Luke 2:8-11 – And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)

It all started in a large store where food products were displayed and samples were made available for the shoppers. I paused to take a sample and got more than I bargained for.

A woman there began with this: "I don't know what to get my grandchildren for Christmas. They have everything."

She went on to tell me of the past Christmas when she travelled some distance to her daughter's place so as to be able to spend the whole day together with her family. That Christmas morning, she arose, got dressed, and went downstairs to find every one still fast asleep. There was no excitement, and for that matter, as she was to find out, there was no reason to get up. The children knew all the gifts that they were getting, so why not sleep in?

Then she hit the nail on the head: "Kids today don't even know what Christmas is all about."

How true! I thought. Many have never even heard the Christmas story or for that matter have never read a Bible!

I'm concerned about the slow but sure disappearance of general knowledge about the story of our Saviour's birth, the celebration of the shepherds, and the star in the east that drew the wise men to worship the Messiah. To many, all of this is lost in the desert.

The future depends on us, so let each one of us choose to deliberately see to it that the next generations learn through our teaching and that of the Holy Spirit what Christmas is truly about: Christ's birth.

Prayer: Most gracious heavenly Father, grant us the Spirit-filled strength to spread Your Word to the world around us. Help us as we start in our own homes and families with the assurance that You have given to us. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Anne Russell <annerussell80@gmail.com>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author