The Angel's Song

Read  Luke 2:8-20

It’s Christmas Eve! The anticipation of Christmas is at its height! Tonight, we will join together at church in praise and celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Some of my favorite parts of the Christmas Eve service are the songs. When I sit at the front of the sanctuary, the whole church seems bursting with song behind me. Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World and the many others we know by heart are sung with joy and enthusiasm. Can you even imagine this in comparison to the angels singing in response to the birth of Jesus?

The shepherds were a witness to this song and the incredible news of the Messiah’s birth. They could tell it was a big deal! They then hurried to the village to see what had happened and they knew what the angel told them was true. Upon returning to their flocks, they too were glorifying and praising God. I imagine they were in complete and utter awe at what they had seen and heard.

Let us do the same today to the good news of Jesus’ birth. Let us be so in awe and wonder at this gift, that we are moved to abandoned, unrestrained praise.

QUESTIONS:

1. How does this scripture stir your heart to worship?

2. How do you respond to the news of Jesus’ birth? How can it be more like the angel's response?

PRAYER:

Lord, I ask You to give me eyes to see You in fresh ways this Christmas and worship You through my words, actions and singing.

Kirsten Svendsen

God sent Jesus to save us

ApriL  1

Read John 12:42-47 and reflect on the passage.

Jesus says in this Passage that he didn’t come to judge the world.

His mission was simple: to save the world.

Do I make a positive impact on others by judging them? I can’t remember a time I’ve seen it work. When I judge, or act in self righteousness, I create an atmosphere of superiority. But when I act with love, accepting others wherever they are, I create the space to be in God’s light.

When I became a Christian, I had some incredible women walk alongside me. They didn’t judge me, although my situation was probably worth some judgment. They were accepting and gentle, and let me go down the path that God was leading. Their prayers, listening ears, and phone calls made such a difference. As I look back, I wonder if I could’ve acted the same way they did. They were amazing mentors.

I remember the gifts they gave me and I try to use them when I see others in similar situations. I know when I act with love and acceptance, without condemnation, I am living the way Jesus wants me to.

Questions

1. How can you let go of judgment, and show love and acceptance to people around you?

2. As you journey to the cross this Lent, how can you join Jesus in His mission of “saving the world?”

Prayer

Draw me close and show me how to live in Your light. Help me see others as You see them, and love as You love.

—Kirsten Svendsen