Video Devotionals

Monday, December 24, 2018

Angelic Celebration

| 2:12 min read |

Luke 2:10 “But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!’”

Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.’”

Christmas decorations are not complete without angels. Whether they are ornaments on your tree, knick-knacks on your coffee table or renderings on a card, angels go with Christmas.

Have you noticed all the angelic activity in the Christmas story? An angel announced to Mary that she would bring Messiah into the world. An angel spoke to Joseph, comforting him about the circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy, encouraging him to marry her. An angel proclaimed Christ’s birth to the shepherds tending their flocks. A great host of angels joined in a chorus of praise as the shepherds looked on. At the first Christmas, angels were everywhere!

Why were angels such an important part of Christ’s coming? While they were obeying God’s command to proclaim the message of Jesus’ birth, there was something more. The angels were excited about this historical happening. They wanted to be a part of the grand celebration of the Savior’s advent. They understood its implications for the world.

The angels understood that Jesus’ entrance into the world was “good news of great joy for everyone.” They understood that Messiah’s arrival would make available “peace on earth.” They knew that Jesus’ coming began a new era of God’s “favor.” They couldn’t help but be excited about Christmas.

Every time you see a figurine or portrait of an angel this season, let it produce in you the same spirit of joy the angels exhibited at Jesus’ birth. Let the angels’ example cause you to remember what a wonderful day Christmas really is!

PRAYER

Lord, it is thrilling to read about the angelic celebrations surrounding Christ’s coming. What joy must have filled heaven when Jesus was born. Help us adopt the angels’ spirit of praise. May our hearts be filled with the same excitement the heavenly hosts experienced that first Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Friday, December 21, 2018

The Heart of Worship

| 1:46 min read |

Matthew 2:2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.”

Worship is a word we spend little time contemplating. We usually connect it with certain common spiritual activities.

For many, worship is attendance at a particular religious event. For others, it is participation in some liturgy associated with their faith. Still, others think of worship as a set of spiritual songs sung privately or in a gathering of believers.

While all these definitions capture some of the elements of worship, they fail to fully address its essence. Worship is these things, but it is more than these things. We can perform these activities and still not worship. Why? Because real worship starts in and flows from a person’s heart. Without the right heart, our worship is weak. It misses its mark.

When the Magi followed the Savior’s star to Jerusalem, they were doing more than satisfying their astronomical curiosity. They recognized that this star was directing them to someone worthy of worship. They wanted to find this newborn King of the Jews so that they could worship Him. Worshiping Jesus was in their hearts and on their minds.

The Magi got it right. Their first priority was worship! How about you? Are you a true worshiper of the Lord? Let’s make this Christmas a time to rekindle our spirit of worship.

PRAYER

Lord, we often engage in the activities of worship without a full investment of our attention and with less than our whole hearts. Thank you for the example of the Magi who understood your worthiness and pursued you for the primary purpose of worship. During this Christmas season, please rekindle a spirit of genuine worship in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Thursday, December 20, 2018

A Humble Beginning

| 1:54 min read |

Luke 2:7 “She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.”

The innkeeper had nothing to offer except a small stable where the animals bedded. Joseph took what he could get. At least it would be a roof over their heads; a covering from the elements. He and his wife Mary settled in for the evening.

Suddenly Mary announced to Joseph that the time had come. The baby was on its way. There, in that stable, surrounded by God’s creatures, the Son of God entered the world. His first cradle was an animal feeding trough. In an obscure and humble setting, the King of Glory came to earth.

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth foreshadowed a theme that continued through His ministry. It revealed a tremendous character trait in our Lord—the spirit of humility. Pride is the tendency of humanity.

Pride promotes one’s own interests, even if it hurts others. Pride seeks promotion, at the expense of principles and people. Pride demands attention and accolades. Pride strives for position, power and prestige. Pride is always right and has to have the last word. Pride shows off possessions and relishes superiority. Pride seeks to be served.

