Be Still: Daily Devotional

WRAP UP, THANK YOU, & RATE US PLEASE
December 30th


Today we want to take a few moments to share with you our thanks for so many people who have made Be Still possible over this past year! Creating a daily devotional podcast to help you slow down, take a deep breath, and be still… involves a lot of moving parts! This project has been a labor of love, so please listen in so you can offer a prayer of thanks for all those who have made this devotional a possibility…

Also, if this has been a grace to you, please rate us with five stars. The only reason we ask you to do this is that your ratings will help Be Still show up for others who are searching for daily devotionals. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking – so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find. (Thanks to all of you who’ve already done that, including you, mom and dad!)

On to the thank-yous: Be Still is produced by Pastor John “the online pastor who literally is the only guy in the room who still uses paper and pencil” Ma; Digital-discipleship-creative-master- Richard Smith III; and Pastor Amanda, The General, Pershing. It’s recorded by Michael Hicks, Drew Nichols, Abram Murphy, Ross Barber, and Logan Stone. Post-production is engineered by Ross Barber, Logan Stone, Joe Aleshire. The amazing Shareena Casey worked with us on scripture selection, and our scripture readers featured awesome folks from our pastors, staff, and amazing members of Vineyard Columbus.

Volunteer writer Emily Selvey offered her time, writing, and general loveliness on some of the devotionals when we were lagging behind… and Marsha “everyone’s favorite Jamaican-Canadian” Martin pretty much helped everything not fall apart. Worship song selection was discerned perfectly – am I right?? -- by Pastor Paul “I know every Vineyard song ever recorded” Cullen. Finally, Be Still was prayerfully and lovingly (and sometimes hastily) written by yours truly, Julia and Eric Pickerill.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit.

And then pray it again. And again. And again.

And we’ll be right there to help you be still… the devotional will be back for 2024…

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

And happy new year! God’s peace and presence to you.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Think of a light that cannot be overcome, a light that cannot go out. You might think of an intense light. Maybe a spotlight shining up into the night. Or a powerful laser that has an intense beam. Or even stronger, the light of the sun. But the light of Christ starts as a different kind of light. It’s more like one of those trick birthday candles that gets blown out but then a few moments later relights on its own. Think for a moment about how the light you see in Christ is more like a candle that is fragile light, but one not easily extinguished.

Isaiah puts it this way, A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. This sounds like the life of Christ in the world doesn’t it? In his death he was bruised but not broken. His light was smoldering but not snuffed out. How is that true of the light of Christ in you? Where do you see faith smoldering in your life? Where is there a small sign of smoke, even if no flame?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God to breathe on that wick. Ask him to blow on those embers. Ask that the flame might burst forth again into the night of the world around you.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Eternal Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 28

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.


God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.


One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ.

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 27

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.


Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.


One of the ways to think of Advent is a baby being born after a long, arduous pregnancy. There have been bouts of morning sickness. There have been sleepless nights. There have been uncomfortable car rides with baby bearing down with each bump. There have been uneasy conversations with the doctor or midwife. There have been many long contractions and birthpains through the night. And then, this psalm. Like the first words out of a mother’s mouth after holding her new baby. Sing to the Lord a new song! Praise his name! Declare his glory! This Christmas week, consider the places in our world, or the people in your life, that are in birth pains, still waiting to sing this song. Pray for them.

Now, take a moment to consider places in your life where you are waiting to see God break in, places where you are in waiting.

Finally, turn to give God praise for the places you’ve seen God’s goodness break in after a long and arduous wait. Over what can you declare, Let the heavens rejoice. Let the fields be jubilant. Let all creation rejoice! Think of something that God has brought to birth in your life that you are grateful for and thank God for that now.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9.


The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.



I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord.

Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray…

The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.

Behold, what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "In The Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 22 - in the final week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them…

Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?

As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for ayou, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant Savior.

Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 22 - in the final week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them…

Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?

As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for you, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant savior.

Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 20 - in the final week of Advent

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”


We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary?

Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?

Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness.

Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas.


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Angels We Have Heard On High" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is December 19 - in the final week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”


The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season?

But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see.

Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life.

As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Hallelujah" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa