Reading 100 • December 22
Today's Scripture
Daniel 7:9–14
As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
and an Ancient One took his throne,
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
and its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed. (NRSV)
Reflection
With Christmas but days away we are gearing up to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Like many of you, I’m sure, I look forward to the majesty of the music, with all its beauty, speaking to the incredible event of Jesus’ birth. As I read the passage for today’s devotion, I immediately thought of the hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”:
You are the King of Israel and David’s royal Son.
Now in the Lord’s name coming, the King and Blessed One.
Yet as I prepare to receive God’s amazing gift, amidst all the celebration, I also try to remember the circumstances of Jesus’ birth to Mary and Joseph in a stable.
I work to hold this image in my heart. And remember the miracle of the long-awaited Messiah ultimately came as just a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Incredible power and authority delivered in such innocence. This is what’s so amazing to me about the coming of Jesus. And what I will be celebrating this Christmas morn.
Prayer
Dear Creator God, amidst the hustle and bustle of this special season, help me to still the noise and to pause and embrace the beautiful miracle of Jesus and his humble beginnings in a stable. In his name we offer this prayer. Amen.
Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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