Scripture Readings: Micah 5: 2-5; Psalm 80: 1-7; Luke 1: 39-55; Hebrews 10; 5-10.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 3.
It seems we are always looking for a way out of our troubles and challenges. The psalmist tells us that the Israelites did this also. I ask God frequently for a “fix” for one problem or other. I don’t wait very often or very long for the answer, though. When it doesn’t seem to come quickly, I continue to muddle through my life thinking I’ve just got to “do it myself”. “How’s that working out for you??”, you ask. “Not very well” I reply, followed by a BIG SIGH!!
We have the benefit of generations of God’s people who have tried to “do it themselves” and the evidence that the method of excluding God does not work well. They were constantly failing to follow guidance and instruction and then feeling punished for negative outcomes. When are we going to learn from them that surrender, perseverance, and faithfulness are the ways to an effective walk with God based on the steadfast guidance that comes from the Holy Spirit??
I am greatly amazed that Mary was able to believe the angel Gabriel so quickly. She truly was a light in the darkness. She immediately goes to Elizabeth to share her news and is rewarded with acceptance and affirmation. Her faith should be a clue to us as we move forward. She listened to God and was steadfast in her love for God and his son.
In this time of Advent, it should be clear that we have a great deal to think about. The external trappings of preparing for Christmas that we busily engage in are just a way to delight ourselves. love the lights, music and food of Christmas, but are they speaking a language that brings me closer to preparing for Jesus’ birth in my heart??? Am I listening to that call for preparation??
We find it so easy to welcome a baby into our lives whether it is child, grandchild, niece/nephew, or even the child of a neighbor or friend. We cuddle and coo with the baby, willing to accept the work of caring for the child as it grows into independence. The baby smiles and our hearts melt. God definitely knew that we would accept a baby as a special gift. What we now need to do is learn from the man he became; to follow his teachings; to be a servant to others; to acknowledge the sacrifice he made for us.
It seems we are always looking for a way out of our troubles and challenges. The psalmist tells us that the Israelites did this also. I ask God frequently for a “fix” for one problem or other. I don’t wait very often or very long for the answer, though. When it doesn’t seem to come quickly, I continue to muddle through my life thinking I’ve just got to “do it myself”. “How’s that working out for you??”, you ask. “Not very well” I reply, followed by a BIG SIGH!!
We have the benefit of generations of God’s people who have tried to “do it themselves” and the evidence that the method of excluding God does not work well. They were constantly failing to follow guidance and instruction and then feeling punished for negative outcomes. When are we going to learn from them that surrender, perseverance, and faithfulness are the ways to an effective walk with God based on the steadfast guidance that comes from the Holy Spirit??
I am greatly amazed that Mary was able to believe the angel Gabriel so quickly. She truly was a light in the darkness. She immediately goes to Elizabeth to share her news and is rewarded with acceptance and affirmation. Her faith should be a clue to us as we move forward. She listened to God and was steadfast in her love for God and his son.
In this time of Advent, it should be clear that we have a great deal to think about. The external trappings of preparing for Christmas that we busily engage in are just a way to delight ourselves. love the lights, music and food of Christmas, but are they speaking a language that brings me closer to preparing for Jesus’ birth in my heart??? Am I listening to that call for preparation??
We find it so easy to welcome a baby into our lives whether it is child, grandchild, niece/nephew, or even the child of a neighbor or friend. We cuddle and coo with the baby, willing to accept the work of caring for the child as it grows into independence. The baby smiles and our hearts melt. God definitely knew that we would accept a baby as a special gift. What we now need to do is learn from the man he became; to follow his teachings; to be a servant to others; to acknowledge the sacrifice he made for us.
“Come, dearest child, into our hearts, and leave your crib behind you!Let this be where the new life starts for all who seek and find you.To you the honor, thanks, and praise, for all your gifts this time of grace;Come, conquer and deliver this world, and us, forever.”3rd verse of “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light: # 223 UM HymnalWords by Johann Rist 1641
Prayer:
Dear Matchless Marvelous God: Thank you for sending your son as a child so that we might open our hearts to receive your precious gift to us. Help us to learn more of Him so that we might become better servants for the world we live in. Thank you for guidance from the scriptures and for the examples you send. Come into My heart Lord Jesus! AMEN
Chyrl Budd
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