Wednesday, December 6, 2023

The word wonder is defined as “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable” (Oxford English Dictionary). I want to invite you to look deeply into the wonder of that first Christmas and to open the gift that is available for all who believe.

Not everyone has a home where the “stockings are hung by the chimney with care,” or where loving and/or annoying family members come from afar just to be together. Instead, some are wondering if they will even have a place to spend Christmas.

Mary and Joseph experienced this dilemma just before Mary was about to give birth; there was no place for them to stay. I imagine Mary thinking back to when the angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary” … “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:30-32).

So there they were with the most precious miracle the world would ever see on that first Christmas, and the only place to lay him was in a manger with the barn animals. Nearby an angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” … “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” .… “You will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

What a wonder that God used this humble scene to have the first Christmas gathering. He provided the location, the guests, and the gifts—and none of those were what anyone expected.

I want to be like Mary and Joseph this holiday season and trust that God will lead me and you into a deeper understanding of the gift we have been given in Jesus. This gift is so much greater than where we live and the things we do or do not have.

Let’s wonder at all he can do when we open our hearts, pray, and listen.

Questions:
What do you need this holiday season? Are you feeling alone even in a crowded room? Ask yourself, “why?”

Who can you bless with your gifts to show Jesus loves them?

Next Steps:
If you have a need, reach out and ask for help.

If you see a need, reach out and help. Do something special for someone on your list this Christmas.

Prayer:
Jesus, we pray for those who are in need physically, spiritually, and/or emotionally this Christmas season. Please provide solutions to meet these needs. Make us a people with open eyes and hearts, willing to serve when you call us. Amen.

Parent Resource:
Read Luke 1:34-37 together as a family. Taking care of a new baby is a big challenge! Consider sending a meal to a family or friend you know with a new baby, or pick up diapers to donate to a local shelter or food bank.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

This post was written by April Willer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.