Prayer Tip: "Creating space when there is no room"
Daily Scripture
Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Prayer Tip
by Jess Lovell, Pastoral Intern at Resurrection Overland Park. She is also pursuing an M.Div. at Saint Paul School of Theology. She is a Certified Candidate for Ministry in the Great Plains Conference and often provides pulpit supply to churches in the conference. Jessica lives in Lenexa and has 3 children: Sydney, Sierra and Aiden.
Merry Christmas!
This morning we celebrate the birth of a child, but not just any child–the Christ child. I’ve been reflecting on babies, their representation, and how they make us feel. The excitement of family who draws near to meet the new little one, the importance of their name, the feeding and care of the baby, too. There is so much excitement and yet anxiety, too. Parents often have mixed feelings about being a mom or a dad for the first time, or if it’s a second child and beyond, we may be curious about this child’s behavior and personality.
Our culture has people to help us, such as doctors, professionals, and grandparents who know what it’s like to raise a child. Take a holy pause here and reflect on Mary, Joseph, and Jesus on that first day. What do you see? What does it sound like? Imagine the awesome state of wonder and the exquisite joy mixed with anxiety that parents feel instantly for their children.
The birth of a child brings new life into the world. This child brings hope. This child brings light to restore our souls with eternal love. Jesus is here.
Let us pray: Gracious God,
We give you thanks for coming into the world this Christmas. What a powerful reminder that children are full of the light. We are reminded that you are a God who walks with us, suffers with us, and travels with us no matter what we go through. You are always with us. We invite you into our lives this day and each day. We give thanks for Jesus Christ, our Savior. We are so grateful for this beautiful life you’ve provided for us. We are in awe! Amen.
