Good Shepherd Lutheran Church(elca)
Following Christ, Growing in Faith, Sharing God's Love
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2009 Advent Devotionals
December 25, 2009
Luke 2:11: "...to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord."
Blessed Christmas! What a day! Our family gathers around the tree on Christmas day morning. We have heard the Christmas Story and we open one gift at a time so that we can see what each person received. Wrapping paper is everywhere and good feelings are shared all around.
Christmas can be a sad time as well. It was a very hard Christmas remembering my mother who had died the summer before and was not there with us. There can be feelings of loneliness or the pain of broken relationships. Our lives cry out for Good News of Great Joy.
God's gift is personal..."to you", whatever your situation may be. God knows we need a Savior to heal us and give us hope. God invites us to open the gift of Jesus Christ in bread and wine, and the gift comes with the words, "The body of Christ given for you. The blood of Christ shed for you" "To you is born this day...a Savior..." Blessed Christmas!
Come Lord Jesus, born to us and to all the world. Open our hearts and minds to receive you always with thanksgiving. Amen
Pastor Tom Schoenherr
December 24, 2009
Luke 2:9-10: "Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people...'"
Terrified! Afraid! I suppose I would feel terrified if an angel suddenly stood before me, and the glory of the Lord God was shining all around me. I would feel like a deer in the headlights. I can understand the response of the deer. Terrified!
Life can give us those terrifying moments when we are so stunned we cannot move. On a trip to Indianapolis, again around Christmas time, the highway was closed because of blowing snow and ice. We had to get off to travel unfamiliar side roads which were covered with glaze ice. A trip that would normally take 2 hours ended up taking 5 hours. Our children were in tears and we were all tense and scared during the trip.
Then we hear the words of the angel, "Do not be afraid! I'm bringing you Good News of great joy." This news is for you and me, but not just for us. This Good News is for all the people. Jesus is the light who breaks into our terror and fear with great joy. Where do you need Jesus to break into your life now?
Come Lord Jesus. Shine in and around us with the light of your joy to overcome our fears. Amen
Pastor Tom Schoenherr
December 23, 2009
Luke 2:8: "In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night."
If you were a shepherd that night, you know that nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the safety of the sheep. You are vigilant, alert, keeping watch for any predators that may be looking for a mutton steak dinner.
I remember that kind of vigilance when we traveled as a family from our home in Michigan to be with my parents after Christmas. Darkness surrounded us. It was a familiar road but we had to travel so slowly because of the blinding snow that made for impossible visibility. I tried to stay close enough to a car or truck ahead of us so that we could see the lights of their car. I could not be distracted from intensely watching the edge of the highway to make sure we stayed on the road.
God keeps watch over the flock of his people and knows that we need a Savior. He sends Jesus Christ to be born for us. Our Shepherd comes in the night, the most frightening and fear-filled time, in order to be our Savior and Lord. Jesus knows our names and keeps watch for us, loving us through the night so that fear does not need to shut out Christ's light of hope for us.
Come Lord Jesus into our darkness and fill us with the light of your love. Amen
Pastor Tom Schoenherr
December 22, 2009
Luke 2:7 "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Jamie De Geer
It must have been a really busy time in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. I imagine caravans of people travelling to comply with the decree sent down from Emperor Augustus to register. There were most likely merchants set up along the way to sell their wares to the travelers. It was probably as busy as Atlanta during the Olympics or New Orleans during the ELCA Youth Gathering. The inns were likely so overcrowded that there was not a quiet corner in the place. So, while we might often feel offended when we read about Mary and Joseph being turned away from the inn, I wonder if maybe they weren't in some odd way blessed by the peaceful surroundings of the manger more than we realize. Who better would know about giving birth without assistance of a doctor or midwife than the animals in the stable? What better lullaby could the newborn baby have than the lowing of the cows or the cooing of the doves accented by the bray of the donkey? Humble, yes, but beautiful in its simplicity.
