God’s love is unending in a way that our flesh-bound understanding might never truly comprehend. His love for all people is the blueprint for how we are called to live our lives.
Advent is December 1-24, 2024. Learn more about this holy season by visiting our Advent & Christmas page.
Looking for the remaining devotions from this series? Find them here.
Day 22
Micah 5:2-5: But you, O Bethlehem of Eprathah, who are the one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore, he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.
In this passage, we learn the prophecy that Bethlehem will be the birthplace of someone great. Though Bethlehem is described as the least significant, it will become significant. I am sure those for whom this passage was written could never have imagined that millions of people sing about Bethlehem every year.
We judge people and things by the standards of our culture. That is not how God sees them. God sees possibility and beloved children. We are blinded by our prejudices, ignorance and fear.
Bethlehem is a small Palestinian town in the West Bank, a little over five miles south of Jerusalem. Since October 2023, the tourism industry has declined, and the West Bank has been in even more turmoil. As Christmas approaches once again, what does it mean to celebrate Bethlehem? The political issues are complicated, and deep-rooted, and faith is tied up in the politics.
I invite you to consider how your faith informs your politics. What do you think of when you think of Bethlehem in 2024? How is it similar or different to how you think of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth? Or when you sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem?”
Listen to “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Nat King Cole.
Pray: God of peace, we pray for peace in Palestine and Israel, and around the world.
Day 23
Luke 2:1-7: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke dates Jesus’ birth by referring to the Emperor and Governor by name. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 8.5 miles. I have to remember that they were traveling on foot and by donkey, with Mary very close to giving birth. It is not a convenient time to be traveling. Nothing about this story is convenient. In children’s books, we see these beautiful images of baby Jesus being adored by farm animals. In reality, a manger is a trough, not a cradle.
Despite our best efforts, Christmas is rarely perfect. Something happens that does not go quite as planned. It is not always all magic and fun. Life gets in the way. This is the premise of Barbara Robinson’s story The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I remember watching the 1983 movie as a child, and recently read the book with my family. A new version of the movie was released in November 2024.
It shares the story of the Herdman kids, who normally are known for their misdeeds and poor behaviors, who are cast in the Christmas pageant. We see how God uses this pageant to inspire the people in the town. They all agree it is the “best,” though they feared it would be the worst.
However your Christmas plans are shaping up (or not!), remember that it does not have to be perfect. In fact, it will not be. Instead, may the hope, peace, joy and love of Advent fill your heart as you prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Read “Love Came Down at Christmas” by Christina Rosetti.
Listen to “Love is Christmas” by Sara Bareilles.
Pray: Gracious God, give me a heart of love and compassion, for myself and others.
Day 24, Christmas Eve
Luke 2:8-20: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then the angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest of heaven, and on earth peace among those who he favors!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
When a baby is born, everyone is excited to hear the news. The angel of the Lord appearing to the shepherds was a birth announcement, and even these shepherds, who were not anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby that night, still went “with haste” to find the baby.
The excitement of Advent and Christmastime each year feels hopeful because every baby represents hope, peace, joy and love. We get excited as we tell and retell the story of Jesus’ birth, because it is “good news of great joy,” as the angel said. Babies are born to be adored, and Jesus is worth all of our adoration. We adore Jesus with our praise and worship, not only on Christmas Eve, but every time we worship. O Come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
I invite you to attend a worship service today, in person or online, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Find a United Methodist congregation near you by searching on Find-A-Church.
Listen to Mariah Carey sing “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus” featuring her mother, Patricia Carey, and then to Aretha Franklin sing “Silent Night.” Then, read about the history of “O, Holy Night” and listen to a version by Celine Dion.
Pray: Jesus, I give you all my adoration and praise with all my heart, mind and strength.
Day 25: Christmas Day
John 1:1-14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him: yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or the will of the flesh or the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
A few days ago was the winter solstice. We endured the darkness, and now the days are starting to get longer again. Sunlight is healing, and, at least for me, it helps my mood. Jesus is the light for all people. He came as a baby, grew up to be a man and live among us, fully human, but the world did not recognize his light. In fact, the people in power feared it. Even though he was killed, he was resurrected in glory. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not extinguish it.
Today is a day of celebration. We celebrate that Jesus’ light is still shining, through you and me, to the world. As the well-known song says, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” Even when we may endure tough times that seem dark, or read disturbing news, or miss the sunshine, as Jesus’ followers we know that Jesus calls us into a life of light and abundance. Jesus loves you, and me, and all of us, enough to come to us in the flesh and walk among us. Now we are Jesus’ hands and feet, called to let his light shine through us. May you shine as brightly today as the Natal Star over Bethlehem! Merry Christmas!
Listen to “Joy to the World” by the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and read about the hymn's history. Then listen to Dolly Parton singing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and sing along!
Pray: Jesus, Light of the world, you have placed a light within each of us. As we claim the joy of your birth, help us to hold onto that joy all year long. Help us to be your light in the world. When we are overwhelmed with the challenges of this world, fill us with your hope, peace, joy and love. May we always turn to you with our concerns, lean on you and our sisters and brothers for strength, and trust in your light. Amen.
Reprinted from the Rev. McDonald’s blog: redheadedrev.org
All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
The Rev. Tiffany McDonald is an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference. She has served as a University Chaplain, solo pastor and associate pastor, and is currently appointed to family leave. Tiffany lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her husband and two daughters.
This page was published on November 20, 2024. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
