Oakwood Church Fresh Start Women's Devotional Encouragement for Today Hartland Delafield

Just Another Saturday
by Elin Henderson

“To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death…”

Luke 1:79a

For as much as we complain that the Western World is falling far away from the true meaning of Christmas, it is still evident that it at least recognizes the holiday - - even if only with a mediocre understanding of what it is about! You can guarantee that Walmart will have its decorations out, the streets will be lit with lights, and most everyone will be decking the halls with boughs of holly! There are reminders of Christmas everywhere!

It is interesting for our family to live in a place where Christmas is just another day on the calendar; where there is absolutely no difference between that day and any other. Now, there are a handful of people here in Mozambique who recognize a “form” of Christmas with all-night drum-beating and getting drunk…but otherwise, the majority are completely unaware of the significance of this day.

As the joy of the season grows and we wait in anticipation to celebrate the birthday of our King, the world around us just moves on like nothing is happening. It is a sad reality for us, but one that also spurs us on to share the truth and joy of Christmas, so that they also will see it as more than just another day in the week.

May you too find opportunities this holiday season to make Christmas more than just another Saturday for those around you who do not know the true meaning of Christmas. May you look for ways to shed the light of His coming to those who sit in darkness. How fortunate you are to have the Word in your own language, and the ability to communicate the truth! May each one take advantage of that privilege this holiday season!

GOING DEEPER:
1. With whom can you share what you know about Jesus today?
2. To whom can you show what you know about Jesus today?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 10:13-15

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and eight-year-old Elias.