Carols: A Christmas DevotionalSample

Breath Of Heaven Breath of Heaven, Hold me together Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven, Light my darkness Pour over me, your holiness, For you’re holy Breath of Heaven So many of us hold Mary, the mother of Jesus, in very high esteem because she was chosen by God to carry His Son and bring Him into the world. It was the greatest task anyone has ever been given. Even though we hold Mary in high esteem, it’s important to remember that she was a normal person just like us. In fact, she probably battled fear as much if not more so than most people. She was an unmarried teenager that found herself miraculously pregnant after an angel told her she would give birth to the Messiah. She was probably afraid of the great task that God had given her and dealt with fear from the backlash she and Joseph received because of the unique pregnancy. She probably battled fear on their long journey to Bethlehem, as she was nine months pregnant and traveling on a donkey. Despite her fear, however, she remained faithful to God and the task they were given. The song Breath of Heaven gives us a prayer that Mary most likely prayed asking God to hold her together, be near her, and to light her darkness. How many times have you prayed a similar prayer? Christmas is a joyous time, but the reality for many of us is that it’s hard to experience joy in the midst of all the turmoil and trials that are happening around us. Just as God protected and guided Mary through a difficult time, allow Him to guide you this Christmas. Pray and share with Him what troubles your spirit, and allow Him to restore the joy of Christmas within you by holding you together, being forever near you, and lighting your darkness. Questions: What trials are you enduring currently that are robbing you of the joy of Christmas? What are some things you can do to reclaim joy and hope in your life?