SUNDAY, December 25 The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day

Luke 2:1-14(15-20). But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for 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.”

Christmas Day. Time to unwrap the presents. And time to begin unwrapping the greatest gift of all. The Incarnation of the Son of God has much in common with what we find under the Christmas tree. It isn’t something we have earned; there is nothing we might ever do to entitle ourselves to this. It is freely given, a gift of pure love. It was carefully chosen just for us, to bring joy, amazement, peace, renewal.

The Incarnation also differs from the other festive packages in some important ways. It cannot be returned or exchanged. This gift is always with us, even at the too numerous times that we forget we have it. And try as we might, we can never fully unwrap it, never fully see and appreciate its beauty and value. Not in this life, anyway. But we can be intentional about peeling away the layers, revealing more of this gift as we pray, praise, and serve. Every day of our lives is a new Christmas Day.

PRAY for the Diocese of York (York, England)

Ps 96; Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14

View the daily Lectionary Readings at http://satucket.com/lectionary/

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Dec 25, 2011 at 1:11 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Thank you to the writers and Forward Day by Day for the daily "Christ Mass Presence" that I can get on my phone, computer and the little hardcopy booklet that I keep tucked in my Kindle cover. I am growing with the spiritual watering of all of the folks who write comments.

God Bless you all.

Merry Christmas!

Dec 25, 2011 at 6:59 am

Written by Linda,

May the joy of this day fill your hearts, my Day by Day community members!

Blessed Holidays

Dec 25, 2011 at 8:40 am

Written by Phil,

Merry Christmas and Blessings for the New Year to all the online commentators and readers. I look forward to the comments each days as they add to the daily devotion. I find that they usually supplement the readings by adding inspiration and/or further insight to my spiritual life.
I will continue to "peel away the layers" of the Christ gift as I endeavor to live His purpose out for my life.
Blessings!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Dec 25, 2011 at 10:31 am

Written by emeline,

This was the theme of my Rector's message this morning during the 7:00 o'clock Mass. It ties in very well with all the messgaes today.

I pray for blessings for today's meditation writer, and for all my FB Commentators.

God's Gift to the human race supercedes all other gifts. We enjoy His Gift evey day of our lives. So thanks be to God for allowing us to experience another Christmas Day, and on a blessed Sunday.

Peace! Love! Joy for all of us as we "peel away the layers" of the Christmas Gift everyday of our lives!

...

Dec 25, 2011 at 10:53 am

Written by Gail J in N.C.,

Today's author wrote : "But we can be intentional about peeling away the layers, revealing more of this gift as we pray, praise, and serve." And I KNOW that's true! I've been a Christian for many many years and I continually discover more about God's love and grace with each passing year.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and sweeter with each experience of him.

...

Dec 25, 2011 at 6:51 pm

Written by nancy berndt,

As I consider a comment on this Christmas Day, I can think of nothing
better than "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Cor.9:15

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