Rejoice
Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Isaiah 12: 2-6; Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 7-18Wednesday, December 08, 2021
Devotional 12-8-21
With the exception of the passage from Luke which is about the ministry of John the Baptist, all of the readings for this week of Advent have to do with God’s salvation and our expected response of joy and rejoicing that follows.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you shall draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12: 2-3
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!!” Philippians 4: 4
These passages are some of the “rocks” to which we cling when we are anxious, alone, or fearful. There are many other favorites which have helped me face some very dark times. I am quite sure that everyone can name multiple burdens that weigh us down and “steal our joy”. The Good News is that we do not experience any of life’s trials alone.
The miracle of Christmas that we prepare and wait for during Advent is the gift of a baby. God sent his only son—not as a full-grown king to rule earthly countries and kingdoms—but as a baby who would come into the world just like us. I have been very blessed to volunteer at Lily’s Place. I don’t mind doing the laundry or sweeping the floor if it means I can also rock a baby or two. Such precious innocence is a gift to hold. Life has just started for these babies, and they have already had a rocky start. As I rock and cuddle them, I pray for their future, their health, that they might know the love of a caring healthy family and that they will eventually know that Jesus has been with them throughout their whole life.
Jesus had a rocky start, but he also knew great love and shared love with all. He experienced life just as we all do, by studying and learning through everyday activities, by having friends, and interacting with all types of people and he became acutely aware of our human fears, griefs, challenges and heartaches. And one of the greatest promises of all wrapped in this marvelous gift, is that He promises that we will never be alone. He is our shepherd, our guardian, our rock, our salvation.
We have all been changed by the pandemic which continues to result in more change and loss. We cannot stop the onslaught of all these changes. But the miracle of Christmas comes to us even if we are not prepared to receive it. It comes even when we can’t feel His presence or respond in any way. Emmanuel (God with Us) is with us even when we ignore him or get caught up in superficial holiday rituals. However, we can always call on the “Hope of the World” to help us reconnect with the power of HIS love, mercy and grace so that we regain our ability to rejoice.
Dear God of our Salvation, we thank you for the miraculous gift of your love. Please continue to be with us throughout our highs and lows. Help us to live as your servant in the world and to rejoice in your love always. AMEN.
Chyrl Budd
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