The Advent season is a time to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus and what it means to our lives. That is why I am intentional during the Advent season to begin each day with devotional time in front of our Nativity scene. I read the Bible, then the daily Advent devotional, and then spend a few minutes just looking at the Nativity before taking time to close in prayer. Including the Nativity scene in my devotional time always helps me center in on what is most important.
When I look at the figurine of baby Jesus in the manger, I am reminded of the tender love Christ has for all of us. Considering that Jesus came so that we would know and be known by Him fills my heart. I’m challenged to balance life so the busyness of the holiday season doesn’t diminish the meaning.
Seeing the Holy Family figurines on my fireplace mantle, I give thanks for the blessings of my own family, beginning with the love of my parents, who are now in the kingdom eternal, to the love I have with my wife Marsha, and our love for our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. I am incredibly blessed by my family and my family of faith.
The shepherds with their sheep remind me that though they would have been considered “lowly” at the time, they were personally invited to visit the baby who offered love for all of humanity. As were the wise men who came from a far-off land and had spent their lifetime looking for the birth of the King. And so, welcomed to the manger were the young and the old, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor; Christ came for the world. It is beautiful imagery that declares that each and every person is loved by God.
I hope you will join me and begin each morning with a time of devotion. If you’ve never done that, it’s a great time to start! A good practice is to read a portion of scripture (you can use The Year of the Bible readings for the month), read the St. Luke’s Advent devotional, reflect on the nativity scene, and then close in a time of prayer. Adding that time of reflection upon the Nativity can be very meaningful during Advent.
The star guided the wise men, and the angels shared the joy with the shepherds. If we keep our eyes and ears open, we will experience the true gift of Christmas. Jesus Christ was born so that we might experience peace on earth and goodwill toward all.
Dr. Bob Long, Senior Pastor
