PAY ATTENTION

The First Sunday in the Season of Christmas

PSALM 40:4 (CEB)
Those who put their trust in the LORD,
who pay no attention to the proud
or to those who follow lies,
are truly happy!

2 PETER 1:19 (CEV)
All of this makes us even more certain that what the prophets said is true. So you should pay close attention to their message, as you would to a lamp shining in some dark place. You must keep on paying attention until daylight comes and the morning star rises in your hearts.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The year 2021 will be a year to learn how to pay closer attention to God's messages and his message to us.

PRAYER
Gracious God, you sent your Son in the world to change everything -- including me. Forgive me for being such a hit-and-miss follower. Teach me how I can pay closer attention to your word. I'm committing the next year to learning what you are up to. I'm going to gravitate toward your light during the dark times. Amen.

GO SEE

JEREMIAH 33:6 (CEB)
I will make them whole and bless them with an abundance of peace and security.

LUKE 2:15 (CEB)
When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Try on the good news to see how it fits.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for the good news of a Savior born into the world. Forgive my mild reception. I've heard all of this so many times that I have allowed myself to get worn down by familiarity. Guide me back to the manger so that I can see the wonder of it all with fresh eyes. I'm going to look again. Amen.

LET THE JOY FLOW!

Christmas

PSALM 144:15 (CEB)
The people whose God is the LORD are truly happy!

LUKE 2:10-11 (ABP)
‘Don’t be afraid,’ the angel said to the shepherds. ‘Pay close attention because I’ve got good news for you -- wonderful news for all people. This very day in David's Town your savior has been born -- indeed, the Messiah, the Lord!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
It's Christmas -- let the joy flow!

PRAYER
Mighty God, thank you for intervening in our troubled world. It didn't happen exactly the way we thought it would. Forgive me for allowing my faulty expectations to get in the way of truly celebrating what you have done for us. I need help letting go of all the faulty ideas I have about what makes Christmas significant. I'm going to celebrate what you have done, and continue to do, through the birth of your Son into our world. Amen.

SEEKING

Christmas Eve

PSALM 42:2 (CEB)
My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see God’s face?

MATTHEW 2:1-2 (CEB)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Wise men still seek him.

PRAYER
God, you put yourself out there to be found. But I confess that I am too busy with trivial matters to seek. Help me to see you even in the unimportant and mundane so that I'm motivated to journey even further. I'm seeking Jesus and all that he brings. Amen.