Daily Reading: Luke 24
Scripture Focus: Why do you seek the living among the dead? (Luke 24.5b)
Devotional Thought: On this Christmas Eve, let us consider that question ourselves. Jesus is the ever-living One who came to give us life. But, are we seeking life in things that pass away?
· Don’t look for life in the lights and sounds of Christmas. These are wonderful reminders of the meaning of Christmas, but in themselves they do not bring life. Having celebrated Christmas with our kids last week, and knowing that we will be headed to SC at any time for the birth of our granddaughter Ellis, Lana and I busied ourselves yesterday with taking down our Christmas tree and packing away our decorations. I know! You will say, “Scrooge! Christmas isn’t even here yet!” It was hard to take the tree down before Christmas, but it reminded me that Christmas is not in a tree, but in our hearts. And, you will have to take your tree down sometime, too!
· Don’t look for life wrapped up in pretty paper underneath the tree. Like anybody else, I like to receive gifts at Christmas time. I also like to give gifts. I’m sure you do, too. But, Christmas doesn't come with those presents under the tree. “The Best Christmas Ever” isn’t about having more presents than any other year. It’s almost embarrassing how commercial Christmas has become, isn’t it? How many people are hoping to fill the void in their lives with gifts that will be tucked away in the closet and forgotten?
As you celebrate Christmas, remember that old cliché which is still true today: “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Find life and meaning in Jesus!
Prayer: Lord, there is life in you alone. I turn to you this season for that life. Help me, having found life, to share life with others - to share hope and peace and joy and love in Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 145.10-21
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 your mighty 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.