Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, December 23
Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56). When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
“For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne” (Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15).
There is a contrast between the thought of God leaping into the world and the calm stillness of that holy night. But there is also something thrilling about God being so concerned with the world, so anxious to save it, not wanting to wait any longer. With joy and anticipation and purpose, God “leaped” down from heaven to become a part of us.
In a way, the word “leap” is a religious word. Like every woman who ever bore a child, Elizabeth thrilled with new life when the child leaped in her womb. Isn’t this our natural response to the beauty of creation? When the Holy Spirit touches us, our whole being leaps with joy and delight. We leap into the world to tell anew the story of a night when all things were in awed silence and the Almighty Word did indeed leap down from heaven. (1976)
PRAY for The Church of Bangladesh and the Diocese of Kushtia
Ps 80 * 146, 147; Isaiah 29:13-24; Revelation 21:22—22:5
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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