Jesus’ spirit was so different. When He was placed in the manger it was a statement that, although He had the right to claim privilege, His choice was the low path of humility.

What word describes your personality, pride or humility? Do you look for the suite or the stable, the place of majesty or the manger?

PRAYER

Lord, as we reflect on your humble birth, forgive us for the pride that permeates so much of our lives. We want to follow your example of humility and selflessness. Help us die to ourselves and live for you. Let us choose the path you chose. Thank you, Jesus, for the reminder of the manger. In your name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The Prince of Peace

| 1:57 min read |

Isaiah 9:6-7 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!”

Peace is a precious quality. When nations, families and friends are in conflict, our prayer is for peace. When worry and fear fill our minds, our cry is for peace. When uncertainty surrounds us, we look and long for peace.

Peace makes good things happen. People are most productive and fulfilled in an atmosphere of peace. People are healthier when their spirits are at rest. Homes are stronger when mom and dad get along.

One of the royal titles of Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. When and where He rules, the result is supernatural peace.

As the Prince of Peace, Jesus handles the worries we release to Him. He reconciles strife-infected relationships. He quiets our raging emotional storms and drives away demons of fear by His Word and power. When and where Jesus rules, there will be peace!

Christmas provides us a fresh opportunity to seek God’s peace. Are you worried? Give your cares to Jesus. Are you at odds with another person? Invite Jesus to heal your broken relationships. Are you living in guilt about some sin in your past? Look to Jesus for His forgiveness. Let this Christmas be a new day of peace for you!

PRAYER

Lord, how we need your peace! Worry and fear, strife and bitterness regularly rob us of the full life you designed for us to live. Help us to enter into your peace. Teach us how to keep your peace. Drive away every force of darkness that torments our minds and disturbs our relationships. Come as the Prince of Peace and rule over us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

The Gift of Generosity

| 1:49 min read |

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Christmas is the season of giving. Annually, for several weeks in December, society adopts a spirit of generosity. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always last.

Giving runs counter to our nature. Most people are more interested in what they get than in what they give. Having done our annual Christmas duty, we all too quickly revert to thinking about and caring for ourselves.

Giving is very important to God. It is the essence of His nature. His love motivates Him to give and to give largely.

God’s generosity is seen in His greatest gift, His only Son, Jesus Christ. God held nothing back from us, not even His own Son. His love for us motivated Him to sacrificially give His best and His all.

Christmas is a reminder of the value of giving. Giving enlarges our spirit. It makes us bigger people.

Our commitment to giving needs to be more than a temporary, annual one-month assignment. Generous, sacrificial giving needs to become a part of our nature. It needs to be practiced on a regular basis. It is one of the ways we can let others see the Lord in and through us.

During this Christmas season, ask God to help you become a more generous person. Start practicing sacrificial giving and watch what God will do with your life.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for being so generous with us. Even though we do not deserve your gifts you still give abundantly to us. Thank you for the greatest and most sacrificial gift of all, the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. We repent of our stinginess and relinquish our self-protective, self-focused natures to you. Grant us the grace to develop a generous heart. Help us become cheerful givers every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Monday, December 17, 2018

The Word of Life

| 1:51 min read |

1 John 1:1 “The one who existed from the beginning is the one we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is Jesus Christ, the Word of life.”

The right words can have a phenomenal impact on a person. Positive, affirming words heal inner wounds and restore weary spirits. Good words bring us to life.

One of the joys of Christmas is sending and receiving Christmas cards. It is a time-honored way of imparting blessings one to another. Reading a Christmas card from a dear friend connects us with their heart and reminds us how much we appreciate the people God has placed in our lives. A few simple, well-chosen words can turn our life around.

The Bible speaks of Jesus as “the word of life.” While Jesus came to us with a message from God, He also came as a message from God. Jesus was God’s Christmas card, sent with His love, to communicate full and eternal life to us.

