Thursday, December 25,2025

Luke 2:1-14
The Nativity of the Lord – Midnight Readings

Today a Savior has been born for you.

Today, we remember that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to be enrolled in the census. When they arrived, there was no room in the inn. The innkeeper offered Mary and Joseph a manager for the night. Jesus was born in the messiness of our world in a stable. He was not born in a hospital but out in the open among the animals. Most kings would be born in a hospital, not out in the open with the animals. Jesus’ birth was simple. 

Lord God, thanks for giving us a Savior today! We praise, worship, and give you the glory and honor that is due to our King, Our Messiah, Lord of Lords. We are humbled and grateful that you sent your only begotten Son into this world to save us and have eternal life.  

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 24,2025

Luke 1:62-79

The daybreak from on high has visited us.

Our readings speak of God’s tender compassion. We need to listen to our hearts, and it is a special type of listening to hear God’s tenderness. Open our ears to hear God’s compassion this Christmas. 

Father in Heaven, give us the gift of listening to your voice. Help us see your tender compassion for each and every one of us. Thank you for allowing us to be on this journey with you during Advent. Let us see with your eyes as our Advent journey comes to an end today. Hopefully, we have prepared, anticipated, waited, and longed for you to be born once again.   

There is a place in the center of the Advent wreath to place the Christ Candle, which is white, symbolizing the life of Christ.

Today marks the beginning of our Christmas Season, which runs until after we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Let us remember the birth of our Savior and enjoy this season as we celebrate his birth. It is also a time to bless our manger in our churches or homes. The manger is a reminder that Jesus Christ was born in a manger, not in a hospital but with the animals around him. He was born in the messiness of our human life. Not in a place where we think a King would be born. 

Luke 1:57–66

The birth of John the Baptist.

We are all called by name. Even before we are born, God pronounces our name. We are his; he knows everything about us and what we will do with our lives. He walks with us each and every day. We receive our mission in life from God. God loves us and cares for us. We all have a purpose to fulfill in our lives.

Lord God, thank you for calling us by name. We are your daughters and sons. Help us discern our mission in life and remember that you have loved us from the beginning of our existence. We thank you for everything you give to us as we journey with you.