Morning Devotional 121725 Embrace Your Story

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 17, 2025 

John 14:1-7

1 “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? 3 When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. 4 You know the way to the place I’m going.” 5 Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Good Morning! Bless the Lord!

Advent and Christmas are seasons built on memories. Memories need space to resonate. When we rush from one task or event to another, we tend to focus on getting to the next thing instead of enjoying the moment. How many times have we thought, “Let me get this done, and then I can . . .?”

I love decorating for this season, but I’m not in a hurry to finish it because each part holds precious memories to re-experience and savor. As I unwrap ornaments, I remember fondly receiving them from a former student, or church or family member. Some ornaments represent trips or special places we shared as a family. 

I have my first Christmas decoration, an olive-wood nativity, that I purchased at a church bazaar when I was a teenager. I fondly remember my granny, when I unwrap the ceramic Santa’s boot that always sat on her fireplace hearth. 

Of course, when we allow ourselves to spend time in our memories, we also remember those who are celebrating Christmas with Jesus, and this makes us happy and sad. As my tears well in my eyes, I smile and spend time in God’s liminal space, transcending time and space. 

God chooses us to be participants in the Greatest Love Story ever told. Every love story has highs and lows, but love always prevails. God invites us to embrace our stories as we live into Jesus’ story. 

Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us to slow down and make space in our busy lives for the birth of the Christ Child. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Emmanuel: God With Us!

Love came down at Christmas! Pastor Liz