E Devotions are the gift of a community and not the writing of Padre Warren
Christmas Eve day. All this waiting for the coming of a wonderful celebration of new life. And I find myself still making and crossing off lists. I sit down this morning and realize that I was to write the e-devotion. One more thing to do. It certainly didn’t seem like too much a few weeks ago. I read the selections for the day again, but I can not focus. They are happy and positive readings, talking of grace and gladness and the glory of God and equality among all people. I still don’t know where to begin. Maybe one more cup of coffee? But as I sit in prayer, I realize that I do not have to do this alone. If God can’t give me the words this morning, he can give me the resources. What wonderful books are on my shelf. So I pull a few down and look for something appropriate.
And here it is, from Dinner Table Devotions by Nancy Guthrie:
When you’re really in trouble, you want someone strong to show up to save you-a real hero. And as people living in this world, we are really in trouble, really in need of someone who can save us from our slavery to sin. And God send someone to save us. But this Savior didn’t seem strong. He seemed ordinary and weak. God sent us Savior in the form of a baby.
The prophet Isaiah assured us that was no ordinary baby and he grew up to be no ordinary man. As the Wonderful Counselor, he has the best ideas and strategies; He’s the wisest and most perfect teacher. If we listen to him, we’ll know what to do. It is good that he is strong and mighty, because the enemy of sin overpowers us. As the Mighty God, he uses his power on our behalf, helping us overcome sin. We can find protection in him when we’re tempted. As the Everlasting Father, he cares for us lovingly, with affection that has no limits. We can entrust ourselves to him. As the Prince of Peace, he invites us into his Kingdom of full and perfect happiness, giving us the assurance of safety and security. If we submit to him, we will live lives of blessed obedience to him.
Who could ask for more at Christmas than a baby who became our strong deliverer and our source of security and satisfaction forever?
I could consider this one more thing to cross off my list, but it says more to me. It is important to spend time in the glory of prayer, and for that I give thanks.Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!
Tags: Advent Devotion