When we are weary or dreary, discouraged or defeated, we need life-giving words to get us going again. Jesus specializes in life-giving words. He has something good to say to us. He is always ready to speak positive words that pick us up, fill us up and move us forward.

With every Christmas card, you read this year, think of Jesus. Remember that He is the greatest Christmas card of all. He is “the word of life.” Take time to listen to the tender, personal, life-giving words He so desperately wants to speak to you.

PRAYER

Lord, there are many voices clamoring for our attention. All too often we let the demands of the world drown out your still, small voice. When we fail to listen to you, we suffer. Sensitize our spiritual ears to your words of life. Teach us to listen for the good things you want to communicate to us. May we take the time to truly commune with you this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Friday, December 14, 2018

Sing Joyously!

| 2:01 min read |

Isaiah 12:1-4 “In that day you will sing: ‘Praise the LORD! He was angry with me, but now he comforts me See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.’ With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: ‘Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the world what he has done. Oh, how mighty He is!’”

What is your favorite Christmas carol?

One of the special things about this time of year is the music. There is no other holiday that has inspired more songs than Christmas.

When the prophet spoke of the coming of Messiah he linked it with songs of praise. He told us that Jesus’ entrance into the world would prompt us to sing. When we understand who He is and what He came to do, we cannot help but sing.

Why do we sing at Christmas? The reasons are innumerable! We sing because we are forgiven people. We no longer live under the burden of guilt and shame!

We sing because we have a Savior—we have been saved from sin, saved from ourselves and saved from Satan’s grip!

We sing because it is the right response to the great deeds God has done for us!

Something happens when we sing our Savior’s praise. The Bible says that it refreshes and refuels our spirits. God blesses when we worship Him in song. There is something wonderfully satisfying about praising God.

During this Christmas season decide to be a singer. Use the familiar Christmas carols and worships choruses. Lift your voice in a hymn of praise. Make up your own song and sing it to Him. As you sing your praise, get ready for a fresh filling of His love.

PRAYER

Lord, you have done mighty things in our lives. You deserve unending praise. We commit ourselves to sing your praise regularly and joyously. We commit ourselves to tell the world who you are and all that you have done for us. Thank you for renewing us as we lift our hands, hearts, and voices in songs of praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Thursday, December 13, 2018

God Is With Us

| 1:56 min read |

Matthew 1:23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).”

When a child feels disturbed or distressed, their first reaction is to look or cry for mom or dad. A parent’s presence has a comforting effect on a discomforted little one.

In the promise of Jesus Christ’s birth, we find the same kind of comfort for our lives. One of the names God assigned to His Son and announced to us at His coming is Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”

This name teaches us many truths about God’s nature and commitment to us. It helps us to see that God does not distance Himself from people. In the birth of Jesus Christ, God stepped into our world to provide us with all the benefits of His presence and power. He came to “be with us.”

What are the benefits of God’s presence? Let’s take a look at a few:

• Because He is with us, we have nothing to fear.
• Because He is with us, we are never alone.
• Because He is with us, we have a guide to lead us.
• Because He is with us, no situation is impossible or hopeless.
• Because He is with us, His help is always available.
• Because He is with us, we can rest securely in His care.
• Because He is with us, no enemy can defeat us.
• Because He is with us, He is our ever-vigilant protector.
• Because He is with us, we can resist temptation.
• Because He is with us, we always have Someone who will listen to us.

This Christmas, consider all the blessings that are available to you because Jesus is your Immanuel. If you have never asked Him into your life, do it now. The Lord wants to be your eternal companion.

