Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Water under the bridge

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Matthew 2:19-23
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

Would Jesus be a teachable young man? Or would his parents mostly learn from him? What will it be like to raise the son of God? Do we have any idea what will happen next? No!

Good thing God sent Joseph dreams. Time after time he followed angelic instructions. Did he begin to expect it? That's probably about the time the guidance stopped coming. God is full of surprises.

There is nothing more in the Bible about the raising of young Jesus until he's twelve years old and leaves his parents for the company of priests and scribes in the temple. The Christmas story is over. But Jesus' life is just beginning.

Tonight the old year passes and the baby year is born. Diapers on 2010. Chubby rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes full of curiosity and hope, nothing's gonna stop it!

I've seen 60 of those brand new baby years. Always joy at their arriving. Rising heartbeams when the clock strikes 12. Oh yeah, I know the old year is wrinkled and exhausted and cries out in arthritic gloams of despair. No matter. God is new, and he makes me new too. Put another log on the fire. Magic is afoot. Spread out your arms, and see how God makes you fly.

O sweet spring of new year coming, bubbling up around the rocks again. Rainbow, tiny rainbow all above my magic boat, made by God and held in place, one moment at a time, by his strong hands. Give me Jesus, Lord. Give me life and Holy Spirit, Father. Carry me for one more day.

Devotions Archive

Water under the bridge

Thursday, December 31, 2009