Thursday December 14, 2023

Today is Thursday, December 14 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 seek his eternal truth in the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7

Pause and Pray

The good news of Jesus Christ does not need embellishment or ornamentation. The greatest gift ever given to the world came in the most humble, simple, quiet and unadorned manner imaginable. Joseph and Mary were young and poor, not rich and wealthy. They traveled to the little town of Bethlehem, not the big cities of Jerusalem or Rome. There was no opportunity to prepare a nursery or layette for the newborn. Bethlehem was crowded during the census and every residence indicated there was “no vacancy.” Mary gave birth in a stable, not a palace. The Messiah was laid in a feeding trough, not a cradle. He was bound in strips of cloth, not swaddled in luxury. The Savior of the world slept on a bed of straw, not velvet.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:5-7

God’s Son was born into humanity in the simplest of ways. It was the poorest of births, the humblest world entrance imaginable. There was no comfort, luxury, money, riches or earthly power. God chose to come in the meanest of places. How does my heart compare to the empty manger? Christ does not seek to be born in the best of hearts, the purest or most luxurious of souls. Christ does not wait until I somehow improve myself or my life with my own accomplishments. Jesus seeks the heart that is humble, lowly and poor in spirit. Christ seeks the heart that is open, that has room for him.

Ask: What is the state of my heart today? Have I made room to receive Christ?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, there was no room for you in Bethlehem, no one was there to welcome you, and the place was not properly prepared to receive you and yet you came. Look at the sorry state of my soul and know that my heart is open to you. Come and enter in this Christmas season. I long for and celebrate the gift of your sweet presence. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:5-7

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

God is speaking to me this morning about the state of my heart. Perhaps I am trying to clean things up and make myself presentable before I invite Christ in. Maybe I am trying to live life on my own, relying on my willpower and self reliance instead of relying on God’s power and grace. Perhaps I am living a life of shame and regret that prevents me from inviting Jesus in. God needs a heart that is open, humble and willing to accept him. I am not worthy of the greatest gift of Jesus Christ. My heart is not suitable to receive such glory and majesty. I am lacking in so many things and fall short in so many ways, yet Jesus chooses to come. Come and dwell in me.

Pause and Pray

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, I am far from being good enough, kind enough, pure enough, or holy enough. But, Lord, I am open, I am needy, and I am longing to receive you. Come and be born in me this Christmas. Come into my heart, transform my soul and make me new. Amen.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)

I leave this time of prayer with a heart open to receive Christ, I go to share his overwhelming joy with everyone I meet.

Amen