Daily Reading: Luke 24
Scripture Focus: They urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” (Luke 24.29)
Devotional Thought: There is an old hymn I love. It's not one we think about typically at Christmas, but I think it points us to Emmanuel, God with us:
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
...
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless: Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
(Abide With Me, Henry Francis Lyte)
Jesus came on that first Christmas in order to be with us. The disciples on the road to Emmaus, longed for the hidden Jesus to remain with them. They felt the tug of night and desired the comfort of their unrecognized friend. "Stay with us, for it is toward evening..."
Our hearts still yearn for him, don't they? On this Christmas Eve, look to the heavens - as did the shepherds on the hillside - and hear the angel proclaim in the darkness: " Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2.10-12).
May you find The Baby on this most holy night!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to us. Give us eyes to see and hearts to feel your presence, O Emmanuel. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 12 to make known to the children of man yourmighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] 14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (Psalms 145:10-21)
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