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Sharing the Word of God and the love of Christ |
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These devotionals cover 20 days. To quickly access days later in the document, click on these links: Day 1
Happy Monday! Today we begin to prepare
our hearts for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
A verse to consider... Ephesians 2:8
-For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God—
O. Henry, in his story "The Gift of the
Magi, "describes a struggling young couple who had no money, so they
sacrificed their most treasured possessions in order to purchase each other
a gift for Christmas.
The sacrifice was great, but each
considered it minimal when compared with the joy the gift would provide for
a loved one.
Many gifts will be exchanged this
month. The costly gifts will mean the most to you. I'm not referring to
financially costly, but rather gifts that involve a large investment of
effort, thought, or time. We cherish these because they are gifts of the
heart.
God's heart opened wide the day He gave
the most expensive, most precious Gift ever offered. It cost Jesus His
life, which He willingly and lovingly paid for each of us! It is the most
expensive gift ever offered.
Like Henry's couple in the story, God
waits to see the joy His gift will provide to those who receive it. Pray
about someone you can offer this gift to before Christmas.
Have a great day!
Day 2 Greetings this special Tuesday. Why is it special? God gave it to you! A verse to consider Matt 2:7-8 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, "Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I'll join you at once in your worship." Have you ever missed Christmas? Maybe you were alone & it didn't "feel" the same. Perhaps one of your loved ones was no longer with you because of death. Maybe you were far away from home, like our service men & women all around the world. Missing Christmas causes us to have a feeling of emptiness. 2,000 years ago, a king missed out on Christmas. He didn't miss it by accident, but by choice! Rather than celebrate at that first Christmas, he wanted to close it! You might think of Herod as a sort of 1st century Grinch. Herod would not have minded the decorated trees, brightly lit homes, the festively wrapped packages and the joyous gatherings of family and friends. Christ bothered Herod! For that reason Herod hated Christmas. (Sounds familiar? "Happy holidays," "Seasons Greeting," etc.) There are many in our world who only want one king (themselves) in their lives. This Christmas look for opportunities that you will have to assist people in putting Christ on the throne (or put back on the throne). See you tomorrow, Lord willing. Day 3 Verse to consider... Matt 2 11They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. What is the strangest gift you ever received at Christmas? Maybe it was one of those "singing fish," or maybe a tie that lights up, blinking "Merry Christmas," or perhaps it was something you were never able to identify! Every Christmas people receive gifts that cause them to wonder what the giver had in mind. It's nothing new, for the first Christmas had some unusual ones. The magi delivered gifts of gold, incense (frankincense) and myrrh. Do you remember the significance of these? Gold represented Jesus' position of king. Frankincense represented His work as a priest. Myrrh represented His future death as it was used for burials. The fact is that Jesus came to die, not to reign as a king. The pictures we see of the manger and the star, or the warm feelings that we experience at Christmas sometimes obscure the fact that He was born to die. He came to give us everlasting life through dying. That is unusual! Yes it is. Thank you, God. Day 4 Verse to consider...2 Cor 8:9 You know that our Lord Jesus Christ was kind enough to give up all his riches and become poor, so that you could become rich. Picture this... You're walking on North Street in Pittsfield (probably heading for Hot Harry's!). As you contemplate taco or burrito, a voice calls out, "Hey! Wait up! I've got a great deal for you!" He catches up to you and asks, "How would you like a zinc plated washer in trade for your wife's wedding band? How about exchanging these old rollerblades for your car? I've got a great looking tent that I can trade for your house!" I don't believe that you would linger there long while this crazy person plays "Let's Make a Deal!" Doesn't it sound just a fractional bit unfair? That doesn't even take into account the ridiculousness of the questions. Stop and read these next words carefully. This is clearly the kind of trade that took place at the first Christmas! These kinds of situations continued throughout the earthly existence of Jesus. He exchanged heaven for a manger! He exchanged an exalted place for an earthly one. He traded contentment for the cross. We know why He did it; to rescue us and to save us from our sins. He lowered Himself to bring us up. Even now, ask the Lord for the opportunity to share with someone