Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Isaiah 40:1-5.

And the glory of the Lord
shall be revealed .... (Isaiah 40:5a)

Reflection:

It's only the fifth of December,
but many of us are in a near panic.
There are so many things to do to
get ready for Christmas: presents,
decorations, cookies, cards, parties,
and the list goes on and on. (Is it
just me, or are they speeding up the
Christmas music like the last minute
of a Mario game?) With all the hustle
and bustle where can we find the
peace and joy we most want this
Christmas?

It makes me think of that first
Christmas when Mary and Joseph
had just traveled 80 miles from their
home in Nazareth to the little town
of Bethlehem. Mary was about to give
birth and Joseph was trying to find a
place for her. I imagine he knocked on
quite a few doors, but no one could
make room for the out-of-towners.
Finally, they settled on a shelter for
animals.

How many of those people would have
gladly opened their homes if they knew
who was standing outside? Each of
them was busy with their own lives
and families-too busy to welcome God's
Son into their home.

In the brief moments of these devotions
God's Son is quietly knocking at your
door too, waiting for you to set down all
your Christmas preparations and welcome
Him inside. He has come to remove
your guilt, calm your fears, carry your
burdens and provide for your needs. He
wants to assure you God is at peace with
you because of His perfect life and
innocent suffering and death, and when
He returns you will live with Him in
unending peace and joy.



PRAYER:

Great Son of God, thank You for coming
to me in this hour. Quiet the busyness in
my mind and fill me with Your peace and
forgiveness, so that I may resume my
Christmas preparations with joy and gratitude.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)
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