Christmas story – Be Still…

Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth Story

Read Luke 2:1-20

What a birth story! Any mom will tell you their story of what happened during their pregnancy and delivery. There is something precious and holy about the miracle of life that breaks forth from our bodies. While memory of the pain of childbirth fades, other details are held dear as a precious treasure. There is no greater joy than to see your baby for the first time. Is that what Mary was feeling in this story? Imagine Mary looking at her son, and it was the LORD looking back at her.

This story can become too familiar when we hear it year after year. How do we keep it fresh so that the joy and wonder can be felt afresh each time we read it? We can insert ourselves into the story and imagine we were there as a shepherd or even a barn animal looking on. A different vantage point brings fresh perspective. We can also try to set aside everything we know and read the story as if it’s the first time we heard it. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth Story”

Christmas 🕍 Luke 2:25-35 – Faith

Read Luke 2:25-35

Can you imagine having received the message Simeon had, giving him the assurance he would see the Messiah before he died? Many had been waiting for the Messiah to come rescue them. It had been hundreds of years since the prophets had foretold a Messiah would come. In Simeon’s day, the Roman oppression was so great the people were anxiously awaiting the day their Messiah king would powerfully come to save them.

Simeon’s faith is commendable. Amidst the struggles of life under Roman control, and the natural aging process our bodies go through, Simeon never lost hope. He had faith in God’s promise. It seems as if his faith was the fuel that sustained Simeon through each day of waiting.

Christmas 🙏 Luke 2:1-7 – Obedience

Read Luke 2:1-7

The Christmas story never gets old. I know people that play Christmas music year round just because of the hope it brings. There is something indescribably special about the miracle of Christ’s incarnation. Knowing that God loved us that much to send his son into this world can leave you speechless if you let it. All our hopes and dreams can be met by that darling infant King.

But the Christmas story is more than the hope and promise of salvation. We shouldn’t be surprised that there are multiple layers of blessing and wisdom we can glean from this story. The lesson we’ll focus on today is Obedience.

Day 5 🌲 It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Clear night sky with stars, fresh snow on some trees beneath

Luke 1:79 tells us why Jesus came. Jesus is “It” who came upon the midnight clear in today’s carol. That reason is “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” I found several “versions” of this song out there with little differences, so because I grew up Lutheran I went with the hymnal version of that (via online source hymnary.org).

Did you take enough time this Christmas season so far to spend honoring the newborn king? I’ve personally delighted in the opportunity to write for you every day and share a bit of my life, my journey. Starting with our Advent series this year, I have been drawn into a closer walk with God. It’s my prayer that’s the same for you.