2009 Advent Devotional: December 13

December 13: Luke 2.18-20

Nancy Curry

I remember as a young girl being assigned a small passage of the Christmas Story to recite for the annual Christmas Program at the First Christian Church in Logan, WV. I practiced and practiced at home. Then the night finally came. We filed up on the stage around the manger scene. Oh my goodness, please don’t let me forget my verse! My turn came. “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Whew, I made it through and I didn’t mess up!!! As others recited their lines, we told the Christmas story. Our parents were so proud of us!

The Christmas Story is to me the most beautiful story in the Bible. I have often wondered why God had the baby born in a stable. Especially with only a bed of hay. Have you thought of how Mary and Joseph felt when the innkeeper told them there was no room in the inn? What a wondrous night it was and still is for all who believe.

My dad’s favorite song was “The Little Drummer Boy”. My sister and I both learned to play this song on the piano for our dad. The humility that the little boy had was amazing. He wanted to bring the baby Jesus a present. All he had was talent—playing his drum for the baby Jesus.

During this Christmas Season, what special gift will you bring the Baby in the Manger?? Will you give him your all?

Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father,

Help us to pause to remember the true reason of this season. Touch our hearts with love, so that we might give our all to our Lord and Savior. Grant to us a peace that only you can give. Thank you for giving us the Baby in the Manger and a Heavenly home for us all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.