Saturday, December 11, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Lamentations 1-2 and Hebrews 10
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Lamentations 1-2 and Hebrews 10
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:57-58 (NIV); When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
Everything that God does is a reflection of His character and a proclamation of His Name. God always acts with a purpose, which was evident in Jesus as He did and said only what He heard the Father doing and saying. The birth of John was no exception. The Lord could have chosen a young “trendy” couple of the day to bear this eccentric man. He could have chosen a couple who already had children. But He did not. He chose the least likely of people – an old man and a barren old woman. They had longed for a child but their hope had long run dry as they resigned themselves to childlessness. It was here in this place of resignation that God made possible the impossible. And oh what a joy it was! Friends and family who had walked with Zechariah and Elizabeth in their sorrow were blessed with the news and glory was given to the Lord as their merciful Deliverer!
When asked what we love about the Christmas season, most of us are quick to say something along the lines of “sharing time with family and friends.” Even the secular world promotes this “winter holiday” as a time of giving, but as Christians we actually need to go above and beyond. How can we bring the joy of Christ to others? How can we share in the joy of those around us? How can we proclaim God’s glory everywhere we go?
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you ideas as to how you and your family can reach out to others this Christmas season. Write them down and SCHEDULE a time for when you WILL do them.
2. Do you give glory to God in your daily conversations with people at work, school and at home? What does this look like? Ask God to show you why this is important and how you can grow in it.
3. Does God want you to go above and beyond in some way this Christmas? Is there a sacrifice He wants you to make? Remember Mary’s prayer – “I am the Lord’s servant”. If this is your prayer, ask God what He wants of you and make a commitment to obey.
