Today’s scripture: Deuteronomy 10:17-19a (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
For some of us, this Christmas is a year of firsts, some of which will not be easy: the first Christmas following the death of a loved one, the first Christmas after a divorce or break-up, the first Christmas without employment, or the first Christmas after receiving a complicated medical diagnosis.
Today’s scripture speaks of God’s love for humanity — specifically for the widowed and orphaned, or as I see it, those who have been left behind. I see hope for those left behind in today’s scripture.
It causes me to remember a Christmas card I received about six years ago. It was the first Christmas after my Dad had passed away. It was my first Christmas as a mid-life orphan — a person in midlife with no parents. The card I received was from a distant relative — one of those behind the scenes relatives that my Dad talked about from time to time, but we never spent much time with and I never knew that well.
This note was handwritten at the bottom of the card: “I know this Christmas will be difficult without your Dad but there are still beautiful people and beautiful things all around.”
At first, I was taken aback by the note. I felt like my right to sit in sadness was being diminished somehow. But the more I thought about it, I realized it was wise advice. It was the voice of wisdom and a message I needed to hear — a message of tough love from an angel. It reminded me of the love that surrounds us in spite of chaos we may feel within.
Angels are heavenly messengers who serve as a bridge between heaven and earth, reminding us that we are not alone. We are surrounded by all kinds of unseen spiritual power. Even in the darkest of times, we are surrounded by beautiful people and beautiful things.
Prayer for today: Thank you, God, for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday, to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.