Daily Devotional: Wednesday, Dec 23

Speaker: Dave Nelson

Theme: The Process of Forgiveness

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Majestic by Lincoln Brewster; Hark the Herald Angels Sing arranged by Sonicflood; How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin; What Child is Thisarranged by Cheri Keaggy.

Read: Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53: 3-6; Psalm 147:3; Matthew 1:23

Think: I know for most people Christmas time is filled with excitement, friends and family, anticipation... It's joyful and thrilling! And since we celebrate the coming of our Savior, it's as it should be. What a wonderful gift God has given! But we know at the same time, for others this time of year and its good cheer is difficult and only adds to the struggle and heartbreak we feel... We're hurting and we feel even worse knowing we should be in the Christmas spirit.

During this Christmas season we often read Isaiah's prophecies of the coming Messiah who the bible says will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). But it seems we should remember the words of Isaiah 53 as well: "He was . . . a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. . . . Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows . . . . and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53: 3-5). And we receive a beautiful promise from the psalms that we can trust and hold on to: "(The Lord) heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3).

If you're among those who are hurting this Christmas, don't forget that Jesus came to save us, to help us, and to heal us. And best of all, His very name says it all: Immanuel, God with us! Right there in the middle of your pain, in the center of your heartache, Jesus is with you!

Do: If you are among the struggling, don't seclude yourself, but surround yourself with people who care and who can help you grab a hold of God's promises for you. For the rest of us, be aware of those who are struggling and reach out! Even the smallest gesture can help them know they are cared for by you...and by the Lord.

Pray: Jesus, you are the source of true joy. In spite of my circumstances, in spite of what I'm going through I am grateful for your amazing grace and for your presence in my life. Help me to know in the depths of my heart that you are with me.  Amen.  

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