Nativity of the Lord/Christmas Day

‘Do you hear what I hear?’

December 25, 2018

I’ve been listening for the voice of God in a new way lately, not as the cry of the baby Jesus tossing and turning in a manger, but as our pre-risen Lord and Savior dying on a cross.

I can hear Jesus saying, “Abba, selach ‘ethon la nakhru mah h’mon pelalin,” Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).

How did we go from Good Friday people to Black Friday people so quickly? And, more important, how can we stop getting caught up in the trappings of the tinsel every year? After all, how many TVs does one household need?

It seems that even fast food isn’t fast enough. Just listen to the honking of horns and revving of engines in the drive-through lane. I wonder what the behavior of adults experiencing impatience and retail rage teaches teenagers and others who are new to the workplace.

It was a decade ago that a 34-year-old maintenance man employed for the holidays at a retail store in New York died after being trampled by shoppers on Black Friday 2008.

Let’s ask ourselves how long it will take before we know what we are doing.

Father, forgive us.

Tammy Warren, Communications Associate, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus:  Nativity of the Lord/Christmas Day

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Ruth Gardner, PMA
Kevin Garvey, FDN

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God, fill our hearts with joy for the gifts given to us through the child of Bethlehem. May we hear your voice above the noise of this world, and may we join with the chorus of saints in all ages who declare the wonders of your blessings. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. 

Daily Readings

• Morning Psalms 2; 146
• First Reading Zechariah 2:10-13
• Second Reading 1 John 4:7-16
• Gospel Reading John 3:31-36
• Evening Psalms 98; 96