- But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”Matthew 1:20
- The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35
- But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”Luke 1:30-31
- This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.Matthew 1:18
- But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.Micah 5:2 - After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”Matthew 2:1-2
Yesterday, David hurried to the mailbox when we saw the mail lady was putting mail in our box. We were blessed to have a sweet note and a check to use for more purchases for OCC. In the midst of hours and hours of rain, God provided a dry check and note of appreciation from a lady who live in another town. We are thankful for the giver, the gift, and the note. It may be a week or so before we spend it due to the weather and the holidays. I will use that time to pray for wisdom in spending it to benefit the boxes the most. What a blessing this new friend has been to OCC!
READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
December 20 – Luke 1: 46-50
READ LUKE IN DECEMBER
December 20 – Luke 20
PRAYER FOCUS – Wisdom and resources
Let’s say special prayers that people in our area will use their resources to help others as needs arise in the next few days. May the holidays take on a special spirit by people being helpful to others. May the “givers” receive the blessing of a tender heart for the true needs of those in our communities and neighborhoods. My the lessons of caring for others remain long after the holidays pass.
EXAMPLE: I understand many people in our are were without electricity for a long time yesterday. Let’s pray this doesn’t happen when the temperatures are so cold during the next few days. If it does happen, let’s pray that those who have heat will invite others to enjoy some hours of warmth. May God use those with resources to bring comfort and good health to others with physical and spiritual needs. What a great opportunity to share the verses about the birth of Jesus with others.
BAPTIST PRESS
Today’s Headline: 84% of Christians Say U.S. Has Forgotten the True Meaning of Christmas
Lord, help us to not be counted in that number!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 