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Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
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Celebrating Easter at Christmas
“But we do
see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned
with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he
might taste death for everyone.”1 There is an
old joke within Christians that says something like this: “I attend church
religiously: every Christmas and every Easter!” While this may make us chuckle,
it is true that some people only attend church services on major holidays but
don’t often attend the rest of the year. For some it has even become a family
tradition where they attend together to sing Christmas hymns or think of the
birth of Christ. While it may not be consistently, at least they are there
listening to the message of the Gospel. But how special it is when Jesus
becomes a lifestyle for us, and we celebrate Him all year long! While
remembering the birth of Jesus is such an important thing, we should never
forget the reason for which he was born. He came for us… a world of sinners who
desperately needed hope and forgiveness. The lyrics of “Hark! The Herald Angels
Sing” are such a great reminder of this truth: Hail! The heaven-born Prince of
Peace! Hail! The Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that
man no more may die: Born to raise the son of earth, Born
to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory
to the newborn King!”2 As we attend
Christmas services this season, let us open our hearts to Jesus. He can bring
light to our darkness and hope to the most desperate situations if only we
allow Him to. This sweet Baby came to one day give His life for us. Will we
choose to live for Him, not only at Christmas, but every day of the year? Suggested
prayer: Lord, I hear of so much hurting, hopelessness, and lack of joy around
me. People try to find fullness of life in temporary pleasures that only leave
them emptier than they were before. They need you just as much I did the moment
I came to your feet. I still need you! Help me be a channel of your love and
light so that they can find their way to a personal relationship with you.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen. Hebrews 2:9 (NIV). “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
written by Charles Wesley. Today’s
Encounter was written by: Crystal B. |
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