Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

All warm in the cold cold night

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Luke 1:67-2:7
John's father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied ...

When Zacharias' mouth was opened, out poured the Holy Spirit. John's anointing acknowledged, he led the way into the wilderness.

Jesus followed soon enough. But now, thirty years earlier, God reaches down and touches Mary. She delivers her baby into the warm stable straw, and Jesus is born.

Outside the air is full of frost. The animals breathe warm clouds into the stable. Outside the ground cracks in the cold and wind whistles through the trees. Jesus, wiped clean and dry, is wrapped and held against the warm breast of his mother, and he drinks the milk of life. Outside every living creature is essentially alone in the cold; but in the stable, all around Jesus, the animals and humans feel more connected than they could ever before imagine.

Life on earth has changed forever.

John's father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people ... And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

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); to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

I shall sing of the Lord's great love forever. With my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness. I will declare your love stands firm. Through all generations your love stands firm. You are my father, my God, my rock, my savior. (Psalm 89)

Devotions Archive

All warm in the cold cold night

Thursday, December 24, 2009