Christmas Eve Devo

Introduction:

Our advent reading has been taking us through the Jesus story book Bible.

I want to read an excerpt from it for you:

This isn't just a collection of tales; it's the grand narrative of God's unending love and the adventure of a Hero who changes everything

On this night, we are reminded that we are not mere onlookers but a part of this divine narrative, a story that finds its heart in a manger in Bethlehem.

Tonight, I want to look into the words of Paul in Titus 3:4-7

Titus 3:4–7 (ESV)

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Paul writes to Titus, and to us, about the profound transformation brought about by the kindness and love of God.

It's a story of rescue, a story where we are not just saved but made heirs – heirs of eternal life.

Consider what it means to be an heir.

In worldly terms, it's about inheritance, rights, and lineage.

But in God's kingdom, it's about grace, identity, and a future.

In Jesus, our story finds its true meaning.

We are not just rescued; we are brought into a family, given a new identity, a new hope

There was a new mother who stayed with her parents for several days after the birth of her first child.

One afternoon she said, “Mom it’s so interesting to me how dark the baby’s hair is.”

She said this because her and her husband had light hair.

The grandmother said, “Well, your daddy has black hair.”

To which the daughter replied, “But, Mama, that doesn’t matter, because I’m adopted.”

With an embarrassed smile, that mother said the most wonderful words her daughter had ever heard: “I always forget.”

All Christians are adopted children of God who are accepted by God with the same unconditional love that this mother had for her daughter

As we sit here, in the glow of Christmas lights, let's ponder this truth.

We have been adopted made children of the King.

Our celebration tonight is more than remembering a past event; it's about embracing our present reality.

We are heirs, with Jesus, sharing in this great story of love and redemption.

This changes how we view ourselves, our future, and our purpose.

Let the wonder of this night sink in.

Each of us is part of this story – a story that doesn't end at the manger but continues in our hearts and lives.

As every story in the Bible whispers His name, let our lives resonate with the presence of Jesus, the one who completes our story and gives it meaning

Conclusion:

Let’s Pray

May you leave here tonight not just as people who have heard a story, but as those who live it, who carry it, who treasure the truth that in Jesus, we find our true story.

Merry Christmas to all.