The Sunday Lectionary Readings for TUESDAY, December 25, 2018 - Christmas Day

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

TUESDAY, December 25, 2018 - Christmas Day

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Prayer of the Day

All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading

Isaiah 62:6-12
6   Upon your walls, O Jerusalem,
      I have posted sentinels;
    all day and all night
      they shall never be silent.
    You who remind the Lord,
      take no rest,
7   and give him no rest
      until he establishes Jerusalem
      and makes it renowned throughout the earth.
8   The Lord has sworn by his right hand
      and by his mighty arm:
    I will not again give your grain
      to be food for your enemies,
    and foreigners shall not drink the wine
      for which you have labored;
9   but those who garner it shall eat it
      and praise the Lord,
    and those who gather it shall drink it
      in my holy courts.

10  Go through, go through the gates,
      prepare the way for the people;
    build up, build up the highway,
      clear it of stones,
      lift up an ensign over the peoples.
11  The Lord has proclaimed
     to the end of the earth:
    Say to daughter Zion,
      “See, your salvation comes;
    his reward is with him,
      and his recompense before him.”
12  They shall be called, “The Holy People,
      The Redeemed of the Lord”;
    and you shall be called, “Sought Out,
      A City Not Forsaken.”

Psalm 97 Dominus regnavit

1  The Lord is King;
     let the earth rejoice; *
     let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2  Clouds and darkness are round about him, *
     righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

3  A fire goes before him *
     and burns up his enemies on every side.

4  His lightnings light up the world; *
     the earth sees it and is afraid.

5  The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, *
     at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6  The heavens declare his righteousness, *
     and all the peoples see his glory.

7  Confounded be all who worship carved images
     and delight in false gods! *
     Bow down before him, all you gods.

8  Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
     because of your judgments, O Lord.

9  For you are the Lord,
     most high over all the earth; *
     you are exalted far above all gods.

10 The Lord loves those who hate evil; *
     he preserves the lives of his saints
     and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
     and joyful gladness for those who are true hearted.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, *
     and give thanks to his holy Name.

Second Reading

Titus 3:4-7
3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and a dore the Lord. For today a great light has come up on the earth. Alleluia.

The Gospel

Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20
The Birth of Jesus
2:[1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 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. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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.]

The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

14  “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
      and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Click HERE to read today's Christmas message


Closing Prayer

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in deepest night, are lit up with a brilliant sight. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. The spread of his influence and of his peace will never end. Therefore, go out into the world with great joy, and the grace of Bethlehem’s matchless Child, the love of the God who never ceases to amaze, and the fellowship of the Spirit who never wearies, will be with you this holy night and evermore.
Thanks be to God!

Optional parts of the readings are set off in square brackets.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!

"The Message Of Christmas"

All mighty God, we thank you for your word and the way that you in it revealed to us who you are and what you've done for us in Christ. Now as we open that word we pray that your spirit may be present, that all thoughts of worry or distraction may be removed and that the Spirit will allow us to hear your voice. And so oh God fill us with your spirit through the reading and proclamation of your word this day. We pray in Jesus name. Amen

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. 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. 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.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:1-20,  NRSV)

"The Message Of Christmas"

In the Christmas gospel, we are given a word picture of that first Nativity Scene in the stable in Bethlehem. It’s a picture that has been burned into the minds of Christians and non-Christians alike. Some of you might even have one set up in your yard or in your home.

For many, it’s merely a seasonal decoration to be taken down come December 26th. For us as Christians, we recognize there’s something special about that Nativity Scene. What is it? What might those people in that scene be thinking about as they gaze upon the Christ child? What was it really like to be there that first Christmas day? That’s what I want to explore with you. So with the eyes of faith, let’s go back in time to the first Nativity Scene.

The first thing that is going to stand out is the environment you’re standing in. Watch where you step, you might get an unpleasant surprise. After all, remember, this is a stable. Not the nice, cleaned up, pristine type you usually see in Nativity Scenes today, but a real stable, a barn, a place used to house animals. So that means, yeah, you have all the smells and everything else a stable usually has. This doesn’t look like the place where you’re going to find anything glorious. Finding glory in this scene is going to be like, well, finding a needle in a haystack. As we make our way through the stable, we see a young couple, and a baby. Let’s go see what they’re up to.