PRAYER

Lord, how reassuring it is to know that you are with us always. Forgive us when we forget about your presence. Help us turn to you and trust in you. During this Christmas season, we celebrate the promise that you will never leave or forsake us. Help us to always recognize and worship you as our Immanuel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Hope Entered the World

| 2:07 min read |

Isaiah 9:2-6 “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light—a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow. Israel will again be great, and its people will rejoice as people rejoice at harvest time. They will shout with joy like warriors dividing the plunder. For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them … For a child is born to us, a son is given to us …”

Hope is a powerful force. It can keep us going when everything is falling apart. Hope is the expectation that even though life might be tough right now, somehow, at some time, everything will be fine.

Hope comes from the recognition that our past failures are not fatal or final. It gives us strength for the present and an excitement about our future. Hope senses that the best is yet to come.

If you have ever lost your hope you know how hard it is to keep handling life’s simplest duties. Hopeless people feel like the sun has departed and will never return. They are caught in the grip of a nightmare that seems to never end. Hopeless people have little energy and no enthusiasm.

Isaiah prophesied about the difference the coming of Jesus would make for people living in despair. He proclaimed that Jesus’ coming would “break the chains” that restrict our freedom and “break the … whip” that emotionally lacerates our souls.

When Jesus came into the world, hope entered. In Jesus, we find a never-ending supply of grace for the mistakes of the past and precious promises from God for our present and future. In Him we find hope!

Perhaps you have been hopeless recently. Let Christmas remind you of the fountain of hope that is available in Jesus Christ. Drink deeply from this well. Get excited about the fantastic future God has planned for you. Be filled with hope!

PRAYER

Lord, often the chains of hopelessness have restricted us. Many times we have been beaten by the whips of anxiety and fear. We are grateful that you came to free us from these oppressors. We are grateful that you came to give us enduring hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

A Special Birthday

| 1:56 min read |

John 1:14 “So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.”

Birthdays are special. They acknowledge a person’s entrance into the world and the value that others place on their life. When we celebrate someone’s birthday we are saying to them, “I am really glad you were born. My life has been enriched because you are here!”

It is a wonderful thing when people remember our birthday. It provides an annual opportunity to know that we are important to others. Birthday celebrations encourage us. They affirm our significance and buoy our sense of belonging.

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birthday. His birth was like no other. Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to earth. As God, He became flesh and identified Himself with every challenge we face and difficulty we encounter. He victoriously conquered every trial and temptation that came His way.

Jesus went to the cross and freely gave His life so that our sins could be forgiven. He rose from the tomb, overcoming death and the grave. He ascended back to heaven where He serves as our High Priest and soon coming King. Our lives are different because He was born!

As you celebrate Jesus’ birth this year, take time to think about who He is and what He means to you. As you remember His birth, let Him know how much you love and appreciate Him. Let Him know that you are really glad He was born!

PRAYER

Lord, as we celebrate your birth, we cannot imagine what our lives would be like without you. How thankful we are that you were willing to leave the glory of heaven and come to earth. We appreciate all you have done for us, all you are doing for us now, and the wonderful things you have planned for our future. Jesus, as we remember the day of your birth we want you to know how much you mean to us. In your name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Monday, December 10, 2018

Part of the Family!

| 2:14 min read |

Luke 1:39-40 “A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.”

Shortly after receiving the news that she was to carry the Christ-child, Mary headed to the home of Elizabeth, the soon-to-be mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth was Mary’s relative, perhaps an aunt or cousin. Mary and Elizabeth were family.

It is interesting that the first impulse of Mary, having received the news that she would give birth to the Messiah, was to tell her relatives. The anticipation of the first Christmas brought family members together.

Christmas is a time when families come together. Family holiday gatherings often are the highlight of the year. They can be fun, pleasant times when kids and grandkids, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins and all sorts of extended family can share a meal, exchange some gifts and generally enjoy being with each other.

For some families, these gatherings are not so enjoyable. They can be disappointing and painful experiences. Instead of sharing love and laughter, the holiday atmosphere is sometimes filled with tension and strife. Ugly interactions reopen old emotional wounds. Resentments between family members are rekindled. Hateful, hurtful words are spoken. Dysfunctional family patterns are displayed.

