Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.

Devotion based on Psalm 66:5-7

Movies like It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, Home Alone, and even Die Hard suggest that nothing goes together with Christmas like miracles and wonder.

Think of how many Christmas movies involve miracles: unexpected twists, people reunited, hearts softened, and wishes granted. These stories are meant to inspire and uplift. Yet even the most moving Christmas films miss the wonder of the real miracle of Christmas.

This Advent season, the psalmist invites us to “Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” Christmas celebrates God stepping down into our broken world to live among us. He didn’t come to visit; he came to bring salvation.

Just as Christ delivered Israel by the parting of the Red Sea, Christ came on Christmas to deliver humanity by making a way where there was none. His sinless life and sacrificial death opened the way for us to reconciliation and life with God. Jesus is the way that leads from death to life for all who follow him in faith.

While Christmas movies may warm our hearts, their joy is fleeting, and their miracles soon fade. But God’s Christmas miracle has no end. Christ’s work fills our lives, giving us hope beyond this life, and peace beyond understanding.

Step back from the busyness and wonder anew. “Come and see” with fresh eyes and kneel before the real miracle— “an infant who veils his deity.”

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 349, vs 4)