Christmastide Devotions – December 25 to 31
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Word:
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son…”
— John 3:16, NRS
Reflection:
“Whatchagit?” It’s the question most asked this day by children, youth and even adults after all the gifts under the tree are opened and the stockings hung with care are now scattered around the room emptied. I remember as children we couldn’t wait to meet with our neighborhood friends to see what everyone had gotten for Christmas, asking “Whatchagit?”
By tonight, much will have been discarded or in the “Return” pile by the door or even already broken. But there is one gift given to all that cannot be broken or taken back to the store… even though it was “bought” for a heavy price.
We may forget about the gift for a while when life gets too busy, but maybe that is why it was decided somewhere along the way to celebrate the gift. A date in the darkest time of year was chosen since the original date was not known or remembered. That is of the least importance.
What matters most in the whole world is the gift itself. For the gift is that a child was born, a Son was given, and his name is Emmanuel, which means “God-With-Us.” He is the gift given by God out of Love which has no end for you and me and the whole wide world. Such is the greatest gift that was given, that is given, and that will be given. May we all receive and open and treasure such a Gift for ourselves this day!
Merry Christmas!
Laurey
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Word:
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
— Matthew 1:24, NIV
Reflection:
Sometimes the Lord seems to be nudging us to do something we feel uncomfortable doing. We are afraid to risk feeling the fool. Joseph must have felt the fool, until the angel commanded him. The Wise men may have felt that way also before they made up their minds to follow the star. Just think of the glorious sights they saw as a result.
Pray:
Lord, help us see that road You want us to follow. Let us be more accepting and focused as we carry out Your will. Amen.
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Word:
“Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me hates himself; all who hate me love death.”
— Proverbs 8:33-36, NIV
Reflection:
It is hard to listen for God as we live our daily lives; there is so much to do, so many tasks to handle. Let us listen to our inner voice and remember God’s teaching. We will face our to-do lists better able to complete them.
Pray:
Dear Lord, thank you for all that you have given us. You give us so much more than we could ever think to request. Help us to remember to listen to Thy word and Thy will. Amen.
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Word:
“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.”
— Psalms 111: 2-3, NIV
Reflection:
Imagine what the wise men were thinking as they followed the star, then finally gazed on the Baby. All their studies of the heavens had led up to this moment. Their joy must have bubbled over as they beheld the wonderful sight.
Pray:
Dear Lord, open our eyes to the amazing marvels of the world you created. You have given us so much. Help us appreciate your world and care for it. Amen.
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Word:
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted
— Isaiah 12: 4b, NIV
Reflection:
The wise men must have continued to give thanks as they made the long trip back to their homes. Can you imagine how they praised God for allowing them to see the miracle of the Christ Child? They were truly wise to avoid King Herod on their way back. Let us express our jubilation that He is our Lord and that He has made known this wonderful story to us.
Pray:
Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us to live in a country where we are free to worship You, and where we are free to study Your Word and pass it on to our children. Let us rejoice. Amen.
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Word:
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”
— 3 John 11, NIV
Reflection:
Many of us review the past year and vow to do better in the coming year. New Year’s resolutions are made by almost everyone, but how many are kept even into February? As we think back over this past year, let us thank God for our families and friends and for all the good things He has given us. May we remember to ask His help to deal with our difficulties.
Pray:
Thank you Lord for all the wonderful gifts You have given us. The greatest gift is Jesus Christ. Help us to follow Your commandments and love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.
Journey to Bethlehem – Christmastide
Whatchagit?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Word:
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”
— Isaiah 26:4, NIV
Reflection:
Today is the last day of the year. Now is the time to rejoice that we made it through relatively intact. The regrets we feel usually make us vow to do better in 2012. One resolution should be first on the list, to trust in the Lord forever.
Pray:
Father, we regret our mistakes and foul-ups. As we resolve to do much better, help us to follow Thy path. We thank You that You never give up on us. Amen.
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