Dec. 10, Monday
read Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7
Micah 5:2
Bethlehem...from you shall come forth...one who is to rule in Israel.
Prepare! Micah a prophet to Judah as well as to Israel calls us even now to prepare for judgement, to prepare for justice, and to prepare for Jesus.
Prepare for Judgement. Micah offers the reader a glimpse of God's anger in action. In three sections the trial of the capitals (1:1-2:13), the trial of the leaders (3:1-12), and the trial of the people (6:1-7:20). The officials led people to cheat the poor and to worship other gods. Micah warns that God's judgement will be swift, soon, and severe.
Prepare for Justice. Micah's message is also that God's judgement comes only after countless offers to repent, to obey, and to worship. God grants forgiveness, as well as restoration. Justice will triumph.
Prepare for Jesus. Micah also offers a glimpse of God's love in action. One of the most familiar verses, 5:2, prophesies the coming of the Messiah.
Prayer: Greatest Prophet, thank you for the message of Christ's coming. Amen.
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Dec. 11, Tuesday
read Luke 1:5-24
Luke 1:13a
Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard.
Suppose an angel came and told you that someting that seemed impossible was going to happen. Would you believe it? In Luke 1:5-24 we read the story of an angel named Gabriel who appears to a Temple priest of the order of Abijah named Zechariah. Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were known for their personal holiness. Throughout their lifetime, they had prayed for a son. But, now they were both old - old enough to be grandparents or even great-grandparents. To have a child at their age seemed impossible. Yet, once while Zechariah was serving at the Temple he was chosen, by lot as was the custom, to enter the Holy of Holies and offer incense to the Lord. It was there that the angel Gabriel appeared to him. And Gabriel told Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear a son and that they were to name him "John." John would belong to God in a special way and would prepare the world to receive the Messiah, God's chosen King.
Zechariah was filled with amazement. It was more than he could believe, even though he had prayed for God to send him a child all those years, and even though an angel of the Lord stood right in front of him and told him what was to happen. As a result of his unbelife, Zechariah was unable to speak until the promise became reality. When Zechariah saw the promise come true, however, he opened his mouth to praise God!
Gabriel's message from God was the promise of hope. Those who place their trust in God always have the hope of answered prayer. But remember, Zechariah had prayed and worshipped God his whole life long before his prayer was answered. And then God answered his prayer in a way that blessed not just Zechariah and Elizabeth, but in a way that blessed all people. John, Zechariah's long-awaited son, prepared the way for Jesus, the promised Messiah. Who knows what amazing things might happen if we begin to pray and listen for God's answers. Even in the face of the impossible, the hope of answered prayer is revealed in the Christ of Christmas.
Prayer: Amazing God, help us to believe that we may become part of your plan for sharing your love with others. Amen.