Devotions – December 20-26, 2009
By, Bishop Thomas Skrenes
Northern Great Lakes Synod

(This week we are looking at a wonderful resource the "Serendipity Bible For Groups." This excellent study bible offers a great way to explore the Scriptures.  Some of the questions for devotions -- Christmas week 2009 on "prayfaithfully.org" are adapted from this Zondervan publishing resource. Scripture texts are the New Revised Standard Version.)

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: SUNDAY DECEMBER 20 

"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered."Luke 2

As you prepare for all the events that make up Christmas in your life ask yourself this:
What impresses you about Mary and Joseph in this story?

+they were dutiful citizens
+being from the line of David
+their humble surroundings
+their faith

Do you think that Mary and Joseph were afraid as they came into Bethlehem?  Afraid of the Romans? Afraid of what it was to have a baby with such divine importance? Afraid of having a baby? Afraid of the future?

LET US PRAY: Come Holy Spirit.  In the middle of our "muddle," in the center of our busy lives as we struggle with our future and as we prepare for the coming of Christ as child---bless our lives and help us to be renewed.  In the name of Jesus. Amen.

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: MONDAY DECEMBER 21

4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  Luke 2

I am from Ishpeming, Michigan by way of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.  My wife is from Ishpeming by way of Tapiola, Michigan.  (For those unaware Tapiola is suburban Pelkie) 
Where are you from and why is that important? Why do you suppose the Savior of the world was born in an obscure village and laid in a manger?
+to fulfill prophecy
+to show he was human
+it just happened that way.
+God didn't want to draw attention to his son's birth.
+No place would have been as grand as he deserved.

LET US PRAY: Come Holy Spirit. All of us dear God have been put into a community.  Remind us where we are from. Give us a sense of "place" so that we can feel a part of something beyond ourselves.  But most importantly, this Christmas week remind us that we are pilgrims on a journey. Help us to find home wherever we are planted and may we be truly at rest in your presence.  Amen.

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: TUESDAY DECEMBER 22

7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.Luke 2

Barbara Germiat has written:   "How to be a Manger
                                                        Be empty
                                                        Be sturdy
                                                        Be soft inside
                                                        Be still
                                                        Be ready"

Are you a "manger"?  Are you willing today and every day to receive the Christ child?  Can the presence of our Lord Jesus grow in your family?  In your vocation?  In your future?

LET US PRAY: Come Holy Spirit. Help me to grow into a fine "manger" that I may by my thinking, acting and presence be the vehicle of your work O God in the world.  Bless all the "mangers" of this world and help us all to receive Jesus as our Lord. Amen.

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23

9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ Luke 2

Do you think Mary and Joseph understood the full significance of the child they brought into the world?

+probably not
+up to a point
+They couldn't have
+They must have
+other:

Why do you think God chose to announce the birth of his Son to shepherds?

+they were close by
+they needed hope
+they were close to God
+other:

LET US PRAY: Come Holy Spirit. You have provided us good and very good news.  Like the angels help us to share this wonder filled news.  May the name of Jesus be on our lips today and tomorrow as we gather in churches across this world.  Help us God to be bearers of the word that life has won the battle. In the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: THURSDAY DECEMBER 24

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ Luke 2

If you had been in Mary or Joseph's shoes and couldn't find a room, what would you have done?

+gone back home
+had a good cry
+taken it out on my spouse
+prayed for God's provision
+other:

An angel is a heavenly messenger.  In Scriptures angels show up when there is important news to tell.

Who was the "angel" who first told you about Jesus? Who are the angels that surround you today that are continuing to tell you about Jesus? What kind of an "angel" are you in sharing the message of Jesus Christ?

LET US PRAY:  On this Christmas Eve as we celebrate the nativity of your Son our Lord Jesus, help us to be people of the message.  As we light candles and sing great Christmas hymns, remind us of the angel who came with the wonderful news that we have a Lord.  Come Holy Spirit. Come Lord Jesus!  Come Powerful God!  Amen.

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: FRIDAY DECEMBER 25

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2

What effect has the news of Christ's birth had on you?

+spiritual commitment
+an awakened sense of joy
+hope for the future
+Thankfulness for God's forgiveness
+confusion about God's plan

To be human is to be misunderstood.  To be human (if we are honest) is to be confused!  Yet to be a human being is to be loved by the one who understands all things and knows all.  How is this Christmas Day the "same" as every Christmas in your life?  And how is this Christmas Day "very different" than other years?

May this day be one of joy and pace, understanding and hope!

LET US PRAY:  What a glorious day you have provided.  We can even now hear the angels, see the shepherds and sense the presence of our Lord even as 2000 years have come and gone.  Renew us today and provide in our hearts a peace on this Christmas Day.  Come Holy Spirit. Amen.

A QUESTION FOR CHRISTMAS: SATURDAY DECEMBER 26

19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2

As I reflect upon fifty-five years of life, I ponder many things in my heart.  The memories are strong of wonderful faith centered people who I have come to know as family and friends.  My accomplishments, my years of education, parish ministry, service to the synod are all in my thoughts today.  Some of my treasured memories however, are not so wonderful.  I ponder "difficult" people I have had less than great experiences with.  I ponder things I have done which were negative and sinful.  I ponder unknown questions about our futures.

Today is a day to "ponder."

What hope do you have for the coming year?
What major worry afflicts you?
What pain, grief or concern do you wish you could "give up" to the Lord?

Resolve to share your "ponderings" with a trusted sister or brother in Christ!  And keep pondering!

LET US PRAY: Concerns weigh on us all God.  As we face another year we know that life will change us in the New Year.  In the midst of winter, bless our time and our futures.  Give us a sense of peace as we ponder all these things in our heart.  Come Holy Spirit. Amen

Click here to download Daily Devotions in Adobe Acrobat format

NOTE: These copies of our Prayer Calendar are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. In order to view and print you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your system. You can download the reader for FREE from the Adobe site - click the link below and follow the prompts.