Christmas Devotion Day 25 - He is Coming Again!

  

Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6

Today, around the world, Christians celebrate Jesus’ first coming to earth as a time of hope and joy and peace. Our world today does not contain much hope, joy or peace. Hope is gone, joy is fleeting, and peace cannot be sustained. 

But Christmas did not end in a manger, it did not end on the cross, and it did not end at the door of the empty tomb. Christmas will be completed the day Jesus returns to this earth to fulfill all the rest of the prophecies of the Bible. 

God’s plan was never to just send the Messiah (Savior) as a baby. His plan was not even to just have the Savior die and rise again. His plan included all those things – but the final victory is to provide a complete eternal life for each one who responds to God’s love-gift, believing and accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

The day is coming when the just and righteous judgment of all sin will be completed, and then all effects and consequences of all believers’ sin will be finally and forever buried in the “blood of the Lamb of God.”

Jesus said He came to display Truth to us (John 18:37). He tells us that Truth sets us free (John 8:31-38). He says Truth purifies us (1 Peter 1:22). He gives us Truth as part of our armor against evil (Ephesians 6:14). He says Truth should be the way we live our lives here on this earth (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Prayer: 

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to this earth to save us from our sins, to show us God and to reconcile us to the Father. May we anticipate Your return with hope and joy! You are our blessed Lord, Redeemer and Friend. We love you with all of our hearts. Come Lord Jesus! In Your name we pray, Amen.  

Christmas Devotion Day 24 - Grace and Truth

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

– John 1:14

The Creator of the universe entered history as a man. God’s Word had created all that exists – God spoke, and everything came into being (Genesis 1) – and now that Word took on human flesh. He did not come as a full-grown man to command everyone to obey Him or to destroy all those who would not. He came as a little baby, helpless and weak, as every other human baby has been.

And He came to us! We tried countless times to make it to God but we never would be able to. Instead, He left everything to search us out...to come to mere human beings to show us, firsthand, His love.

Jesus left Heaven, where He had been an intimate part of God for all eternity. Think of your own words – you defend them, you treasure them when you write them down, they are important to you because they express to others who you are. In the same way, God’s Word was a treasured part of Himself – but He sent His Word to express and explain to people of earth who He is and how much He loves and cares for us. 

Our words can never become alive, but God’s Word is living and active and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and His name is Jesus. He chose to be limited to time and space for a while, just as we are limited. And being limited to time and space meant He would also be able to die. From the moment He was born, the shadow of the cross would be part of His earthly life.

He is full of grace and truth. What an incredible and desirable balance in a leader and one that seems impossible to obtain. People tend to fall hard on the side of truth, often seeming judgmental and uncaring or they fall hard on the side of grace, often seeming not to stand for anything and falling for everything. 

Not so with Jesus. He always modeled what was right and true. He never condoned sin and would point it out each time, encouraging the sinner to "go and sin no more." Yet, He did it with such love and mercy that sinners wanted to be around Him. They felt loved and accepted in His presence. 

This same Jesus is alive in Heaven today and His Spirit dwells in all those who believe in Him. He has set a model for us to follow as His Church strives to be both grace and truth to a hurting world. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, how can we ever thank you for coming to earth and showing us God. You are Lord, Savior, Friend, Brother and King! We love you! In Your name we pray, Amen. 

Christmas Devotion Day 23 - Savior

 

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.
-- Matthew 1:20-21

They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.

-- John 4:42

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the glory of God the Father. -- Philippians 2:9-11

Just as Yahweh is God's personal name revealed in the Old Testament, Jesus is the personal name of the One we call Redeemer, Lord, and Christ. His name is intimately linked to the God of the Hebrew Scriptures because it means "Yahweh is salvation." Indeed, Jesus is Yahweh come to earth. He is God bending toward us, God becoming one of us, God reaching out in mercy, God humbling Himself, God nailed to a cross, God rising up from the grave to show us the way home. 

There's power in the name of Jesus, but it's not some kind of magical chant. Saying His name is not like rubbing a lamp to conjure a genie. No, the power of the name of Jesus is released when people earnestly cry out to Him and when they live in obedience to Him. 

