Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 1:30-34 | 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his
ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"
Elvis’ iconic version of Blue Christmas expresses a holiday reality in that is also a life lesson—deep happiness is based on relationships. Without the presence of the one he loves, he’ll be depressed come Christmas. This is true of every season of course, but holidays seem to raise the stakes. On these special occasions we are
supposed to be happy, expected to be cheery, and loneliness seems extra hard to bear. Our needs for companionship and
connection, which are always vital and real, grow on these special occasions.
After Mary learned of God’s plan for her to give birth to the Messiah, her need for relationship must have been colossal. The circumstances of the pregnancy would complicate her engagement, threaten her reputation, and upset her plans for a quiet life in Nazareth with Joseph.
Have you ever had a blue Christmas?
Does your need for friendship rise during the holidays?
