Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?
Call to Prayer
“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Ps. 100:1-2)
Scripture Reading
Readings: Psalm 148:1-4,13-14 + Luke 2:36-40 + Romans 8:22-25
Read the passages above.
Then spend a moment in quiet stillness before God.
(Click on the link to read each of the passages, or turn there in your Bible)
Dwelling…
Re-read Romans 8:22–25 and compare it to Revelation 21:1–7. What future birth do we await? How does looking expectantly to the promised return of Jesus affect the way you see your present circumstances?
Prayer
Jesus, Son of Man, as a floating fetus and suckling infant, teetering toddler and scabby-kneed boy, hormonal teen and maturing adult—even as a corpse in the grave—your incarnation is a long and loving identification with our humanity. Thank you for honoring human life from beginning of days to end of life. Amen. (prayer based on the Belgic Confession, Question 19).
*Prayer borrowed from Philip Reinders’ Seeking God’s Face: Praying with the Bible through the Year
Benediction
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” (Luke 1:68)