In step

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Galatians 4:4-7

When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son. . . .
Galatians 4:4

Christmas can seem like a magical time for children. In our family we have several traditions that our children look forward to at this time of year. Especially when they were younger, it seemed to them like an awfully long time to wait for Christmas after putting up decorations in early December—particularly when presents under the tree caught their attention!

For many long years, God’s people waited in hope for a Savior to come. God had given the people his law, filled with rules and guidelines about how to live as his people. But the law was not enough to bring the people closer to the Lord, and they longed for a deeper relationship. God also promised that he would raise up a leader from his people who would “do what is just and right” (see Jeremiah 23:5-6). And they learned that God would fill their hearts and minds with his will so that they could live more closely with him (see Jeremiah 31:33).

It must have seemed like forever to wait for God to keep those promises. But the Bible tells us that this happened at just the right time. God sent his own Son, Jesus, into the world to fulfill the law so that all who would believe could be saved from sin and freed by his Spirit to live with him, sharing his love and grace with others.

This Christmas, look for ways in which God’s Spirit is changing you because of Jesus’ birth.

Holy God, sometimes it seems hard to wait for you. But your timing is always right, and your promises are always rich! Help us wait faithfully for you, and make us your people in Christ. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:1-4

I . . . decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Luke 1:3-4

The Christmas story is familiar to many people throughout the world, wherever the message of Christ has spread. In various parts of our world today, though, the Christmas season has become a time when focusing on Jesus competes with shopping, holiday parties, and a frenzied rush.

In the book of Luke, the story of Jesus begins with a reminder that can help us even today in our world of competing ideals. Luke writes to a reader called Theophilus (“friend of God”) so that this person may know deep-down that the story of Jesus is certain and true.

God wants the Christmas story to inspire a kind of certainty in us. This is not intended to promote pride or superiority, as if to suggest that we know God better than anyone else. Instead, this is to instill wonder at the reality of the birth of Christ and what it means for the whole world (see John 3:16).

Do you feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the Christmas season? Do the holidays remind you of stresses and hurts from the past that have not healed? In this season, turn again to the story of what God has “fulfilled among us”—the promise to provide a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. See how Jesus changes the lives of all who come into contact with him, and let his birth renew in you the certainty of God’s love for us all.

Spirit of God, thank you for sharing the story of Jesus with us. May the wonder of this story sink into our hearts, giving us certainty and hope in you. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:8-25

Zechariah asked . . . “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
Luke 1:18

Zechariah and Elizabeth had grown old waiting for a child. But then one day, when Zechariah had an opportunity to burn incense in a holy, inner room of the temple, an angel of God appeared and said that their prayers had been heard. They would soon have a child!

But it seemed too good to be true. Zechariah didn’t believe the message at first, so the angel told him he would not be able to speak anymore until the child was born.

When we wait for a long time for something to happen, it’s easy to let our doubts and fears overshadow God’s promises. Sometimes we feel more secure in clinging to our sinful habits and our broken dreams. “You expect me to talk about what God is doing in my life? With people who know me all too well? No thanks,” we easily say, “not me.”

In some ways the story of Christmas seems too good to be true. Can sinful human beings really have a relationship with the holy God? Can people searching for purpose in life really discover the call of God on their hearts?

Yes! God promises that we too can be part of the story he is writing—about humanity being redeemed and restored to live in favor with the One who made heaven and earth.

Thankfully, not even our doubts can cancel God’s plans. And, in Jesus, God comes into our world offering new life for us all! Can you believe it?

Lord, show us that your patience means salvation (2 Peter 3:9), and help us to believe your promises even when it seems to take a long time for them to be fulfilled. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:26-38

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Luke 1:38

Surprise is a part of many stories people tell at Christmastime. Lots of folk stories, novels, and movies with Christmas themes include fun twists and surprises. And often the most-loved tales are those with a surprising, happy ending.

The Christmas story itself includes surprises. But while the result—Jesus’ birth—is certainly a joyful and happy one, some of the surprises along the way can bring mixed emotions.

Mary was not expecting to be at the center of this story. She was quite young, probably in her early teens, when an angel came to her with news that totally changed her life. It would be scandalous to be a pregnant, unmarried woman in a culture that prized sexual purity. Yet Mary embraced this news from God with humility, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

What surprises has God placed in your life? Sometimes God delights us with good news we never saw coming—like a new job or an unexpected friendship. Other times God’s surprises are hard to bear—like life-changing illnesses, mental-health issues, or financial struggles. Our surprises can also stem from sins we have committed, and we wish we had not done those things.

God’s Christmas promise is that he is with us in all of our surprises: the good and the difficult. God invites us to watch for his power and to find his saving grace in Christ.

Will you humbly embrace him this Christmas?

God of surprises, help us to trust in you. We need you always. Fill us with your love and grace, we pray, in Jesus. Amen.