“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” —Luke 2:10-12
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. —Luke 2:19
Sometimes you don’t know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. —Dr. Seuss
Mary reflected on God’s
in the past.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel. —Micah 5:2
The Lord Himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive a child! She’ll give birth to a Son and call Him Emmanuel, which means God with us. —Isaiah 7:14
TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON ALL THE WAYS GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU.
Mary reflected on God’s
in the present.
TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE PEACE OF KNOWING THAT GOD IS WITH YOU NOW.
Mary reflected on God’s
in the future.
“He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed…and a sword will pierce your very soul.” —Simeon, in Luke 2:34-35
Prayer & Response
LET’S TAKE A HOLY MOMENT TO:
• REMEMBER GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN THE PAST
• EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE RIGHT NOW
• ASK GOD FOR THE COURAGE TO TRUST IN HIS POWER FOR OUR FUTURE.
The Most Important Decision
Where do you stand spiritually? Because if you aren’t sure, you can be. You can choose to acknowledge God’s presence in your life and to invite God to move into your space and to make your life into what God imagines for it to be. You can lie your head down on your pillow tonight with that most important question of your life resolved. You can pray this simple prayer, or one like it:
Heavenly Father, Forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, save me. Be my Lord. My life is not my own. I give it all to you, forever. Now I am going to follow You. My life is yours. Make me new. Thank you for new life. I give you all of mine. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.