The Call to Follow on Christmas Day
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, on this Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to the wonder of His coming and the call to follow Him. May Your Spirit fill us with joy and gratitude as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Amen.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This passage describes the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds by the angels. It highlights the joy and peace that Jesus' birth brings to the world, emphasizing the inclusivity of His call.
REFLECT:
Christmas Day is a celebration of the moment when God entered our world in the most humble of ways—as a baby in a manger. The announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, as recorded in Luke 2, is a powerful reminder of the inclusivity of God's love. Shepherds were considered lowly and insignificant in society, yet they were chosen to receive the first news of the Savior's birth. This reflects the heart of the Gospel: Jesus came for everyone, regardless of status or past.
The angels' message to the shepherds was one of "good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10). This joy is not just for a select few but for all who are willing to receive it. The birth of Jesus is a call to follow Him, to embrace the peace and hope He brings. It is an invitation to leave behind our fears and doubts and to step into the light of His love.
On this Christmas Day, we are reminded that Jesus' call to follow Him is as relevant now as it was over two thousand years ago. It is a call to experience the fullness of life that He offers, to be transformed by His grace, and to share His love with others. As we celebrate His birth, let us also renew our commitment to follow Him, allowing His presence to guide and shape our lives.
I WILL STATEMENT:
Today, as you celebrate Christmas, take a moment to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth in your life. Consider how you can follow Him more closely in the coming year. Share the joy of Christmas with someone who may feel alone or forgotten, extending the love and peace of Christ to them.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into our world and for the gift of Your presence. On this Christmas Day, help me to follow You more closely and to share Your love with those around me. May the joy and peace of Your birth fill my heart and guide my actions. Amen.