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CHRISTMAS EVE

Finally--it's Christmas Eve.  The moment we've been waitn for all through advent.  The announcement was first made by the prophets of Israel: "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Christmas Eve is the night in which the prophecy of old becomes a reality announced by God's heavenly messengers: "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11).

The nativity of our Lord is an event of God's amazing grace on a universal scale:     "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all..." (Titus 2:11).

Even nature is included in the God's plan of salvation through the Messiah:   "Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth" (Psalm 96:12-13a).  Note that the reference to Psalm 96 incorporates the theme of the Second Coming of Christ into our Christmas celebrations.

We joyfully chime into the celebration of the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of all people near and far.