We see the new mother, Mary, laying her newborn Son into his first bed, a manger, a feeding trough for animals. No doubt, this is not how she envisioned giving birth to her first child. And we’re not just talking about her surroundings either. You see, the last nine months have been quite a journey for this young woman. She was going about what up to that point had been a pretty ordinary life for a young woman in Nazareth, and had even become betrothed, or engaged, to Joseph, the local carpenter. Things were going pretty well for her, and it seemed as if she’d just live her life anonymously, until an angel showed up. “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) With that announcement, the angel declared to Mary that she would not only become a mother, but she would be the mother of the long promised Savior of the Nations. Being a virgin, Mary asked how this would work, and the angel told 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 called holy-the Son of God.” (v. 35) It was clear from that moment that this was not going to be an ordinary pregnancy. Not only that, but she would have to face the ridicule and scorn of the community. And of course, what would Joseph think of all of this?

Speaking of Joseph, there he is, next to his bride and the newborn child. He’s not rich by worldly standards. He’s certainly not a king, or someone with a lot of power and stature in the world, or even in Nazareth for that matter. He’s also been through quite an emotional roller coaster. Things were going along as planned, he had been preparing his home so that he could take Mary fully as his wife, and then, she has some bad news. “Joseph, I’m pregnant.” Joseph knows it can’t be his child. What has Mary done? Why him? Mary tries to tell him what happened, about the angel, about the conception by the Holy Spirit, and that she had done nothing wrong, but he just can’t believe it. He considers what to do about the situation. He could turn Mary in, after all, in those days, adultery was an offense punishable by stoning to death. But he cares too much for Mary to have that happen, so he decided to just simply divorce her quietly and wash his hands of the situation. That is, until he received a visit from an angel himself. In a dream, an angel tells him: “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is convinced in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Indeed, Mary was telling him the truth. The prophecy from Isaiah was true: “The young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Joseph is now charged with the task of being the step-father to the long promised Messiah. What an awesome responsibility, knowing that his savior from sin, death, and the devil is entrusted to his care. There’s a lot of joy in that man’s face that night; he, a humble, ordinary carpenter, is among the first to look into the face of his Savior.

Off in the distance, we see some shepherds making their way into this scene. Yeah, those same shepherds we passed by out in the fields outside of Bethlehem that you probably ignored on our way into town. They’re not the cleanest people in the world. Their occupation is among the lowest on the totem pole of the day. They are among the last people you would expect to be the first ones to pay homage to the newborn King. How do they know about this event? An angel appeared to them with this message: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” (v. 10-12) An angel, sent from the presence of God himself, told them this! That this baby was the sign that God had kept His promise of a Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil. So here these shepherds come, to see their Savior for themselves, to see that promise from God be fulfilled.

Now as we look at those who are looking in at the Child in the manger, what do they all have in common? They were told what this Child was destined to do by an angel, a messenger sent directly from God. Quite often, you’ll see an angel depicted in a Nativity Scene. The Greek word for angel is literally translated as “Messenger”. The shepherds, Mary, and Joseph were all visited by a messenger from God Himself, who told them what this Child was destined to do. In the hymn “What Child is This”, we hear a hymn version of what this child will do, especially in the 2nd verse where we sing: “Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian fear, for sinners here the silent word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!” This Child was no ordinary child, He is Immanuel, God with us in human flesh. This is the long promised Messiah, who would go to the Cross to win forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation for all people. This is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! This is God Himself! Today, through the sharing of the Word, you have had a visit from an Angel, in this case, a called and ordained Messenger of God, who is bringing you the same message that the Angels gave to Mary, to Joseph, and to those Shepherds that first Christmas so many years ago. That message points you to the manger, where your peace, goodwill, and salvation are!