Jesus, help us to recognize the beauty in the humbleness of your birth. Help us to know that you are truly more precious than silver or gold and that your beauty is not what the world would expect. Thank you for coming to earth to live among us. In Your name we pray, Amen
Luke 2:7 "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
It must have been a really busy time in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. I imagine caravans of people travelling to comply with the decree sent down from Emperor Augustus to register. There were most likely merchants set up along the way to sell their wares to the travelers. It was probably as busy as Atlanta during the Olympics or New Orleans during the ELCA Youth Gathering. The inns were likely so overcrowded that there was not a quiet corner in the place. So, while we might often feel offended when we read about Mary and Joseph being turned away from the inn, I wonder if maybe they weren't in some odd way blessed by the peaceful surroundings of the manger more than we realize. Who better would know about giving birth without assistance of a doctor or midwife than the animals in the stable? What better lullaby could the newborn baby have than the lowing of the cows or the cooing of the doves accented by the bray of the donkey? Humble, yes, but beautiful in its simplicity.
Jesus, help us to recognize the beauty in the humbleness of your birth. Help us to know that you are truly more precious than silver or gold and that your beauty is not what the world would expect. Thank you for coming to earth to live among us. In Your name we pray, Amen
December 21, 2009
Luke 2:4-6 "Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child."
OK. So, who in their right mind would travel such a distance when they were pregnant? How inconvenient is that? Couldn't she just let Joseph go and register her in Bethlehem? Wouldn't she be safer staying home with her family? Couldn't they file for an extension or something? Wasn't she taking a big risk? Somehow, I never pictured Mary as a risky sort of girl. I have always pictured her a steady, serene, sure. She had to be scared of what was ahead but all reports show that she accepted her circumstance with joy and did what she had to do. Was it convenient? Not really. Did she complain? Not really.
Mary did what was asked of her with faithfulness and obedience and a heart filled with joy. I wonder how many of us could say the same about the things that we find an inconvenience? How can we be more like Mary?
Heavenly Father, help us to be more like Mary. Help us to be obedient to your call and faithful to your word even when it is inconvenient. Help us to remain joyful even in the midst of difficulty. Help us to be a blessing to others this Advent season as we prepare to welcome and celebrate Christ's birth. Amen
Jamie De Geer
December 20, 2009
Luke 2:1-3 "In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered."
These are important verses in the reporting of what could be referred to as "the Bethlehem Miracle" because they established a historical perspective as to the time and place of Jesus' birth. The author, Luke, was known to be an historian and it is logical to assume that his accounting of the events that brought Joseph and Mary of Galilee, in Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, are accurate. It was by the power of the Roman Emperor Augustus, who called for this particular registration to take place that these two citizens were in the right place at the right time so that the prophecies of Isaiah could be fulfilled. I mean, it had to be an edict from a very high place to bring a man to travel such a distance with a very pregnant teenage girl to whom he was merely betrothed.
What caused Emperor Augustus to make that particular decree? Why did people have to travel to their home towns? Wouldn't it have been just as effective to have people register in the place where they were currently living and just tell where their family came from? Was this Roman Emperor inspired by Yahweh, the God of the Jews, to make this specification in order that the prophecies of Isaiah could be fulfilled - that the Messiah would be born in the city of David which is Bethlehem? Was it circumstance or miracle?
Dear God, help us to look upon our circumstances with new eyes, eyes of faith, eyes that are able to see your miracles around us. Thank you for your presence in all of our circumstances. Help us to recognize your leading as we move through each day. In Jesus name, Amen.
Jamie De Geer
December 19, 2009
Matthew 1:25: "...but had not marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he names him Jesus."
My husband and I spent a long time picking out the perfect names for our children. Amy means "beloved." Andrew was my grandfather's middle name, and means "strong" and Austin means "worthy of praise." All three names are fitting for my children. Sometimes names define a person, they can be family names, names with special meaning, names that command respect.
