Thursday, January 6, 2022
Witness: Sandi Madsen
Scripture: Matthew 2:9-11
Epiphany
My family and I were Jewish. Every Christmas Eve, we gathered with family for dinner. When I was seven years old, I went upstairs to this relative’s house and turned on the television. Another guest came upstairsand sat down with me. She was not Jewish.
I was watching a show called “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” I didn’t understand this show so this woman sitting with me told me all about Jesus, whom I had never heard of. Something clicked! As I got older and had non-Jewish friends in high school, I learned about Jesus, even going to Church with a friend.
My Grandmother was Jewish Orthodox, and I think my Father rebelled because we never had religion in ourhome. We celebrated a few holidays but never had a Bible or teachings.
I married my husband, a Methodist, and began going to Church with him and later our children. I always enjoyed being involved in Church, but my faith did not go very deep. I was even baptized in my early 30s.
In my 50s, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and have followed the ways Jesus wanted me to as much as possible. Things came full circle when we moved to Minnesota and joined a church where I was asked how I came to my faith during a Christmas gathering, and I told the story of the show I watched.
A woman in the gathering somehow found a live production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and purchased two tickets for my husband and me. It was an exceptional experience that I will always treasure.
Daily Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will be in the true spirit of Christmas and celebrate Jesus and not thematerialism of the time.
Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- At what age did you first learn about Jesus?
- How did you learn about Jesus?
- When did you accept Jesus as your Savior?
Thank you for joining us for our Advent/Christmas Devotional! See you for our Lenten Devotional.”
Love – Pastor Kristyne
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