this Christmas season what makes you rich. Day 5 We find ourselves to another Friday. I trust that your week has been productive. See you on Sunday! Verse to consider... Philippians 2:5-8 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:, 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! The story is told of a Persian monarch who loved his people very much. To get to know them better, he would mingle with them in various disguises. One day he went as a poor man to the public baths. He sat beside the slave who tended the furnace that heated the water. When it was mealtime, the slave shared his coarse rations and talked to the poor man as a friend. Again and again the monarch visited the slave, always disguised as a poor beggar. One day he revealed his true identity. The slave sat there stunned. He was in awe! Finally he spoke, "You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dirty place, to eat my meager fare, to care enough to share your friendship. On others you may bestow rich presents, but to me you have given yourself. I pray you never withdraw your gift." Here's the point... Friendship is the greatest gift we can give or receive. Christ Jesus came to be our Savior and our friend. Are you like the monarch? Are you like Christ? In this Christmas season, to whom will you give your gift of friendship? Verse to consider... Philippians 2:5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Let Him be your example in humility. (Amplified Version) I found this in a Daily Bread from a few years back. I think it's very helpful!!! What is the "Christmas spirit?" __ Jovial family celebration __ Christmas carols being sung __ Christmas shopping in the mall __ Greeting cards from old friends __ A lighted Christmas tree __ Brightly wrapped packages These suggestions are what most people think. J.I. Packer, in his book, Knowing God defines the Christmas spirit as "to enrich our fellowmen, giving time, trouble, care, and concern to do good to others and not just our own friends, in whatever way there seems need." This is what Jesus did. Paul addresses it here in Philippians 2. Following His example means that we humbly serve others. Consider this... Jot down the name of someone who is not likely to return a kindness. Ask God to show you a specific way to do what Jesus would do for that person. Then follow through on it! This will make your Christmas! Day 7 Verse to think about... Luke 1:46,53 And Mary said, I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. "Mary's song" as this part of scripture has been called shows to us the character of God. Namely it tells us that God works with all mankind and He is very mindful of the state of the humble. To the humble He extends mercy. How does this Christmas find you? Have financial setbacks left you feeling paralyzed? Has a relationship that has ended in rejection left you feeling empty? Have you been denied a new job or position that has overshadowed Christmas? Please be encouraged... God is aware of your needs! As the Christmas story is retold this year, try to tune your ears to hear the times when God chose to use humble means to accomplish great things What is your deepest need? God waits to satisfy that need with Himself. Will you let Him? Have a great day! Day 8
Verses to ponder Luke 1:33 29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what
was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary,
you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become
pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be
great, be called 'Son of the Highest.' The Lord God will give him The best doctors in all of England were on 24 hour standby as the whole country expectantly waited for the news of Prince Charles first born son. When Prince William was born, it became a royal event! In William's life, he has had the best of everything; finest clothes, the best schooling, the best medical attention. Some day he will be king! God sent His son into the world in a much different way! Instead of doctors and medical personnel, there was a stable and watching animals. Instead of press releases, announcing the prestigious birth, shepherds, who had been directed by the angels, came to have a look. Christ came to earth the first time as a servant, but He will come again and this time as the Sovereign! Sometimes we forget, or it gets clouded that Christ is King! This Christmas don't just think about the birth of Jesus, but also of His return to reign as King! Day 9 Verse to ponder...Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Imagine a knight of ancient times wearily stumbling into an inn in a distant part of the kingdom. The inn is crowded and has but a limited supply of food for evening fare. As the last portion of food is served, another sojourner arrives. He is told that all the meat has been served and only bread is left. Then, a patron notices that the second traveler is indeed the king of England! The owner of the establishment and his wife frantically run around to try to make him comfortable. The knight, who had just been served, bows low and offers his meal to the king. Mary made a similar choice. "She did," you ask? "Yes", I say. When she recognized the power of God, she chose to obey God. She was asked to give up her good reputation and to trust God for the impossible! As we get closer to Christmas, can I ask you something? Will you take the time to meditate on God's greatness? How about it? Do you believe that nothing is impossible for God? What is He allowing to "happen" to you to test the obedience of your heart? Lord willing, see you tomorrow! Day 10 Verses to ponder...Luke 1:42-43 You're so blessed among women, and the babe in your womb, also blessed! And why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord visits me? During our ministry in Wisconsin, the five churches in our small town worked together to develop a food pantry ministry. Every year at Christmas, we would assemble a Christmas dinner for each family that came to the pantry. This was approximately 60-70 dinners! God blessed us with many giving people in that small town to be able to accomplish this costly task. On several occasions, I remember people sharing the response that they received when they delivered the special gift. One such person shared that the delight on the faces of the people they delivered to was more encouraging than all the gifts that they had under their Christmas tree for their own family members. This text today speaks of another special visit. Mary traveled quite a distance to speak with Elizabeth. As it turned out, the visit was an encouragement for both of them! Think about this.. Is there someone that you could possible encourage by a visit? There are those around us who have no family or friends and are lonely and discouraged. Think hard and ask the Lord how you can give the gift of encouragement.
Verse to ponder... Is 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to
us. The government will rest on his shoulders. Parents have many reasons for choosing certain names for their children. It may have special significance in the family history, or it may belong to a special friend. When Donna was carrying our oldest child, we had planned on naming him Chad. I was a youth pastor at the time and all of the students would pat Donna's stomach and say "hi" to Chad. After she gave birth, she felt led to call him Ryan instead. That had not been predicted (the name, not the changing of her mind!). Several names for Jesus were predicted centuries before by the prophets. They had been chosen by God to describe His Son. Let's consider them for a moment. "Wonderful Counselor" - It tells us that Jesus understands our problems, as well as the choices that we make. "Mighty God" - This addresses the power of Jesus. "Everlasting Father" - This helps us picture a loving fatherly figure who never changes. "Prince of Peace" - This indicates a peaceful ruler. This Christmas, please remember that the names of Jesus have a very special significance for us. We celebrate more than the birth of a baby. We rejoice in the knowing that Jesus loves us, cares for us and has the power to help us in every situation we encounter! Don't forget to give Him your adoration, praise, and worship during this Christmas time.
Day 12 Verses to ponder...Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the Holy Spirit directed the prophet Micah to write these words. A ruler would come from Bethlehem. It would be like saying today that a ruler would come from Becket. Bethlehem was described as "a place floundering in the sea of insignificance." Jerusalem was just a few short miles away (approx. 5). Jerusalem was the city of kings, not Bethlehem. The Jews' faith was staggered when they thought of Jesus becoming the King of the Jews. Do you, or someone you know struggle with inferiority because of your/their background, or your/their status in life? Maybe you or they feel like no one cares. We need to remember, or tell the others that following Christ may be difficult, but Bethlehem's Son gives us hope. Day 13
Verse to ponder... Luke 2:10 But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I
have good news for you, which will make everyone happy.
When working on Christmas lists for gifts, the thinking may take a
selfish path.
We may have a gift for Uncle Bob, but then we remember that he refused
to come to the Christmas supper! Patrick's ungratefulness bring doubts
about even buying him a gift this year. Betty's forgetting to buy a
gift, after all we spent on her last year cause us to feel cheated.
Our Christmas list shrinks as we cross off names. We will seek to
rationalize. We don't have enough money to buy for everyone.
Human beings, spoiled by sin function in this manner. Christ, however,
fully God and fully man, entertained no such selfish attitudes. He came
"for all people." He placed everyone on His list; including you and me.
This Christmas let's reconsider our lists. We may want to write some
names in again. And, if we receive no gift in return, remember that we
appeared on the most important gift list - the one belonging to God. He
sent Christ for everyone!
