Wednesday, December 25nd. The Fourth Week of Advent where we are celebrating CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEWORD BECAME FLESH
"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood." JOHN 1:14 THE MESSAGE
The task of salvation is not to refine us into pure spirits so that we will not be cumbered with this too solid flesh. We are not angels, nor are we to become angels. The Word did not become a good idea, or a numinous feeling, or a moral aspiration; the Word became flesh. It also becomes flesh. Our Lord left us a command to remember and receive Him in bread and wine, in acts of eating and drinking. Things matter. The physical is holy.
(Eugene H. Peterson, The Contemplative Pastor)
This devotional is taken from Jesus, Light of the World and is available to download for free https://www.faithgateway.com/free-christmas-advent-devotions-registration" target="_blank">here.
Otherwise, enjoy it here.
The Christmas Story
Luke 2:1-14
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”