Monday, December 6

Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23

Psalms 9, 15, and 25

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Luke 21:20-28

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we’ve projected,

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother’s shawl

Just a child

Is this who we’ve waited for?

How many kings stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me….

After meditating on today’s scripture readings, the words of “How Many Kings” by Downhere kept coming back to me. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of all, came to this earth, walked these paths, felt temptations and suffered unbearable pains…for me. Really? The refrain in the song says, “Only one did that for me…”. It could have read…”Only one did that for us all,” or “for the world,” or “for everyone that walks a perfect walk,” but no, God sent Jesus, his only son, to live and die on earth, for me. Amazing…. My heart and soul understand the sacrifice, but my mind continues to contemplate the “buts”… But, I’m not worthy; but I’m not obedient; but I’m not patient and kind; but I’m not selfless and humble; but, but, but…. These “buts,” no doubt, come from Satan’s pull on me. I am so thankful that God intervenes and says to me, “Come sweet baby girl, I did this all for you. Everything… so that you may come to know me, to feel my presence in your life and to abide with me in an everlasting life.” In this case, God wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. Just as tight, I am sure, as Mary clung to that precious, newborn baby that we know as Jesus.

Melissa Peter