Daily Devotional for December 8, 2022

This past Monday, our children participated in the Temple Christmas Parade by riding on our Groovy Jesus float.  It was a huge production.

In building the float, I am certain Jim and Kay consulted with NASA to make sure everything was perfect.  It was built to look like a giant VW van with white Christmas lights, groovy colors, a disco ball, and tons of giant flowers painted by our children.  It was a true work of art.

Yesterday, I was sitting in my office, talking on the phone when I heard screaming and shouting coming from Melissa’s office, which is right across the hall.  Realizing the noise was not going to subside anytime soon, I asked if they would shut my door.

Finally, after finishing the phone call, I decided to walk across the hall into the no man’s land which is Melissa’s office.

I asked what was going on and Shannon said we had just received the good news that out of the ninety entries in the parade, our church float placed third.  As Shannon and Melissa grinned with excitement, I said, “Only third place?”

At that moment, Melissa had her “I want to kill my pastor, but I know God probably wouldn’t approve” look. Shannon had her, “I want to kill my husband, but I know God probably wouldn’t approve” look.  I decided to leave while I still could. 

Realizing I had barely missed a violent, painful experience, I walked back to my office, shut and locked the door, put a table and some chairs against the door, and got back to work.  Out of fear, I didn’t open the door for the rest of the day.

Have you ever met anyone who can put a negative spin on the most positive news?  These sorts of people are true downers that can suck the joy out of any occasion.  That is not the Christian way.

Followers of Christ know a joy and peace that transcends the momentary trials and tribulations of this world.

We see the glass as half full, not half empty.  That’s because, with our wonderful God, there is never-ending, healing, joyful love.  In fact, in describing God, John says, “God is love.”  (1 John 4:16b). 

It’s not that one of God’s attributes is love.  God is love and because we know God, we know love.

Paul said, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Followers of Christ know God, and if we know God, then we know love.  That makes us eternal optimists because we already know how the story ends.  God wins!

So, if you are like me, and can suck the joy out of a truly great moment, you need an attitude adjustment.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, shine your light of love and joy through me into this hurting world.  Use my words to build others up.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Our float got third place in the Temple Christmas Parade.  That’s great!

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins