Due to a technical glitch, Pr. Brook's devotion for Sunday did not post at the correct time. We regret the confusion.
As a part of our Advent observances at Grace, we are making use of Concordia Publishing’s Behold the Child materials for worship. Our web devotions through Christmas will be guided by Pastor Kevin Golden’s devotional booklet written in support of the Behold the Child theme (you may purchase a downloadable copy of Pr. Golden’s book by following this link).
Prayer Pointers:
To live with a heart for Christ
For the Spirit to guide you for the sake of others
Christ lived, died and rose not for His own sake
but for the sake of all others. –Pr. Golden
TODAY IS THE FEAST of St. Nicholas, a Bishop of the early Church who was a fierce defender of the true faith, and an advocate for the poor. His reputation for generosity has come down to us in the form of Santa Claus, the legendary bringer of gifts.
We must keep in mind that we would not remember Nicholas if not for Christ. Even our secular Santa does his work on December 25, that day when we remember God’s great gift of his Son to us. We turn to one another in faith, hope and love because God in Christ was turning to us, drawing near to us, bestowing grace on us. Let us be strengthened in Christ and turn to one another, seeking new paths to care for one another in these days.
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
May you live in Advent hope ~ Pr. Dave Brooks
--Quoted materials are from Behold the Child Daily Devotions #12-4563
© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission under license 20:12-1. www.cph.org