Tuesday December 12, 2023

Today is Tuesday, December 12 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.

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

Pause and Pray

There were multiple angelic messages in the story of Christ’s birth. The angel Gabriel appeared directly to Mary and Zechariah and offered prophecy and promise. A different angel appeared to Joseph in his dreams. Three times an angel sent a message to Joseph by way of a dream. The first occurrence was in today’s passage, the pronouncement of Jesus’ birth. Later in Matthew, an angel instructed Joseph to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt and keep them safe from Herod and then Joseph was told to return to Nazareth when the danger had passed. Each time Joseph was instructed to do something. Joseph’s angelic messages involved action and direction.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means God with us). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:22-25

The angel’s message to Joseph was a true pronouncement of the identity of the coming child. The angel told Joseph two names for the Son Mary will bear. First he specified the baby’s name would be Jesus (Matthew 1:21). The name Jesus derives from Joshua and means “he saves.” The name is a clear indication that this Holy Child came to earth to be a Savior. The angel continued and specified the baby’s name would be Emmanuel (Matthew 1:22). The name Emmanuel means “God with us.” This Holy Child is God come to earth to put on flesh and dwell among us. A clear indication that God has not abandoned the world, but God is with humanity through Jesus Christ.

Ask: How have I known Jesus as Savior (he saves me)? How have I known Jesus as Emmanuel (God with me)?
Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world and into my heart. You came to save me from my sin and restore me into a right relationship with God. You came to be Emmanuel, with the world and with me. Thank you for dwelling in my heart and always going with me through the ups and downs of life from beginning to end. Thank you that I can fully rely on you to lead and guide me all the courses of my days. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means God with us). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:22-25

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

As I begin another day, I consider what the Lord might be revealing to me through these words of familiar scripture. I want to hear God’s direction for my life, as Joseph heard God’s instructions through the voice of an angel. How might God want to inform my current circumstances or answer a prayer? Perhaps there is something I need that God wants to supply, even if I am not aware I lack this particular thing. As the angel guided Joseph to do what is right, God also wants to guide me. How can I best listen for God’s voice? How can I respond as Joseph did, by doing?

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit and speak to my soul. Instruct me in the way I should go and permit me to not step outside of the direction you have for me. I trust you with all things and endeavor to obey your guidance – in the big things and little things. Give me a greater awareness of your presence throughout my upcoming day and lead my steps. Amen.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

I leave this time of prayer to follow Jesus Christ. I go to share the love and joy of the Christmas season.

Amen