The Path of Peace
Greetings on this 3rd M-O-N-D-A-Y of December and the 3rd week of Advent!
Oh Jesus, Thank you for coming to GUIDE OUR FEET INTO A PLACE OF PEACE!
“because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)
Even though it is Monday. You may be tired. You may be overwhelmed. You may be kid (husband, relatives, co-worker…) crazy??!!
STILL—
Let’s sing.
Let’s pray.
Let’s praise.
Let’s follow!
I live just minutes from the powder white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Let me just tell you, friend, sunsets are amazing everywhere but there ain’t nothin’ like a sunset off the Gulf of Mexico. OK, go ahead and argue that:-)
When my Dad was alive he used to debate with me about the beauty of the sunset versus the magnificence of the SUNRISE! I admit I see one a lot more than the other!
Zachariah uses the magnificence of the sunrise as an analogy in his song, as he describes the rising sun (son) coming to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death. Zachariah’s son John has been created by God to deliver this message of hope. John will announce to the world that our lives can be filled with light, and the Divine is coming to us to guide our feet into the path of peace.
I have a challenge for you (ME) this Christmas season. Yep, another one! LOL Since this is to be an INTENTIONAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY, let’s intentionally select a morning to get up and watch the sunrise. EEKS did I just say that?! Let’s power through.
Sit still in the darkness and watch the light slowly dissipate the darkness as the sun rises into the sky. As we allow this vision to permeate our spirit and resonate with the messenger in us, let us feel empowered to provide those around us with the knowledge of salvation, and remain steadfast in the understanding that all sin can be forgiven through the tender mercy of our God.
Let’s choose to show God’s love and shine on those living in darkness. For those of us who have recently lost a loved one, we can take comfort in the sun (son) shining on those living in the shadow of death, that He will guide our feet into the path of peace.
Prayer: Lord, as the sun rises I quiet myself to feel your warmth. There is someone I am missing today Lord. Thank you for allowing the memory of loved ones passed to heal my heart. Help me to honor their life this season through acts of kindness, and celebration offered with them in mind. I acknowledge the majesty and the gift of the sunrise, so powerful to remove darkness from all the earth. Through its beauty, I get a glimpse of the power of the risen Christ. Thank you for guiding my feet into the path of peace. Amen.
Let’s enjoy the last days of this season.
After all that–maybe a cup of Hot Cocoa with a peppermint stick and a few marshmallows??
My love and prayers today!
Pat
