A Moment with the Messiah: Day 7

No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!

Read: Luke 2:8—12

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Reflect: During Jesus’ day, shepherding was not an upper-crust career. The angels first appeared to people living in fields, not city lofts. What a comfort to know that while the world influences us to “put on a good show,” God’s true desire is humility. Praise God today because He proclaimed to you the good news that caused you great joy! 

Respond: Giver of joy, how wonderful it is to declare Your truth of salvation. Thank You for the free gift of grace through Jesus and for bringing me the good news.

Tot Time: Have her or him share about exciting news she or he once received. What made that news so much fun? Parallel this idea with what the shepherds must’ve felt when the angel told them about the Messiah being born.

--T

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 1

No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!

Read: Luke 1:11—17

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”  

Reflect: Merriam-Webster helps us define the word prepare: “to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity.” Just as John the Baptist was sent before Jesus to prepare the hearts of the people for the Lord, we must also prepare our own hearts for His coming and make ready the way for others.

Respond: Gracious Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and prepare my heart this season. Anchor me so I’m not distracted by the noise and the hustle around me. I want my heart to be still so I can clearly hear Your righteous Word and obediently respond.

Tot Time: Holiday baking creates wonderful memories. Talk with the wee ones about a time they baked a cake or cookies with you (or someone they know) and walk them through how all the ingredients were gathered, the oven was preheated, hands were washed, etc. Each of those acts were preparation (getting ready) for what they were about to do. In the same way, we want our own heart to be ready so we can hear His instructions. How can we get everything ready so we hear from God?

--T