What Do You Want for Christmas?

Daily Reading: Luke 18

Scripture Focus: What do you want me to do for you? (Luke 18.41)

Devotional Thought: My wife asked, "How many meatballs do you want?" Our daughter's boyfriend answered, "Six." I started to laugh on the inside because I knew what was coming. "How about three?" I later explained to him, "That's one of 'those' questions."

On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus took time to heal a blind man. Even in the approaching shadow of the cross, Jesus respected others' dignity and freedom. He asked the man, “What do you want me to do for you?” He didn't tell him what he wanted, He asked him. Our Great Savior!

Jesus wasn’t like that with the blind man outside Jericho. He took the time to ask the man what he wanted and then to listen. Now, I don’t believe Jesus is like the perfect Santa – giving us whatever we ask for – but I do believe he is concerned about what we want. In asking, Jesus showed the man – and us – that he respects our dignity and desire. When he truly knows better, he will try to convince us to go a different way. But, he will not force his will upon us.

This Christmas, one of the best gifts you have is the gift of God’s listening ear. He cares about you and wants to hear from you. In the midst of your busyness, loneliness, and even disappointment this season, pause and listen. Jesus is asking you, “What do you want?”

Prayer: Lord, I know that every good gift comes down from above. Help me to not get distracted by earthly lights, but to see the heavenly lights this season - and to tell you from a surrendered heart what I really want. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 142.1-7

1 With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.

5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! 7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.