DEVOTION:
Luke 15: 8-10
“What woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won’t light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.”
THOUGHT ( Short Story)
Imagine you are on a treasure hunt, not for ancient gold or pirate coins, but for everyday essentials like your car keys or that ever-elusive smartphone. We have all been there, right? The frantic pocket-pats, the sofa cushion flips, it is like a mini adventure, minus the map and old-timey hat. Well, recently, I embarked on such an expedition to find my misplaced phone. Amidst my search, I was racing against time, trying not to be late for an appointment. Just as I was about to give up, I paused and prayed for peace and mental clarity. In that moment of frazzle, something wonderful happened. The Holy Spirit gently nudged me, turning my thoughts to something far more precious than digital gadgets: the joy of finding lost souls. It reminded me of Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Coin. Think about it, there is a party in heaven every time someone is found and brought back home!
So, next time you are rummaging through drawers for lost keys or retracing your steps for a missing wallet, why not turn it into an opportunity to pray for someone who is feeling just as lost? Let us ask for Jesus’ help to prepare their hearts to receive the joyous news of salvation and for the Holy Spirit to give us the perfect words and timing to share our faith story.
Oh, and about my phone, it was hiding between the car seats! All my calling and searching had been in vain since it was on silent, but guess what? I made it to my appointment simply fine, didn't miss out on much, and learned a valuable lesson about keeping material things in perspective. Let us channel our inner detective more often, not just to find our stuff, but to partake in the heavenly celebration of finding lost souls. Now, that is a treasure worth searching for
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, as we gather this first Sunday after Christmas, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In the quiet aftermath of our celebrations, help us carry the joy of His birth into every day of the coming year. Lord, as we reflect on the year past and look forward to the new one, grant us the grace to see Your hand in our lives. Teach us to cherish each moment, to hold our loved ones close, and to extend kindness and compassion to those around us.
Heavenly Father, renew our spirits and fill us with Your peace. Guide us in Your wisdom as we make decisions that affect our lives and those of others. Help us to live in a way that honors You, sharing the hope and love of Christ with everyone we meet. We pray for those who are struggling this season—may they feel Your comforting presence and know they are never alone. We pray for our own families in this way. Strengthen us to be bearers of Your light in dark places, and agents of Your love in a world in need. Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of community and fellowship. As we worship together today, may our songs, prayers, and words glorify You and reflect the deep gratitude we have for the life-changing wonder of Jesus’ birth. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen