Friday December 15, 2023

Today is Friday, December 15 and we are reading about the joy of Christ’s Birth.

As I enter this time of prayer, I still my mind, slow my breath and draw my heart near to God. As Christmas approaches, I prepare my soul and joyfully await the coming of the Messiah.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I come here to listen for your voice speaking to me from the sacred words of the Holy Bible. Remind me of the truth of the Incarnation of Jesus and the joy his birth brings to the world. Amen.

I praise God and rejoice in his goodness with the words of Psalm 96.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Psalm 96:1-4a

Pause and Pray

God chose the first witnesses of the birth of his Son to be the working poor. The poorest of the poor – shepherds. In ancient times, shepherds were those who were unemployable. Shepherds were outcasts, they lived outdoors in the cold, were ostracized, incapable of doing other work in society, and were often mentally or physically impaired. They endured the conditions of weather, loneliness, meager pay, sleepless nights and the dangers of wolves and thieves. Yet, God chose them to be the very first to find Jesus.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

The angel’s proclamation is unprecedented because it promises joy for all the people. Not just some, a chosen few, the elite, the holy, the worthy, but all. The gift is not just for the hearers or the readers, but for all the people. The gift is not just for the smart, well-spoken, rich or successful, but for all people in all times and all places. This Savior is for everyone. The Son of God is the greatest gift ever given for all the world. The angel says this baby has been born “to you.” That is the heart of the good news – the baby is born “to me.” The angel invites the shepherds to go and find the baby. I am invited to find Jesus too.

Ask: Where am I looking for the Christ Child this Christmas? Where might I expect to find Jesus?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, the angel appeared unexpectedly to the poor shepherds in the mundane routine of their nightly existence watching over the sheep. Come to me in the midst of my upcoming day and surprise me with your glory. Reveal your presence where I least expect to find you. Bring your good news and shine your great joy in overlooked corners of a dark and lonely world. Today, I look to find you in every moment of my day. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

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 am invited this Christmas to find Jesus. I consider what it might mean for my life to truly find Jesus. What would it mean to receive the gift that is given for me? Jesus is all I need to find, for he is everything. That is the heart of Christmas. As I peel back all of the planning, the wrapping, the tree trimming, the special recipes, and decorations of the holiday season, I don’t want to miss Jesus. I want to get to the heart of it all, to what really matters and find Christ this Christmas.

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are the reason for the season. I don’t want to forget that and realize I am unable to find you in the hustle and bustle of planning and preparation. Remind me to stop in my busyness and peer into the manger to seek you. I seek you, Lord, help me find you in Christmas. Amen.

If from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

I leave this time of prayer to find the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I go to live a life of humble service, loving others as he first loved me.

Amen