Today's Scripture Reading
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
JOHN 8:12
Today's Devotional Reading
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Everyone had insisted she get some sleep. But in the wee hours of Saturday, Mary decided it was useless. There would be no rest this Sabbath.
After dressing quietly, she tiptoed through the house filled with snores and slipped out the door. ... more
Today's Scripture Reading
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
JOHN 8:12
Today's Devotional Reading
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Everyone had insisted she get some sleep. But in the wee hours of Saturday, Mary decided it was useless. There would be no rest this Sabbath.
After dressing quietly, she tiptoed through the house filled with snores and slipped out the door. Sitting on a bench in the courtyard, she gazed upward at the stars. Memories, like moonlight, began to wash over her.
She recalled another starry night. The angel—how massive he had been! And how frightened she was! Then the strange peace that filled her when she heard herself saying, “I am the Lord’s servant . . . May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
Tonight’s bright star in the east—the morning star, Mary assumed—brought to mind the long-ago Bethlehem trip. The contractions rumbling within her like earthquakes. The frantic, funny way Joseph had scrambled about, creating a delivery room. Closing her eyes, she could still hear her baby’s first cries, still see the astonished faces of the shepherds.
She thought about the dedication at the temple eight days later, all those years ago. The sweet old widow named Anna. The shaky old man who joyfully took the baby out of her arms. The way he oohed and aahed over the child before suddenly frowning, handing him back, and prophesying the sword that would one day pierce her soul. Obviously he meant today. Oh, Lord, will I ever get those images out of my mind?
For several seconds, Mary dabbed at her damp, swollen eyes. Then she told herself, Think on the good moments. And there were plenty of those. The way he’d always taken care of her. The gorgeous dinner table he’d made for her 40th birthday. The time he’d saved her friends in Cana from a total wedding disaster. The first time she heard him preach. The countless times total strangers came up and told her how he’d changed their lives forever.
As the sky began to lighten, Mary remembered him saying, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
She stood and smiled. He’s definitely the light of mine.
SGT Andy Trasher
Ordre Militaire Suprême Des Templiers
Grand Priory of Europe
O Crux Ave Spes Unica
