Month: December 2023

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Luke 2:29,30

Anxious Waiting

Daily Devotion – December 31, 2023

Devotion based on Luke 2:29,30


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As a young man awaiting the birth of our children, I never worried that something could go wrong. I just didn’t think about the dangers of pregnancy or childbirth, not even after our second child required time in the neonatal intensive care unit. Later, after seeing close friends experience the tragedy of stillborn births, I found myself very anxious when waiting for news that a new grandchild had safely arrived, and all was well with mother and child.

Anxious waiting, this well describes Simeon’s experience. As a Jewish man with Messianic hopes, he was waiting for a baby…waiting for a Savior…waiting for God’s salvation…waiting to die in peace. Then the day came and Simeon—led by the Holy Spirit—went to the temple so that he might see Jesus. Today, people are still led by the Spirit to go to places of worship so they can see Jesus with the eyes of faith and embrace him in the arms of faith.

Why? So that they might have peace. In Jesus, there is the peace of forgiveness for all our sins instead of painful separation from God because of sin. There is the peace of God’s presence in our lives. There is the peace of the present rescue from the guilt of sin and the peace of future rescue from every painful effect of sin. Jesus removes anxiety, fear, and shame and, in their place, grants us his peace.

So many people say with thanksgiving: “My eyes have seen God’s salvation.” We see it in the promises God has given us in the Bible. We see it through the faith the Holy Spirit works in our hearts. As the Lord has promised, we can, with Simeon, one day depart this world in peace just as the Lord has promised.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to see you in your Word and to hold you in my heart. Fill me with your peace. Amen.

“He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
2 Samuel 7:13

David’s Greater Son

Daily Devotion – December 30, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Samuel 7:13


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These words are a message from God addressed to the aging King David. He had a desire to build a magnificent temple for the Lord, but the Lord had a different plan—a greater one. David had been a man of war; his son, Solomon, was to be a man of peace. God’s words are a prediction that it was the son who was to build the temple for the Lord. “For my name” designates what God had made known about himself.”

But the prediction prophesies more than that. In the next generation, Solomon would reign in Jerusalem and build his fabulous temple there, but David was to look forward to an even greater descendant than Solomon. This is the One who would reestablish God’s domain in people’s hearts an reclaim them as living components in his eternal sanctuary. A dying world awaited David’s Son.

This is the One who would come from heaven to cancel mankind’s guilt by becoming one of us, and by serving and obeying perfectly in our place, and then suffering and dying as our substitute to cancel the penalty against us. He would be God’s Son and also a descendant of David! That’s why it is so significant for us that Mary, his virgin mother, was from the family of David, and that her child was born in Bethlehem, David’s town. In him, this ancient prophecy began to be fulfilled for our benefit.

Prayer:
Lord God, when I realize how in past ages You predicted and carried out Your plans to restore our fallen race, reassure me You will carry out Your plans for my future. Remind me You want to have me be a citizen of heaven as a partner with Jesus, trusting your mercy and experiencing your majesty. Amen.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” . . . He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace.
Micah 5:2,4,5

The Shepherd of Peace

Daily Devotion – December 29, 2023

Devotion based on Micah 5:2,4,5


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Jerusalem was in trouble. Many of its kings had led the people astray and away from worshiping the true God. Now, foreign armies were coming to carry out God’s justice on a people who preferred worshiping themselves. God assigned Micah, the prophet, to foretell the coming destruction.

But God also had Micah prophesy about a ruler who would rescue his people. About eight miles from the capital city of Jerusalem lay a small village, Bethlehem. Its population size was tiny compared to Jerusalem. Yet, this village would be the birthplace of that ruler, the greatest king ever born.

About 700 years after Micah finished his work as one of God’s prophets, Jesus was born in the tiny town of Bethlehem to a humble virgin. The only birth announcement was made to simple shepherds in the field. But the announcers were anything but simple. Angels, the messengers from God, told the shepherds, “Today in the town of David (Bethlehem) a Savior has been born to you.” (Luke 2:11). Those angels also announced something else Micah had foretold. This Savior would bring peace.

It is fitting that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was visited first by shepherds. Jesus leads his people. He watches over them and protects them like a shepherd. But Jesus takes his shepherding to the extreme. He offers his life for his sheep so they can have peace with God. From the humblest of origins comes the greatest gift of all, peace with God, the forgiveness of sins. All who put their trust in Jesus will live securely.

Prayer:
Dear God, help me to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who has brought me peace. Allow me to live in this peace all the days of my life and forever with you. Amen.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:6,7

Abba, Father

Daily Devotion – December 28, 2023

Devotion based on Galatians 4:6,7


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A couple of years ago, I was sitting in an airport waiting for a flight when I noticed a young child walking by herself. She had a stuffed animal in her arms, and she was looking frantically at the faces around her. After a quick scan, I didn’t see anyone who looked like they could be her parents. She was lost, and tears filled her eyes.