Day 14
Verses to ponder...Matthew 1:20 While he was trying to figure a way out,
he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David,
don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived.
Little Johnny had only one line in the Sunday school program: "It is I
do not be afraid." When his bit moment finally arrived, he galloped
onto the state, looked over the audience and shouted out his line, which
came out, "It's me and I'm scared!"
Joseph was tied up in fear. He cringed at the uncertainty of his
circumstance. He had the right to expose Mary to public disgrace, but
the angel of the Lord revealed that God had allowed this present
situation.
This verse gave me a thought... What uncertain circumstances plague me
(or you) today? Fear may overshadow your rays of hope. Fear may fog
your ability to think clearly. You may feel that you are up against the
wall.
I am reminded from this story for the need to hold on! Ringing through
the heavens are the angelic words, "Do not be afraid!" Our God is
there!
Joseph could have been closed to the message from the angel, but he
believed his words instead. Will you believe the message of hope that
God has for you today? Will you pass on that message of hope to someone
else in need?
Day 15
Verses to ponder Luke 2:17-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven,
the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as
we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left,
running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had
said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
A Brazilian pastor wrote a piece entitled "Christmas Questions" to be
able to share the Christmas message. We'll wrap up this week with it as
our thought.
CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS
"Dad, why was He born in a stable, filthy and all full of gloom?"
"The answer is simple, my children; because there was room...
The rich men's homes were full already. Their doors were closed up
tight and grim
But He'll come and enter the lowliest place that is opened to Him."
"But why did the angel tell shepherds, humbly watching their sheep?"
"The answer is simple again, son; they were not asleep.
The wise and the great all lay dreaming. Their minds were beclouded and
dim.
But He will be known to he humblest folk that are awake unto Him."
"And why did three strangers find Him, coming from far, far away?"
"Because they were looking for Him, son, they longed for this
special day.
Those living nearby did not seek Him. Their hearts were content, proud
and prim.
But He will appear to those farthest away who sincerely search for Him."
Verses to ponder Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for
her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped
him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in
the hostel.
She saved her biggest gift for last. She had nodded her polite
thanks as each present was opened, but the anticipation of tearing into
that huge box was almost unbearable! She had many thoughts as to what
it contained; a new coat, a stereo, new computer, to name a few.
Finally she held the package in her hands and faster than you can
blink, paper, ribbon and the sound of tearing, filled the air. She was
shocked to find another box inside. She quickly opened it, only to find
another and then another and then another. As the boxes diminished in
size, so did her enthusiasm.
As she held the last tiny box in her palm, she sought hard to
camouflage her disappointment. "What kind of a gift could be in such a
small box?" she thought. She debated with herself whether or not it was
worth the effort to even open the dinky container. A dazzle of bright
light flashed when she raised the lid. It was a diamond ring! She
almost fell off her chair! This was something her heart had longed for,
but never thought she would receive!
God has given us a gift that we have always longed for; namely peace
with God. Others can find, just as we have found, acceptance and love
in Him. It would be a tragedy if they missed this Gift. Make sure
you tell them about it in some way this Christmas!
Have a great day!
Day 17
Verses to ponder...John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, not so much as
a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very
heart of the Father, has made him plain as day. The Message
This is an old familiar, but excellent story to illustrate our verse
today.
Confused by a violent storm, a flock of birds tried to fly through
the window of a country home. As they persisted, the owner of the house
decided to entice the birds to the shelter of a nearby barn. He opened
the door wide, turned on the light and even sprinkled a trail of bread
crumbs on the snow. His work, however, was in vain.
The owner thought, If only I could be a bird myself. I could mingle
with the birds and speak their language, then they could find their way
to safety.
Because He is invisible, God faced a similar challenge. In the Old
Testament God revealed Himself to individuals, families and the nation
of Israel. He showed himself in both spoken and written words, but they
provided only limited understanding. What was He really like?