Joseph was told to name the baby "Jesus" which means God's salvation. Other names for Jesus in the Bible are "Messiah" (anointed one), "Emmanuel" (God with us), "Redeemer (one who frees us), "Savior" (one who saves), "I Am" (ever present, omniscient and omnipotent), "Prince of Peace" (triumph over opposition), "Mighty God" (the God of power and might), "Wonderful Counselor" (wisdom and counsel), "the Alpha and Omega" (the beginning and the end).
Each name has a meaning of good news and great joy for us. God sent us salvation in a tiny baby whose names explain God's purpose perfectly.
Heavenly Father, help us hold on to the true meaning of Christmas and the salvation that is Jesus. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Brenda Ogroski
December 18, 2009
Matthew 1:24: "When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife..."
I would imagine Joseph had his life all planned. He was engaged to Mary and would be married soon. A family must have been in his plans - one he would have in his own time. But God had a different plan for Joseph, a plan that I think tested his faith.
Joseph did as the Angel of the Lord commanded. He took Mary as his wife, under circumstances that he probably wouldn't have chosen for himself. What faith Joseph must have had, to change all his plans, everything he had wanted to do, and follow what God had commanded. I would imagine that Joseph had no idea what was in store for Mary and himself. He let his faith in God guide him.
May we have faith like Joseph and follow God when he calls. When God changes our plans and makes them His, may our faith give us comfort and confidence. When we're not sure which direction to go, may our faith in God guide us.
Heavenly Father, take our hands and our hearts and guide us in the direction you want us to go. Give us the faith we need to follow wherever you lead. In Your name we pray. Amen
Brenda Ogroski
December 17, 2009
Matthew 1:22-23: "All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means, 'God is with us'."
In this passage I receive such comfort from the words, "God is with us." And the lengths He went to make sure we know that he is with us - sending His own son!
It's usually clear to see God's hand in my life as I look back on difficult times. In the midst of those hard times is where it can be hard to discern where God is leading, but knowing that God is with me is what gets me through.
How comforting to know that He cares for each of us and knows the trials we face being with you - holding you through all the ups and downs of your life.
Father, thank you for holding us near to you and help us to remember that you always do. Amen.
Vicki Martin
December 16, 2009
Matthew 1:21: "She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
"... for he will save his people from their sins." What strikes me in reading this verse is that we are called "his people" from the very beginning. God calls us first to be His. He chooses us first.
In our house we talk a lot about choices...as we try to remember to highlight the good choices our kids make, or talk about a choice that wasn't so hot. So many choices everyday - and we don't always get them right. But there is so much hope in this verse. God chooses us, knowing that we're human and don't always make the right choice and he forgives our sins, so that we can start fresh again in Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you for sending us hope and a fresh start through your son. Amen.
Vicki Martin
December 15, 2009
Matthew 1:20: "But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
I have frequently heard the statement if you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans. Joseph had a plan. It wasn't a hateful, bad plan. But, it wasn't God's plan for Joseph. Joseph made his plan, but also continued to have an open heart to hear God's plan. God speaks to Joseph calling him the son of David. Joseph's father wasn't named David, his father was Jacob. So, by God calling Joseph son of David - he connected him back to King David - one who was called and anointed by God. One by his faith fought Goliath and who reigned over Isrsel for 40 years. Obviously, God gave Joseph a great faith (as with David) to understand what seemed impossible showing him, and us, that through God all things are possible.
Dear God, Please be with us as we dream dreams, make plans, and prayerfully wait and listen for your plans for us. In Jesus' name, Amen
Suzie Everingham
December 14, 2009
Matthew 1:19: "Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly."
