Deep into your heart

Memorial Moment by Rev. Dr Scott Murray.

"The depths of this Christmas story can never be sounded. In a Christmas Eve sermon, Martin Luther bids us to meditate on the Christmas gospel."

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’" For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." (John 1:14-18 ESV)



The depths of this Christmas story can never be sounded. In a Christmas Eve sermon, Martin Luther bids us to meditate on the Christmas gospel.

Martin Luther:

"The gospel is so clear that there is little need of learned interpretation. It is only necessary to ponder it well, to contemplate it, and to take it completely into your heart. None will benefit more from it than those whose hearts hold still and who divest themselves of material considerations and concentrate diligently on it. This lesson is just like the sun: in a placid pond it can be seen clearly and warms the water powerfully, but in a rushing current it cannot be seen as well nor can it warm up the water as much. So if you wish to be illumined and warmed here, to see God's mercy and wondrous deeds, so that your heart is filled with fire and light and becomes reverent and joyous, then go where you may be still and impress the picture deep into your heart. You will find no end of wonderful deeds."

Martin Luther, Christmas Eve Sermon



Prayer:

Dear Lord, in this Christmas season allow me quietly to contemplate the story of the child born for my salvation. Amen.


Memorial Moment
Rev. Dr. Scott Murray
26 December 2014

Photo: Kerstin Lindén (star)