Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Wednesday, December 6, 2023:
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Luke 21:34-38
The only bright spot to Christmas after my family moved out of state was the expectation of Grandma and my uncle coming to visit. For days we scrubbed, straightened, shopped, and baked. My mother whisked aside our sadness with the strains of Christmas carols playing on the stereo and the crinkling of wrapping paper going around packages. And my dad brightened our dark mood with hundreds of twinkling lights on the tree. When the day arrived for Grandma and uncle’s visit, we were ready.
Prior to today’s passage, Jesus echoed Micah’s warnings about the coming day of reckoning when he returns. Although 2000 years have passed since Jesus spoke these words, their truth remains. One day he will return. The question is will we be ready – in body, mind, and spirit? Or will we be taken by surprise, unprepared to receive him?
Be still and Reflect: Are you prepared or unprepared to endure in faith the challenges and distractions that life in this world throws at you? How can you strengthen your discipleship through your prayer life, presence in the community of faith, gifts, service, and or witness within the life and ministries of our church? What about in your family, work environment, or community?
Pray: O, God, Father, and Creator, I confess how easy it is for me to get sidelined by the cares of the world and life’s difficulties while Your plan for restoration and prosperity seems to be moving so slowly by my standards. Yet, I trust You are at work. While I wait for Christ’s return, keep my eyes focused in the right place and on the right person – Jesus. Your Word and his life equip me with the purpose, love, and hope I need to face each day. In his mighty name I pray, Amen.