Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 4, 2022
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
1 Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later he glorified the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. 3 You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. 4 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. 5 Because every boot of the thundering warriors and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. 6 A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. 7 There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of heavenly forces will do this.
Good Morning, For unto us a child is born!
This past Friday I had the privilege of portraying Anna, a prophet of God named in the Book of Luke, at the local living Nativity event. Anna, who spent her days in the Temple alongside Simeon, was a lifelong servant of God. She and Simeon saw and heard many things. In the Jewish tradition, parents would bring their young children to the temple to receive their blessing from God. Simeon and Anna presented many children and performed the blessing ritual countless times.
When Mary and Joseph entered the temple, neither Simeon nor Anna, could have known that the world was about to be changed forever. On this particular day, when they present this child, Jesus, God was revealed to them as human in the form of a child. At this moment the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled: For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And His shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6. Upon their blessing, Anna went out proclaiming the Good News to everyone she met. Hallelujah! The Messiah is Here! Emmanuel: God is with Us! The news is for all who are ready to hear it. May you be blessed on this 2nd Sunday of Advent as you share the birth of Christ!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You Alone are Worthy of our praise. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: This Christmas I will seek unity with the people around me.
Get Excited about the Good News! Pastor Liz
Commentaires