Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
On a winter's day, it might be nice to tell a story from the summer. This story begins with a church family who had invited their pastor along with his wife to Sunday dinner.
It was a miserably hot, humid day. When everybody was at the table, the father turned to his six-year-old boy and asked him to say a few words of prayer. "But, Daddy, I don't know what to say," the panicked boy replied.
Mother assisted when she explained, "Now, now, son, you just say what you've heard me say so often." “Okay,” said the little boy as he obediently bowed his head and prayed, "O Lord, why did I invite these people here on a hot day like this?"
In the month of December I know it may not be hot where you live. Even so, you may find yourself saying the same kind of prayer, as did that boy.
"Lord, why did I accept that invitation to the party? I don't feel like going out." "Lord, why do they have to squeeze so many church services in at Christmas time? I'd just like to relax."
If you’re feeling too busy, there’s a good possibility you may be too busy. Please, take a breather from the Christmas rush today. Put your priorities in order. Remember, the ultimate reason for this season is not the parties, the tinsel, the toys, and the decorations. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus who was born as God’s great gift of love and grace. Christmas is the celebration of our salvation.
Take some time and realize that if you celebrate the Savior’s birth, your days, and your prayers, will fall into their proper place.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in the middle of this busy time of the year, remind us that without You there is no reason for celebration or Christmas. You are the reason we celebrate. Thank You. In Your Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Zechariah 5-8 Jude
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