Christmas Day

From 21 Gifts of Advent by Janelle Keith

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23 NLT

The Gift of Gratitude

There once was a dutiful priest named Zechariah. He was married to Elizabeth. Much to their disappointment, they weren’t able to have any children, so Elizabeth was left barren. It wasn’t that they didn’t pray for a child, but it seemed their prayers for children went unanswered.

Regardless, both Zechariah and Elizabeth put all their energies into serving the Lord with gratitude. Zechariah was faithful to his role and served his share of weekly sacrifices. Typically, priests in Bible times served only once in a lifetime in the Holy Temple, and some were never chosen to serve there at all.

By tradition, the long-awaited day had arrived and Zechariah was chosen to serve in the temple. Carefully holding the gold vessel of incense, he poured the sweet-smelling scent slowly onto the fire. As the incense burned, and with a grateful heart, the priest prayed over the fragrant aroma to be pleasing to God. Suddenly a man appeared out of nowhere, startling Zachariah. “Don’t be afraid,” said the angel. “Your prayer has been heard.” Zachariah silently searched his memory about which request.

Then another shocking announcement came. “Your wife, Elizabeth, will conceive and bear a son, and you shall call him John,” said the angel. “He will go before the Messiah in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.” 

Their son John grew up to be John the Baptist who prepared the people for Jesus’ coming to earth. So in a way, the first advent season was kicked off with many prayers from a willing servant’s heart of gratitude.

Advent reflection: Remember gratitude is a choice that honors God. And with serving you have the opportunity to encourage others with kindness and generosity. God is always working for our good, and He loves to use His children to do His good every day. Be available to serve and you could be the answer to someone else’s prayer!

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Prayer:

Father,
How can we possibly thank You enough for all You have done for us? There aren't words enough to properly express the depth of our gratitude toward You. All we can do is lay our lives before You in service to You and to the Body of Christ and to those who are seeking You. Help us, Father, to find those in need and be Your hands extended. May all we do and say honor and glorify You. Your will be done. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen