Devotional - December 21, 2022
Scripture: Luke 2:4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Disruptions to our daily routine are rarely met with enthusiasm. Joseph and Mary were preparing themselves to receive their new born child. The last thing they want to hear is an edict from Caesar telling them to go and register. Such registrations were made for the sole benefit of Rome. They were a way to keep track of the people for tax purposes and military endeavors. Mary and Joseph had their own pressing problems in the midst of a rather perplexing situation. The phrase, when it rains it pours, comes to mind. And believe me, this is a problem. The terrain between Nazareth and Bethlehem was rough and arid. Mary was with child, but they had no choice. Or should I say, they had to make some choices? Rarely is the believer in a position where they literally have no choice. The situation will be as it will be, but we always have a choice about how we will be and act in it.
Mary and Joseph faced their life as people of faith (Luke 1:28, Matt 1:19). Being people of faith does not mean they did not question, or worry and wonder about things. They did, but their way of life and belief in God overshadowed their confusion. They had heard from God and they pressed onward. As Christmas approaches, we hear so much about the meaning of Christmas. We hear convoluted messages about the Scriptures we use and the accuracy thereof. Some remove the religious significance of the season all together and instead make it about family, fellowship, and love. At times, it can be a bit much or even offensive. And yes, some do it out of spite toward Christianity. But some..., do not know any better. They honestly do not know what they are missing in Christ, even though they may have gone to church. The church they went to may have had pictures or figurines of Jesus, but Christ was nowhere to be found. Even though they go along with the crowd, they are still seeking. May they find the Christ we celebrate in each of us, be it at church, our home, or our day to day activities. As I close, please take some time during this season for yourself to simply appreciate God.
The God that came to you (Romans 5:8). The God you worship. Spend some time with God, simply appreciating God. Make no requests, voice no complaints, tell no tales, amidst all that is going on just appreciate God's presence in your life. And, do so knowing you are loved and appreciated by God.
Rather than offering a prayer today, I want to give you time to just ...appreciate.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
