CH R I S T MAS E V E
A UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS
Lord of lords and King of kings, I want to give You all the glory this Christmas. Please bless me, humble me and strengthen me in Your good and mighty presence. Amen
L UKE 2 : 6 - 1 4 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
6
And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ 8
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
13
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ 14
58
T
he 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 HEAVEN, AND ON Bethlehem manger. Another portion of their celebration echoes the events of the night EARTH PEACE TO when the Saviour entered the world. A ChristTHOSE ON WHOM mas prayer is offered and then the father in the household offers the greeting, “Christ is HIS FAVOUR RESTS. born!” The family then responds, “Let us gloLUKE 2:14 rify Him!” These words draw my mind to the appearance of the angels in the sky over Bethlehem on the night Christ was born. The angel of the Lord declared, “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (LUKE 2:11). The heavenly host responded, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests” (V. 14). Those twin messages give such depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Saviour has come bringing forgiveness and hope—and He is deserving of all the worship we can give Him. May all who know the wonder of His gift of eternal life join with the voices of that angelic host declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!” o BILL CROWDER
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
Read today’s passage again. Do you find strengthening and peace in glorifying and praising God? Why not spend some time lifting up Jesus’ powerful name today.
Father God, I want You to have all the glory in my life. Please take away the things that compete against You, and allow my gaze to linger on You alone.
59