There are many stories that reflect this truth. One was told by a woman at Ann Spangler's church. While walking to her car in a deserted garage one night, a thug accosted her, knife in hand. Though she was terrified, this woman managed to command the man who wanted to hurt her: "Get away from me in the name of Jesus!" To her astonishment, though they were alone in the garage, the man backed up as though someone had just threatened him with a knife. Then he turned and fled. 

Then there's the story of E.P. Scott, a missionary to India. One day Scott decided to visit a mountain tribe who had never heard of Jesus. But as he approached the mountain, a band of angry tribesman surrounded him with spears pointing straight at his chest. On impulse, the missionary took out the violin he was carrying, closed his eyes, and began playing and singing a hymn in their native language. When Scott finally found the courage to open his eyes, he was amazed to see that his attackers had dropped their spears and that several of them had tears in their eyes. Scott spent the rest of his life preaching and serving the people of that tribe, many of whom became believers. What was the hymn he sang? "All Praise the Power of Jesus Name!"

Discuss: What comes to mind when you hear the name Jesus? 

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, thank you for being my Savior.  Thank you for all the sacrifices that you made in Your earthly life.  Thank you especially for Your sacrifice on the cross that I might find salvation and spend eternity in Heaven with You. In Your precious and beautiful name I pray,  Amen.

Christmas Devotion Day 22 - Glory and Peace

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” – Luke 2:14

As I read these words, words that angels from Heaven spoke to human beings on earth, I am struck with this thought...Who am I? Who am I to attempt to explain what angels meant? Who am I to add my own commentary to the words of God? I am a mere human being, sinful by nature, equipped with an average mind, trying to comprehend the things of God. So it is with much prayer and humility that I try.

Glory to God in the highest...amazing, stupendous wonder...thankful, honor-filled praise...from the lips of angels who had seen God and knew Him in a way no one on earth ever had. And their words of praise were not just for the shepherds, not just for this earth but to the highest heaven, throughout the universe which He made. All creation, everywhere, was to hear of this glory that was given to God, the Creator.

And on earth, peace, good will to men...peace. It's what the world longs for. It's what each of us, each day, look to find at home, at our jobs, in our thoughts, our heart. Peace with our family members, peace with our friends, peace with our colleagues and ultimately, peace within ourselves.

But that total peace could not be found. It had been destroyed with the fatal choice Adam and Eve made in the Garden. To desire to know evil, to want to be gods unto themselves, to break the intimate relationship they had with their Creator. And ever since then, every person born was born into a broken relationship with the Lord. There was no ultimate peace in their hearts because there was no ultimate peace with the One who made them.

God made each of us to be in a loving, peaceful relationship with Him. But that had been destroyed. Only God Himself could restore that relationship, bring reconciliation, bring ultimate peace. And this is what Jesus did. By His birth, life, death and resurrection He brought peace to each of us if we will accept it.

This is what the angels spoke of...peace on earth, peace in each heart that put Jesus on the throne. And this peace was God's "good will" for each man. It is God's will, His desire, that we live at peace with Him. Just as each of us want peace with those we love, God wants peace with each of us because He loves us.

The words of the angels sum up Jesus' mission on earth...to bring glory to God and peace to us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all our love, all our worship, all our thanks and all our praise. You brought glory to God and peace to us. Thank you! We love you! In Your name we pray, Amen. 

Candy Cane Story

 

                 The Story of The Candy Cane

According to the story of the candy cane, this candy was first created back in the 18th century. At that time, in certain areas of Europe, there was said to be a ban on public displays of Christianity. Christians were oppressed and no Bibles or crosses could be owned at the time. One man found this oppression distressing and wished he could share the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with the rest of the world. When Christmas came around, children didn’t get to see nativity scenes or enjoy learning about the truth of Christmas. As a candy maker, this man prayed to find a way that he could offer local children a Christmas gift that would allow him to communicate the real story of Christmas.

His prayer led to an idea--The Candy Cane.

The Shepherd's Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. After all, Jesus is the shepherd to his followers and the Bible notes that the “sheep” would hear His voice and follow him  "He leads His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11 (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11, John 10:27-30).

The Letter J for Jesus:Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a staff, but when held upside down, it formed a “J,” which stood for Jesus. "She will give birth to a son and you are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 (Luke 1:31).

He is A Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, which was done to remind children that Jesus was our “rock,” dependable and strong. "Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me." Psalm 31:3.

