o holy night: a Christmas devotion
Christmas is here again! However, for many people this year may look a little different. No matter what plans you have for the holidays, we are reminded to look to the Lord in all circumstances and remember that He is the true reason for the season.
The heart of Antique Candle Co.® is Christ, and we'd love to invite you to join our candle family as we reflect on the meaning of Christmas through one of our favorite hymns, O Holy Night:
Christmas is so much more than holiday lights and Santa Claus. It is a celebration of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who became flesh to save us from sin. There is no greater gift than the baby who was born in a stable!
"...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."
Luke 2:7 NIV
In Genesis, long before the birth of Christ, Adam and Eve committed the original sin by tasting forbidden fruit. Ever since, all of creation has never stopped yearning for the Messiah to come and save it from it's own pain and sinful ways.
"For the creation awaits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."
Romans 8:19-21 NIV
It wasn't until Christ returned to the world, born as a baby, that our souls could finally be relieved. God loved us and held so much worth for us that he gave His only Son so that we may spend eternity with Him (John 3:16). Jesus, Himself, gave a testament of our worth to the Lord, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NIV)
After so many years of weariness and waiting, the birth of Jesus brought about a new hope to the world. The Savior was with us in flesh for the first time, here to rescue us from the evils of sin. Christmas celebrates this day as the end of darkness and the start of a new light.
Today as we reflect on the past, we still hope for the same salvation when Jesus Christ returns again!
"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
Romans 13:12 NIV
Philippians 2:10-11 (NIV) says, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Just the same, the night Jesus was born was a time full of glory and praise! Even a choir of angels shouted praise,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:14 NIV
Christmas is a celebration of the holiest of nights: the night Jesus was born in the manger. This is the moment the Lord gave the world as a path to salvation through Christ.
In a world of decorated trees, perfectly wrapped presents, and holiday shopping, it is so important to remember the true meaning of Christmas. This year more than ever, we humble ourselves to reflect on the birth of Christ and the salvation He gave us. There is truly no better Christmas gift!
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:11-12 NIV
THANK YOU for joining us in a special Christmas devotion, friend! O Holy Night is the perfect hymn to pause, take a step back from all the craziness of the holidays, and reflect on what truly matters this season.