NORTH EASTON, MA (December 21, 2004) – Editor’s note: In preparation for the Christmas observance, Covenant Communications is sharing seven devotionals that originally appeared in local church newsletters and are being published here by permission. The following comes from pastor Mark Pattie of Covenant Congregational Church.
By Mark Pattie
Gracious God, this Christmas as we remember how you came alive to us in Jesus, grant that we may come alive to you through him.
As he was born to fulfill your loving purpose long ago, grant that we may be born anew to your purpose today. As he grew in wisdom and in stature, grant that we may enter each day and relationship you call us into with humility.
As he regularly went off on his own to pray, to speak with you about his heartfelt concerns and thoughts, and to seek your will for his life, grant that we may recognize our need to do the same – and by your grace, take the time to do it.
As he courageously live out the life he was given on earth, loving others even when it was dangerous to do so, and proclaiming the Good News of your grace to all even when the powers of this world ordered him to be silent, grant that we may stretch beyond what feels comfortable and secure to love bravely and witness boldly to your goodness and care.
As he endured death on the cross for our sakes, walking in obedience to you and looking through the pain to the joyful vision of fulfilling your great purpose, grant that we may see you and follow your guiding light even when the way grows discouraging and dim.
As he died and was buried and was raised from the dead, grant that we may trust in your gracious purpose and power, especially when we are weak and our circumstances seem most bleak. As he was exalted by your and ascended to sit at your “right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come,” grant that this Christmas and forevermore, we may worship Jesus as Lord, trust in him with eternal hope, and serve him with everlasting joy to the glory of your name.
Amen.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.