Name: Glenda Wolfe
Which Service do you attend: Sundays, 9 a.m.
Word: Favor
Scripture: Luke 2:40 “There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.”
Recently, our grandson-in-law posted a black and white photo of a Higgins Boat (LCVP) landing on Iwo Jima Island. He posted it on Veterans Day to give thanks to those in the 5th Marines who had the courage to leave that safe boat and head forward into the danger of death on the beach.
Bruce’s dad, my courageous father-in-law, was one of those men who defied death that day and many days after to take that island. He and I spent many summer nights rocking on the front porch as he recalled memories of what it was like. The picture is taken from the safety of the boat with the landing ramp down and the Marines looking out at the beach where they could see their fallen Marine buddies, with all the munitions and ordnances being thrown at them happening on that beach. Yet, they left the relative safety of their boats and moved forward. They moved forward because they had a job to do, people who counted on them to help save a nation and even the world. Some of them, despite their faith and courage, perished and some of them found favor with God and were spared.
Very much like Jesus, when he came to save our world. We too found favor with God. So often I hear Psalm 8:4 in my mind, “what is man that thou are mindful of him.” Indeed, to receive such favor as the son of God to be given for our sins is, to use an old hippie phrase, mind blowing!
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord, who came because we humans, created by God, also found favor with God must strive to follow the example set for us by Jesus, and all those men and women who by faith and courage gave their lives so others may live. Let Christmas guide us to the light of God’s love and strengthen our faith.
Prayer: Lord God, as we think of what this season means to us as Christians, let us never forget your mercies to us. We ask you hear our praises of thankfulness for all you have provided. Amen.
Action: Pray for soldiers serving their countries all around the world today.
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