5 Christmas Eve Devotions

By Eleanor Lamsma

December 1, 2017

When I was a child, I recited a poem at a Sunday School Christmas program with the title, “Ready for Christmas?” I still remember the turquoise dress I wore with white polka dots all over it. I also remember being very nervous—I was the only one on stage at the time.

I still remember a few of the words from that poem I learned so long ago. But what I remember most clearly is the poem’s message. The poem opened with  an exhausted mother as she finished wrapping the last gift. She sat down to rest, and soon fell asleep. As she slept, she had a dream that pointed out the fact that the true meaning of Christmas is not the beautifully decorated tree with presents piled high. It’s the fact that a baby was born in a stable in Bethlehem to redeem the world. That baby was Jesus, and we are called to show his love to those around us.

It can be hard to focus on the true meaning of Christmas when there are so many external trappings. And when families are gathered around the tree on Christmas Eve, the excitement revolves around the pile of presents just waiting to be unwrapped.

But maybe we could take just a few minutes to reflect—in the midst of all the hustle—on what Christmas is really all about. Maybe we could sing a Christmas carol or two. Maybe someone could read the Christmas story from Luke 2.

And, if the little ones will wait just a few minutes longer, here are a few devotional readings that we at Today would like to share with you. Maybe you can take the time to read one of them, and offer a prayer of thanks for that baby who was born to save us all.

However you prepare for Christmas this year, may you truly be “Ready for Christmas!”

Explore more Christmas Devotions.

About the author — Eleanor Lamsma

Eleanor served as part of the content team for the Today printed devotional for many years, later joining the online team as well. She also served in other roles with ReFrame Media and Back to God Ministries International. Music plays an important part in Eleanor’s life, and she enjoys singing and playing the organ and piano at her church. She loves to travel—especially to visit her three children and five grandchildren scattered around the United States.

Christmas time is busy. Slow down this Advent with a special devotional series.

Subscribe to Today and the "Waiting In Expectation" Advent Series.