Advent Devotional Dec 24
Week Four:
Creating Shalom means Making Peace
Saturday, December 24, 2022
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” – Read Luke 2:1-20
“Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, ‘Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.’ When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.’” (vv. 13-15, CEB)
Christmas Eve is upon us! We have spent the Season of Advent reflecting on its great themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. Now we “Sing to the Lord a new song!” (Psalm 96:1). We ponder the songs of the angels, “peace on earth, goodwill toward all” (Luke 2:14). We celebrate the Prince of Peace and the endless peace that flows from the reign of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7). We greet one another with the words the Apostle Paul opened so many of his letters with: “Grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our savior” (Titus 2:4).
Christmas Eve is the time to sing a new song of peace! My singing voice is not what it once was. It seems that age and allergies have reduced my voice to a warble. But the songs of the season are still in my heart.
The hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley, speaks to my soul. The third verse explores the peace of Christ that God has given the world.
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”
(The United Methodist Hymnal 240)
This Christmas Eve, may you be filled with the peace of Jesus Christ. May Jesus bring light, life, and healing to you, your family, your church, and our world. May the stories, the carols, and the music of Christmas lighten your heart and lift your soul.
Bishop James Nunn
Resident Bishop of the Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Mission Conferences
Interim Bishop of the Northwest Texas Conference
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” – Read Luke 2:1-20
“Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, ‘Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.’ When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.’” (vv. 13-15, CEB)
Christmas Eve is upon us! We have spent the Season of Advent reflecting on its great themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. Now we “Sing to the Lord a new song!” (Psalm 96:1). We ponder the songs of the angels, “peace on earth, goodwill toward all” (Luke 2:14). We celebrate the Prince of Peace and the endless peace that flows from the reign of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7). We greet one another with the words the Apostle Paul opened so many of his letters with: “Grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our savior” (Titus 2:4).
Christmas Eve is the time to sing a new song of peace! My singing voice is not what it once was. It seems that age and allergies have reduced my voice to a warble. But the songs of the season are still in my heart.
The hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley, speaks to my soul. The third verse explores the peace of Christ that God has given the world.
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”
(The United Methodist Hymnal 240)
This Christmas Eve, may you be filled with the peace of Jesus Christ. May Jesus bring light, life, and healing to you, your family, your church, and our world. May the stories, the carols, and the music of Christmas lighten your heart and lift your soul.
Bishop James Nunn
Resident Bishop of the Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Mission Conferences
Interim Bishop of the Northwest Texas Conference
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