Christmas Devotional-December 28

December 28
First Sunday of Christmas
Psalm 148
We end the Advent Devotional with a Psalm that calls all Creation to Praise God. Here is a list of the ones that are called to praise God: 1) the heavens, 2) angels, 3) sun and moon, 4) shining stars, 5) highest heavens and water above the heavens, 6) earth, [...]

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Christmas Devotional-December 27

December 27
Psalm 148
Christmas is past. Whatever way we chose to observe that day, the psalms provide a spiritually inspiring follow-up; a way to pray and meditate in the quietness of this week. For those who went all out in family and church celebration, it helps us to slow down and relax. For those who may [...]

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Christmas Devotional- December 26

December 26
Luke 2:21-38
An English Christmas
“And inspired by the Spirit, he [Simeon] came into the temple…”
We strolled rather aimlessly on the grounds of the vast estate of Windsor Castle in England, this brisk Christmas afternoon. From the corner of my eye I spied an ornate stone building, one that could possibly be a library, and so [...]

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Christmas Day-December 25

December 25
Christmas Day
Luke 2:15-20
They were just out in the fields working, watching over the flocks of sheep that were their livelihood—just going about their business when their shift was interrupted by one angel with a message. Rubbing their eyes the shepherds must have tried for the life of them to make sense of what they [...]

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Christmas Eve- December 24

December 24
Christmas Eve
Luke 2:1-14
It was a census year, and the US President oversaw the counting of every US citizen, as was mandated by the Constitution. And so, as was the law, participation by every citizen was required.
 
Everyone registered, either by mail or in person, and a count of the city of DC was given. DeShawn [...]

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Advent Devotional- December 23

December 23
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
We are living in scary times. As I write my thoughts, it is fall and the world banking markets are in turmoil. Some say we are in a recession. Others say we are not, but one is inevitable. Pundits compare our time with the Great Depression.
 
As I read Psalm 89, I [...]

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Advent Devotional- December 22

December 22
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
For me, one word summarizes the theme of this passage in Isaiah: Newness. Isaiah writes of being clothed in “garments of salvation” and a “robe of righteousness.” He notes that God will make righteousness and praise bloom and thrive. God’s people will be like a precious crown radiating God’s glory. What a great [...]

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Advent Devotional- December 21

 
December 21
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Luke 2:14
The words of Luke 2:14 have been memorialized throughout so many of my favorite celebrations of the Christmas season, especially Christmas carols, which I absolutely adore. It Came upon a Midnight Clear, Gloria, Angels We Have Heard on High, and my very favorite, Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
 

 
 
 
Hark [...]

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Advent Devotional-December 20

December 20
Hebrews 1:1-12
Who is this Son that has called us to walk with him as brothers and sisters? In the passage from Hebrews, the writer reminds us that God has chosen to speak to us through the Son. The writer wants us to have a clear understanding of who this person truly is.
 
Perhaps the [...]

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Advent Devotional-December 19

December 19
Psalm 98
Sing to the Lord a new song. How often, as we go through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, do we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle and to-do lists and traditions that we simply sing the same old song? It’s easy to almost add worship to our checklist: just [...]

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