If your living room looked like
mine yesterday, torn Christmas paper, bows, and bags were strewn around in the
aftermath of opening presents. Cinnamon rolls and coffee had been consumed and
the preparation for Christmas dinner begun. My daughter joined us from North
Carolina, which added to the laughter and festivities of the day.
After Jesus’ birth, not much is
recorded in the Gospels about his life until his adult ministry. One of the few
stories is about his family’s trip to Jerusalem for purification rites, which
included a sacrifice at the temple, after Jesus’ birth and circumcism. Here
they encounter the elderly man Simeon. His beautiful prayer is recorded in
Luke.
Now that we have celebrated the
Messiah’s birth, what is the condition of our hearts? Do we see our salvation
anew? In the New Year, will our light shine for all the world to see?
Or do we merely have a house
filled with opened gifts, leftover food, and the aftermath of festivities?
The
child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Luke 2:33
Oh
Lord, may our hearts marvel today and every day at your greatest present ever
to mankind—your Son Jesus. Help us to keep our focus on shining His light into
the world as we strive to die to self and the materialism surrounding us. May
your name always be on our lips and in our hearts as we go into the New Year.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
© Laura Hodges Poole
Photo courtesy of Microsoft.com
free clip art
Great reminder...thanks and merry day-after-Christams. By the way cinnamon rolls is one of our Christmas morning traditions too.
ReplyDeletegreat points laura. hope you all continue to have a very Merry CHRISTmas!
ReplyDelete