The Loving Arms of God

SCRIPTURE

Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day
Hebrews 1:1-12 (NRSV)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have begotten you"?
Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."
Of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire."
But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
And,
"In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
like a cloak you will roll them up,
and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end."


DEVOTION

Merry CHRISTmas! May the love, joy, peace, and hope of CHRISTmas overtake you, today and always...No matter how you may feel on this day, please know that God loves you so much that God gave Jesus into the world, to die on the cross, to save us from our sins, and gift us with eternal life.

For some, this is a joyous day; praise God! For some, this is a sad or mournful day; still, praise God!

We are not alone. No matter how we feel, we are not alone. Immanuel, God with us, attends to our every feeling, concern, and need. He laughs with us, cries with us, celebrates with us, and laments with us...

Let your heart feel the loving arms of God wrapped around you on this day and believe that you are the beloved of God, treasured beyond your imaginings, and adored beyond your wildest dreams.

MERRY CHRISTmas!


PRAYER

Thank you God for the most precious gift of Jesus Christ, who is the Light and Salvation of the whole world! Amen...