On the 25th . . .

I've been spending the last few weeks getting some devotional materials ready for publication for Advent. So from time to time between now and Christmas, I'll randomly post one of the readings to match the day of the month - and yes, I know it isn't December yet, but the word of God speaks powerfully to us regardless of the season.  So here's the reading for the 25th, taken from Notes of Advent for Christ-Seekers, a collection of devotionals based on the carols of Christmas. (Previously named Advent Notes for Christ-Seekers). Available from me, through Amazon, or at my Createspace link:   www.createspace.com/4036115

DECEMBER 25

            Adestes fideles. O come, all ye faithful. As a child, I often wondered why we didn’t go to church on Christmas day. Here was the most identified “holiday” (holy day) on the calendar, and the highlight of the day was the ten minutes we spent tearing with gusto into a heap of presents. Well, there was the family dinner, and the time around the piano singing carols, but it seemed strange that we didn’t gather with other believers, that we faithful didn’t come together to worship Christ the Lord.

            I suppose that I’ve rationalized away my questioning on this subject at this point in my life by making sure that we at least share in a Christmas Eve service each year. But after writing these twenty-five reflections, I’ve recognized that the faithful “come” in so many ways. We do assemble in worship services, but we also gather around dinner tables, hospital beds, and coffee cups.  We come corporately, and we come alone, at an announced time or at the Spirit’s urge, to worship at both the cradle and throne. We worship now, just as we see now, “through a glass darkly,” a foretaste of our coming worship (Rev. 5:12). 

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

To receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!

 O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant

O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the king of angels;

O come let us adore him,

                   Christ the Lord.

 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,

Jesus, to thee be glory given,
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing,

Attr. John Francis Wade