Devotional 12-9-19

Generations to Generations

The readings for this day cover “joy” from the Old Testament and the roles of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and patience in the New Testament.  In Isaiah 3: 1-10 and in Psalm 146: 5-10 we learn that there is joy in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.  We call it Advent. It will be a joyful experience for all. There will be singing, flowers will bloom.  Gladness will be there!  Happy is the man who will have God as his helper.  God will be in every generation!  Joy to the World!

In the book of Luke, Mary praises the Lord.  She feels honored that she is the chosen one.  She says generation after generation shall call her the blest of God. In Matthew 11: 2-11, John the Baptist is in prison so he sends disciples to see Jesus to ask Him if He is the Messiah.  Jesus says that the fact that he has cured the sick and accomplished many miracles should be enough for John to believe. After the disciples leave, Jesus says that John the Baptist is the Messenger in the Scriptures who was sent to proceed Him to prepare the people to receive Him.

In the New Testament James 5: 46-55, James urges patience in waiting for the Lord’s return.  He says sometimes patience is suffering but one should continue to trust in the Lord.  He urges the people to help those who falter; to help them renew their faith in God.  The person who helps bring back the believer has saved that person from the death of his soul. He has brought about forgiveness of his many sins.

So there you have it—the Christmas Story in a few readings from the Old and New Testament.  The Advent, the choice of Mary to be the Mother of the Messiah, the use of John the Baptist to proceed the Messiah, the patience of the return of the Messiah and our responsibilities to help others.  All of these readings say it will be generations through generations as it has been.

So how does it apply to our generation? We are in troubled times in our current history but so it was in that first generation.  We must cling to the joy of the season, anticipate the lessons that God has taught us.  We must have faith that if we do what He asked us to do, the joy can be genuine. James said to help those who falter and pray for others.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Give us the strength to remember your words. Let our generation continue to find joy in anticipation of your birth and joy in sharing the story for generations to come.  Amen

Carol L. Brown