Follow the Star – Christmas Day

December 26, 2023
Sue Holdway
Community, Ministries, Missions, Our Churches, Prayers

He came down to earth from heaven

Today heaven breaks into our world and our world breaks into heaven. The star points to it, and the angels proclaim it – a child is born for us.

Reading

Isaiah 9.2-7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reflection

I remember my father calling out from the bedroom window while I was playing in the garden: “You’ve got a baby brother. Come and see!”

I remember my mother holding the child like a priceless, fragile treasure – this tiny, wet head; the half-closed, dazzled eyes and soft, crumpled skin.
Every birth is a miracle of God. You, too, are that child – the beloved of God.

How much does God love us? The Christ-child lying helpless in the manger shows us. This much. This child is the fulfilment of all that you are and the hope of all that you will become. A love so great that it takes your breath away and breathes God’s breath into you. God with us now.

God has come to save the world with his love. Happy Christmas.

I wonder…

When you glimpsed heaven on earth? What this Christmas will mean for you? If you can imagine everyone you meet was once a small baby – a child of God?

God our Father, today we celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth. We give thanks that you love us so much that you sent your Son so that we may have life. Amen.