December 23, 2022
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:4-5
What a busy time of year this is!
In the past five days I’ve had the pleasure of attending Keith and Kristyn Gettys’ Irish Christmas concert as the guest of a good friend.
Then I shared in the joy of my oldest granddaughter Bell, who, after 1500 hours of hard work, graduated from her Hair Styling Academy.
I have wrapped gifts, written poems with which to present them, cooked in advance of Christmas Day, and made a dozen sugar cakes to give to family and friends.
To be honest, while I enjoy all of the activity, it can be overwhelming and wearying. My very beloved friend, Vicki Bentley, knows this and sent me her devotional thoughts. Her insights into the Christmas story have blessed me all week, so I asked for her permission to share them with you.
Be blessed…
Anne – I’m praying that in the midst of all the “doings” you hear the whisper of heaven’s excitement about JESUS! That the Spirit fills you up – I feel this world right now is like the journey to Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph. The world was hateful and hurtful and hard with terrible circumstances all around. Mary had the “knowing” of the Angel message and the presence of the baby – but couldn’t understand all it meant. Joseph had the dream and his surrendered faith. Both had trust and hope in what they knew of the Word and what they believed they understood of it.
But still they had to walk and suffer and wonder. And then the baby was born and they called Him Jesus hearing the whisper of promise. He will save His people!
And as they looked into the face of Jesus -in awe and joy they said- so this is what God looks like. And the shepherds came to testify and worship.
We’re on the road – and so we’ll choose to obey and worship in our hearts.
I choose to obey and worship as I seem to hear the promise whispered…Jesus is on His way and He will save us.
On the road with you, rejoicing!
For more visit Anne’s THIS CHRISTMAS page –> https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/this-christmas/
