Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 6, 2025
Matthew 2:1-12
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2 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.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. 4 He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel.” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” 9 When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. 11 They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.
Good Morning. Today is the twelfth day of Christmas!
As the snow continues to fall, I feel a cleansing of my soul. Snow has a way of renewing me that I can’t explain. It is calming to look out and see the clean slate before me. Our normal pathways are covered, and we have the opportunity to make new tracks.
The bustle of life comes to a halt, if only for a moment, as we sit and watch the snow come down. I recognize that some must venture out and go to work, but even that happens at a slower pace. When I was a teacher, snow days were special and seemed to come when I most needed a break. It wasn’t only the benefit of a day off but an unplanned, unscheduled day. How often is our day off jam-packed with all the things we can’t do when we are at work? Snow days have a special designation: do nothing or do favorite things as we watch the logs in the fire or smell the aroma of things baking.
Epiphany is the revelation of the light of the world: Jesus Christ. The fallen snow is bright, like a light, against the backdrop of the gray sky. As our souls are cleansed and our minds are refreshed, may we take time to thank God for sending Jesus to save us from ourselves and one another. Let there be peace on earth on this blessed Epiphany morn.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Thank you for slowing us down on this beautiful morning. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Allow the light of Jesus to open your heart and mind!
Arise, Shine, Give God the Glory! Pastor Liz