28th. December. 2021. Daily Devotion.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Third day of Christmas

The Christmas spirit — the real spirit, the tremendous joy at celebrating God’s incarnation to save us from our sins — is downright contagious. This is not the happiness of seeing pretty decorations or having new bicycles and game boxes or drinking eggnog. It is the more enduring and real knowledge that God loves us and proved it to us, 2,000 years ago, by sending us Himself wrapped in a package that looked just like us. When we give presents, when we give the gift of love, when we become generous, we imitate God.

So, spread the good news. The news is just as good as we head into 2020 as it was in 3 A.D. There is something better than the greedy and self-centred world we live in, something better than slowly growing feeble and dying. There is true goodness and eternal life, available for all who would come to worship the little baby, humbly lying in a feed trough in a barn. Of all places! M. Barge.

Lord God, I give you my greatest thanks for the greatest gift of all time. Amen.

A Christmas Prayer

Eternal God, this joyful day is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May that light illuminate my heart and shine in my words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem fill my life and become part of all that I say and do. May I share the divine life of your son Jesus Christ, even as he humbled himself to share my humanity. Bless me and the feast that You have provided for me; let me be thankful for the true gift of Christmas, your Son. Amen.

Coronavirus Prayer

God of love and hope,
you made the world and care for all creation,
but the world feels strange right now.
The news is still full of stories about Coronavirus.
Some people are worried that they might get ill.
Others are anxious for their family and friends.
Be with them and help them to find peace.
We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists,
and all who are working to discover the right medicines
to help those who are ill.
Thank you that even in these anxious times,
you are with us.
Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe. Amen.

Benediction

Lord, support me all long day of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and my work is done. Then, of Thy mercy, grant me a safe lodging, and a holy rest and a peace at last through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.