Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
December 12, 2021
Read Matthew 1:18-23
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. 20 As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, And they will call him, Emmanuel. (Emmanuel means “God with us.”)
Good Morning! Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called, Emmanuel.
God with Us! During this blessed season, we prepare ourselves for the birth of the Christ child. Some might say, I’ve done that, I don’t need to do it again. I believe that each year as we make our trip around the sun, it is important to remember, celebrate, and discover new things that tell us to whom we belong. God, our Creator, is the one to whom we give thanks.
As we grow and mature in our faith, our minds are ever-expanding. As we become ready for a deeper understanding, God, through the Holy Spirit working within us, opens our hearts, minds, and souls for glimpses of our future glory. Each time I read a passage of scripture, I stop and focus on what God is saying to me at this moment.
Today, I am taking time to consider the prophecies that were/are handed down from generation to generation. Words and ideas to prepare our minds to receive the Good News. Just like soil that must be prepared prior to the planting, our hearts and minds must be prepared. Otherwise, the message would be like seeds scattered on the rocks which render them unable to fulfill their purpose.
The prophets tilled the soil as the mouthpieces of God. Over the years, the soil was turned and fertilized waiting for the time for the planting. When the time had come, John the Baptist began to plant the seeds as he called to all: Prepare the way for the Lord is near. As a final step in preparation, John called the people to repent and be baptized, so that when Jesus began his earthly ministry we would know to whom we belonged. Jesus said, “Many will be called, but only those who are truly listening will hear.”
For this new season of Advent, open your hearts, minds, and souls so that you may be among those who hear the clear call ringing in the night. Emmanuel, God With Us! Many say, “Where is Your God?” Are you ready to proclaim, “God is with us, repent and be saved.”?
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. May we embrace your love and mercy as we prepare the way for Jesus. Our world is in need! Help us share the call so that all might be saved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When we are most in need, God is closer than ever.
Emmanuel! Praise God! Pastor Liz
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