Prayer Tip: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: A Misfit Christmas
Daily Scripture
Luke 1:26-34, NRSV
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ 34Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’
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.
As we move into the season of Advent, I reflect on the incredible anticipation of the birth! It’s easy for us to get caught up in our activities for the season. It’s a time to gather and celebrate the season together. You and your loved ones may be interested in a Christmas light tour, visiting Union Station, or attending Christmas at Resurrection!
I am reminded that we are easily bogged down during this time of tradition. However, let us remember what should be the focus of our anticipation: THE BIRTH, the birth of Jesus! I invite you to pause in each of your gatherings and thank God for anticipation. Pause for a moment to recognize the enormity of what is happening. The Christ child is a symbol of God’s unconditional love for us; he would boldly come into the flesh to be with us.
Let us pray:
O Gracious God, we pause each day as we anticipate the birth of the Christ child. Often, we feel inadequate to receive such love. It’s the most beautiful love story of all time. We thank you for appearing to us in the fragile form of a child so that we are reminded that love comes in all shapes and sizes. You are a generous God. Call us into a season of deep reflection, and each time we get caught up in the holiday stress, invite us back into a moment of silence with you to reset our priorities. We humble our hearts before you not only this day but each day and forevermore. Amen.
