Wednesday, December 20
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God stepped down from his place in heaven to become a man. He was God wrapped in a human body. I wonder if it felt strange. I wonder what he thought as he experienced humanity from our perspective. What was it like to have a headache? How did it feel to be tired after walking all day? What about being hungry, did it feel strange to have his tummy growl? Any way you look at it, God in a human body was strange yet miraculous. It was a pure act of sacrifice, and ultimately paved a way for our salvation.
Jesus did that for us, how have we responded? I read a quote the other day. It said, “Christian living has become human-powered, not God-centered.” Is this true? Do we live as Christians because somewhere deep inside we know it gives us a superior nature to the lowly non-believers? Do we think, I know what God has done, I believe in God, those who do not are lost, and I am found.
Christ humbled himself for our own good. Maybe we can humble ourselves and bring good news to those who are lost. Maybe. Just maybe.
Pray: You are humble. You WERE humble. Help me to follow your example. Amen
Tuesday, December 19
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
A candle eventually burns until there is no more wax or wick. A log in the fireplace eventually turns in to embers. Some nights the stars are covered by clouds, and the sun may be dulled by the same. Light bulbs burn out. Electricity in our homes may be cut off by storm, snow, or a lack of ability to pay the bill.
Earthly light grows dim. Every light we see can be obstructed, or will eventually be snuffed out. But Jesus’ light never ends.
When the sun sets at 4:45pm - Jesus’ light still shines.
When ice snaps our electric cables - Jesus’ light still shines.
When clouds overtake the sky - Jesus’ light still shines.
When candles slowly burn away - Jesus’ light still shines.
Jesus’ light shines, and the darkness in our world cannot overcome that light! This is good news indeed. Praise God, the God of light!
Pray: Thank you for shining brightly. help me to do the same for you. Amen
Monday, December 18
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
I do not have beautiful feet! Scarred from years of dancing in pointe shoes and scuffed from daily walking barefoot around the house have left my feet anything but beautiful.
But today’s scripture says that beautiful feet bring good news, proclaim peace, bring good tidings, and declare salvation.
Wherever you go this Advent season, wherever you find yourself each day, bring good tidings of peace and the good news of salvation.
A smile and a calming, “Merry Christmas,” or an offer to lend a hand to a frazzled person may be just the good tidings and peace offered in the name of our Savior.
Whether it’s a smile, a long conversation about the true meaning of Christmas, or an act of kindness, we are witnessing to the grace of God.
God brings peace, joy, good times, and good news.
Let’s pass it on!
Pray: Lord, make me worthy of beautiful feet. Amen