What’s amazing as we take one last look at this scene is how humble it is. The Word made flesh is born not in the powerful city of Jerusalem, but lowly Bethlehem. His parents are not of the family of Caesar Augustus, the Emperor of the day, but a humble carpenter and a young maiden. His first visitors are not rulers, military leaders, or the rich and mighty of society, but humble, lowly shepherds, among the lowest of society. His first bed is not the comfortable cradle one would expect to find in the palace, but an old wooden feeding trough filled with some straw. While angels sing “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” that night in the sky, it’s hard to find the glory, because it’s hidden in simple human flesh.

For most of our world today, when they gaze upon a Nativity Scene, the true Glory of God gets passed by. That’s the blindness of sin at work. You see, if we’re going to talk about that baby in the manger, we have to talk about him being a Savior. And when we talk about Him being a Savior, we have to talk about being saved from something, in particular, our own sin of thought, word, and deed. And on a day where the world wants to talk about peace and joy and just be happy, they want to keep that part of Christmas quiet. But, God has sent you a messenger, who has shared His Word with you; so now, you see that this picture in Bethlehem for it’s true glory. You see your Savior looking up at you in that manger. The One who was born to save you from sin, death, and the devil! And that’s good news!

When one thinks about it, just as His life begins in a humble, seemingly un-glorious way, His life will also end in a similar way. His glory will be hidden then when that same flesh we see in the manger is pierced by nails driven into His hands and side, and that same blood is shed on a cross outside of Jerusalem. To the eyes of the world, it’s one of the least glorious scenes one will ever see. But through the eyes of faith, we see the true Glory of this Man as our Savior suffers the punishment of our sin on that cross. That’s how He brings us peace with God. That’s what He was destined to do from his birth in this stable!

For the world, Christmas is a time of peace, joy, and happiness. Yet, that doesn’t change the fact that we live in a sinful, fallen world, and there are many people  who have a hard time seeing it, or feel that their “Christmas Joy” has been ripped out from under them. Some this Christmas worry about their future, will they still have a job next year? How will we provide for our family’s needs? Others will sit down for family gatherings, and there will be an empty place because a loved one in the family has died. Others suffer through pain, suffering, and loneliness, caused by the actions and words of others who intended to cause that hurt, that leaves them ripped of any sense of joy and happiness, and they wonder if they will ever experience joy again. For them, a sentiment of peace and joy this Christmas is next to impossible to find, or some sort of a cruel joke.

But with the eyes of faith, we look into the manger, and find our true peace. That peace that the angels spoke about is not a worldly peace that can be easily disturbed, but a peace we have with God. Because of what His Son will do for us, our sins of thought, word, and deed are forgiven! For those of us who worry about what the future will bring, we find peace this Christmas Day because of the Baby in the manger! For those who have lost a loved one who has died in the faith, like I have, they can be comforted at the thought of their loved one spending this Christmas festival with that Baby forever, where they no longer know tears, sorrow, or pain. It’s all because of that baby in a manger.

He’s the greatest Gift ever given! Lots of gifts are going to be exchanged this Christmas. Some of them will be great gifts, things you’ve always wanted. Yet, toys break, electronic gates go on the fritz, or quickly become outdated. That new sweater you got will get snagged on the filing cabinet and become unraveled. Gifts of this world wear out or break. This gift in the manger from God to us, the gift of His Son in human flesh to save us from our sin, death, and the devil is the perfect gift. It never stops giving. It never comes in the wrong size. It never wears out or breaks. And in the Christmas Gospel, you see this Gift face to face!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in deepest night, are lit up with a brilliant sight. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. The spread of his influence and of his peace will never end. Therefore, go out into the world with great joy, and the grace of Bethlehem’s matchless Child, the love of the God who never ceases to amaze, and the fellowship of the Spirit who never wearies, will be with you this holy night and evermore.

Amen.

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The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

The Morning Prayer for TUESDAY, December 25, 2018 - Christmas Day

Christmas Morning Prayer

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake, Amen!

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, December 25, 2018 - Christmas Day

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Read all of Isaiah 9

Listen to Isaiah 9

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un dia a la Vez - No te sientas solo

No te sientas solo

Si puedes creer, al que cree todo le es posible.

