Read: Luke 2:8-20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (v. 20)
Gratitude is the great attitude equalizer. When I look at each person, challenge, or development as part of God’s plan, I always find something to be grateful for, even if it’s just knowing I am not alone. My eyes are lifted up, away from myself and a perception of life that is too often tainted by the fall.
The shepherds experienced this gift of gratitude. Although a visit to the manger changed nothing about their difficult and disdained occupation, their heads were lifted by a revelation that God was among them, and they returned to shepherding, singing something akin to “Joy to the World.”
My own head is lifted today with the reminder that a new year has begun on the Christian calendar. With the fragrance of Thanksgiving and gratitude for all God has done still hanging in the air, I am launched into a new adventure of anticipation, even though my circumstances haven’t changed. God is with us! I am happy to linger here, but also to return to my daily life, remembering that God’s plans for the future are good too.
Celebrating the New Year according to the Christian calendar is delightfully counter-cultural. No fireworks at midnight. No post-holiday slump, weary of shopping or parties or return lines. Just a year that ends in gratitude and begins with the advent of God’s best plan ever, Jesus.
Prayer: Giver of good gifts, thank you for what you will do at the intersection of gratitude and Advent.
Dear Reader,
I’m glad you’re along and I pray you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged in your faith by something you read here.
There are archives by topic below – now more than 1000 of these daily meditations to browse.
ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
FREE TO YOU:
If you’d like to be notified of this blog each weekday, please look for the little blue “follow” button below (just above the topical search), and welcome!
asipoblog.com 