Weekly devotion: Knowing God’s presence this Christmas
Candles inside the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
This week, we are celebrating the birth of Christ. Over 2,000 years ago, the Saviour of the world was born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem, which was under Roman occupation at the time. Jesus was born into poverty and insecurity – and at a very young age, he became a refugee in Egypt, after his family was forced to flee from King Herod’s murderous intents.
Contrary to sentimental Christmas card scenes, Jesus’ early life was difficult and dangerous. And yet, despite this, his coming and his presence in a broken world signified love, light and hope.
This Christmas, Christ continues to be present. He is ‘Immanuel’, God with us, and he walks with us through our pain and gives us hope even in death. This is a comfort and motivation for us as we pray for our friends and partners in the Middle East – let us lift before God those who are suffering and grieving, praying that they would know Christ’s healing presence this Christmas.
Bible reading
‘In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!’
Philippians 2: 5-8
Prayer
Saviour God,
Our hearts are filled with wonder at the mystery and majesty of the incarnation. We thank you that you chose to take on human form and come into our broken world to live among us.
Help us to remember that you are still present today, through the Holy Spirit. May this be a comfort to us in our own lives – and also to our partners in the Middle East, in incredibly challenging times.
Thank you for the hope we have in you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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