Christmas Devotional Revisited 2022
December 21st
Centenary Christmas Devotional - 2009
Read Matthew 2:1-8
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There is on old saying that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. In this passage, King Herod is informed by the Magi that a baby has been born “King of the Jews”. This greatly disturbed Herod as he thought of what this would mean to his kingdom. After confirming that this child was in fact the Christ, he became resolved to retain his power by any means necessary.
If we were to be honest with ourselves and God, would we be in the same boat as Herod? I’m not asking if any of us has ordered the slaughtering of young children before (see vs. 16), but do we have problems letting go of what we want? Do we place our own wishes above what God would want for us? It is only when we surrender our lives to God that we can truly find peace and fulfillment. Apart from Christ, this is impossible.
Digging Deeper
If we were to be honest with ourselves and God, would we be in the same boat as Herod? I’m not asking if any of us has ordered the slaughtering of young children before (see vs. 16), but do we have problems letting go of what we want? Do we place our own wishes above what God would want for us? It is only when we surrender our lives to God that we can truly find peace and fulfillment. Apart from Christ, this is impossible.
Digging Deeper
- Can you identify an area of your life you struggle surrendering to God? (e.g. your anger, your family, your social media use)
- Pray and ask God to help you truly surrender this area. Find someone you trust to talk to about this area that can pray with you and encourage you.
Suggested Prayer: Pray for those being persecuted for their faith.
A Special Christmas Memory from Sue S.
Another Christmas, not so long ago, we were RVing in Southern Nevada for the Christmas holiday. Accustomed to going to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ, we sought out a church holding Christmas Eve Services. We did find a church to attend, however, the people were not very friendly. The service was nice, but not the same as being at home. Since that experience, I make sure we stay in Modesto to attend Christmas Eve services at Centenary. It's a special time ... celebrating the birth of Jesus ... singing carols ... seeing friends ... seeing family ... experiencing God's presence. The experience at Centenary makes my Christmas. Without the experience, Christmas is just not the same.
Another Christmas, not so long ago, we were RVing in Southern Nevada for the Christmas holiday. Accustomed to going to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ, we sought out a church holding Christmas Eve Services. We did find a church to attend, however, the people were not very friendly. The service was nice, but not the same as being at home. Since that experience, I make sure we stay in Modesto to attend Christmas Eve services at Centenary. It's a special time ... celebrating the birth of Jesus ... singing carols ... seeing friends ... seeing family ... experiencing God's presence. The experience at Centenary makes my Christmas. Without the experience, Christmas is just not the same.
