2024 Advent Devotion: Day 20

Friday, December 20

Isaiah 42:10-18; Hebrews 10:32-39

Christmas is a special season that encourages Christians passionately to share their faith, celebrating the announcement and birth of the Messiah. Viewed through a cultural lens, Christmas serves as a meaningful occasion to pause and reflect on the incredible

goodness of God in sending His Son, Jesus.

In my homeland, music has consistently played a pivotal role both before and after the Christmas festivities. From November through the early days of January, homes resonate with a delightful mix of new and classic songs. The most beloved songs evoke a range of emotions, from joy to sadness, and they enhance the significance of celebrations. For me, being away from my family during Christmas evokes a mix of joyful moments and deep nostalgia. One observation we make after the holiday season is that many individuals tend to overlook the joy of the celebration and gradually slip back into their daily routines. Often individuals get caught up in other trending celebrations, leading them to overlook the true essence of Christmas. This creates a superficial symbolism that overshadows the opportunity for a meaningful daily experience.

The text of Hebrews 10:10-18 is a powerful passage that invites us to reflect on our daily living. It emphasizes the importance of Christ’s sacrifice made once and for all. But it also reminds us that the essence of our experience is Christ. For the Hebrews, the rituals and sacrifices performed in the temple were crucial not only for their religious significance but also as a means of preserving their unique identity in the face of an oppressive political system. In this context, the author emphasizes the significance and unparalleled nature of Jesus’ sacrifice, highlighting that remaining faithful to Him is essential for truly being the people of God in the new era that

the Messiah has established through a fresh covenant with humanity.

Biblical principles in our hearts and minds should guide us daily, especially at Christmas, to remember our unique Christian identity in society. This daily experience empowers us openly to share the new song of the promises surrounding the birth of the Messiah and the covenant the Lord has established with His people. Thus, like the words of the prophet Isaiah:

Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth,

you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants . . . Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands (Isaiah 42:10, 12 (ESV). Let us not allow the popular symbolism of Christmas to distract us from the essential symbolism in Christ. Let us maintain our identity, faith, and the meaning of this special time. As we come together in celebration, it is essential to embrace the core of the Christmas message, urging us to embody love, hope, and redemption. By doing this, we not only celebrate the birth of Christ but also acknowledge the profound transformative power it brings to our lives and the world at large.

Santiago Reales
Director, Red Latina CBFNC