Righteous is not a word that we normally use. Righteous means "morally right, just." But, when I think of the word righteous, I quickly think of the word "self-righteous" - which turns the word righteous around from being just and fair to being self-seeking. It is a movement from seeing one's righteousness in the lens of God's grace to smugly seeing through the lens of self. If you just know this part of the story and not the ending, you could easily see how hurt and humiliated Joseph was at finding out about Mary's pregnancy. Yet, even at that difficult time, Joseph chose not to be vengeful toward Mary, but instead kind.
We, as sinful people are loved by God in this way. God, through Christ, sees us through the lens of love. When we are self-righteous toward others, God opens our eyes to our self-righteousness and forgives us and loves us. In fact, God loves us into righteousness and lavishes us with kindness.
Dear God, Help us to be examples of righteousness. Open our eyes to our self-righteousness and forgive us as we live embodied in saint and sinner, righteous and self-righteous. In Jesus' name, Amen
Suzie Everingham
December 13, 2009
Matthew 1:18 "Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit."
I read and re-read this verse. In a way the statement is so simplistic it seems like being pregnant with a child from the Holy Spirit happened frequently, and yet it happened only once. And, other than the statement that Mary was engaged to Joseph, basically this verse is all about Mary. Yet, if one was to read Matthew 1:1-17, you would find a long description of Jesus' lineage ending with Joseph (not Mary). So, to me, I think there must be something more to being a relative of Jesus than the normal "blood relative" part.
Through God, Joseph was related to Jesus, and through Jesus we are all related to God, and to each other. Pretty simplistic. Pretty amazing. Thanks be to God for the gift of amazing relatives.
Suzie Everingham
December 12, 2009
Luke 1:53-54: "He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise He made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
While reading this passage about how God has watched over and come to the aid of the much troubled nation of Israel, I am reminded of His presence in my life and the promise He made to me; the promise that He would always be there for me. When I was young, I always went to my parents for help. After I got married, it has been my wife who I looked to. Although the support of these three people has been great and much appreciated, it wasn't until I seriously included God in these conversations that I experienced real peace and comfort. Having Him beside me and always holding my hand has definitely made my life considerably less stressful. And He reminds me to be more supportive and helpful to all the people in my life.
Lord, let us all remember to call on your everlasting presence to help us get through each day.
December 11, 2009
Luke 1:50-53: "His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty."
As I read Mary's words, I am reminded of my mother who also came from very humble surroundings. She too greatly honored God and carried with her a faith in Him that was very important in her dealing with any problems or disappointments. Mom had a daily conversation with God in which she asked for His guidance and thanked Him for His help. When my sister was handicapped both mentally and physically due to a birth injury, Mom prayed for and received the constant presence of God to help her deal with all the complications that ensued. My sister, who had every reason to despise her world, instead was molded into one of the most loving human beings that I have ever known. What a great example of God's care for those in need, and how His love passes from one generation to another.
Let us humbly pray for God's help and guidance as we endeavor to be good Christian role models for our children and grandchildren.
Carter Pederson
December 10, 2009
Luke 1:40: "for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name."
Mary obviously was speaking of God. This was a time in her life when she could have been asking questions such as "Why me?", "Why now?" Her response is so pure and wonderful! "He has done great things for me." She was grateful and honored for God's trust in her.
Dear God, Please know how grateful we are for all you have done for us in our lives. Thank you for entrusting us with Your world and Your children. Please help guide us to live our lives in the way Mary did, to show honor for You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen
Pamela Valenti
December 9, 2009
Luke 1:46-48: And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;"
This part of the story appears to be where Mary enters the stage of acceptance. Mary has already experienced fear, disbelief and shock, probably even denial. Mary is now grasping what an incredible gift the Lord has given her.
Many times in life we have to go through steps or stages to come out in the end with the true meaning or lesson God is trying to give us.
What expectant mother, under any circumstance hasn't had doubts? Can I do this, how is this going to change my life? Then for most of us, we get the message. God has given us a miracle, a child to care for, to love, to teach to achieve great things, a child of God.
