Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 1:8-10.. TEXT: ... he (Zechariah) was chosen
by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense
(Luke 1:9b).

Life holds out many high honors for which we can strive.
Students work hard to be part of the National Honor
Society or class valedictorian. Athletes work hard to win
championships and be named the most valuable player.
But sometimes the honor of a lifetime simply falls upon
us at some unanticipated moment.

For Zechariah the priest, there is no higher honor than
being chosen to burnincense in the temple of the Lord. It
is the honor of a lifetime. While the people of God remain
outside, praying in the temple courts, Zechariah will pass
through the temple doors alone. Once inside, he will burn
incense on the altar of incense that stands before the
ornate temple curtain.

Even though God had withheld the honor and joy of
children from Zechariah, He richly blesses the priest with
this joyous experience.

Perhaps this last day of November finds you waiting for
your life's dreams to come true. While that may be the case,
be sure to appreciate the other things God sets before you
today: the joy of family and friends, the beautiful decorations
of this season, a joyous party.

The same is true of this coming Christmas. It may seem
diminished in your eyes because you'll be away from home
for the first time or your home or table will be empty, or
you'll be separated from friends or loved ones. But don't
fail to see the amazing and wonderful things God is doing
each day.

THE PRAYER:

Holy Father, thank You for providing all of my needs of
body and spirit. Teach me to rejoice and give thanks for
every joy in life--even those that don't seem as great as
the ones I might be anticipating. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
November 30, 2015)