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Daily devotion for today
TOPIC OF OUR DAILY BREAD FOR 16TH DECEMBER 2020 IS “CHRISTMAS AWE.”
Bible in a Year: Amos 4–6, Revelation 7
Memory Verse: Hebrews 1:6
Let all God’s angels worship him.
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 1:1–9
In the face of opposition and the temptation to revert back to Judaism, the author of Hebrews writes to Jewish brothers and sisters suffering for their confession of faith in Jesus (10:32–39). Some were tempted to retreat to a temple-centered way of life. The writer, seemingly known to his first readers (13:18–25), warns against the natural inclination to slip back into old ways adhering to rules and regulations rather than living in the spirit and grace of Christ (2:9; 4:14–16).
Intimately acquainted with both Jesus and temple worship, this author reasons that all lesser forms of ritual and revelation point beyond themselves to the greater glory of the Son—and ultimate Word of God (1:1–3)—who tasted death for everyone (2:9, 15).
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ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
I was in London one night for a meeting. It was pouring rain, and I was late. I rushed through the streets, turned a corner, and then stopped still. Dozens of angels hovered above Regent Street, their giant shimmering wings stretching across the traffic. Made of thousands of pulsing lights, it was the most amazing Christmas display I’d seen. I wasn’t the only one captivated. Hundreds lined the street, gazing up in awe.
Awe is central to the Christmas story. When the angel appeared to Mary explaining she would miraculously conceive (Luke 1:26–38), and to the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth (2:8–20), each reacted with fear, wonder—and awe. Looking around at that Regent Street crowd, I wondered if we were experiencing in part what those first angelic encounters felt like.
A moment later, I noticed something else. Some of the angels had their arms raised, as if they too were gazing up at something. Like the angelic choir that burst into song at the mention of Jesus (vv. 13–14), it seems angels too can be caught up in awe—as they gaze on Him.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3). Bright and luminous, Jesus is the focus of every angel’s gaze (v. 6). If an angel-themed Christmas display can stop busy Londoners in their tracks, just imagine the moment when we see Him face-to-face.
Reflect & Pray
When was the last time you felt a sense of awe? How can you rekindle a sense of awe over Jesus this Christmastime?
Father, I worship You. Thank You for the gift of Your awesome Son.
Our Daily Bread 16 December 2020 Devotional written by Sheridan Voysey published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Read more
