Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 24, 2023
Luke 2:15-20
15 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” 16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. 20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.
Good Morning. He is Born, the Holy Child.
The day has finally come! We’ve spent the last four weeks preparing for the arrival. Now that he has arrived, are we ready? What did we forget to do? The birth of a baby changes the lives of those new parents. Whether it is their first baby or one of many, each one is unique and brings new joys and new challenges.
In the best of situations, new mothers are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. When I consider Mary, I see obstacles that no new mother should have to overcome. First, making the long journey to Bethlehem, and on a donkey no less. Then there is arriving in town expecting to lie down and rest and being told there are no rooms available. Next, to deliver your baby in a less-than-pristine place. Finally, visitors, the shepherds, arrive and share their miraculous encounter with the angels. TOO MUCH!
Mary, who willingly accepted her role as mother and servant, seems to take it all in stride. I smile when considering her listening and committing the shepherds' words to memory. Truly, the grace of God was with her. God invites us to become part of this story of love and redemption. In return, we are commanded to go forth and bring others to join us.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We, your children, thank you for inviting us to this great love story. Thank you for sending your Son to save us from ourselves. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today, I will watch for God’s invitations to bring love into the world.
The time is now! Pastor Liz
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