Tuesday, December 21
Hebrews 2:10-18 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=159898480
Help For Those Being Tested
It is a miraculous story, an absolutely amazing fact, Jesus—Emmanuel, was born as a baby, completely human, completely divine. Out of all the religions in the world, only Christianity embraces that God became human in order to save the world. Hebrews tells us that Jesus, “had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God…Because Jesus lived and was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”
Life is a mix of the ordinary, the extra-ordinary, mountaintop experiences, deep dark valley crawls and a whole bunch of other stuff in-between. Because Jesus was born, lived, knew joy and sorrow, Jesus is able to be with and help us as we live and experience life, the good and the less-than-good. When we are living through difficult times, when we are being tested, Jesus is here with us.
The holidays, filled with joy and cheer, can also be a time of great difficulty. For those who cannot be with loved ones, for those who have lost members of their family, especially during the past year, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany can be long and dark.
If you are missing a loved one or friend today, I invite you to lift up their memory and give God thanks for their life and the goodness that lives in you because of them. If you have family or friends who are missing loved ones, write them a note. You might share a funny story or memory. You might just give thanks for a life well lived and offer thanks for the way that person touched your life.
Kid’s Challenge
The Christmas Season is filled with memory and expectation. I invite you to look through old family photos today, especially those from Christmas gatherings of the past. Say a prayer thanking God for all those folks, family and friend, who have touched your life. If someone in your family or a friend has lost someone close to them recently, do something nice for them. Let them know that you are thinking about and praying for them.
Advent Blessings,
Rich
This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,
...give yourself this Christmas! (Peter Mayer)
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