The people of Ukraine include many wonderful elements in their observance of Christmas. Sometimes wisps of hay are placed on the dinner table as a reminder of the Bethlehem manger. Another portion of their celebration echoes the events of the night when the Savior entered the world. A Christmas prayer is offered, and the the father in the household gives the greeting. " Christ is born!" The family then responds, " Let us glorify Him!"
These words draw our mind to the appearance of the angels in the sky over Bethelhem on the night Christ was born. The angel of the Lord declared, " The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" ( Luke 2:11). The heavenly host responded, " Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Those twin messages give such depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Savior has come bringing forgiveness and hope-and He is deserving of all the worship we can give Him.
Glory to God in the highest!
The spectacular glory of God's love for us was revealed in the coming of Jesus.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. " Don't be afraid!" he said. " I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, " Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
( Luke 2:6-14)
No comments:
Post a Comment