Thankfully, some airport workers noticed her and quickly came to help her. As they tried to calm her down and ask her questions, a concerned couple came down the concourse. They were calling a name, her name. When the little girl heard her daddy calling her name, her expression completely changed. Joy and relief filled her face. She ran into her father’s open arms crying, “Daddy!”

Like that little girl, you were once lost and separated from your loving heavenly Father. Left to your own devices, you would have remained that way–separated from your Father for all eternity.

But your loving Father did not leave you to your own devices. He sent Jesus to find you and rescue you from the sins that separated you from him. And because Jesus has found you, he changes your identity. You are no longer a slave but a child of God. And not just a child of God, an heir. And Jesus has an inheritance that is greater than you could ever imagine. Because Jesus has removed your sin, he promises you the riches of God’s Kingdom, an eternity spent in the never-ending love of the Father who invites you to call him “Abba, Father.”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for finding me and changing my status. I am your child. Help me live as an heir of eternal life. Amen.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
Galatians 4:4,5

God’s Perfect Timing

Daily Devotion – December 27, 2023

Devotion based on Galatians 4:4,5


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The timing of Jesus’ arrival was not arbitrary. God purposefully planned for Jesus to come into the world at the fullness of time. From the beginning, God had planned for this. And at the appointed hour, God executed his rescue plan.

God chose the humble setting of Bethlehem to unfold the greatest story ever told. In the simplicity of a stable, under a starry night, God became flesh.

Jesus was born of a woman, just like every human before and after him, just like you. Jesus was born under the law, just like every human before and after him, just like you. Being born under the law means you are to love God above all else and to love your neighbor perfectly. It’s an impossible task. You cannot keep this law.

But Jesus can. And Jesus did. He was born just like you were so that he can fulfill your obligation to the law and pay the rightful penalty for your sin. With that sin removed and your guilt taken away, there is no more hostility between you and God.

By sending his Son, God demonstrates the lengths his love would go to rescue you from sin. God guided all of human history so that everything would be just right for Jesus to enter the world.

And God is still guiding history. He’s arranged things just right, in the fullness of time, for you to learn the real meaning of Christmas. That God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to take away your sins, and to purchase you from your slavery to sin. God wants you to know how much he loves you, so much that he has adopted you into his family.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and making me a part of your family because of what Jesus, my Savior, had done for me. Amen.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4,5

Unconquerable Light

Daily Devotion – December 26, 2023

Devotion based on John 1:4,5


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Nyctophobia is the fear of the dark. Darkness hides things. Darkness means you can’t see what’s around you. That darkness creates anxiety and uncertainty. The fear of the unknown, along with the vividness of the human imagination, causes terror.

There is a different type of darkness that causes fear. It’s the darkness of death. Death casts a long shadow that endarks everyone. To many people, death is the ultimate unknown. They can’t see past death, and so the fear of death affects what they do in life.

The truth of Christmas is that Jesus came as light to shine in this darkness. Each twinkling Christmas light on the tree and houses is a reminder that Jesus came as the Light of the world. And Jesus came to defeat the darkness of death.

For hours, the darkness tried to defeat Jesus as he hung on the cross. And for three days, the darkness thought it had defeated the Light of the world. But Jesus rose triumphantly from the dead on the third day. Jesus, the Light of the world, defeated death and its darkness. Death could not overcome Jesus.

That’s why Jesus is the life and light of all mankind. Jesus has illuminated what lies beyond the grave to all who follow him. Death is no longer the scary darkness of the unknown. Because Jesus came, because Jesus defeated death, it means death has no power over those who trust in Jesus as their Savior from sin.

As you gaze at the Christmas lights this year, remember they are not just a festive spectacle. But they remind us that Jesus is our light. Our lives are illuminated by the love of Christ, who brings warmth and joy to a world in darkness. Jesus lights up our lives because he has conquered the darkness of death.

Prayer:
I pray, O God, for those who are gripped by the fear of darkness and death. Surround them with the light of your love, illuminated by the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Amen.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . 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 1:1-5,14

Christ

Daily Devotion – December 25, 2023

Devotion based on John 1:1-5,14


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Perhaps you have seen the symbol etched into a stained-glass window, embroidered on a banner, printed on the front cover of the hymnal, or embedded into the white candle of the Advent wreath. The symbol looks like the letter X with the letter P placed over it. But the letters are not English; they are Greek. The letter that looks like X is equivalent to ch, and the letter that looks like P is equivalent to r. These Greek letters chi and rho are an abbreviation for Christ. In Christian art, the letters are often adjusted so that the two are merged together, appearing to be a single letter. The logo on the cover of Christian Worship: Hymnal provides an example of such a stylized Chi-Rho.

On Christmas Eve and Day, the symbols of Christ surround us—manger scenes and Christmas trees, Chi-Rhos and candles. Perhaps you attend an evening candlelight service in which the light from the Christ candle, the center candle of the Advent wreath, is used to light other candles that in turn light all the candles held by worshipers. With building lights dimmed, the light from the candles fills the room with a heavenly glow.