~ Marcos 9:23, RV-60

El enemigo quiere hacerte sentir que estas solo, triste, que nadie se acuerda de ti y que no vales nada. Si miras a tu alrededor, a lo mejor si estás solito en un hospital, en una cárcel o en casa, pero no les des espacio a esos pensamientos que no vienen del Señor. Dios está tan cerca como tú lo quieras sentir. En su Palabra, lo dejó registrado en muchos versículos donde nos recuerda que nunca nos abandonará, que nos ha dejado la paz, que estará con nosotros hasta el fin del mundo.

Solo tienes que levantar tu mirada al Creador y decirle cómo te sientes y que deseas que te perdone y bendiga tu vida. La presencia la sientes en alegría y en unas ganas enormes de seguir adelante.

Recuerda que Dios cuida de ti y conoce tus necesidades. Aun así, debes confiar en Él. Cuando te invadan esos pensamientos de tristeza empieza a orar enseguida y declara: «Si Dios está conmigo, ¿quién contra mí?».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
El enemigo quiere hacerte sentir que estas solo, triste, que nadie se acuerda de ti y que no vales nada.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THE COURAGE THAT MADE CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE

THE COURAGE THAT MADE CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

~ Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

Chinese evangelist, Brother Xi, was traveling one very cold Christmas Eve in the rugged province of Gansu. As he came to the next village he sensed something was wrong. He introduced himself as a bearer of good news. A small man interrupted, “Well we have only bad news here right now. A couple has just had their baby stolen.” In the poorer areas of China, where couples are restricted to one child, it is not uncommon to have child snatching, even stealing babies for wealthy childless couples in the cities.

He stepped inside the house to find both husband and wife staring quietly at him. The couple’s grief hung heavy in the air. He said, “I’m so sorry to hear about your plight, but I know someone who may help...God. Let me pray to Him.”

There was no reaction on the couple’s faces, so he went into prayer, feeling very uncomfortable indeed. “Dear Father, many years ago at this same time of year you sent a child into the world and rescued us all; we ask today that you will send back this child to us, and deliver this village from the sadness which grips it, Amen.”

Suddenly the young husband spoke, “Shut up and go away. We have prayed to our gods and nothing has happened. Why should yours be any different?” He was grabbed from behind by the other villagers and propelled out of the village. “Don't you dare come here again!” they bawled.

He wandered the hills in a daze of humiliation, tears, and crying to God. Then he thought l went to that village expecting a hero’s welcome, or at the very least, I relied on being a curiosity, quizzed and entertained by people who live very dull and isolated lives. Instead, I had only been treated a little like Christ was treated.

Kneeling there in the snow, he knew what he had to do—go back to that village, knowing for sure he would be despised. This was to follow in the Master’s footsteps. With a pounding heart he turned and began to walk slowly back towards the village. Suddenly, across the still late afternoon air, he heard a baby’s cry coming from what appeared to be an old well shaft.

Sure enough six feet down was a little baby, wrapped in a thick blanket, lying at the bottom of the dry-well. He climbed down to hug some warmth back into it. It was a baby girl. Those who snatched it did not know it was a girl, and finding later that it was, left it in this old well to die.

He walked back to the village with the precious bundle of life. The villagers came running. They were amazed and overjoyed as they led him to the cottage of the poor couple, and the smile on the mother’s face as he placed her baby into her lap was unforgettable. “Come, warm yourself by the fire” said the husband. They drew up a chair for him, and as the other villagers crowded round, he asked, “Who was that God you prayed to?”

What an invitation. Here he was, the honored guest, looking at thirty eager people, waiting with bated breath to hear the Gospel. “Well,” he began, “He came to earth in the form of a little baby, just about this time 2000 years ago...”

RESPONSE: Today I will praise God that He is truly in control and can work out all situations for good.

PRAYER: Thank God today for the coming of His Son to earth in humble yet powerful glory!

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - The First Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The First Day

The 12 days of Christmas are the 12 days that separate Christmas Day on December 25 and ends on January 5, with the next day being Epiphany, which is celebrated January 6. Depending on the church, January 6 may mark Christ’s baptism (in the Catholic tradition), or it may mark the day that the wise men (or the Magi) visited Jesus with their gifts.

