Prayer for the Week: When life becomes a bit too busy, when this so-called joyous season leaves us feeling unsettled and frazzled, we seek the assistance of your Spirit, O God, so that we do not rush past your gift of love enfleshed. May your Spirit be a source of peace by which we can pause, breathe and take notice of the one they called Emmanuel. Help us
Scripture: Luke 1:41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Thought for the Day: There is a lot of movement in this story. In the previous verse (referenced in yesterday’s devotional), it said that Mary “got up and hurried…” to the home of her relative, Elizabeth. The word we translate as “got up” is the same word
Scripture: Luke 1:39-40Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Thought for the Day: This was not a short trip for Mary, yet there was something that drew her to the home of Elizabeth. They were ‘relatives’ according to Luke’s Gospel, but nothing in regard to the specifics of their relationship. They were kin, not only by
Scripture: Philippians 1:27Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. Thought for the Day: For the Apostle Paul to use the words “most important,” I am guessing
Scripture: Luke 1:38Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Thought for the Day: There is no real description of the angels who appeared throughout the birth narratives, and so much of what we imagine to be the appearance of an angel is influenced by art, art that came long after the New
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand. Thought for the Day: A member of our church family, Sheridan Green, saw an image that he thought was the antithesis of the Cypress Creek Christian Church message (see image below). Sheridan wasn’t
Scripture: Psalm 139:9-10If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. Thought for the Day: I love the God-questions offered by children. Though they may sound a little silly to our ears, they are almost always asked with genuine curiosity and joyful inquiry. I remember
Prayer for the Week: Confusion and Wonderment;Hesitation and Awe;Angst and Agreement – The emotions of the one you called, O Lord whose message was made visible in the appearance of an angel.The church has witnessed a shift in the mood and the appearance and the spiritual climate of worship as we enter this wonderful
Scripture: Luke 1:28-28When the angel came to Mary, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Thought for the Day: Had the angel simply said, “Rejoice…,” I’m guessing Mary would have done as the angel suggested. She would have immediately rejoiced, but instead, we read that she was confused and tried
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived! Thought for the Day: As I am writing this, I am also saying it out loud – it is December! It is hard to believe that we find ourselves here again. It’s interesting that the name December comes