Tuesday December 8, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

Lord,
We come to you with great anticipation and preparation. Open our minds, open our hearts, open ourselves to what you want us to hear and experience today as we read your word.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:25-32

How full is your life? What is your life full of? There was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph and Jesus. Clutter accumulates quickly in our houses. Schedules fill up. We add and add even when there is no room left to add. When it comes to faith and God’s promises, does that occupy a small compartment in us? Or, have we given the Holy Spirit the whole floor, the entire house? Is it our whole heart we’re surrendering to God or just a small part? Has the true meaning of Advent become a glove compartment in our life while the remaining space is for lights, pie, family, Santa, Hallmark movies, etc?

Simeon was expectant. He cleared away everything and let the Holy Spirit take up residence. No room was off-limits. He invited God into every space and so he was led to receive the answer to the prayer of his life! He got to see the Messiah! God exceeds our expectations in fulfilling promises. Simeon got to hold the One who made him. He got to hold the maker of heaven and earth. And so he sang!

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Lord, Make advent real in our hearts.
Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now.
Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh.

Lord, we need Your peace and joy. We know that peace on earth can only come when hearts find peace with You. You are still our Joy. You are still our Peace. And we still celebrate You as Lord—this Christmas and always.