Reflect on the mystery, claim the hope, and celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promise
It’s Christmas, and we’re inviting you to spend a couple minutes reflecting on the miracle of Jesus’ birth with us. This summer, Family Camp and Day Camp studied the Prophets, learning how God spoke to His people and revealed His heart for them. So today, we’re returning to the Prophets as we journey through Christmas hymns and scriptures together.
With each section, you’ll find links to hymns so you can listen along. Use this as a personal devotion or gather your family to reflect and worship together.
Reflect on the Mystery
First, let’s hear about the incarnation from the prophet Micah. This verse comes from Micah chapter 5 … just one chapter before a verse we studied this summer (Micah 6:8).
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
Micah’s words point to Christ’s authority and foretell where He would be born. (This verse is even quoted in Matthew chapter 2!) There’s a lot more to unpack in the coming verses from Isaiah, but for now, take a moment to reflect on the beginning of this journey. God had a plan all along to enter this broken world as a human. The way He carried out this perfect plan is profoundly beautiful.
As you reflect, listen to “What Child Is This” with us and let its familiar lines seep in. Below are a few stanzas of the hymn:
1 What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
3 So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him. [Chorus]
Claim the Hope
Here’s what the prophet Isaiah foretold about Jesus’ coming:
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
These words brought hope to God’s people for generations. They were reminders that God had a plan to rescue and redeem His people. We now read Isaiah’s words knowing they’ve been fulfilled through Jesus. From the beginning, God knew exactly how He would draw near to us.
“Immanuel” means God with us. Before Christ’s birth, God’s presence dwelled in the temple. But through Jesus, God stepped into our messy world. His love was incarnate, with Jesus’ arrival a reminder that our God keeps His promises and restores His people.
As you reflect on and claim that hope, listen along to “O Come, O Come Immanuel”. We included a few stanzas below — pay attention to the last two. They’re not as well-known but very relevant to us today.
1 O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
Celebrate the Fulfillment
Finally, let’s reflect on and celebrate these passages from the New Testament:
Matthew 1:21-23
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Here we see the promises of the Prophets come to life. Jesus is born. The good news is for everyone. God Himself has come to dwell among us. In Jesus’ birth, God’s long-awaited plan of salvation is set into motion. Immanuel, God with us.
Let’s listen to “O Holy Night” as we celebrate a God who never stops pursuing His people and always fulfills His promises. Below is a portion of the hymn:
1 O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!
3 Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
and in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord!
O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
Merry Christmas!
We hope these scriptures and hymns give you a moment to breathe this season and reflect on the truth of God’s loving plan. As you continue through this season, lean on His promises. He is Immanuel, God with us.
We at Glorieta wish you and your family a big Merry Christmas!
For more information on each of the hymns quoted, please visit Hymnary.org.
