Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

The Wonder of What God Has Done Through His Son:

An Advent Devotional Guide

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

John 15:11

As we come to the eve of this most holy of holidays, it seems good to consider this lovely passage from John’s gospel, in which he talks so intimately with his disciples about their relationship with him and their position with the Father because they love the Son. He is just hours away from allowing cruel and evil men to take his life for the sake of a broken world, yet he speaks so gently and lovingly to the twelve about his love for them and his desire that they “abide” in him, a message not only for them but for us who will come after them believing the message they will take.

We know the story, but it bears reading over and over!

• “Abide in me and bear fruit.” 
• “Abide in me lest you be thrown away, withered.” 
• “Abide in me that my words may abide in you.” 
• “Abide in me that you may keep my commandments.” 
• “Abide in me that you can know the Father’s love” 
• “Abide in me that you may know my joy.”

Here we are on the eve of Jesus’ birthday. We’ll soon sing “Joy to the World,” light our candles, go quietly out into the night, remembering that a beautiful baby was born who changed our lives forever. Even in a world of pain and troubles, we are comforted by the warm joy that fills our hearts. No man can resist the joy of Christmas, but do we abide in it?

At least tonight we can be still and allow the wonder of this infant who changed the world to touch us.

At least tonight we know the miracle of faith, hope, peace, and joy that this baby came to bring.

Father, Thank you for Jesus. Awaken in us the reality of what you have done! Amen

The Wonder of What God Has Done Through His Son:

An Advent Devotional Guide
prepared for First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, Florida
Winter 2009
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator