The Burning Question:
Have you ever experienced a Christmas miracle? What happened?
Morning Devotional:
I was talking with a friend about childhood fears yesterday and a memory came up about my first time riding a roller coaster.
I was maybe five years old at the time, and the roller coaster was old, wooden and rickety. I remember going so fast that I could barely hang on and I was screaming most of the time I was riding it.
What’s both funny and also a bit pathetic about this particular memory is that the roller coaster was built by my grandparents’ neighbor in his backyard, it wasn’t more than about six feet high, and my Dad was standing right next to the tracks the whole time, close enough to grab me the instant something went wrong.
For years, all I remembered was the terror I felt on that ride. It took my Dad to remind me he was always there to protect me.
There was a young girl in the Word who was presented with a life-twist that would rival any rollercoaster out there. Mary came face-to-face with an angel named Gabriel who told her she would give birth to the Son of God.
Talk about a momentous, life-altering event! Mary was understandably afraid, but Gabriel reassured her with these words: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30) In that promise, Mary would not only find God’s presence and grace, but also His protection and care in the days, months and years to come.
You may feel like life has you on a rollercoaster right now and fear is taking you over. If so, know that the Father’s promise is for you as well. There is no need to fear, because He is with you.
– Beth
Bible Quiz:
Question: What group of consecrated men would refrain from cutting their hair?
Answer: The Nazirites (Numbers 6:5)
Storytime: Obadiah Went All out!