As I think of the coming year, and the things that God uses to inspire me, my mind naturally lands on the current Christmas season, which I am aware will be over by the time this devotional comes out.
Christmas music is a huge part of the season for me and my family. Both old and new favorites fill the air of our homes, sometimes as early as October. High on the list of old favorites are the Christmas albums of Richard and Karen Carpenter, an American sibling duet who were popular from 1970 to 1984. My favorite song by them is “Merry Christmas, Darling.” When my parents were dating, my mom listened to this song on replay when they were apart one Christmas.
My parents always told me that Karen tragically died during the making of “An Old Fashioned Christmas.” Indeed, the album was released in 1984, after Karen’s death on February 4, 1983, at the age of 321. She died of a heart attack brought on by the effects of anorexia on her body.
As I’ve listened to the album every Christmas, I’ve always thought of the song “Little Altar Boy” as Karen’s last prayer. Even though she was from a different doctrinal tradition than I, I can’t help but believe that song was a heartfelt cry to God for forgiveness and peace, the kind of prayer he hears.
As I think of that song, I think of my own prayer, at the age of thirteen, for Jesus to prove to me he is real. He answered my prayer immediately, as I sought him with all my heart.
How do I find new life in Christ? Simply seek and find, with all my heart.
Jesus, thank you, so much, for the gift of new life in you. Thank you that it is never too late to find that gift, as long as we are seeking you with all our hearts. Help us live out this new life today, and always.
Throughout this Day: In what ways has Christ made a difference in your life as you have sought him?
Song of Encouragement: Here is a song about seeking God
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