Christmas

Christmas is one of the most anticipated times of the year, celebrating the Lord's birth into the world and the fulfillment of the prophecies that He would come to save us. As we read the stories about the joy and wonder that surrounded this miracle, we can prepare ourselves to receive God into our own lives.

Prophecies of the Advent

Title: Prophecies of the Advent (#37)

Before the Lord came on earth people had turned away from God, so He sent messages foretelling His birth into the world. These prophecies kept hope alive in the dark times and prepared people to receive the Lord. We, too, are often in spiritual darkness, and we need the Lord to be born anew in our hearts.
Good Tidings of Great Joy

Title: Good Tidings of Great Joy (#25)

The angel Gabriel visited several people in the months before the Lord was born to bring the joyful tidings of His advent (Luke 1). One was Mary, who through the miracle of the virgin birth would be the mother of the Lord. If we welcome them in, angels can help prepare us also to receive the Lord with humble and open hearts.
The Glory of the Lord

Title: The Glory of the Lord (#13)

In Luke chapter 2, we read of angels who appear to tell some shepherd of the Lord's birth in Bethlehem and to proclaim a message of glory to God and peace on earth. When we look to the Lord in the truths of His Word, the heavenly light of His glory can shine in our minds, dispelling our spiritual darkness and bringing us peace.
The Guiding Star

Title: The Guiding Star (#1)

Matthew 2 tells the story of wise men from the East who followed a miraculous star to find the infant Lord, bringing Him precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The New Church teaches us that each of these symbolizes a spiritual gift which we can offer to our Lord and Savior as we, like the wise men, come to worship Him.
Unto Us a Child Is Born

Title: Unto Us a Child Is Born (#49)

When the infant Lord was brought to the temple in Jerusalem, He was seen by Simeon, an old man who had been waiting and hoping for His birth (Luke 2). The Holy Child was born not only for those who actually saw Him thousands of years ago. He can be born for us as well, if we will open our minds to receive Him with joy.