Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Advent Devotions 2024
Tradition Thursday: Choices
December 12, 2024
Dale Jirousek
Advent is a season of light and darkness, trips to the wilderness with John the Baptist, and journeying for Mary and Joseph. For a devotion that hits upon all these themes, we thank Dale Jirousek, a retired Lutheran pastor and new member.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23
The old saying goes something like this. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Well. It could also be said that the road to heaven is paved with good decisions. Some choices are easy like going to the beach on a sunny day, spending time with a good friend or going to a good movie (WICKED!). Some are more difficult: eating healthy or not so much, treating your neighbor as a friend or attending a great church (LIKE CHRIST OUR SHEPHERD!) on Sunday mornings instead of sleeping in. And obviously, some life choices are a lot harder than these!
We need to know that the Lord’s peace and presence is ALWAYS with us! We need the strength and guidance of Jesus in order to accomplish our dreams and God’s will. Sometimes we are tempted to take shortcuts in order to reach our goals quickly. But if the shortcut requires turning your back on the Master, you must choose the more challenging route. Walk with God along all of your paths because God is walking with you!
Let us pray. Dear God, thanks for desiring to walk with me and for growing my desire to walk with you. Help me to not fear but to choose LOVE during this busy time of year. Amen.