2020 Advent Devotional
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Room at the Inn
Read Mark 11:1-11
Devotional by Lillian Osei-Boateng
The feeling of exhilaration to welcome the new born baby felt real; the clock was ticking down; Christmas preparations happening all over the world: in palaces, in mansions, in homes, in ranches, in hotels, in palm frond huts built by kids and adults alike, and in Inns.
As kids, we looked forward to Christmas Eve but the best day was two days before Christmas Day. We cut down palm branches, wove them into “building boards” and built huts; decorated the interior with Christmas lights, garlands and ornaments. This is where we would take our goodies on Christmas Eve to keep wake “waiting” for the “three wise men” to bring back news of the birth of our precious baby Jesus.
Thirty-three years later, palm branches were what was used as Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a mule. Few plants are more recognizable than the mighty palm. They rise triumphant, irrespective of what is around them. Like the palm frond and tree, let us all as Christians stand tall and triumph over our differences and challenges always and especially during this Advent season.
The real preparation, therefore, during this season of Advent, should be in the Inn of our hearts; awaiting the birth of the Prince of Peace as prophesied by Isaiah approximately 750 years before Jesus was born. It does not matter the physical size of our abode or our inns, what matters is the hope, peace, joy, and love we exude and share with each other. During this time of Advent, let us all make room in the inn of our hearts to reflect on the past and light up the world in our future.
Prayer Lord, as we prepare our “inn-er” most chambers - Our hearts - to welcome Christ, help us to share hope, peace, joy, and love of the season with all mankind - for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. AMEN.
Devotional by Lillian Osei-Boateng
The feeling of exhilaration to welcome the new born baby felt real; the clock was ticking down; Christmas preparations happening all over the world: in palaces, in mansions, in homes, in ranches, in hotels, in palm frond huts built by kids and adults alike, and in Inns.
As kids, we looked forward to Christmas Eve but the best day was two days before Christmas Day. We cut down palm branches, wove them into “building boards” and built huts; decorated the interior with Christmas lights, garlands and ornaments. This is where we would take our goodies on Christmas Eve to keep wake “waiting” for the “three wise men” to bring back news of the birth of our precious baby Jesus.
Thirty-three years later, palm branches were what was used as Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a mule. Few plants are more recognizable than the mighty palm. They rise triumphant, irrespective of what is around them. Like the palm frond and tree, let us all as Christians stand tall and triumph over our differences and challenges always and especially during this Advent season.
The real preparation, therefore, during this season of Advent, should be in the Inn of our hearts; awaiting the birth of the Prince of Peace as prophesied by Isaiah approximately 750 years before Jesus was born. It does not matter the physical size of our abode or our inns, what matters is the hope, peace, joy, and love we exude and share with each other. During this time of Advent, let us all make room in the inn of our hearts to reflect on the past and light up the world in our future.
Prayer Lord, as we prepare our “inn-er” most chambers - Our hearts - to welcome Christ, help us to share hope, peace, joy, and love of the season with all mankind - for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. AMEN.
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