Following the Star

Pause

Ever wondered what it means to keep Christ in Christmas? Well, you’re doing it right now!

You’re taking a break from shopping or Christmas goodies or a gift exchange because a nudge from the Spirit invited you to pause.

You are taking specific steps to live out your belief that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Listen

When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Luke 2:39-40

Think

Jesus is one week old when Mary and Joseph present him for dedication to God in the Temple. In the next story Luke tells, Jesus is 12-years old. The only information Luke supplies about the intervening years is that Jesus grew up, became strong, was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. Interestingly, Luke says almost the same thing about Jesus’ teenage years in the next passage.

Maybe one take-away from this meager detail of Jesus childhood is the importance of seeking wisdom even in our youthfulness. What an awesome gift to know that God’s favor is accessible to us at every age. God’s favor falls on us from the time we are born and continues into our old age. Spiritual growth is possible whether we’re 1 or 101 years old, and every age in between.

Tammy Wiens

Pray

Awesome God, you amaze me with the generosity of your gifts to me at every step of my journey. Increase my wisdom and favor for as long as I live. Help me grow day by day so I reach the potential you have created in me. Amen.

Go

May your heart be full of gladness
And the peace that covers sadness
May your joy be overflowing
And your many blessings growing
May you have the time you've longed for
With the people that you love
May you have yourself a merry Christmas now.

Sara Groves, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” 2008