By His Stripes: Wide red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the crucifixion and the blood Jesus shed for our sins. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Red-His Shed Blood: Through his blood, we are given salvation and life. "To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood" Revelation 1:5 (John 3:16, Luke 22:20).

White-Purification from Sin: There are also white stripes on the candy cane, which represents the holiness, and purity of Jesus, who was sinless and the purity He will give us when we ask Him to be our Lord and Savior. "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin."  1 John 1:7.

Sweet Fragrance of Christ: Peppermint was the flavor that the candy maker chose for the candy cane. Peppermint was very similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament, reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. "Cleanse me with hyssop and I shall be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7.

Love of Christ: The candy cane was also made to be given as a gift, representing the love of Jesus when he gave us the gift of salvation.

* Story found at https://www.thebettermom.com/blog/2013/12/13/teach-about-jesus-with-the-legend-of-the-candy-cane

Christmas Devotion Day 21 - Do Not Fear

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” – Luke 1:30-31

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.'" - Luke 2:10-11

"Fear. One of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety, fear…can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision.
So much crazy going on around us today - wars, conflicts, persecution, violence, crime, natural disasters, terrorism, economic uncertainty, unemployment, divisions, disease, death. We fear for our children’s future, we fear for our families, we fear for our financial future, we fear for our safety. The list goes on…long." Debbie McDaniel

So how do we combat this fear? By turning to God's Word. Just as the angels said to Mary and the shepherds...do not fear, God tells us in His Word, "Do Not Fear". By focusing on these words of life, of truth, we can change our mindset. Soaking them in, over and over, and praying them out loud, will slowly begin to replace the familiar thoughts of fear and anxiety. There’s nothing magical about words and verses, but there is power through them, because they’re God’s words. 

"His words are “life” words, soothing to our soul, calming to our spirits, giving power to our days.  

It’s not always easy, and it often comes down to a choice: 

Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control your life. 

Choosing to guard your heart. 

Choosing to focus your mind on what is truth in the midst of uncertain times.

We might still feel afraid, but we can believe that God is with us. We may not be in control, but we can trust the One who is. We may not know the future, but we can know the God who does." Debbie McDaniel 

Prayer:

Dearest Heavenly Father, You tell us not to fear over and over again in Your Word and in our hearts through Your Holy Spirit. Please help us to trust You and not be afraid. You are in control. You love us more than we can imagine. You will give us strength for each day. We love You our dearest Lord, Savior and Friend. In His name we pray, Amen. 

Christmas Devotion Day 20 - The Ultimate Rescue Mission

 

When God created this world, created us, everything was good. Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship with God. The Bible tells us that God actually met them and communicated with them each and every day in the Garden of Eden. There was no separation, no guilt, no shame. But then...they wanted more. They wanted to be like God. They wanted the one thing God said they could not have. They believed that God was holding back on them...not giving them His best. They listened to the lies of Satan rather that the truth of God. And they sinned and thus ended that perfect relationship.

But what was the first thing God did after that sin? As Adam and Eve were hiding from God, fully aware of their sinfulness, ashamed of their nakedness...God called out to them. He didn't turn His back on them...give them the silent treatment. Instead He went looking for them, seeking after them...because He still loved them.

And for the next few thousand years God continued to seek after them through the prophets, through miracles like the Exodus from Egypt, through judgments and restorations. Yet, that wasn't enough. From the very beginning God knew that He would have to go on a personal rescue mission to save the people He created, the people He loved. To save them from their sins and the rightful judgment that those sins deserved...eternal separation from Him in Hell.

That rescue mission started with a baby in a manger. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

You see, man has tried time and time again, through every other religion in the world, to save himself. Enough good deeds, enough sacrifices, enough acts in the name of God. But nothing, nothing that man does can buy salvation for him. Why?  Because all of our good deeds can never outweigh the sin nature that we are born with.

Only One who knew no sin, who was perfect in every way, could step in for us. Jesus actually became sin on that cross. He took on all the punishment that the Lord could give for every one of our sins. And He did it willingly. He did it in love. And He did it for all time. Jesus is our rescuer!

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Prayer: Lord Jesus...thank you. Thank you for rescuing me from this body of sin. Thank you for calling me to Yourself. Thank you for giving Yourself for me. I love you! Help me to live my life, each day, reflecting who You are to the world around me, while there is still time. In Jesus' name, Amen.