Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 10, 2023
Luke 2:1-7
1 In those days, Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. 2 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. 5 He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the guestroom.
Good Morning; Rejoice in the Lord Always!
It seems too early to read a passage about the birth of Jesus. We are bombarded with most holidays way too early for us to handle. Our stores have a way of pushing each season and/or holiday on us earlier each year. Halloween and Fall decorations and seasonal items have been in our stores for a few weeks. It is hard for me to see a nice fall sweater and think, “I would like to buy that,” when it is 90 degrees and humid outside. The other side of that problem is if you want to purchase something for our current season, it is likely already sold or put away until next year. If you want to buy a window air conditioner, it is best to shop in May before the heat has arrived.
So this morning, we have the birth of Jesus to consider. Now we have our Christmas in July sales, but not even the bravest shop owner is displaying Christmas things quite yet. Here is the difference with Jesus. Jesus is not a Christmas-only event. Yes, many of us love retelling the story of his birth each year, but when the season is over, we gently pack away our Nativity scenes. There goes Jesus, wrapped and swaddled, back in the packing box until next year.
We need to not put Jesus back in the box. We must hold Jesus in our hearts every day. I know some who keep a single Christmas decoration out year round so that they are reminded to keep Jesus out all year long. As we celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth again today, we are called to share this blessing with others. Jesus is more than a decoration that is placed for others to see on certain holidays! Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We are to be the face of Jesus for the world. Let your light shine for all to see!
Loving God, We thank you! Forgive us for packing away Jesus with the Christmas decorations. Help us to allow the light of Christ to shine through us every day. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How can I share the miracle of Christmas with others today?
Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Pastor Liz
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