The Women of Christmas: With Heart and Soul and Voice Devo

December 23rd, 2018

Devotional

“The Women of Christmas: With Heart and Soul and Voice” -Luke 1: 57-79

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “John” - Luke 1: 6-63

  Life is all about such paradoxes. In a series of moments all that we once held dear could be lost or regained. Isn’t that what Zechariah’s song over John is really about? Here is a man whose tongue had been silenced by God for the duration of his wife’s pregnancy because of his unbelief. Utter silence for nine months. But when the boy was born his lips spoke again to breathe his name, “John”.

What is the first thing Zechariah, the one who had been mute for the better part of a year, say after “his name I John” this song of prophecy, thanksgiving, and celebration. Now maybe Zechariah just had a whole lot of time to think about God in his time of silence, but maybe he was just so overwhelmed by the glory of God as his burden was lifted that he realized what he really had. There is something about processed suffering that brings sharp clarity. Zechariah would never be able to sing this song if he was bitter at God for what he had endured. No, here is a man who had worked through his grief in order to get to the celebration.

Tell of a time you had to work through a time of silence or grief to get to celebration.

Prayer: God, we know that you are the God of moments of silence as well as moments of celebration. May we know this day, whatever we may be going through, that you walk with us. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen. 

Tuesday - Christmas Day!

Wednesday: “Celebrate” - Luke 1: 67-79

This song of celebration is filled with proclamations of what God has done. And notice that it is not just what God has done for Zechariah, but for the entire nation of Israel, all of God’s people. There is something in this thanksgiving that emerges from puts things into a much broader perspective that makes us look past ourselves. God has looked favorably on his people, all of them, and redeemed them. He has risen up a horn of salvation to proclaim that a servant is coming from the house of David. God has been true to his word. He has saved us from our enemies, those who hate us. He has showered us with mercy, He has remembered the covenant that was made with those long since passed. And because we have been rescued, because we’ve come from this place of suffering, we can serve God without fear. We can celebrate this holy one because of where we’ve come from. And this is our message to share. We have come so far; we’ve come this far by faith. By the tender mercy of a God who loves us, and causes the sun to break the dark sky open, giving light to shine on the path that will lead us to peace. This is why we give thanks.What a message Zechariah has to proclaim! 

When was the last time we ever took this perspective and sang a song of praise as soon as we emerged from a dark time or a bleak moment?

Prayer: Almighty God, we know that life is a journey, but that doesn’t make it easier to walk through at times. May we look for your light and hope and proclaim it, even when it is hard to grasp or recognize. May your song always be on our lips, we pray. Amen. 

Thursday: “Following God” - Luke 1: 57-66

 Elizabeth has given birth and it is now time to give her child a name. Even though her husband cannot speak she knows what she is to name the child - John. God has spoken. All of her relatives try to talk her out of it - telling her to name the baby after her husband or another relative. Even in the face of opposition, she followed God. And when she insisted on following God’s way, her husband was able to speak and all of her neighbors started to wonder what this child would do with his life because of the blessing God had placed upon him. 

 Sometimes it can be so hard to stand up for our convictions and follow God’s plan for our lives in the face of opposition. In the face of others, however rationale it may seem, telling us not to follow the way of God. What strengthens you in the face of opposition?

 What practices can you engage in to help you stay strong in the face of opposition?

 How can you depend on God as you wait? Who do you truly believe God to be during your periods of doubts and longing?

Prayer: God, thank you for providing us strength in the face of opposition. In the face of friends and family, whoever well meaning who try to talk us out of following you. Let us boldly live into your calling and purposes, O Holy God! Amen. 

Friday: “Let A Song of Praise Emerge” - Luke 1: 68-79

 What is your first reaction when God answers your prayers? What is your first reaction when God does amazing, unpredictable things in your life? Zechariah’s first response was to craft a song of praise. The first words out of his mouth after being mute for months was to praise God! To speak a powerful word of blessing over his child.

 With whom do you share your longings?

 How can you cultivate an attitude of praise? 

Prayer: God, we praise you. We praise you for who you are. For how you have loved us in the past, how you love us today, and how you will continue to love us in the future! We praise you, O Lord! Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic to prepare for worship: “The Women of Christmas: And Our Eyes Shall See Him” - Matthew 2: 1-11, Luke 2: 21-35.