THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 12TH DECEMBER 2024, THURSDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 12th December 2024 written by April Bogert (New York, USA)
TOPIC: Room for the Manger
Today’s Reading
1 Timothy 6:6-12
Desire [God’s] kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. – Luke 12:31 (CEB)
Today’s Message
Due to limited space, disorganization, and too much stuff that I fail to discard, my home is not tidy. Especially as the holidays approach, it seems that I add to the clutter daily: new things to read, recipes to try, novel gadgets, unique seasonal foods. There are no empty spaces, no cleared areas waiting for commemorative displays. As Advent arrives each year, I wonder where I will put my two small manger scenes.
Then I get to work. In the bedroom I put away the empty clothes hangers, hang up coats, fold blankets — and a spot opens up. In the living room I discard some old catalogs and colorful advertising brochures, put the candy dish away in a cupboard, and move the radio to a lower shelf, freeing up space on top of a small bookshelf. I delight in the lack of clutter and the sight of the simple manger scenes.
This annual ritual reminds me of what is most important: Jesus. When we set aside some of the clutter and distractions of our lives, we make room for Jesus. The simple manger scene with Jesus at the center can lead us to contemplate what is truly important.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, may our focus always remain on you and your love. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Removing clutter from my life makes more room for Jesus.
Prayer Focus
To focus on what is truly important at Christmas
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More from April Bogert
The Upper Room Devotional 12th December 2024, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More