Devotional for Thursday, December 12th
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 2:6-14
This week, I have been in a bit of a funk. I can't pinpoint the cause down to one big thing, and sometimes that makes it feel worse. It's just a general feeling of being overwhelmed, like I can't pull myself together. Have you ever felt like that?
On days like this, my own worst enemy is myself. No one condemns me more than I do. The voices in my head tell me I'm not good enough, or I haven't tried hard enough. I better get my act together or else. It's easy to feel hopeless.
In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown feels pretty down, too. Everyone is laughing at him for choosing the worst-looking Christmas tree. "You've been dumb before, Charlie Brown," mocks Lucy. "But this time, you really did it."
In frustration, a four-letter word comes out of Charlie Brown's mouth. "RATS!" Haven't we all wanted to shout that out at some point? (Or at least maybe some other four-letter words?)
What do we do when we feel weighed down? What do we do when the dark cloud looms over us? We might find some solace in the words of one of the greatest theologians the world has ever had. Brother Linus. Let's take some time to listen to his words of Christmas hope.
What is Christmas all about? It's about hope breaking into a dark world. It's about a light that shone so bright that it terrified the people who first saw it. But there was no reason to fear.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (v. 10-11)
Do you know what my three favorite words are in those verses?
All the people.
The good news of Jesus is for all the people.
It's for the people who can't get it together.
It's for all those who feel overwhelmed. It's for anyone who's ever wanted to pull the covers back over their head when they wake up in the morning.
It's for all of us who really did it this time, and for all of us who cry out, "RATS!"
The good news of Jesus is for all the people.
It's for all the messy Charlie Browns, but also all the judgy Lucys. It's for all the smart Linuses and all the joyful Snoopys.
It's for all people, including the people we secretly wish weren't included.
The good news of Jesus is hope when we need it most.
And it's hope for all of us because God doesn't want anyone left out.
Questions to Ponder:
When was the last time you felt overwhelmed or weighed down? What do you usually do when you feel that way?
We are included in God's family so that we can include others. Who can you reach out to in love this Christmas season?
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