Granted, Mary had a few more complications than most of us. She knew the truth. The community as a whole saw a young, poor, unmarried pregnant girl. Yet because of her faith, she embraced God, and finds joy in serving him. He is her comforter. Mary was chosen, picked from all the humble servants in the world. Mary knew "From now on, all people will call me blessed."
Every time a child is born, God is giving us all a blessing. We are the family of God. We are blessed.
Dear God, please help every new mother know and understand the remarkable gift You have given her. Help us as a community to help new families with the challenges we all have to face. Amen
Pamela Valenti
December 8, 2009
Luke 1:43-45: "And why has this happened to me that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."
What a touching scene this would have been when Elizabeth, having foreseen knowledge, greeted her as 'Mother of the Lord.' And Mary, who was perhaps fearful of her appointment as the mother of Jesus, hears a joyful confirmation first from Elizabeth.
Elizabeth exclaimed how her baby leapt for joy at the sound of Mary's voice. These two women were given such a beautiful gift and they accepted their responsibility with courage and commitment to each other, their families, and to God, even though they would endure great suffering, as well as unimaginable joy throughout their sons' lives. Mary believed what the Lord had promised her and this is truly an inspiration to me as a mother and a child of God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all Your gifts. May we receive them with grace and use them according to your wishes. Amen
Julie Deay
December 7, 2009
Luke 1:41-42: "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry,'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth knew in an instant when her baby leapt in her womb, that she was in the presence of the Lord. What a comfort this visit must have been for both Mary and Elizabeth to have formed this mutual support group. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and the joy was expressed through "her" baby, who was to become John the Baptist. I believe at this moment these two women realized there destiny and how exciting this must have been!
Heavenly Father, help us to experience this same joy throughout the Advent season as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Amen
Julie Deay
December 6, 2009
Luke 1:39-40: "In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth."
I like the part of this verse that says Mary went with haste. Mary could not wait to get there and see Elizabeth. This is how I feel about Christmas with my family. Sometimes the holidays are a stressful time. We focus on having all the right gifts perfectly wrapped and making sure our houses are spotless before the holiday guests come over. This advent season I encourage all of us to take the time to really enjoy each other. I know it can be difficult to let go of the day's worries and finally sit back and relax. In the times when it is the most difficult to let go we have the calming promise that nothing can separate us from God, not even stress. Today, take a deep breath and remember that God is always with us. So that secure in this this knowledge, we can take the time to relax and drink in the joy of one another's company.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the friends and family in our life that bring us comfort. Help us to seek Your peace in times of stress. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Michelle Stillwell
December 5, 2009
Luke 1:38: "Then Mary said, 'Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.' Then the angel departed from her."
This passage makes me say, are you serious?!?! To sum it up, Mary has just been told that she will have a child with God. As in the Holy Spirit is going to come and impregnate her. Then she is told that her really old relative who was barren is now having a baby too. And Mary's response is certainly not what I think my response to all that would be. Her response is here am I, the servant of the Lord. I am in awe of this statement. Her response is not to try to bargain with God or try to deny what is going to happen. It is Mary accepting all that is going to come. It makes me wonder, how many of us just accept life the way it comes? Don't we try to bargain and tweak and fix all the things we don't like? How much calmer and enjoyable would life be if we could just say to God, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."
Dear Lord, thank you for being a God who loves us even in the midst of our struggles. Help us to accept those things that are difficult for us to accept. In Jesus' name, Amen
Michelle Stillwell
December 4, 2009
Dear God, thank you for your promise that nothing is impossible with you. Help us to trust that you are still moving and working even when we do not see it. In Jesus' name, Amen
Michelle Stillwell
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December 3, 2009
Luke 1:34-35: "Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?' The angel said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God."
