Read: Ephesians 6:10-12
Reflect: When we consider the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ we envision a very quiet moment when a betrothed virgin gives birth to a little boy in a stable, unable to find room in a hotel. I wonder what His first cry sounded like. But not far away we also envision some unsuspecting shepherds momentarily terrified by the appearance of a heavenly host proclaiming, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” I would love to hear a replay of that chorus of praise from those heavenly beings. What a glorious moment! What an event to be remembered and celebrated every year at this time!
But I also imagine some sounds and commotion going on in another camp, that of Satan. Even though Satan has his minions stationed far and wide, seeking to usurp the throne of God, flexing his might time and again to get at God by attacking His people, from the very first temptation in the Garden of Eden until now…he can’t stay on top of all of our Lord’s plans. Just as the Lord can cause people to become blind suddenly or to hear sounds that really don’t exist, I believe that the Lord hides some of His activities from Satan until the right moment.
So I can imagine the cackling screams of demons and the rage of Satan filling his lair when he learns of our Savior’s incarnation. He failed again! But he would soon renew his efforts to snuff out God’s Man by working through Herod to have infant males in Bethlehem killed. Too late! Joseph, being warned in a dream, moved his family to Egypt.
Yes, the nativity is a time for grateful and worshipful reflection. How great is our God! But let us also remember how dangerous this place is, and that we are in the midst of a war zone. We wrestle not against flesh and blood! The nativity was God’s “D Day,” invading earth with His man who would deliver us, who would bring in lasting peace.
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Discuss: Has this reflection altered slightly the way you look at Christmas? Can you imagine how it is to raise children in a war zone like Syria? Do you see any evidence of Satan’s work today to defeat you or other believers like yourself? How often do you mentally consider donning the spiritual armor of God?
Pray: Thank You, Lord, for coming to set us free from the clutches of sin and Satan’s tyranny, and for making Bethlehem Your beachhead 2000 years ago.
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