When Christ came, He gave us the opportunity to join His family. When we make Jesus Christ our Lord, we become a part of the family of God. We have a Heavenly Father who loves and accepts us unconditionally. Jesus Christ watches over us as our big brother (see Hebrews 2:11). We are a part of the greatest family of all!

This Christmas, enter into the joy of your Heavenly family. Prayerfully look for ways to share the message of Jesus’ coming with your earthly family also. Let God’s love fill you and flow through you to others.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for adopting us into your family. We are comforted when we think about your love and care for us. Help us share your love with our earthly family. May you heal hurts from the past and reconcile broken family relationships during this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Friday, December 7, 2018

The Perfect Gift

| 2:00 min read |

Matthew 2:11 “They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Gift giving is a wonderful tradition of Christmas. Finding that perfect gift for that special someone involves careful shopping. While the search can be agonizing, how rewarding it is when the gift is opened and you know you hit the mark!

Jesus’ birth was attended with gifts. When the wise men came to see Jesus they presented the Savior with gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

These gifts were not the result of a spur of the moment shopping spree before they left their homes in the east. No, these men carefully selected the gifts they presented to Jesus. They gave gifts befitting the King of Kings. What was the significance of the items presented to the Lord?

Gold is usually thought of as the most precious metal. It was a sign of royalty and majesty. Frankincense is costly incense, sometimes referred to as the incense of deity. It was associated with priests in their service to God. Myrrh signified human mortality. It was used for preparing bodies for burial.

The wise men carefully shopped for the gifts they offered to the Lord. They were conscientious about the things they gave to Him. Each item prophetically told of His life and ministry—gold for a King, frankincense for a High Priest, and myrrh in prediction of Jesus’ sacrificial death.

As you shop for special items for the special people in your life this Christmas, think about what gift you need to give to the Lord. Don’t let this season go by without giving something meaningful to Him.

PRAYER

Lord, as we shop for gifts for others, we want to consider the gift we need to give to you. Thank you for the example of the wise men who brought to you carefully chosen presents. Help us to be conscious of the gift you most want from us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Thursday, December 6, 2018

In The Company of Shepherds

| 1:56 min read |

Luke 2:15-17 “When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.”

No Nativity scene is complete without the presence of shepherds. Every good Christmas pageant has them!

Christ’s birth was first announced to shepherds by an angel. Shepherds received a heavenly invitation to see the newborn Savior of the world and celebrate His birth.

Have you ever wondered why God invited shepherds to such a historical event? Many possible reasons have been proposed.

Perhaps it was because these particular shepherds were taking care of sheep used for Temple sacrifices. They were invited to see the One and Only Lamb of God who would forever take away the sins of the world.

It could be that shepherds were invited because Jesus was the great Heavenly Shepherd. How fitting for men who daily took care of wandering, smelly, unintelligent sheep to come to the manger’s side and see the One who would give His life caring for spiritual sheep.

Shepherds were average, hard-working and common men. They were sometimes despised by others. God sent an angel to let them know that ordinary people were welcome in the presence of His Son.

This Christmas thank God for the lessons we learn from the shepherds. Remember that you too, like the shepherds, are invited into the presence of the Savior.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for being the Lamb of God that takes away all our sins. Thank you for being the Great Shepherd who so wonderfully cares for us. Thank you that no matter who we are or where we have come from we are welcome in your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Sweet Gratitude

| 2:00 min read |

Luke 1:46-49 “Mary responded, ‘Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed. For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me.’”

In recent years a new term has come in vogue. When something good or exciting happens, it is not uncommon to hear a person speak one simple word that expresses their delight—“Sweet!”

It is impossible for most people to think of Christmas without some thought of sweet things—literally and metaphorically. Sweetness is part of the holiday.

Mary understood the sweetness of Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth. As Mary reflected on the fact that God had chosen her as the vessel through whom Jesus Christ would come into the world, she was so overwhelmed with praise that she wrote a song.

