December 17th, 2021

12-17-21
As we prepare for celebrating our Lord's birth, today's devotion is based on Luke 1:56, "And Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months and returned to her home."
God was kind to Mary. He gave her three months' peace, staying with a family who would understand her pregnancy and believe her explanation. Mary had time to think and pray, time to adjust to how God has turned her life upside down.
And yet, the day came when she had to return home. She knew there would be gossip about her condition, maybe even rejection by some of her family and friends.  She knew that, but she also knew that God had His hand on her life and that He was in control, whatever happened. And that was enough.
We, too, have scary times when we have to "face the music." And sometimes, the hardest bit is the fact that we don't know what comes next. We are moving into the unknown. But like Mary, there is one thing we do know: God is already there, preparing our way, caring for us with the same love He showed when He came into our world as our Savior Jesus. The same Lord who lay down His life for us on the cross will also be with us as we face a frightening future. We will not walk alone. The One who rose from the dead will be there walking with us, our hand in His.
Please pray with me; Dear Lord Jesus, help me trust You when I am afraid. Amen.