Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 25, 2022
Read Luke 2:8-14
8 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. 9 The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. 11 Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, 14 “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
Good Morning, Christ is with us! Merry Christmas!
For many, today is the culmination of many days or weeks of intense activity. Most of us try to fit the season of Advent into our busy schedules. After all, we still have to work or carry on our normal routines, and we add the shopping, decorating, and even taking time to prepare our hearts for Advent to our daily lives.
I read an interesting reflection regarding the shepherds who were approached by the angels. I have never been a shepherd, nor even one with large groups of livestock for whom to care. Some of you have that experience, but I don’t. What I have learned over the years, is that farmers with animals never get a day off. There is always something to do.
Even as non-shepherds, we know that caring for a flock of sheep is busy and sometimes dangerous work. That night when the angels appeared, the shepherds were at work. They stopped and paid attention to this unexpected announcement by the angels. Then, they did the unimaginable. They set aside their daily duties and followed the star to Bethlehem as they were called to do.
How about us? Are we too busy with our daily lives to give up some time to approach the manger? Each year, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child, we face this challenge. How can we set aside something in exchange for spending time with Jesus? Because of our human frailty, God gives us an opportunity every year to try to do better. We are God’s children and we want to be held by the one who loves us.
This is a day of celebration. It is okay to give yourself time to sit and marvel at the baby who has come to save us. I know for a fact that the dishes in the sink will wait for you. What more fitting way to grab our attention than to send a baby for whom we must make time in our busy lives? Take time! Jesus is calling you!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. As we gather with our families at the manger, help us choose to be fully present in the moment. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Christmas is a time to celebrate the good news of Christ Jesus.
Share in the great joy! Pastor Liz