Friday, December 25, 2020

Today’s reflection is by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” —Psalm 144:15

“See—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:10-11

Today is Christmas Day! As we get wrapped up in our holiday traditions and gift giving frenzy, the verses today help to remind us that this day is really about God’s greatest gift to us, the birth of his son, Jesus. We are reminded that today is all about great joy, even as we spend the holiday this year separated from our closest friends and loved ones. We are reminded that true happiness comes not from what’s under the tree, but from our relationship with the Lord.

As I write this devotion I have Christmas carols playing in the background and they help to give me a sense of joy and peace that can only come from the message of Christmas. I feel some tears well up in my eyes as I think about how God loves me so much that he sent his only son into the world to die for me and for all people to save us from our sins. I wasn’t even born yet when Christ came to our world, but his life, death, and resurrection was still for me and for all people throughout the ages!

True love. Unconditional love. Yes, this Christmas will be different because of pandemic restrictions, but it also will be the same because it is about Jesus.  And that little baby that lay in a manger so many years ago, our Savior, still brings us the joy and peace that pass all understanding. Amen.

Have a most blessed Christmas!