taxing was first made
when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
3) And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city.
4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee,
out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea,
unto the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem;
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,
being great with child.
6) And so it was that,
while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7) And she brought forth her firstborn son,
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
8) And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9) And, lo,
the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:
and they were sore afraid.
10) And the angel said unto them,
"Fear not:
for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
12) And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in a manger.
13) And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying,
14) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men."

We wake up so many different ways on Christmas morning. Some of us are alone, some of us are wakened by really excited children, some of us have to wake up our teenagers. Perhaps the morning is full of noise and laughter and music, perhaps not.

Always, though, I think for almost everyone, Christmas Day is eventually very quiet. Last night it snowed and snowed, making travel slow, difficult ... and quiet. And this morning the streets are empty, any small sound muffled by inches and inches of white, powdery snow.

This afternoon we drove through the traff-icky shopping area of Champaign to the movie theater. So very quiet. Empty. Nearly silent. Soft Christmas music on the radio.

I took a deep breath. And I thought, "The whole city is taking a deep breath." I am so happy that it happens at least once a year. The peaceful feeling in the air was nearly something I could touch.

We humans have, in the past, taken a communal deep breath more often. We called it "Sabbath," a day of rest once a week that was, at least to some extent, inviolate. Today I felt a bit of what that feels like, and wanted more.

Lord, as I read the old words of the old old story of your birth, they roll off my tongue and sound so sweet. Thank you for this day, Lord. This day of days. Let's sing and celebrate and finally just be still, and know you.

Devotions Archive

Go tell it on the mountain

Wednesday, December 25, 2002