What I’m listening to: Wonderful Christmastime by The Shins

We are on day 15 of our advent series!! As always, if you’re new, be sure to check out my previous posts in the series. The first post also has some additional information about our Advent devotionals. Now let’s dive into Luke!

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

                         Luke 2:16-20 (NIV)

As Christians, we often pray for things that we want. Whether it be an object, person, or feeling, all of us have prayed for something at some point or another. The thing is though, we don’t always remember to thank and glorify Him when He grants us what we desire. Here in Luke, the shepherds were completely surprised by the angels, but still went away praising the Lord. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the thing we got, and forget to thank the giver. We wouldn’t do that to a friend if they gave us something, so why do we do it to God? One of the main reasons we do this is that we think He won’t care, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If He didn’t care He wouldn’t have sent His Son to die for us. The next time God blesses you, remember Him as He remembered you. 

Prayer Prompt: Think of something that God has given you recently and take the time to thank Him for answering your prayer.