by 
Monday, December 19
With the poor, the scorned, the lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.
From Once in Royal David’s City
By Robin R.
Sometimes God’s plans are mysteries to us. We look around and see how things are going and just can’t figure out what He’s trying to tell us. Other times His intention is perfectly clear. His sending of Jesus is one of the latter.
The prophecies called for an heir to David’s throne, one who would have authority to bring all the nations of Israel back together. People were waiting for a king, one who would sit on a throne and reign over all. But God had other plans—he sent Jesus, conceived to an unwed woman and raised by a carpenter. God and his son told us in no uncertain terms that political clout and riches aren’t what matter.
In case we weren’t sure of that message just from Jesus’ birth somewhere outside a hotel during tax season, Jesus spent his ministry preaching that the meek shall inherit the earth, that the meager offerings of the poor are sometimes worth more than riches, that whenever someone feeds the hungry or tends to the sick, they are feeding Him. He had dinner with sinners. His disciples were just regular “joes.” There are too many examples to list here. The message is simple: you do not have to be rich or fancy or perfectly pure to be saved, or to save others.
But have we really learned that message? How many of us regularly feel unworthy— just not good enough or strong enough or powerful enough to be called by God? Poppycock. If carpenters and fishermen and tax collectors were good enough to bring the good news, then so are you.
Prayer: Merciful God, Help us to see that we, too, are being called to usher in Your Kingdom here on earth. Show us the way to deliver Your message of hope and peace to others, using the gifts and talents You have given us. Grant us the strength to carry out Your mission even when we feel unworthy or unwilling. Amen.
