THE SET UP: At a recent funeral I heard a great story about the man who had passed away. One day he picked his niece and nephew up and took them to a toy store. He told them he wanted to get some toys for the kids who lived next door to him and wanted his niece and nephew to help him pick out the toys since they would know what kids would like. So, they walked through the store with their uncle, filling up a shopping cart with their favorites. They left the store and headed home.
As they hopped out of the car and headed for the house, they were surprised to see their uncle following behind them, carrying the bags with all the toys they had picked out. With a big grin, he told them that the toys were for them, and he hoped they really liked what they had picked out. They were surrounded by gifts the whole time and had no idea.
In today’s passage, two men who had pinned all their hopes on Jesus have a long talk with him on a road trip, not realizing who they were talking to. Sometimes hope is right in front of us and we just can’t see it.
PASSAGE TO READ: Luke 24:13-35
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Have you ever missed out on an opportunity that was right in front of you? What happened?
Advent is the anticipation of Jesus’ coming, and Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth. Why do you think we sometimes lose the significance of Jesus’ birth?
How can you “recognize” the hope of Christ’s birth this Christmas?
PRAYER IDEA: “Jesus, I don’t want to miss out on the hope that you bring this Christmas. Help me to see and hear through the noise and business of the holiday season to really experience your hope this year. Amen.”