Your Daily Devotional for November 30, 2006

 

November 30, 2006

 

 

Giving Thanks: During Christmas Time

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

 

Luke 2:8-11

 

 

We have taken time this month to think on things for which we could give thanks, but now we are at the end of our month of thanksgiving. Even with the Christmas season coming near, we can be thankful during this hectic time of shopping, decorating, and fellowshipping with family.

 

If we are going to be thankful through the Christmas season, we need to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Although Christmas has taken on a new look as a time of commercialism, we must remember the true meaning of Christmas.

 

Christmas is a time to celebrate the “first Christmas”—when Christ was born of a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem. There was no commotion or grand entrance for His birth. He came as a servant and lived His life serving others.

 

A young girl named Susie grew up moving from one New England orphanage to another. She was often rejected by the children and workers alike. Around one of the orphanages was a large wall. The rule for the children was to stay inside the wall and not communicate with anyone outside the wall.

 

One day a staff worker watched Susie as she climbed a tree near the wall and tied a note to a branch that hung over the wall. Once Susie climbed down, the worker retrieved the note to see what message had been sent by Susie. The note said, “From Susie, to whoever reads this, I love you.”

 

In reality, our sin had placed a wall around us, keeping us enslaved in sin. But near that wall God placed a tree, and on that tree He hung His son with a message, “From God, to whoever passes by, I love you.” God provided His love for all when He died on Calvary for the sins of the world.

 

Even in the busiest of seasons, we must take time to give thanks to God for His gift of salvation. We must take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Think of all that Christ left in Heaven to come to earth to die for our sins. Think of the great sacrifice Christ made to come to earth. Yet, He did it willingly because He loved us.

 

As we enter this Christmas season, take time to give thanks to God for sending His Son. Then, commit to Him to serve Him from a heart of love this Christmas season.

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