Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Thursday, December 24, Evening
By Dave Craig
Open the Door and See
Read Luke 2:6-7
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger…” (NIV)
Some doors that we open are familiar and others are not. Some have surprises and others are unknown or are fearful. After many years of silence and prophesies, God opened a great door and invited us in. And this is what we saw:
+ A great light. It was so bright that there were no shadows and no darkness. The light was Jesus, and He said, “Follow me, I am the light of the world.”
+ True love. Jesus lived and showed us unconditional love. He wanted us to love God, love others and love ourselves. He wanted us to be love that is patient, kind, gentle; always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering; and never failing.
+ The living God. Being part divine and part human, Jesus walked, ate, and slept among us. He traveled great distances, preached, taught, told stories and showed us how to pray. And He touched and healed us when we were hurting.
+ An example of forgiveness. Jesus showed and taught us how to deal with all human shortcomings and the evil of the world. As we kneel in faith and in prayer He will forgive all of our sins.
+ Peace. When we feel stressed, rushed and worn out, Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest and relief. He assures us that He will be with us always.
There is Jesus at the door, extending His hand and welcoming us into His presence. He wants to establish a close relationship with us during every day of our lives. May we live out this relational experience in all of its reality, grandeur, excitement and blessing this Christmas …
Prayer
Thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to lead productive lives. May we walk with Jesus through the door into the new year. Amen.
In loving memory of Dave, and as a tribute to his many years of faithful service to Church Street UMC, we have reprinted his devotion from our 2017 Advent devotional. Jesus opened the door to heaven and invited Dave in on March 9, 2020. May we honor Dave’s prayer and walk with Jesus into the new year.
