Friday December 22, 2023

Today is Friday, December 22 and we are studying about the love of God born in Jesus.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As the Christmas celebration approaches, I prepare my heart to receive God’s great love realized in the birth of Jesus.

Pause and Pray

God, you loved the world so much you gave us your only Son. In this time of prayer and reflection, remind me of the greatest gift ever given – the birth of Jesus the Messiah for the salvation of the world. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s great love and praise him with the words of Psalm 98.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. Psalm 98:1-2

Pause and Pray

A brilliant star led the three wisemen to find the baby. They followed the star until it stopped over the manger where Mary and Joseph were staying. When they found Jesus they were overwhelmed with joy. That is the reaction when I find Jesus too. Overwhelming joy. The experience of joy is the main indicator of the Christmas season. It is a season of joy. When the Magi saw Jesus they dropped what they were doing and worshiped him. I kneel down alongside them after a long journey to pay him homage. I acknowledge that he is King of my heart and Lord of my life.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:9-12

The three Magi opened their treasure chests and gave the Baby Jesus precious gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh. God gave us the greatest gift of all by freely offering his only Son Jesus to us. In return for that generous love I give back to God and I give to others. That is why Christians celebrate Christmas with the giving of gifts. It is the season of giving. After they worshiped Jesus, the Magi left for their own country by another road. After they met Jesus, they were not the same. They went a different path and were changed by their journey. When I meet Jesus, I am not the same, I am changed and the path forward is new and different.

Ask: How will I live differently after finding Christ this Christmas? What changes does God want for me in this upcoming new year?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, I worship you with a pure heart this holiday season. I am overwhelmed with the spirit of joy. I journey alongside the three wisemen and see you with your mother in the manger. I bow down and worship you. I look to see what I have to offer. What gift can I give? I have no treasure, no gold or valuable spices. I offer you myself. I give you my heart. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:9-12

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the gifts the three Magi gave to the Christ Child. I peer into my own treasure chest. What do I have to give? I have time, money, and resources. I have talent, skills, and knowledge. I have love, care and words of encouragement. When I love others, I give a gift to Jesus. When I serve my family, I give a gift to Jesus. When I care for the poor, I give a gift to Jesus. When I generously share my resources, I give a gift to Jesus. When I put others first, before myself, I give a gift to Jesus.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come and make your home in the cradle of my heart. Forgive me when I put other things before you and create idols out of the things of this world. Enter in this Christmas season and fill me the joy of your presence. Send me out to love others and give generously to them in your name. I give you my heart. Amen.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I leave this time of prayer filled with the love and joy of Christmas. I go to generously spread the love and joy of Christ with everyone I meet.

Amen