A Ukrainian Christmas
Luke 2:6-14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men! (Luke 2:14)
The people of Ukraine
include many wonderful elements in their observance of Christmas.
Sometimes wisps of hay are placed on the dinner table as a reminder of
the Bethlehem manger. Another portion of their celebration echoes the
events of the night when the Savior entered the world. A Christmas prayer
is offered and then the father in the household offers the greeting,
“Christ is born!” The family then responds, “Let us glorify Him!”
These words draw my mind to
the appearance of the angels in the sky over Bethlehem on the night
Christ was born. The angel of the Lord declared, “For there is born to
you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke
2:11). The heavenly host responded, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (v.14).
Those twin messages give
such depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Savior has come
bringing forgiveness and hope—and He is deserving of all the worship we
can give Him.
May all who know the wonder
of His gift of eternal life join with the voices of that angelic host
declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!”
PRAYER
Dear Lord, Thank You for loving us by sending Your
Jesus for our sins.Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The spectacular glory of God’s love for us was
revealed in the coming of Jesus.
Christian
Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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