This new format of the Weekly Devotions mirrors
the new offerings inside the 2010 Daily Bread. You can enjoy
365 days of devotions by purchasing a copy of Daily Bread at www.HeraldHouse.org.
 Praising
the Giver of Gifts
By Adam Wade of
Baulkham Hills, Australia
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All
things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came
into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was
the light of all people. —John 1:1–4 NRSV
I remember vividly
the first time I felt disappointment. I was 13, and on Christmas morning
I awoke in the dimly lit dawn to see what Santa had brought the night
before. As I raced downstairs I wondered, would it be a new bike? A
skateboard? Perhaps a new video game? I got to the bottom, opened the gift,
and stared in dismay at my new present as my dreams and hopes dropped to
the floor with the crumpled Christmas paper...a clock radio.
Over the years,
however, that clock radio remained faithful. It greeted me at the
beginning of each day. It is only now, as I reflect, that I see the deep
value of that gift.
In the Gospel of
John, the author is writing after Jesus’ ministry. Reflecting, he knows
the value of the gift of Christ, given by God for our shalom. He sees the
difference it has made and is making as the early church expands. Looking
back, the author identifies and recognizes the peace of Christ and the
ministry of Jesus as being eternally connected to God from the very
beginning.
Like Santa’s gift,
I know the difference Christ has made in my life by reflecting back on
the value of this gift. For others outside the faith movement, following
Christ may not seem like the perfect gift initially. It is through
sharing our experiences and journeying with others that they truly can
grasp the power of the gospel. For me, those brief moments where I have
encountered the peace of the Holy Spirit have been the consistent “wake
up calls” to the value of discipleship, and I am called to share them.
Prayer
for Peace: Today’s Focus Is Saudi Arabia
Our Creator,
forgive us our human frailty. Cleanse us of all resentment. Our hearts
ache to relieve the suffering in our world and bring the healing ministry
of Jesus Christ to the bruised and brokenhearted.
Spiritual
Practice: Sabbath Keeping (Holy Attention)
Honoring and
keeping the Sabbath is a spiritual discipline that nourishes persons,
families, and congregations. Spend several minutes meditating on your
plans for the day. Discern ways you can give intentional attention to
God, the sacredness of life, and creation. Slow your pace, breathe
deeper, see more clearly and compassionately, create spaces of quiet and
solitude. Spend time in nature. Be alert for signs of beauty and divine
presence. Cook and eat your food with keen awareness of color, taste, texture,
fragrance. Listen to music, look closely at the face of a loved one,
laugh and talk together. Pray over these Sabbath possibilities and enter
the day with reverence.
Peace
Covenant
This day, illumine
my heart, open my mind, and challenge me to new avenues of peace.
Daily Bread
2010. Copyright Community of Christ 2010.
You can purchase a
copy of the full Daily Bread at www.HeraldHouse.org.
Photo: Jac
Kirkpatrick
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