Day #12 CCD: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Mild He lays His glory by;

Born that man no more may die.

Born to raise the sons of earth;

Born to give them second birth.

It’s fun to look at a tiny baby and imagine what he will grow up to become. It could be anything – a pilot, a policeman, a chef, an astronaut, a pastor, or a million other options. The future is wide open and full of possibilities.

Jesus was born with one purpose. As it says in the carol, he was “born that man no more may die.” His birth was all about our new birth. In 1 Peter 1:3, Peter praises God for the “new birth into a living hope” – and all that is possible because Jesus laid aside his glory and offered Himself in our place, taking the punishment of death we deserved for our sins. His death and resurrection gives us new life. As you go about your business and your busyness of the season, intentionally take a few moments to slow down and remember that Jesus was born to give YOU a second birth. What a reason to praise Him!

Questions:

How do you express your gratitude to Jesus for the new life He gives you?

Who in your life doesn't yet realize the true reason for Jesus’ birth? What will you do to share it with them?

I express my gratitude by trying to raise my children knowing and loving Him.  Each day I'm alive is a blessing because it's another day I can have with my kids.  Also another chance to renew my faith and try again.

And I'm sad to say that my brother isn't as close to the Truth as I'd like him to be.  Actually, he doesn't even come to church anymore.  But I bet he'll go for the Christmas Mass because we always do.  My dad won't make him come though, because he said my brother is old enough to decide on his own whether he wants to go or not.  I still think my dad ought to at least say something though.  But then again, my dad doesn't always go to church either.

I haven't been as bold in sharing my faith with my brother or dad.  My mom, yes, but not the other two.  With them, I have to resort to using my kids to get them to start talking about church, God, or anything religious.  But even then, my dad doesn't take it too seriously, nor my brother.

It's my hope that someday, they'll find the Lord.  It's my hope that God has plan for them to come back to Him.  I'd rather it be sooner than later, but hey, who am I to demand things be done in my time?

My family and I will keep asking, every Sunday, for them to come with us to Mass.  Hopefully, someday we won't have to ask - we'll just know that we'll meet them there.

Please remember that I’m following the Carols: A Christmas Devotional plan from The (free) Bible App.  I invite you to join me, for 25 days, by commenting below – and inviting others too!  ;)