I read over these verses several times trying to fathom what Mary thought when she first heard them. Did she ask the angel to repeat them? In the end, my difficulty in comprehension reminded me of a Christmas movie from several years ago called "The Santa Claus". In the movie, a young boy, Charlie, counters questions about his believing in a Santa Claus that he's never seen and who accomplishes in one night a delivery system that is just, well, impossible to comprehend, with "I've never seen a million dollars but I know IT exists". He goes on to say, "...sometimes seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing". I think of that movie line often when I'm unsure about God's plan for me. Knowing that if I am patient in my trust in God, I will see his plan. For Mary, hearing the angel's foretelling of how she will come to bring the Son of God into the world, would seem to have had this element of believing in something so powerfully, that she can see it happening - even if the prospect is so far out of her sense of understanding.
As we celebrate the coming birth of Jesus and reflect on one year ending and look forward to a new year beginning, I suppose we all look to something greater than ourselves - a love, hope, or joy, an end to wars, pain and suffering. Like Charlie, we choose to believe in all the possibilities in God's grace - we choose to "see", and in that sense of sight is where our faith lies.
Dear Father, thank you for helping us "see" all that Your kingdom offers and please guide us in sharing the joy of believing in Your love, grace, and mercy to those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen
Becky Howard
December 2, 2009
Luke 1:32-33: "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
"I think you're going to be great." "You'll see, it's going to be great." So many times in our lives we find ourselves sharing or receiving this prediction of greatness. In Luke 1:30-31, Jesus' birth is foretold to Mary. The feelings Mary had at this news are truly unimaginable... I would imagine feeling excited, concerned, maybe even afraid - awestruck. But in verse 32-33 , the angel tells her that her son, Jesus, will be the Son of the Most High - that he will BE great. The phrasing is so similar yet there is such a distinction between thinking that your son will be called great and being told that "He will be great." (All parents usually think that their kids are pretty great, but hearing this from an angel of the Most High, well, must have been truly unimaginable.)
I looked up the word "great" in the dictionary and found the following adjectives to be closest to what I can only imagine is the accurate descriptor for the angel's foretelling of the coming of the Son of the Most High...for He truly is remarkable in every way, His magnitude is everlasting, and His effectiveness is never ending."
Dear God, As we look at our great - or large in number - lists to do and places to be during this busy Advent season, we pray that the "greatness" of the gift of Your son to us, is ever present and at the center of the joy of the season. In Jesus' name, Amen
December 1, 2009
Luke 1:30-31: "The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus."
The angel, God's messenger, tells Mary to name her baby Jesus. Why Jesus? Do you know what that means? The name Jesus means "God saves", or "God is salvation". It makes sense. This baby has come to save us. It says in Matthew, "...you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Without this baby Jesus, we are lost. Without this baby Jesus, we are trapped in our sins. Without this baby Jesus, we have no hope. But with this baby Jesus, we have life now and forever. With this baby Jesus, we are saved. Saved from sin. Saved for life. Saved to follow Christ. Follow the baby Jesus, whose name means "God saves".
Dear God, thanks for sending Jesus to save us. In Jesus' name, Amen
November 30, 2009
What kind of greeting is that? "Greetings, favored one!" Mary was going to have a baby and she wasn't married. She would eventually watch her son, Jesus, die on the cross. If that's what it means to be favored, maybe she'd prefer something else. But God's messenger Gabriel also said "The Lord is with you". It seems to me that those words change everything. Life can be hard. Life can be painful. Life can be challenging. But we are never alone. With God's love, we can face the challenges of each day, knowing that we are blessed because of God's presence. Whatever challenges you face, know that "The Lord is with you." Like Mary, God never leaves us alone. Gracious God, hold us close and help us see that you never leave us alone. In Jesus' name, AmenLuke 1:28-29: "And he (the angel Gabriel) came to her (Mary) and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be."
Pastor John Gerike
Following Christ, Growing in Faith, Sharing God's Love.
© 2007 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA) at Manchester, MO
© 2007 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA) at Manchester, MO