God Thought 11/30/22

REASON TO CELEBRATE

Upper Room Daily Devotion Nov. 30, 2022
by Adhiambo E. Ochien’g (Nairobi, Kenya)

When I was a child, though my family was Christian, we didn’t celebrate Christmas. I remember seeing families going to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, singing carols, gathering to celebrate, and doing all the merry things; but not us.

When I asked why we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus but not his birth, I was told that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th; but we didn’t celebrate his birth on any other day either. It was like he had never been born.

Now as an adult, I am learning to fully celebrate Christmas, embracing it as a time to remember Jesus’ birth and his coming to dwell among us. Celebrating Christmas reminds me of the forgiveness and redemption we have received through Jesus’ sacrifice. This festive season gives me the perfect opportunity to share with others the material and spiritual gifts I have received from Jesus, the Bread of Life, and to invite them to feast on the living bread of Jesus with me.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for coming into the world. We love you and pledge to follow you always. Amen.

TODAY'S READING
John 6:47-59