Word of the Day: Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn… 

The Invitation: A holy night indeed, when the Son of God was birthed in a manger, showing human beings how much they matter to God. Have you taken time this Christmas season to turn your affections toward Jesus? Have you allowed Him to fill your soul with a sense of worth? 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night. 
An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.  
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. 
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.“
–Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)

Your Response: Lord, I want to grasp the good news of great joy that has come to us in Jesus, but it is easy for me to get busy and distracted, missing some of the things that make this season wonderful. And sometimes in the midst of gift exchanges and gatherings, I feel insecure or unseen. Instead of thinking of myself, I want to remember what is important to You.

In the song “Oh Holy Night,” the soul felt its worth when Jesus appeared. Right now as I pause and focus on Your presence, let all distractions be silent. Come and fill my soul with a sense of worth. (Pause and allow Him to do so.)

Lord, let the thrill of hope rise up in me as “yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

May you believe the good news is for you. Have a blessed Christmas.
—The Kathys

P.S. If you enjoyed the Turkey jokes for Thanksgiving, check your email tomorrow for a a few ways to bring smiles to a gathering.