LUKE’S CHRISTMAS GOSPEL OF JESUS: A 30-Day Christmas-Time Devotional.

The First Christmas Carol.

Luke 1: 42 (MsgB)   

[42] And (Elizabeth) sang out exuberantly, “You’re so blessed among women, and the babe in your womb, also blessed!”

Let the Christmas singing begin!

I find it intriguing in Luke’s gospel that he finds it important to inform his readers that when the Holy Spirit fills Elizabeth; the mother of John the Baptist; she breaks out into exuberant song.

For those who are interested in “firsts,” here’s your scriptural proof of the very first Christmas carol ever recorded! Long before “Silent Night” and “Handel’s Messiah” (two of just many of my favorite Christmas selections), the Holy Spirit is moving His people into singing joyful songs at Christmas time!

As a matter of fact, this Christmas song of Elizabeth’s was sung nine whole months before the angels performed their famed “Glory to God in the Highest” masterpiece over Bethlehem!

If you’re into music, like our family is, a Christmas without music just can’t be Christmas!

I remember when I was young, growing up in our Presbyterian church in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, being absolutely enthralled with the Christmas hymns. I can still feel the vibes coming from the massive pipe organ (at least to a 7 year old, it seemed massive) as the church organist played “Joy to the World” at Christmas Eve services!

What about you?

Are you still able to get a chill when a choir sings “O, Come Let Us Adore Him” or has your heart grown tired and cynical toward these Christmas classics? Unfortunately, many adults just go into their “bah-humbug” mood when they hear a few strains of an old familiar Christmas song.

Keep in mind that the advent of Messiah (the coming of our King) was ushered in with music 2,000 years ago and still needs to be celebrated today in song!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, my friends. Sing your hearts out to God!

My prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the gift of song. It’s obvious from Your Word that music must have a high place in the priorities of heaven. May I be filled, like Elizabeth, with the gift of song during this Advent season. May I make a joyful noise unto the Lord, singing my heart out to You, for the great gift of the Christ child! For Your name’s sake. Amen.

My questions to ponder: So, what is keeping me silent and stone-faced today? Am I open to the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit who can stir a song in my heart, even in the midst of difficult things in my life? Like Elizabeth, can I choose to openly allow the joy of the Holy Spirit to bubble over in me, producing a joyful Christmas melody within me today?

So what is God speaking to you today? Are you practicing the Kingdom presence of God?

We hope you’ll enjoy these 30 blogs that walk you through 30 days of Advent (Nov 26 – Dec 25). Here’s the homepage for the entire series.

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Click here to continue your Advent readings…