Sunday, December 2
John 1:1-4 (NIV)
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.
John 1:1-4 (NIV)
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.
Did you ever have mom or dad hunt for monsters under the bed or in the closet? It was important for them to come into the room and “scare” the monsters away or to make sure they were not present. Jesus was the same. Yes, Jesus came into our room to make sure we had lives safe from harm. God created us and then came into our room to be human like us and to scare away all of the monsters.
Mom and dad were not merely monster hunters, though. They also cured the problem of darkness. Our bedrooms were too dark, weren’t they? Mom and Dad, therefore, gave us night lights. What a relief! The light brightened the room, and we were instantly comforted.
Jesus was just like that night light. He came into the darkness and gave us light in a dark world. His light is better though, it never runs out of batteries! Nothing can be moved in front of it to shadow the room, no, His light cannot be turned off.
During Advent, we celebrate Jesus’ monster hunting and night light shining. What a gift!
Pray: Thank you Jesus, for coming into our room and making us safe. Amen.
Monday, December 25
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:15- 20 (KJV)
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
There might have been plenty of treasures under your tree this year. From clothing to technological gadgets to handmade treasures made by little hands. For many, treasures abound on Christmas day.
I invite you to focus on one particular verse in todays’ reading.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Her treasures came in still moments after shepherds came to adore the Christ-child. As she held her son, she quietly stored all of the last few days in her heart.
She treasured the child as she stroked his soft head, counted little fingers and toes, and help him warm in her arms. No doubt Mary also treasured the days ahead, the days that this child, Savior of all, would bring to us.
I pray your most beloved treasure is that of the christ-child born today.
Pray: Quiet my heart, Lord. Help me to store all of your love in my heart,
and recognize that you are the true treasure. Amen
Sunday, December 24
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
What else is there to say but:
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”
“Gloria in excelsis Deo!”
“Noel, born is the king of Israel!”
“O come let us adore Him!”
“Hark the Herald Angels sing Chris is born in Bethlehem!”
Then, in stillness, we say,
“Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace"
Pray: Lord, I sing to you in awe and wonder.
Remind me that my Christmas worship is for you and you alone. Amen