Devotions with Pastor Michael

The Advent Season is upon us and soon it will be Christmas.  My favorite tradition in this season is setting up the nativity scene.  And, I’ll admit, I even like some of the creative liberties some have used as they try to recreate the scene.  There have been cats, dogs, hipsters, veggie tales, and Star Wars characters, all attempting to portray the picture of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, animals, and of course, baby Jesus.  Each variation may have its unique touch, but all seem to reveal just how precious and intimate the first Christmas really was.
 
Perhaps the reason setting out the Nativity is my favorite tradition is because it reminds me that in the midst of something so precious as a baby, God was moving and working in a mighty and powerful way.  Think about it:  the God of the universe—the One who created everything out of nothing; who simply spoke and flung the sun, moon, and stars into place; who formed every mountain and valley, who fashion every plant, tree, and animal; who formed Adam out of dust and Eve out of a rib—this God was now laying as a helpless babe in an animal’s feed trough.  Angels sang and filled the sky.  The reason God was moving in a powerful way that evening was for me.  And you.  God had each of us in mind that night and desired to humble himself in such a way that we could see just how much he loved us.
 
This Christmas, as you look at the many nativity scenes, I hope you remember just how much God loves you.
-Pastor Michael