But the glow produced from the Christ candle is a pale comparison to the brilliant glory of the angels who filled the night sky to announce Jesus’ birth! Any symbolism we employ at Christmas is only a dim reflection of the first Christmas and an imperfect representation of the miracle that the angel messenger announced: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. Both words mean “Anointed One.” This special name for this special child tells us that there is more than what meets the eye in Bethlehem’s manger. This child is anointed and appointed to be the King of kings and Lord of lords. The innocent baby wrapped in strips of cloth is also the almighty God wrapped in human flesh. God has become one of us and one with us! The One who created heaven and earth is now cradled in a manger. What an amazing heaven-sent miracle from the heart of God the Father.

Even greater than this miracle is the heavenly rescue that the Christ Child will accomplish. Jesus Christ’s mission would take him from the wood of the manger to the wood of the cross as the perfect payment for our sins and the sins of the whole world. And after the darkness of his death, the bright light of Easter morning would announce to all that the mission that began in Bethlehem’s manger was fulfilled by Calvary’s cross. The miracle of Christmas was just the beginning of the miracle of our salvation!

Rejoice! Today your Savior has been born! He is the Messiah—Christ, the Lord!

Prayer:
Almighty God, you sent your Son, Christ, the Lord, as our Savior. Receive our thanks for this miracle of your grace and enlighten our hearts with the good news of his birth that we may proclaim his praises now on earth and forever in heaven. Amen.

This Advent devotion is brought to you by Forward in Christ magazine. For an enhanced version of this devotion including a flipbook and video or to read other devotions in this series, visit forwardinchrist.net/advent-2023.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6,7

Peace

Daily Devotion – December 24, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 9:6,7


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What is the worst part of a vacation? Preparing for it! Taking care of all the tasks that need to be done before a family getaway is downright chaotic and stressful! Are the suitcases properly packed? Do the kids have everything they need? Did you line up someone to take care of the pets and check on the house? Is there anything you have forgotten? The stress of vacation preparation sometimes makes you wonder if the trip is worth the hassle!

But then you finally leave. At some point, peace and calm begin to settle in your mind and slow down your once-racing pulse. Maybe that moment comes when you pull out of the driveway. Maybe it’s when everyone takes a seat on the plane. The preparation is done. Now you can breathe deeply, relax, and feel at peace during the vacation days before you.

On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Christians are on the verge of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Our busy Advent preparations will soon give way to the peace that the Christ Child came to bring his people.

The peace that flows from Jesus’ birth is so much greater than any earthly comparison we could make. That’s because this peace is not simply a relaxed feeling. This peace is the cessation of war! Your sins and my sins and the sins of the whole human race led to a holy war between God and humankind. And God’s justice demands that those who rebel against him be eternally sentenced for their war crimes. But God’s love fulfilled those demands in his perfect Son, the one whom Isaiah calls the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The perfect Son of God endured the perfect justice of his Father for our sin, taking our punishment on himself and restoring us to a peaceful relationship with his Father.

For earthly families broken by sin and hurt by tension, the Prince of Peace comes as a child who was born to be our brother. Through our faith in that child, his heavenly Father has become our Father who welcomes us into his family of peace and forgiveness.

All four candles surrounding the Advent wreath are now lit. Turn off the lights in your home, sit in the soft glow of the candlelight, and enjoy a moment of peaceful ambiance. But remember that the peace Jesus came to bring is so much more than ambiance. His peace comes from blood-bought forgiveness. His peace is eternal, and we will bask in its glow forever.

Prayer:
O Jesus our Savior, you came to bring peace to a world broken by sin. Heal our hearts with the good news of your grace so that we may find true peace in your forgiveness and the promise of everlasting life. Amen.

This Advent devotion is brought to you by Forward in Christ magazine. For an enhanced version of this devotion including a flipbook and video or to read other devotions in this series, visit forwardinchrist.net/advent-2023.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Encouragement Before Christmas

Daily Devotion – December 23, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24


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For many, the Christmas blues are a real issue: winter weather, hectic schedules, social pressures, missing loved ones who are gone or live far away, and other family issues that seem to get magnified this time of year.

But this time of year is one of the most joyful when we cherish the message that comes from God’s Word. Wrapped in that message are the most beautiful Christmas presents, bought by Christ and carried to us by the Holy Spirit. This message prepares us for the real Christmas and the joy God wants us to have in Christmas.

It is the joy of peace with God even when conscience accuses. It is the joy of knowing that God is faithful and will not leave or forsake us no matter what happens to us in this life. It is the joy of knowing that through faith in our Savior, Jesus, we are prepared and can look forward to an eternal future in heaven. No wonder Christmas is so wonderful!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, keep me focused on the true joy of Christmas—your Son, my Savior, Jesus. Help me to celebrate this gift at this time of year and always. Amen.