Today's Passage: Ezekiel 37-38

I love the story of the dry bones!  It is just one more picture of God's redemption not only for Israel but for everyone who will call on the name of Jesus.  I can't help but think of John 14-15 when Jesus is sharing with the disciples that the Holy Spirit will come to them., or after His resurrection when he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22).  What a great passage to reflect on as we enter into the Christmas season!  Does the pressure and rush of the season leave you feeling like dry bones?  There is good news!  Every day is a new day; every moment is a new moment and an opportunity to be filled with this same Spirit that made those dry bones get up and walk around.  Psalm 46: 10 says, "Be still (or cease striving) and know that I am God."  Take a moment to be quiet, even if you can't be by yourself, and ask God to reveal Himself to you in a special way.  If you have trouble putting words to your prayer, this verse of a beloved Christmas carol might help.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel