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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Wednesday, December 16
Psalm 146:5-10
by Norm Proctor
This reading heaps praises on the Lord, and it also helps us to identify God. When you see people winning justice for others who were oppressed, when you see a man feed somebody who was hungry, when you see a woman free somebody imprisoned in a dead-end existence, when you see a child brighten the life of somebody who was blinded by dark thoughts, when you see yourself helping somebody with heavy burdens to bear, you see God among us.
This is the season for celebrating Christ’s advent in the world. Jesus, our Emmanuel, which literally means “God with us,” appeared on earth at Christmas, became flesh and blood just like us, lived and breathed as we do, and even died just as we must. He did this for love of us, a love freely given. Our Lord didn’t wait to see whether we were deserving. When God came down from heaven to be one of us, when Jesus lived and died for us, you and I weren’t even born. God, the Creator of everything, including you, loves all of creation and loves you unconditionally.
Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, is still with us. God is always with us whether we’re paying attention or not. When we do pay attention, though, we can see Jesus here on earth in the flesh. We can see God living in people all around us, and it’s a wonderful thing to see.
Prayer
Amazing God, I put my hope and trust in you. If I stop for even a moment to think of you, I know you are with me. Let me be mindful of your presence more often. May I remember to look for you in the people around me. And use me, Lord, so that I may be one of those who does your work here on earth and makes you visible in the world. All glory, honor, and praise be to you. Amen.