Morning Devotional 121625 Carol of the Bells

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 16, 2025 

Genesis 1:27-31

27 God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and master it. Take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, and everything crawling on the ground.” 29 Then God said, “I now give to you all the plants on the earth that yield seeds and all the trees whose fruit produces its seeds within it. These will be your food. 30 To all wildlife, to all the birds in the sky, and to everything crawling on the ground—to everything that breathes—I give all the green grasses for food.” And that’s what happened. 31 God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good. There was evening, and there was morning: the sixth day.

Good Morning! What a mighty God we serve!

This Advent, I decided to intentionally focus on things that bring me joy. Now this might sound funny to those who know me because joy is what centers me in all things. Even so, I sometimes allow myself to get caught up in the business of celebrating Advent with the things I have to do and all the things I want to do! 

One of my greatest joys is music! I love to actively participate in music, but I also love listening to and enjoying the music others provide. This season, I chose to carve out time to attend concerts locally and at my grandchildren’s schools. My heart is filled with the joyous sounds evoked by the beautiful music the others shared. 

The late-night driving is a small inconvenience compared with the opportunity to allow my heart and soul to rejoice in the sounds of the season. 

And that’s what happened. I heard everything God had made: It was supremely good. There was evening, and there was morning: the final week of Advent.

Lord, you bless us abundantly! It is so easy to get lost in the chaos of this busy season. Help us to slow down and engage in the wonder that surrounds us. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Pause and notice God’s blessings surrounding you.

Hark: how the bells all seem to say, “Christmas is here. Bringing good cheer!” Pastor Liz