A Time of Cheer? A Sense of Defeat?

Walking in the Truth during Advent

Today's Devotional Thoughts from A Slice of Infinity *

"Join the Triumph . . . Triumph, this time of year, seems to come in many shades of success in the Western world. Try as we may to keep a perspective of cheer or charity of readiness for the coming of Christ, many of us feel most ready for Christmas when we have meet every shipping deadline, reciprocated every Christmas card, or averted every scheduling conflict. Victories that we might otherwise find slight seem to become great feats during the holidays--find a parking spot, beating the mailman to the mailbox. Other battles continue to brew over the accepting or rejecting of manger scenes, disposable Starbucks cups, & 'Merry Christmases' in the face of less specific holiday greetings. Though the masses seem to oscillate between who or what we are fighting against--the flock, fear, family stressors, the agendas of others--many of us seem to work toward Christmas one insignificant feat at a time. Still many others carry deep & significant senses of defeat during the holidays--the loss of loved ones, addiction & homelessness, a loss of hope . . .

"While there may be some 'victories' to rightfully seek this season, many others can likely be forsaken, lost w/Herod's fight to control somewhere along the obscure path to a stable outside of Bethlehem. The triumph of a God who so cares for creation that He joins us within it is a victory already won. God is with us. The triumph the church asks the world to join as we celebrate Christ's birth is a triumph known from the beginning, foreseen by the prophets, heralded by John the Baptism, & cherished by witnesses whose voices still cry out the incredible news of a Christmas sorry, that will not change no matter what we think we are fighting for:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, & the glory of the Lord shone around them, & they were terrified. But the angels said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a Baby wrapped in cloths & lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom He favors." Luke 2:8-14

Today's Scripture:  SEE lesson above.

Today's Prayer Thought

I choose Stanza 4 of the hymn, "Of the Father's Love Begotten," for LW #36.
Let the heights of heav'n adore Him; Angel hosts His praises sing;
Pow'rs, dominions, bow before Him and extol our God and King;
Let no tongue on earth be silent, ev'ry voice in concert right.
Evermore and evermore.

Another Word about the Source

I'm using some excerpts from devotionals written by RZIM. These are people who operate on a level way beyond me. You really should check them out. I'll have some original devotions ready soon.

* Source:  Excerpt from RZIM Daily Devotional, by Jill Carattini, 12/9/15