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by Precarious Yates

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence – Diana.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy. ~ Proverbs 31:8-9

One of the most interesting and underrated facts about the Christmas story is about who speaks and who stays silent. 

Those who traditionally had power, a priest (Zechariah) and a husband (Joseph), stayed silent while the powerless spoke with power (Elizabeth and Mary). Immanuel, even before He was born, “exalted those of lowly estate,” and bids us to do the same. 

How can we exalt those of low estate?

We do that by listening. Listening takes leaning in, quieting our own thoughts, picturing what it is that the other person is saying. 

Listening takes time. 

Listening can be one of the greatest gifts we can give to another person. By listening in this way, not rushing the person to speak but allowing them to be the focus of our whole attention, we foster the kinds of relationships that bring healing.

Let’s bring this kind of connection and listening to those who we love this Christmas, and to those in our community who feel lonely and disconnected. Listening like this brings peace and understanding. Amen. 

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