The Day of Epiphany is when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi. Magi means wise men.

From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During that era someone wrote ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas‘ as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.

Some beliefs believe that the day after Christmas started the 12 Days of Christmas. You also hear some people think its the 12 days that lead up to Christmas. But reality, it starts on December 25, that is the first day.

Starting December 25 to January 5, I am going to republished each of the 12 Days of Christmas. So stay tuned by following today! You won’t want to miss the hidden meaning of each of the 12 days of Christmas.

The First Day of Christmas

The carol says On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave To Me

A Partridge in a pear tree

According to catechism hidden meaning it means …

The One true God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ

Girlfriends in God - Answered Prayer in A Shoebox

Answered Prayer in A Shoebox

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

~ Matthew 21:22 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

My sister loves socks. One day, we were shopping and happened to walk into a department store where neither one of us could afford to buy a single thing. We were just passing through, on our way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful look on her face, Betty said, “I wish I could afford to shop in this store.” When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately replied with a smile, “Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would wear a different pair every day.” I could think of several things I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to her was not important to me.

I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unimpressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that if it is important to me, it is important to God.

Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their precious shoeboxes.

Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon was passed into the small, eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of each child as the long-awaited Christmas treasures were revealed. However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of his box and peered inside to see what he had received for Christmas this year.

One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem could be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer asked the now sobbing little boy, “What is wrong? What is in your box?” With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said, “Socks!” The worker instantly understood and assured the little boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might have crayons or a piece of candy in it.

Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, “You won’t believe this!”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, “This little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It affects his feet more than any other spot on his body. The doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally told the little boy that nothing will work, and his feet will never heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks.”

Socks were at the top of the little boy’s prayer list. As a matter of fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in his hands – socks. Those socks were more than just a gift. They were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child’s simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly-insignificant boy in Mexico prayed. God heard him and said, “Let me take care of you.”

No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember God’s perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are my God, and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer of my heart to You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Do you have your own “box of socks” for which you are praying? What is it?

Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer?

Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith described in this verse?

Today, pray in faith and see what God does!

More from the Girlfriends

Do you need help studying the Bible? It can sometimes be overwhelming to know where to start. Check out my new Bible Study, How to Study the Bible. Perfect for new believers as well as grounded Christians. Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through E-mail, Twitter, Instagram, Shopify, or on Facebook.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

My sister loves socks.

LHM Daily Devotions - STARTLING

"STARTLING"

Dec. 25, 2018

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

~ Luke 2:8-9 (ESV)

It was probably a quiet night. Not much excitement unless something startled the sheep. The biggest problem was likely to be staying awake.

And then the glorious wake-up call, with an angel surrounded by the glory of God, and the shepherds are on their feet, blinking, shaking.

Something to startle the sheep? Oh, yes indeed. Something to startle God's sheep, to wake them up and bring them to their feet, rubbing their eyes. A newborn baby, lying in a manger. A Savior. God Himself, come down to earth, come to save us.

Because it is startling, isn't it? People going about their everyday lives, working or sleeping, sitting, walking, eating—and then God. God in the middle of us all, sleeping and crying and nursing. God in a manger, the center of a humble family in a little village in a conquered country. God-with-us, Immanuel.

But sheep don't stay startled. Soon enough they calm down and go back to their grazing. And we, God's sheep, also calm down and go back to our everyday lives. But not alone, this time. Now we have Jesus. The God who was born for us, who lived and served and suffered and died for us, the Lord who rose from the dead for us—He has become our Shepherd. He keeps us in His care forever.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to live and to die and to rise again as our Good Shepherd who loves us. Amen.

The Coming King REFLECTION QUESTIONS!

• What do you know about sheep, and how do you know it?

• How do you most resemble a sheep?

• What does Jesus do for you as your Shepherd?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
What do you know about sheep, and how do you know it?

