December 24, 2007

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  The Light of the World 
  This devotional was written by Mike DeVries
  
  In him was life, and that life was the light of all people.
  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.—John 1:4-5
  
  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.
  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”—John 8:12

  And Mary said:
  “My soul glorifies the Lord
  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
  for He has been mindful
  of the humble state of His servant.
  From now on all generations will call me blessed,
  for the Mighty One has done great things for me –
  Holy is His name.
  His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
  from generation to generation.
  He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
  He has scattered those who are proud in their innermost thoughts.
  He has brought down rulers from their thrones
  but He has lifted up the humble.
  He has filled the hungry with good things
  but He has sent the rich away empty.
  He has helped Israel,
  remembering to be merciful
  to Abraham and his descendents forever,
  just as He promised our ancestors.”
  Luke 1:46-55
  
  Into a world of despair came hope.
  Into a world of bondage came freedom.
  Into a world of oppression came liberation.
  Into a world of greed came generosity.
  Into a world of power came love.
  Into a world of darkness came light.

  Indeed, God has seen, and He has the final word. 
  
  
  
  

  ~ Mary’s Ponderings ~
  
  

  God, oh infant God. Heaven’s fairest child, sleep well.
  Enjoy the silence of the crib, for the noise of confusion rumbles in your future.
  Savor the sweet safety of my arms, for a day is soon coming, when I cannot protect you.
  Rest well, tiny hands.
  For though you belong to the King, you will touch no satin,
  own no gold, you will grasp no pen, guide no brush.
  No, your tiny hands are reserved for works more precious.
  To touch a leper’s open wound, to wipe a widow’s weary tear,
  to claw the ground of Gethsemane.
  Sleep deeply tiny eyes, sleep while you can.
  For soon the blurriness will clear, and you will see the mess
  we have made of your world.
  You will see our nakedness, for we cannot hide,
  You will see our selfishness,for we cannot give,
  you will see our pain, for we cannot heal.
  Lay still tiny mouth, lay still, mouth from which eternity will speak.
  Tiny tongue that will soon summon the dead, that will define grace,
  that will silence our foolishness.
  And tiny feet, cupped in the palm of my hand, rest.
  For many difficult steps lie ahead for you.
  Do you taste the dust of the trails you will travel?
  Do you feel the cold sea water upon which you will walk?
  Do you wrench at the invasion of the nails you will bear?
  Do you fear the deep descent, down the spiral staircase, into Satan’s domain?
  Rest, tiny feet. Rest today, so that tomorrow you might walk with power.
  Rest. For millions will follow in your steps.

  -excerpt from Max Lucado
  
  

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