THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 21, 1995 TAG: 9512200186
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY THE REV. BRUCE HAVENS
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
EVER SINCE I WAS a youth, I have loved Christmas Eve services. The magic of the darkness and candlelight, the carols and the story of Jesus' birth seem best captured on those nighttime celebrations of Christmas.
I remember when I was a teenager, looking over the congregation and seeing an elderly woman, sitting alone on a pew among others with families. As we were singing ``Silent Night,'' such a look of peace and joy came over her face that she seemed transformed.
Now that I am an adult, I guess I like it most because by then all the shopping is done, all the commercialization of the season is over and we are down to the reality of the season. I ponder the mystery of God Almighty come down to us in a helpless infant.
I blink my eyes at the awesome thought of the King of Kings being born in a stable with a feed trough for a cradle. When I consider that the Prince of Peace came to a land and a people torn by occupation of the Babylonian, the Greek, and the Roman armies at different times in their history, I am moved to think of His presence today.
I am moved to think that He is present in Bosnia as the Prince of Peace, amongst a people who are torn by factions of war and hatred. He will be there with our troops that go to try to help keep peace.
I am comforted to know that there is a time coming when He will rule the world as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I find hope in believing that He already is preparing to come again, not as a sacrifice for sin, but as One who reigns in justice and peace. I do not have to wait for the right political party or economic philosophy to prevail. My Lord has already declared that He has overcome the world. His victory is already like the mustard seed growing. It is at work in the world revealing His reign in the hearts of anyone and everyone who is willing to call upon Him as Lord and Savior.
As that time of Christmas Eve draws closer, those wiling to call upon Him as Lord and Savior are called to help reveal Him to others. We can reveal Him, the One who gave Himself up for us all, by our giving to others. Christmas is first of all the gift of a child. However and wherever we do something for those who are ``the least and the littlest'' we do it for Him. It is like a gift to Him.
Whenever we turn from serving our selves, our wishes and desires, to serving the needs of others, we serve Him. Whatever way we can bless someone else we bring praise to Him. If we can help someone feel as if they are part of our family, then we help them to feel part of His family. In these ways we reveal Him to others until He returns to reveal Himself as Ruler of All.
I hope and pray that this Christmas Eve you are in worship somewhere. I hope and pray that there you will feel the living presence of the One who came as a helpless infant, and comes today to those who will receive Him, and who promises to come again in power and glory.
I hope that you can think back and say, ``Yes, I have helped reveal His saving love to someone this Christmas season.'' Then I know that others will see in your face the transforming love of Christ, as you sing of His birth so long ago, in the darkness of a Bethlehem night. MEMO: ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Today's Christmas devotional was written by The Rev. Dr. Bruce
Havens, pastor of Suffolk Christian Church, 216 N. Main St.
Suffolk Christian and other churches have a full schedule of holiday
programs that are open to the community. Check Religion Briefs (at
right) and the Holiday Events listings (on Sunday) for details. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. Bruce Havens reads a devotional to his family: son Allen,
sitting on his lap; wife, Tammy; and daughter, Caroline.
by CNB