Devocional del CPTLN de 25 de Diciembre de 2018 - Alarmante

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Alarmante

25 de Diciembre de 2018

En esa misma región había pastores que pasaban la noche en el campo cuidando a sus rebaños. Allí un ángel del Señor se les apareció, y el resplandor de la gloria del Señor los envolvió. Ellos se llenaron de temor...

~ Lucas 2:8-9 (RVC)

Lo más probable es que fuera una noche tranquila. A menos que algo sobresaltara a las ovejas, nunca había mucha emoción. El mayor problema era mantenerse despierto... Pero de pronto llega el glorioso llamado de atención con un ángel rodeado de la gloria de Dios y los pastores se ponen de pie, parpadeando y temblando.

¿Algo que sobresaltara a las ovejas? ¡Por supuesto! Y más todavía, algo que iba a sobresaltar y despertar a las ovejas de Dios. Un Niño recién nacido, acostado en un pesebre. Un Salvador. El mismo Dios que bajó a la tierra a salvarnos.

¿Es realmente sorprendente, no? Cada uno haciendo su vida, trabajando o durmiendo, sentados o caminando, y allí aparece Dios. Dios en medio de todos nosotros durmiendo, llorando y amamantando. Dios en un pesebre, el centro de una familia humilde en un pueblo pequeño en un país conquistado. Emanuel, Dios con nosotros.

Pero las ovejas no permanecen sobresaltadas. Pronto se calman y vuelven a su pastoreo. Y nosotros, las ovejas de Dios, también nos calmamos y volvemos a nuestras vidas cotidianas. Pero esta vez no lo hacemos solos. Ahora tenemos a Jesús, el Dios que nació por nosotros, que vivió, sirvió, sufrió y murió por nosotros; el Señor que resucitó de los muertos por nosotros, y que se ha convertido en nuestro Pastor. Él nos mantiene bajo su cuidado para siempre.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, gracias por venir a vivir, morir y resucitar como nuestro Buen Pastor que nos ama. Amén.

PREGUNTAS DE REFLEXIÓN:

• ¿En qué te asemejas a una oveja?

• ¿Qué hace Jesús por ti como tu Pastor?

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿En qué te asemejas a una oveja?

Nuestro Pan Diario - Nieve invernal

Nieve invernal

Leer: Isaías 42:1-4 | La Biblia en un año: Sofonías 1–3 Apocalipsis 16

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No gritará, ni alzará su voz, ni la hará oír en las calles. No quebrará la caña cascada… (vv. 2-3).

En invierno, suelo despertar ante un sorprendente mundo envuelto en la paz y quietud de un amanecer nevado. A diferencia de una tormenta de primavera que anuncia en la noche su presencia, la nieve llega suavemente.

En Canción de nieve invernal, Audrey Assad canta que Jesús podría haber venido a la tierra con poder como el de un huracán, pero que prefirió hacerlo de manera silenciosa y delicada, como la nieve que cae suavemente durante la noche tras mi ventana.

La llegada de Jesús tomó de sorpresa a muchos. En lugar de nacer en un palacio, lo hizo en una humilde morada de Belén. Y durmió en la única cama disponible: un pesebre (Lucas 2:7). En lugar de que lo atendieran funcionarios de la realeza o gubernamentales, fue recibido por humildes pastores (vv. 15-16). En vez de riquezas, sus padres solo tuvieron dinero para ofrecer dos aves en sacrificio, al presentarlo en el templo (v. 24).

Isaías anticipó la forma modesta en que Jesús entraría en el mundo, al profetizar del futuro Salvador: «No gritará, ni alzará su voz» (Isaías 42:2). Y agregó que tampoco vendría con un poder que quebrara una caña o apagara un pábilo humeante (v. 3). Vendría delicadamente para atraernos hacia sí y darnos su oferta de paz con Dios, disponible para todos los que creyeran en Él.

Jesús, que muchos acepten esta Navidad tu oferta de paz con Dios.

«Calladamente Dios nos da su incomparable don». ¡Oh, aldehuela de Belén!

Por Lisa Samra

© 2018 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
En invierno, suelo despertar ante un sorprendente mundo envuelto en la paz y quietud de un amanecer nevado.