Today’s scripture: Isaiah 9: 1-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Christmas: I remember it well. Of course it has changed its meaning for me over the years, but nevertheless it’s Christmas.
When I was a child, I could not wait to wake up Christmas morning. I would go to bed early, willing myself to sleep. At dawn (I’m sure it felt earlier to my parents), my eyes would fly open and there would be such a rush of adrenaline. I would jump out of bed, looking for slippers with my feet, pulling on a robe, struggling to get my arm in the correct sleeve, and screaming, “DADDY, DADDY, DID SANTA CLAUS COME?!” And, invariably, Santa Claus had visited us. That was Christmas: a magical fantasy.
When I was a teen and allowed to go shopping by myself, I looked forward to walking down the streets in the cold. There were no huge shopping malls; we had to actually go outside from store to store. People were friendly, and complete strangers would say, “Merry Christmas!” I loved looking in the windows of the large department stores; the exhibits were always creative and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed looking for things I could buy, with the money I had, and selecting that perfect gift for my mom and dad. That was Christmas: peace, good will to all.
When I became an adult, I loved staying up late, putting together toys and/or bicycles, and wrapping presents while Christmas carols played in the background. If I traveled home, which was often, there was always the smell of something baking in the kitchen, along with the scent of a “real” Christmas tree. I would spend hours searching for the right Christmas card to send to family and friends. That was Christmas: warm and fuzzy.
Now, I look forward to spending time with my loved ones. I don’t have to worry about cooking or putting toys together. I don’t even have to go out into the cold to buy presents, because I do most of my shopping online. So I can speculate on my favorite scripture verse: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called wonderful!
Thought for the day: Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!
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.