Devotional for December 13

 Almighty God,

It’s dark outside

and the nights are long.

We watch and wait with mounting expectation

for the coming of your son into the world.

 We ease our waiting with the

blandishments of tinsel and tree.

We delight in their beauty,

but Lord, in our eagerness

guard our hearts from celebrating

the things we have made

instead of the gift you will give.

Amen.

 

— from Grace Church in Ealing, London, UK

 ~ ~ ~

 

“And when the Lord Jesus has become your peace, remember, there is another thing: goodwill towards men. Do not try to keep Christmas without goodwill towards men.”

— Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)