Luke 2:1–7 (NIV)
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
CONSIDER THIS
This is a small moment, when we hold our breath
As the fate of the world stands at a tipping point.
Where ancient truth meets wonder.
Where the promise you saw coming catches you by surprise.
Where the waiting gives way to fulfillment.
Where certainty is filled with mystery and mystery is anchored in certainty.
This is the moment
When seas split open and a way is made.
When the impossible comes within reach.
When giants start to stumble.
When chains break and slaves walk free.
When empires flinch and a kingdom rises.
This is the moment
When eyes open.
When lips sing.
When legs dance.
When hearts heal.
This is the moment
Where the God
Of Abraham and Isaac
Of Moses and Elijah
Of David and Jesse
Becomes the God
Of Mary and Joseph
Of you and me.
This is the moment
When the God
Of fire and flood
Of holiness and love
Of justice and mercy
Of miracle and might
Becomes flesh and blood.
This is the moment of Immanuel—God with us.
When the one who fills up every corner of existence
Is now cradled in a manger.
When dawn overcomes the night.
When love overthrows sin.
When a baby takes his first breath
And gives creation a second chance.
THE PRAYER
Jesus, we welcome your arrival at last! The Story is yours.
THE QUESTION
Look back over our Advent journey together. What stands out most to you? What words of welcome do you have for Jesus today?
For the Awakening,
Matt LeRoy
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4 Responses
Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus!
Instead of receiving gifts (not counting the Wisemen), You are the gift to us, Lord.
Thank you!
Maybe our gift to You is a repentant life!
My mother passed away on August 8th, 1991. Sporadically, the date passes by without recollection of its significance. But, when I reflect, I calculate how old she would be that year.
How old would Jesus be if He were still alive?
Wait a minute, He’s not dead…
He Lives.
And because He lives, I can face today, tomorrow, every day!
Merry CHRISTmas to all!
Staying 💪’n Christ
Ephesians 6:19
Finally, stay strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Praise God, He who reigns over all creation, has fulfilled His promise to send forth a male offspring from a human female, who, though suffering a painful wound to his heel, will ultimately crush the head of our adversary, and thereby restore paradise to it’s once holy existence!
I woke up this Christmas morning with these words developing within me (small moment after small moment). I got up early to write them down and post them on Facebook. Then I came to Wake-Up Call and read your beautiful words. (Thank you, Matt, for sharing your heart!)
Looking for Jesus?
Church isn’t the only place to look for Christ. He can be found anywhere people will open their heart to Him and let Him in. You can notice Jesus at work wherever people express and demonstrate sincere love, kindness, and humility. You can feel His presence anyplace that you are willing to openly and honestly talk to Him and to humbly observe His tender actions and responses within you. You don’t need formal religion, fanfare, or ceremonies to encounter Christ. Anywhere and everywhere, He’s always pursuing a personal relationship with you. Courageously open your heart to Jesus and allow yourself to perceive His presence. Be still and know that He is God, Emmanuel — the Creator who became a man.
No matter where you go, there Christ is, lovingly knocking on your heart’s door, longing for you to catch a glimpse of His glorious love, mercy, and forgiveness so that you will give your all to Him. Get together anyplace with people who are ready and willing to open up and share what Jesus is saying and doing in and through their life. Tell each other about your relationship with Jesus. Let each one present share testimonies, prayers, revelation, gifts of the Spirit, Scriptures, songs, praises, worship, and teachings as they are prompted by the living Jesus — “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Then you will rejoice and celebrate with the openhearted joy and simplicity of the shepherds who found Jesus in tucked away in a manger.
Thank you, Matt LeRoy, for the compelling framing of the Advent journey. On this January 5th, I looked back to Christmas day to experience again your compelling framing of the arrival of Jesus that first Christmas. My husband is ill but your words are comfort to both of us. We’ve wanted to hear your words again and mediate on the scriptures.