Monthly Devotional

Reactions to Advent

December 2008

This Advent season I’m considering the reactions of the shepherds and the Magi. After the shepherds heard the good news, they made quick decisions and responded with enthusiasm.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:15-18)

As a shepherd (literally!) can I leave my sheep and run to the manger? Maybe our attitudes need to be, “Let’s drop everything and see what God’s talking about. Let’s focus on the baby right now!” Are we ready to hurry to spend time with Him? Are we so enthusiastic about the Reason for the Season that those around us become excited about the good news, too?

And consider the Magi. When they found the star, they were also overcome with emotion.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11)

What about us? Are we overjoyed by the signs of Christmas? Do we look for the signs, point them out to others, and recognize and rejoice in all that God has given us? When we arrive at the manger this Christmas, will we be prepared to bow down and worship Him? What treasures will spill from our readied hearts?
 
This December, whenever I see a nativity set, I am going to use that as my reminder to consider shepherds who were ready to run, and Magi who were ready to rejoice.

Lord Jesus, help me be like the shepherds and run toward Christmas with enthusiasm. And like the Magi, I want to be overjoyed by everything that points towards You. I pray my December heart is so prepared with love and time spent with You, it spills over with treasures not only on Your birthday—but all the next year, too.

Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader, Frances Lenzo and Donna Payne

One of our family’s Advent devotionals is this in-depth look at Handel’s Messiah. It includes scriptures, Christmas stories, insights into the culture of the time, and the origin of Christmas customs. Each day’s story is linked together with a portion from the libretto of Handel’s Messiah and is illustrated with beautiful full-color works of art. A CD of Messiah excerpts accompanies the book to further enhance your worship and understanding. And finally, an end-section includes facts, trivia, and activities. An especially appropriate gift for the musician in the family!

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