Monday, December 11

Luke 1:47-55 (NIV)

And Mary said: 
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant. 

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name. 

His mercy extends to those who fear him, 
from generation to generation. 
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; 
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 

He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble. 
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty. 

He has helped his servant Israel, 
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever, 
even as he said to our fathers."

At this time of year, we reflect on memories of Christmases past. If we are blessed, those memories are warm and happy.

Mary’s song is somewhat like remembering happy times. She praises God by naming His great deeds, by remembering the wonders He has done.

Mary also celebrates the things God was doing right then and there. She exclaims, “Thank you, I am so grateful for all you’re doing!”

Regardless of your current circumstances, it’s good to do as Bing Crosby sings and, “Count your blessings.” As we consider today’s blessings and those of Christmases past, let’s thank God for all He does.

Pray: I thank you in both quiet reflection and current blessing-counting. You provide beautiful moments in my life, and I praise you. Amen

Sunday, December 10

Isaiah 35:4-6 (The Message) 

God is here, right here,
on his way to put things right
And redress all wrongs.
He's on his way! He'll save you!
 Blind eyes will be opened,
deaf ears unstopped,
Lame men and women will leap like deer,
the voiceless break into song.
Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness,
streams flow in the desert.
Hot sands will become a cool oasis,
thirsty ground a splashing fountain.

In West Texas, my homeland, the ground is dry. Often the creeks and lakes are well below desired water levels. Lawn grass is usually brown, because we are often in a drought and water is rationed.

The beauty of West Texas comes in the wide horizon. You can see for miles. Sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking, and from miles away, you can see a storm approaching. 

When rain comes, it comes in a deluge, and the cracked earth soon becomes clay.

This is the image that comes to my mind when I read, “Hot sands will become a cool oasis.” Jesus’ arrival is like the cool rain on the parched West Texas earth! With His arrival, new life comes. This is the reason for waiting with joy for Christ to come!

Pray: Lord, I need to be refreshed. I want to be renewed. As I wait for you, help me take joy in knowing your arrival brings relief. Amen

Saturday, December 9

Psalm 36:5-9 (NRSV)

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your judgments are like the great deep; 
you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Our family loves to drive around looking at Christmas lights. We bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and listen to Christmas carols as we meander through neighborhoods admiring the festive decorations. I have many warm memories of those family outings.

What is it about the Christmas lights that usher in such merriment? I wonder if it has to do with our scripture for today. “In your light we see light.”

When life is hassled, sidewalks need shoveling, bills outnumber our income or when we have no paycheck at all, when loved-ones are ill or have recently passed, we find it hard to see light. When we see Christmas lights, we are reminded of Christ. When we see Christ, we see light.

Pray: Christ be our light, shine in our hearts, show us the way. Amen