As a part of our Advent observances at Grace, we are making use of Concordia Publishing’s Behold the Child materials for worship. Our web devotions through Christmas will be guided by Pastor Kevin Golden’s devotional booklet written in support of the Behold the Child theme (you may purchase a downloadable copy of Pr. Golden’s book by following this link).
Prayer Pointers:
For eyes to see and ears to hear the good news of the Lord’s approach
For those who are working this night
Text: Psalm 110:2
He reigns among us as the Servant-King. –Pr. Golden
IN ONE OF HIS CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS, Luther wrote:
If Christ had arrived with trumpets and lain in a cradle of gold, his birth would have been a splendid affair. But it would not be a comfort to me. He was rather to lie in the lap of a poor maiden and be thought of little significance in the eyes of the world. Yet now I can approach him…
Here is the “great reversal” of which Mary, Jesus’ mother, sang. God has seen the poor, the lost, the bewildered. God has seen those who know they are far from him, who have no right to lift up their eyes to look upon him. It is to those that the royal scepter is extended, the king’s favor comes. The Lord himself will dwell with his people!
Lift up your heads! Do you not hear the singing? There is news, news of great joy, which will be for all people.
May you live in Advent hope ~ Pr. Dave Brooks
--Quoted materials are from Behold the Child Daily Devotions #12-4563
© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission under license 20:12-1. www.cph.org