Luke 2:10-12 - 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Reflection: “’Don’t be afraid.’ Relax. Calm down. It’s going to be alright.” I’m sure not one of us has been spared from some sort of tragedy. Death, divorce, disease, victimization, financial loss or suffering of any kind. Our tendency is to try and reassure those who are suffering by saying “it’s going to be alright." But life circumstances aren't always going to “be ok." There are no guarantees in this life. Our guarantee of restoration from tough times comes only from knowing Jesus. The Prince of Peace will walk alongside us and carry us in fact, if needed. Remember, “… a Savior was born for you.”
It is well with my soul~ I do believe things happen for a reason. God has a plan for us, and it isn’t always what we would choose. Was this the direction Mary saw her life going in? But when these things come across our path we CAN choose our next path. Faith in Him will sustain us. How can we bring about peace again? What can we do to turn bitter into sweet? Can we find the good in the tragedy? Can we see the pain as a gift? Can we see this as a chance to make amends? Can we see this as an opportunity to share our story? Can we see God at work in all things that happen? Have faith, for God is with us. He is the Peace that passes all understanding.
Angela Ellison
Prayer: Heavenly Father, peace, peace, wonderful peace. We are humbled by the gift of your Son, this Babe in a manger who has come to save us from ourselves. Thank you for making us worthy even when we don’t see our own worth. Thank you for loving us when we feel unloved. Thank you for being the calm during our storms. Help us to pause when we feel hurried. Let us remember what this season really means. Your gift to us is your Son, our Savior. Our gift to you is our faith and obedience. We are your servants, Lord. Now let us go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is King! ~Amen
Reflection: “’Don’t be afraid.’ Relax. Calm down. It’s going to be alright.” I’m sure not one of us has been spared from some sort of tragedy. Death, divorce, disease, victimization, financial loss or suffering of any kind. Our tendency is to try and reassure those who are suffering by saying “it’s going to be alright." But life circumstances aren't always going to “be ok." There are no guarantees in this life. Our guarantee of restoration from tough times comes only from knowing Jesus. The Prince of Peace will walk alongside us and carry us in fact, if needed. Remember, “… a Savior was born for you.”
It is well with my soul~ I do believe things happen for a reason. God has a plan for us, and it isn’t always what we would choose. Was this the direction Mary saw her life going in? But when these things come across our path we CAN choose our next path. Faith in Him will sustain us. How can we bring about peace again? What can we do to turn bitter into sweet? Can we find the good in the tragedy? Can we see the pain as a gift? Can we see this as a chance to make amends? Can we see this as an opportunity to share our story? Can we see God at work in all things that happen? Have faith, for God is with us. He is the Peace that passes all understanding.
Angela Ellison
Prayer: Heavenly Father, peace, peace, wonderful peace. We are humbled by the gift of your Son, this Babe in a manger who has come to save us from ourselves. Thank you for making us worthy even when we don’t see our own worth. Thank you for loving us when we feel unloved. Thank you for being the calm during our storms. Help us to pause when we feel hurried. Let us remember what this season really means. Your gift to us is your Son, our Savior. Our gift to you is our faith and obedience. We are your servants, Lord. Now let us go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is King! ~Amen