THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 24TH DECEMBER 2024, TUESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 24th December 2024 written by Mary Neumann (Georgia, USA)
TOPIC: God With Us
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 139:7-12
Paul wrote, “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Years ago, I lived in a small town in Honduras while working with a team on a year-long project. As Christmas approached, I felt sad instead of excited. For the first time, I would not spend Christmas with my family. I felt alone.
On Christmas Eve, I heard distant singing. I looked out the window and saw a Las Posadas procession coming up the street. People carrying candles followed a boy and girl who were dressed like Joseph and Mary. The procession stopped at each house and sang a request for shelter, reenacting the Holy Family’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The homeowners would listen, shake their heads, and wave the group away. Eventually, they sang at the house across the street from me. The homeowner threw open his door and invited everyone in. I went outside and followed the crowd.
The homeowner had a manger ready in his front room. On Christmas Day, a figure of the Christ child appeared in the manger. The house was left open for anyone who wanted to pay homage to the baby Jesus. What a joy it was to visit him right next door! This reminded me that no matter where we are, God’s door is always open.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for being with us and for providing reminders of your constant presence and love. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those far from home at Christmas
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More from Mary Neumann
The Upper Room Devotional 24th 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