Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
December 24, 2021
Read Luke 1:16-37
6 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, 27 to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” 29 She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. 31 Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. 33 He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. 36 Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. 37 Nothing is impossible for God.”
Good Morning! Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy!
The day has finally arrived. The baby is almost here. As I sit and reflect on this day, I recall the different places and ways that I have approached Christmas Eve in the past. I remember those times when I felt the day would never come as I anxiously awaited Christmas. I fondly remember my family trips to Florida to visit my Grandparents. I remember receiving my engagement ring, I remember the first Christmas with our 1-month-old son, Gabriel, and each Christmas as our family continued to grow. I remember the Christmas Eve that would be our last with my sweet darling (although we didn’t know that at the time), and now this is my second Christmas after his passing.
Despite the sadness, I believe that we will be reunited in heaven, and I celebrate the birth of the baby that makes that possible with great love and joy. I accept my calling to bring others to the light so that they too might find this blessed assurance that fills my heart and soul. Each Advent and Christmas season I read the stories of prophecy and relive the birth of Jesus with excitement and anticipation.
I know that despite the current difficulties that I might be facing, God is with me always. The birth of a baby is always a time of wonderment filled with possibilities. This Christmas Eve is an opportunity to renew your choice to follow our loving savior and reconnect to the one to whom you belong. In this season of opportunity, choose joy! The joy of a baby in a manger who was sent to save us all and bring eternal life to those who believe.
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. Sometimes we are sad and anxious by our current situations, but through Your grace, love, and mercy we will find the way to joy! Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Amid the uncertainty in the world, I can look to scripture to keep my faith strong.
Wise Men Still Seek Him! Pastor Liz
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