December 21, 2012
Day 46
The Savior's Hand
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Dear Praying Friend,
Christmas is just a few days away and while we may be distracted with shopping lists and final preparations, only one detail really matters - Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season and everything else just pales in comparison to that glorious announcement the angels proclaimed: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). We have been given an extraordinary and miraculous gift. May we not resist this time to come to the One who came to us as an irresistable baby - and reach out to the One Who first reached out to us.
As we continue our meditation on Psalm 130:3-4 today, we turn our attention from judgment to salvation. It is here that we stand, not accused or guilty, but humbled and repentant, realizing that we have been forgiven. Although we have done wrong, and we may be fearful to come before our Lord, we know that with Him we will find forgiveness. Our loving Lord stepped out of heaven and enter the world as a humble baby so we would know Him as an approachable, intimate God. Before the Word became flesh, He revealed Himself in another glorious announcement to His servant Moses:
"The LORD, the LORD,
the compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
maintaining love to thousands,
and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin."
(Exodus 34:6-7a)
Dear Heavenly Father, how we praise You for the awesome and wondrous gift You have given us. Thank You for the revelation of Who You are - in Word, in flesh, and in deed. We long for the day when You will return as a conquering king and all mankind will see Your salvation. For now, however, we turn our attention to the celebration of Your birth. We look to You as a precious baby - fragile, with tiny, little hands and soft, sweet smelling skin. Who could deny Your beauty. Who could resist coming near to You. It is here that You showed Yourself in Your most gentle state -revealing to us how You would have us see You and fear You - as a gentle lamb who is to be honored, worshiped, and trusted. How can we give our love and devotion to anyone else when we consider those tiny hands endured the pain of being nailed to a cross so that they could touch our lives for all eternity. Help us to not be consumed by all we have to do, but instead, to be overwhelmed with the level of love You have for Your people. Salvation is found in no one else. Let us rejoice and be glad in Your salvation. Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! All glory and honor and praise belong to Your precious and holy Name. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Isaiah 25:9; Luke 3:6; Acts 4:12; Revelation 19:1b. |