Christmas Eve • There was a time when your ancestors did not celebrate Christmas. Then one day, missionaries came to bring the good news of Jesus Christ. This was their message, "Your Father loves you and he wants you to come home." Remember how God made our first parents and put them in a beautiful garden? There were two trees in the middle of the garden, a good tree and a bad tree. They ate from the bad tree and had to leave the garden. They went out into the cold, cruel world. They learned to hunt and fish and farm, to make warm clothes and build houses. They also learned some really bad stuff: to lie and gossip, to steal and horde stuff, to beat each other up and steal their stuff.

But let me tell you a secret: no matter how far we wandered, we have never gotten out of our Father's back yard! When the time had come, God sent his Son Jesus into this cold, cruel world. He came to tell us that we have a Father who loves us and who wants us to come home.

Jesus not only shows us how to be God's children, but he also remains with us to help us. Remember how there was no room for Baby Jesus in the Inn? Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room in my heart and my life for Jesus. When Jesus comes to live in your heart, you can experience the peace and joy of Christmas all year long.

(25 Dec 2024)

Going Deeper: Sing this carol (or meditate on these words):

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

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