Devotion: Peace. Hope. Joy.
Please take a moment to read Isaiah 2:1-5 and Luke 1:26-33
How do you prepare for Christmas?
For lots of reasons, my house decor is reduced this year, but there are certain words important to me… PEACE. HOPE. JOY. They have a prominent place around my home. When I read these scriptures, I find those words meant something to Isaiah- “they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
PEACE
In 2002, I remember buying stocking holders that spelled out ‘P-E-A-C-E’ when our youngest son went off to war in Iraq. Each day, I gazed on those letters and prayed. He came back changed, and we are still praying for peace in the world. Isaiah prophesied a change in the world. We don’t know how long that change is going to take, so we keep praying for peace!
HOPE
Our second scripture relates Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary with astounding news! With fear, Mary ponders this news and HOPES with all her heart that God is with her. We continuously try to have a hopeful attitude about the world. But it is hard. I cannot imagine Mary’s daily worry of the child she is carrying into an unsure world. In verse 38, she speaks to Gabriel, saying the bravest words,”Here I am…” That is the epitome of hope. I think of all the souls’ names on the prayer chain dealing with cancer, relationships or accidents, how they must have hope to get them through the hard times. At the end of our service Sunday, we heard of the plans for Hope Village and the needs of the homeless. It is truly a way to change the world!
JOY
Have you noticed how dark it is in the mornings and after 4:30 in the afternoon? I crave light and sunshine. It gives me joy. We are to overcome darkness with the light of the Savior. How do you spread JOY? Do people feel your light of love? Do you wonder how to change the world by changing the moment you are in? Get rid of the negative energy around you and walk in the light of anticipating Christ’s coming! There are so many ways to bring joy to the world!
Let us pray,
Dear Lord, the world could certainly use more peace, hope and love! Use me to spread Your glorious message to others who need Your light! Here I am. Amen
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 8-13 with newborn twins. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!