This question was answered by Jesus being born in a manger. Jesus
explained the Father to us by His life and words. Jesus was God with
skin! People, like the birds need someone to show them the way.
We too have a part in this by explaining God to other people. By
our words and loves of obedience we can share with our world the God
that we love.
Day 18
Verses to ponder...Luke 2:19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart
and thought about them often. New Living Translation
The well known "Night Before Christmas" speaks of children who fall
asleep with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads. Perhaps the
customary counting of sheep had not yet been tried as a means of
producing slumber!
In days of yore, sugarplums were a special candy treat at
Christmas. So, it probably was easy for the treats to be dancing in
their imaginations (you can find a picture of the treats online. In
black & white, which is the copy I made, Karen stated that they look
like meatballs! I think they do.). You can find a recipe for them
online. It seems somewhat labor intensive!
Mary, the mother of Jesus, also allowed her mind to consider the
events of Christmas. Her thoughts did not dwell on candy, but on the
miracle of God becoming a man.
What will fill your mind this Christmas? What will you treasure?
Consider Mary's example as you celebrate this Christmas season!
The dictionary defines a sugarplum as a small round or oval piece of
sugary candy. English being the flexible language it is, the name could
have come from the resemblance to a small plum. Or it could have come
from actual plums preserved in sugar, a relatively new idea in 16th
Century England. Prior to this time sugar was so expensive that it was
used very sparingly, much as we would use a spice today. In the 1540's,
however, sugar started being refined in London which lowered the price
considerably, although only well-off families were able to use it
lavishly. Preserving with sugar allowed the sweet fruits of summer to be
enjoyed all year round, especially during the holiday season.
Day 19
Verses to ponder... Matthew 1:23 "A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will
be called Immanuel," which means "God is with us."
Ebenezer Scrooge. What do you think of when you hear that name? He
personifies everything standing in opposition to the spirit of peace and
goodwill that symbolizes Christmas.
If you are familiar with the Dickens' A Christmas Carol, you come to
understand that Ebenezer's bitterness stems from his loneliness. Because of
selfish choices made as a youth, Scrooge suffered life in isolation. The
pain of this loneliness devastated Scrooge and caused his outlook on life to
sour. The holidays only made things worse.
For some people, the holidays only awaken painful feelings. Christmas
reminds them of the isolation they feel. Many attempted suicides occur
during the Christmas holidays.
We must share with these people who despair that there is hope. God
knows the rejection some have felt from their families. He knows the grief
some experience from the loss of loved ones. Not only does He know, HE
CARES!
Our text tells us that God chose the name Immanuel for His Son. I'm
sure you are familiar with its meaning... "God with us." The application is
that no longer do people need to feel lonely, for God is with them. He will
not turn away from us, or ever let us go.
The Lord has come and He is with us forevermore!
Day 20
Hope your days have been filled with joyful anticipation of this special
time!
Verses to ponder... John 14:1-6 1Jesus said to his disciples, "Don't be
worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. [a]
2There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless
it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3After I
have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be
together. 4You know the way to where I am going." 5Thomas said, "Lord, we
don't even know where you are going! How can we know the way?" 6"I am the
way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to
the Father.
Today I share a special poem with you for Christmas.
The Perfect Tree
by
Ray Boltz
The ornaments are ready, the place has been prepared.
Strings of lights and holly are draped across the chair.
The family's all together I know where they must be.
Everyone one is searching for the perfect tree.
The perfect tree grew very long ago.
And it was not decked with silver or ornaments of gold.
But hanging from its branches was a gift for you and me.
Jesus laid His life down on the perfect tree.
Mother wants a straight one, the children want it tall.
Dad just hopes that somehow he can get it down the hall.
Soon they'll gather 'round it; I wonder if they see...
The perfect tree grew very long ago.
And it was not decked with silver or ornaments of gold.
But hanging from its branches was a gift for you and me.
Jesus laid His life down on the perfect tree.
With all the celebrations, sometimes the truth is lost
That every step this baby took brought Him closer to the cross.
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