Devotional (December 7) – Aiden Radford
“O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.”
How often have we heard these words? Spending any significant amount of time in church might have presented these words hundreds, or even thousands of times to our ears. Familiarity can numb us to the extraordinary. When we hear the same words every Christmas season it can lead us to believe there are no stones left to unturn. Christ brings us peace of course, but sometimes this feels like old news. However, God is the author of life itself, and His gospel handiwork always merits a closer look.
The first few lines of O Holy Night already paint an extraordinary picture. Some two thousand years ago there was a night unlike any other. This night was set apart, for it was the night of Christ's birth. The long-awaited Messiah, promised by God immediately after the fall of mankind. Sent to die in our place, so that we could be reunited with God in the garden of Eden. Let us not forget that this is God’s plan for us. We can rest our weary souls in the hands of the one who made them and receive a taste of His peace that will one day satisfy us forever. He sees our hurts, our struggles and our weakness. Long before we knew we needed Him, He was there for us. He has overcome death, sin and the world. What can stand against us? For those who are in Christ can rest assured that our day with Him in the garden is coming soon.
“O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.”
How often have we heard these words? Spending any significant amount of time in church might have presented these words hundreds, or even thousands of times to our ears. Familiarity can numb us to the extraordinary. When we hear the same words every Christmas season it can lead us to believe there are no stones left to unturn. Christ brings us peace of course, but sometimes this feels like old news. However, God is the author of life itself, and His gospel handiwork always merits a closer look.
The first few lines of O Holy Night already paint an extraordinary picture. Some two thousand years ago there was a night unlike any other. This night was set apart, for it was the night of Christ's birth. The long-awaited Messiah, promised by God immediately after the fall of mankind. Sent to die in our place, so that we could be reunited with God in the garden of Eden. Let us not forget that this is God’s plan for us. We can rest our weary souls in the hands of the one who made them and receive a taste of His peace that will one day satisfy us forever. He sees our hurts, our struggles and our weakness. Long before we knew we needed Him, He was there for us. He has overcome death, sin and the world. What can stand against us? For those who are in Christ can rest assured that our day with Him in the garden is coming soon.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am restless and selfish; yet I seek You, and when I find you, I find that there is no wrath to devour me but only sweet love. You stand as a rock between the scorching sun and my soul, and I live under the cool side as one of your beloved. Thank you that I can find peace in your care for me. Amen. (Adapted from The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett)
Song
Listen to “O Holy Night” by Kings Kaleidoscope
“O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.”
Do you think periods of time can be holy, or is holiness only reserved for people and things? Why do you think it was important for Jesus to come into the world as a baby?
Do you think God makes us wait for things longer than is good for us?
Advent Practice: The Blessing of Sacrifice – What will we give up?
Living with peace also means learning to live in contentment. We can help cultivate an environment for living in peace as we remind ourselves to trust God’s provision and sovereignty. Do we truly need everything that we have? What can you give up or go without this week as you are reminded daily that peace is found in Jesus rather than possessions and belongings? Try skipping your daily coffee. Shut off the TV for an evening. Choose to give up the comfort of the couch and go for a walk each day. How does living with simplicity shape your ability to live with peace? How does practicing contentment shape your trust in God?
Lord Jesus, I am restless and selfish; yet I seek You, and when I find you, I find that there is no wrath to devour me but only sweet love. You stand as a rock between the scorching sun and my soul, and I live under the cool side as one of your beloved. Thank you that I can find peace in your care for me. Amen. (Adapted from The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett)
Song
Listen to “O Holy Night” by Kings Kaleidoscope
“O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.”
Do you think periods of time can be holy, or is holiness only reserved for people and things? Why do you think it was important for Jesus to come into the world as a baby?
Do you think God makes us wait for things longer than is good for us?
Advent Practice: The Blessing of Sacrifice – What will we give up?
Living with peace also means learning to live in contentment. We can help cultivate an environment for living in peace as we remind ourselves to trust God’s provision and sovereignty. Do we truly need everything that we have? What can you give up or go without this week as you are reminded daily that peace is found in Jesus rather than possessions and belongings? Try skipping your daily coffee. Shut off the TV for an evening. Choose to give up the comfort of the couch and go for a walk each day. How does living with simplicity shape your ability to live with peace? How does practicing contentment shape your trust in God?
