The Disciples Reflect on Jesus’ Birth

A Response

Glorious God, you came down to earth. The Word became flesh and made your dwelling place among us, so that your glory - full of grace and truth - might be known. You revealed to us things that angels longed to see. No wonder this is so scandalous for many other religions. You took on flesh, our flesh, to feel breath, life, pain, joy, and sorrow in order that we might believe in your Son, and in believing become your children. We are so filled with gratitude and thanksgiving that you did. Lord, you held the universe in your hand, and yet you lay helpless in the arms of a teenage girl. With one word thousands of angels would come and fall before your throne. Yet you were spat upon, ridiculed, and humiliated by those you came to save. Your royal presence filled the temple, yet your garment became the focus of games at your feet as you faced the most agonising moment in all history. Your love brought you down; your love kept you here. Your love lifts us up so that with the angels we say, ’Glory to God in the highest.’ Amen.

A Quote

After Calvary, peace was no longer to operate on the thin blade of truth or in the court of law, but in the torn heart of a God who had become human for us in Jesus Christ.

– Carlo Carretta, Letters from the Desert

Journal Exercise

Using the title “Christ the Lord” given to the baby Jesus by the angel of the Lord, write a prayer of adoration. Rejoice over him before God as the angels tell us to. With Jesus, God has brought peace to people on whom his favour rests. Write a prayer again requesting God’s peace for your three friends or acquaintances who do not yet know Christ.

A Quote

The more I pray, the more I feel my need of the word. The more I read God’s word, the more I have to pray, the more power I have in prayer.

– Andrew Murray

A Challenging Prayer

Call upon God for such an outpouring of his Spirit that we, his people, may be assured of his love through his word and that we might have a prayerful and sacrificial compassion for the lost in all the world.