May you feel the gift of strength the Lord has given you in the volume you need for this day. Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends, acknowledging the time in solitude with memories of days gone by, or bogged down in difficulties, there’s still the need for the Lord to see you through today.
While commercialized versions of the day are alive and well, so are the other sides of this day. For some, grieving is at the forefront. Others may feel like it’s just another day and look forward to tomorrow. Some are experiencing pressure associated with giving the perfect gifts. And yes, there are others who are glowing with childlike wonder at the moment. Whether busy or not, we all need strength in this moment.
Mary and Joseph needed strength to get through that night. So much was going on around them. They would contend with an uncertain future but faced a more pressing issue since there wasn’t any “room at the inn.” God gave them strength, and Mary gave birth to their precious child, swaddled him up, and gently laid him in a feeding trough.
Mary and Joseph needed strength through the entire ordeal – from the unique circumstances that started the whole story to amazement at the magnificent moment. Oh, the strength they received to live through those times. Consider the intense emotional, physical, mental, and financial weight of the season. Yet, God gave them strength to see them through.
And so today, like thousands of years ago, God continues to grant strength for this season. Whether all is merry and bright in this day or its brimming with heavy doses of defeat and difficulties, whether you’re celebrating with every ounce of joy and peace or just waiting for it to be over, or if you’re a mixture of it all, God knows where you are seated. He has given us a gift that isn’t wrapped up, doesn’t sing, twinkle, or require batteries or assembly. It doesn’t need to be heated, trimmed, or returned because it doesn’t fit, is not the right color, or has a defect. It’s what each of us can use on days like today in the amounts necessary and for whatever state you are in.
May whatever state you find yourself in today, please know God sees you and He’s giving you the gift of strength for today.
Be blessed and Merry Christmas!
The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 (KJV)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)