December 24, 2024
Luke 1: 39 - 45
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

New International Version (NIV)
Are you traveling this Christmas? We get to spend Christmas day with dear daughter and her husband. Their first married Christmas! Being together with others seems like the best part of Christmas. These days, togetherness sometimes compels us to get up and go. 

Mary was on the move because God was on the move. Expecting Jesus, she visited Elizabeth who was expecting John. The baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit when Mary came to her home and greeted her. Elizabeth shouted her welcome to Mary and worshiped the Lord in humility and profound praise. Imagine how her words encouraged Mary. Blessed is she who has believed the Lord’s promises.

God is on the move, today. In community, we find mutual encouragement. Together, we trust God’s good gift of grace. Blessings accrue to those who believe. Do we believe that God has come into the world? Emmanuel. God with us. God for us. Believe. Light a candle. Sing. All things are possible, because God is on the move.
Pray with me:
Father, we thank you for pitching your tent among us. Sanctify us by your presence today. Your blessings are too great to keep to ourselves. Grant that we may worship you with your people today. Why are we so favored that our Lord would come to us? Abide with us today, our Lord Emmanuel. Amen.
Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Acts this year.  We will not hurry through the book.  We want to see what the Holy Spirit did in the early church so that we may discern what he is doing in us and through us.  Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our King and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
2024 Reading Plan
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