Following the Star

Pause

Blessed Savior, in love you came to us as a child.

Enlighten our hearts, that we may more deeply understand the richness of this gift and practice more faithfully your call to give of ourselves in love.

from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Listen

I will recount the Lord’s faithful acts; I will sing the Lord’s praises, because of all the Lord did for us, for God’s great favor toward the house of Israel. God treated them compassionately and with deep affection. God said, “Truly, they are my people, children who won’t do what is wrong.” God became their savior. During all their distress, God also was distressed, so a messenger who served him saved them. In love and mercy God redeemed them, lifting and carrying them throughout earlier times.

Isaiah 63:7-9

Think

I’m trying to remember the last time someone had to physically lift and carry me. The only times coming to mind are from childhood. I recall one instance in grade school where I was very sick with a high fever. My parents rushed me to the doctor’s office and carried me inside. I have a hazy memory of lying on the examining table, looking up at my parents concerned faces and feeling relieved they had brought me to someone that could help me feel better.

We just don’t get carried that often as we get older. It’s sort of intimate and awkward. Do you remember the last time someone carried you? Chances are it was a person who deeply cares about you. And it’s also likely that it was in a time of need.

In this passage, Isaiah yearns to tell about the “many kindnesses” of the Lord – a God who has been lifting and carrying the people since the beginning of time. In what way do you need to be lifted up? Will you allow yourself to fall into the arms of God and be carried?

Chad Senuta

Pray

Gracious God, I need your help – even when I think I can handle things on my own. I give thanks for the ways you’ve been carrying me all along. Thank you for being Emmanuel – God with us. May I allow you to enfold me in your arms and carry me forward. Amen.

Go

Though I'm prone to leave Your side / You draw me like the tide

You are constant in my wandering / You are brighter than the dark in me / You are the love that sets me free

You are faithful / You are faithful / You are

from “You are” by David Crowder (2014)