In Mary’s song we find an expression of her gratitude for God’s kindness to her. In bearing the Christ-child, Mary knew that she was blessed. Her response, in modern vernacular, was “Sweet!”

We need the same perspective Mary possessed. If we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, Jesus lives in us. Jesus’ presence in us makes us sweet people. Everywhere we go, we go as a person blessed of God. With Mary we too can exclaim, “Sweet!” When we live this way, others are able to taste the sweetness of the Lord through our lives.

Every time something sweet touches your taste buds this Christmas—the cake, the pie, the chocolate, the peppermints—thank God that Jesus in you is the best sweet of all!

PRAYER

Lord, how sweet it is to know you. With you in us, even the bitter things of life are made sweet. Please renew our awareness of how blessed we are. Please forgive us when we complain about life. Take away the ugly spirit of discontentment and replace it with a spirit of praise. May we live our lives in such a way that through our actions, words and attitudes others can taste of your sweetness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Joy

| 2:06 min read |

Luke 2:8-11 “That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

While joy is usually associated with births, there was something about the birth of Jesus Christ that created a special joy. This joy was available, not just for a few family members and friends, but for the whole world, for time immemorial.

One of the favorite songs of the Christmas season reflects the angel’s birth announcement to the shepherds, “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.” Why did the angel of the Lord proclaim such joy at the Jesus’ birth?

The coming of Jesus makes available to us a relationship with the Source of joy. In a dark world, percolating with bad news and threatening potential; in the dark moments of life, when facing hard times and tough trials, we need something to sustain us. We need genuine joy to get us through—not superficial substitutes, but a real, deep, abiding, Holy Spirit-inspired sense that everything is going to be okay.

Christmas is about receiving more than a temporary fix of happiness; it is about a relationship with the King of Joy-Jesus Christ. It is about having and living in a supernatural joy that supersedes our circumstances and strengthens us; spirit, soul and body.

During this Christmas season, welcome the King of Joy into your heart again. Let the sunlight of His joy drive your dark clouds away.

PRAYER

Lord, just as the angel proclaimed the great joy of your birth, let us experience the joy of your coming. Forgive us for allowing the darkness of the world and trials of life to cloud the joy found in you. Restore to us the joy of our salvation this Christmas, and help us share this joy with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Monday, December 3, 2018

Mary

| 2:00 min read |

Luke 1:38 “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.’ And then the angel left.”

These words of Mary follow a startling message from the angel Gabriel to her. The angel told Mary that she was to be the mother of the Christ-child. Mary inquired as to how this would happen since she was a virgin. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her in a unique way. He promised her that God’s power would make this miracle come to pass. He encouraged her not to fear God’s plan.

Mary could have responded many different ways to the angel’s message, but she responded the right way. When God called on Mary for this assignment, she willingly and enthusiastically said yes. Risking embarrassment, misunderstanding, and ridicule; even chancing the rejection of her fiancé, Joseph, she said yes to God. She became an available and appreciative vessel. She was willing to change her plans to fit God’s plans.

Mary’s example of willingly and joyously accepting God’s call should inspire us to do the same. Just as Mary physically carried the Christ-child, risking all the potential persecution this could involve, so we should willingly and joyously carry and present Jesus to the people we interact with everyday. We must be ready to risk misunderstanding, ridicule, and rejection for Christ’s sake. Let this Christmas be a time when we learn a lesson from Mary’s life. May we always be available and appreciative servants of the Lord.

PRAYER

Lord, how often we have failed to willingly and joyously bear your name before others. At times we have retreated in the face of our fears—fear of misunderstanding, ridicule, and rejection. Please forgive us. Help us to be like Mary. During this Christmas season bring boldness of faith to us. Help us not to shrink from the privilege of sharing you with others. Let us always be willing to change our plans to fit your plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale