The Light Will Come In The Form Of The Word
Sunday, December 29
Luke 2:22-35
Manilaaq, an early 19th-century Alaska Native who was believed to be a prophet, is said to have foretold the arrival of Christianity in Alaska, declaring that the light from the “Grandfather in the Sky” would come through the word brought by foreigners with pale skin. In Luke 2, when Simeon sees the baby Jesus in fulfillment of God’s promise to him, he declares, “My eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the gentiles” (vv. 30-32, NRSV). Like Simeon, Manilaaq also anticipated the coming of God’s light to his people. Today, we see the fulfillment of such words as the majority of Alaska Natives have turned from shamanism to embrace the light of Christ. This transformation is a testament to God’s plan of salvation that spans cultures and time, just as Simeon saw in Jesus the hope for all nations. Both Simeon and Manilaaq remind us of the universal reach of God’s light, which continues to bring revelation and hope to the world.
Grandfather in the sky, help us to see your light. Amen.
Less Doing, More Being
Monday, December 30
Luke 2:36-38
I attended a silent retreat at a Catholic Dominican monastery as part of a class emphasizing the spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer. During the introductory session, a priest shared about his perpetual life of prayer, inviting us to abide and commune with God. A foot-in-mouth classmate asked, “But if you pray all day, what else do you do?” Unperturbed, the priest graciously replied, “Out there, you are concerned about doing. Here, we are concerned about being.” Anna, the elderly widow and prophetess, faithfully worshiped God day and night in the temple, fasting and praying. After decades, God revealed his salvation to her, alongside Simeon, in beholding the baby Jesus, the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna’s example invites us to joyfully embody a life of continual worship to God, a life that prioritizes being in God’s presence—becoming. May we learn to find our true selves in the quiet places with God, knowing that from this place of being, all meaningful doing will naturally flow.
Holy Spirit, remove from us earning, let us be in you. Amen.
Children’s Ministry
Tuesday, December 31
Luke 2:41-52
When my first-grader filled out his back-to-school board, he proudly listed his future aspirations. His choices? Adventurer, evangelist, pastry chef. Curious, I asked how he is working toward his dreams. He shared that he bakes and plays outside all the time. “What about evangelism?” I asked. Sheepishly, he replied, “I’m still too shy.” I suggested he start by making friends—building relationships is a great way to share Jesus. He smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll do that.” Jesus, even as a young boy, was aware of his divine purpose. While his parents searched anxiously for him, he was teaching in the temple courts, taking small but significant steps toward his calling. Like Jesus, we can take intentional actions toward the call God has placed on our lives, saying yes to what draws us closer to that calling, and no to distractions that pull us away. Whether we are making new friends or reading Scripture, every moment becomes an opportunity to grow into the person God is shaping us to be.
Good Father, give us the courage to step toward your call. Amen.
Inner Peace, Inner Peace
Wednesday, January 01
Colossians 3:15-17
My children love the hit animated movie Kung Fu Panda. In one scene, Master Shifu, a seasoned red panda sensei in martial arts, attempts to ease his frustration à la Eastern meditation. He sits down cross-legged, eyes closed, resolving to believe his own words: “Inner peace, inner peace,” only to be humorously interrupted multiple times, ultimately revealing his not so inner peace.
Peace is defined as “freedom from disturbance.” In the biblical context, peace is freedom from disturbance in heart and mind, rooted in Christ regardless of circumstance. Paul’s admonition to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15) may seem beyond our human capabilities, yet Christ’s kingdom peace is indeed accessible to us in the midst of chaos. Far from being passive, his peace rules, orders, and guards our hearts. Jesus is peace embodied, and if he lives in us by his Spirit, his peace is right here, right now. Let Christ rule in you so that his true peace may follow. Happy new year!
Prince of Peace, come, rule our hearts. Amen.
You Can Take The Girl Out The ‘Hood
Thursday, January 2
Psalm 98:1-3
Born and raised in southeast San Diego, I embraced an upbringing that embodied urban culture in all of its redemptive and gritty characteristics. But when I started following Jesus seriously, I believed I had to let go of my urban culture and love of hip-hop in order to be a Christian. Then after one year of hip-hop abstinence, I discovered Christian rap by an act of God’s grace. I listened to “On One,” by Bizzle featuring Bumps INF—a remix of the secular vibe in “I’m on One,” by DJ Khalid featuring Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil’ Wayne—and strangely, I wept. I had the profound realization that Jesus doesn’t call us to abandon our culture(s). He calls us to redeem our culture through him—God abolished sin, not culture. The psalmist writes, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things” (v. 1, NRSV). Hip-hop, once something I believed I had to repent of, became my new song (or freestyle!) of worship to him.
Jesus, help us to worship authentically. Help us to be real with you. Amen.
Orchestrating Worship
Friday, January 3
Psalm 98:4-6
My sister is a talented violinist. I had the opportunity to watch her perform first-chair alongside other accomplished musicians in a renowned symphony hall. Under the direction of the conductor, the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion blended together, creating something breathtaking. I remember being deeply moved, not only by the beauty of the music itself, but by my sister’s collaborative contribution to something much greater than herself. As believers, we are each part of a collective of worship to God—past, present, and future saints worshiping together for eternity! If we know God, we cannot help but praise him. Just as each instrument in an orchestra has a unique part to play, we too have our roles to fulfill in the grand symphony of worship. Like a conductor who unites the orchestra, God weaves our praises together to create something truly beautiful. Today let your praise be joyful and intentional. May your life become a melody that reflects God’s goodness, a pleasing song to the ears of our King.
King of Kings, you are our joy. Amen.
Your Will Be Done
Saturday, January 3
Psalm 98:4-6
My ministry with Alaska Native students has deepened my appreciation for our connection to the land and how creation reflects God’s glory. From the salmon-rich rivers to the bowhead whales that sustain entire villages, each aspect of nature reveals his provision and care. The majestic mountain ranges stand as a powerful testament to God’s creative power. I am wonderfully reminded that all creation points to God’s glory and reflects his faithfulness, inviting us into his story; yet this celebration of life is accompanied by a call to righteousness. God’s judgment is not solely about accountability; it is about renewing the peace and harmony he intended for creation and humanity to flourish together. In our interactions with the land and with one another, we are called to steward God’s gifts wisely. As the rivers clap their hands and the mountains sing for joy, let us also strive to reflect his righteousness in our lives, living in a way that honors both God and God’s creation.
Creator God, help us to steward our gifts and our world well. Amen.
