Author: Kerry

Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14,15

Just Like Us

Daily Devotion – December 26, 2021

Devotion based on Hebrews 2:14,15

See series: Devotions

A baby born in Bethlehem. It may have seemed pretty ordinary; mothers had babies all the time. The parents were certainly ordinary enough, a carpenter’s family from Nazareth. And the humble environment was probably not so unusual for many people of that day. But Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells of that birth with such majesty and beauty that it has captured the hearts of millions of people because this really was a birth like none other.

What made the ordinary so extraordinary? God became one of us to rescue all of us. To provide the perfect human life that was demanded to pay the punishment for sin, it required a perfect human being. “For this reason,” the Bible explains, “Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

No wonder the angels and shepherds were so excited. This special baby, sent from heaven by God, came to “free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” This baby has changed who we are. We used to be mortal, subject to death. But by dying for us and rising from the dead, Jesus gives us immortality. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 14:25,26).

His was no ordinary birth; it was the most extraordinary birth of all time. God’s Son became a human being to rescue human beings. In him, we are immortal. We will live forever with God! The angels were excited. The shepherds were excited. And so are we.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for becoming one of us and changing us by giving us immortality. Help me live my life with the confidence that in you, I will live forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

And he will be their peace.
Micah 5:5

Christmas Peace

Daily Devotion – December 25, 2021

Devotion based on Micah 5:5

See series: Devotions

What is peace?

Peace is the absence of trouble, tension, disaster, and surprise. Peace is the presence of safety, security, contentment, and relief. When you are at peace, there’s nothing else you need. You’d like things to stay just as they are. You hope that nothing changes.

Unfortunately, earthly “peace” will change and is always short-lived. Christmas meals bring some peace, but just hours later, you are hungry again. Happy relationships bring peace, but can you guarantee that even for one fleeting year, your solid relationship will never once face discord? Christmas presents bring a little peace, but the very same gadgets that cause a hearty, “Thanks!” are soon broken or forgotten. And how many people ever get everything on their Christmas lists? And even if they did, would they have lasting peace?

For lasting Christmas peace, we look away from earthly things and look to the Good Shepherd, Jesus. The Bible tells us, “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 the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace” (Micah 5:4,5). Jesus’ peace is not only for a time, is not isolated to one area, and cannot be overruled. In power and compassion, his greatness reaches everywhere, all the time, penetrating our hearts to the core.

Jesus himself is our peace. Not Christmas meals, relationships, or presents, but Jesus. It’s not just that he knows where to find peace or that he shows us the way to peace—he IS our peace! In Jesus, we stand confidently under God’s favor. In Jesus, we live with the comfort of God’s abiding presence and almighty power. We know exactly what our eternal future will be. Jesus alone provides eternal safety, security, contentment, and relief. In him, our peace will never change.

What is peace? Jesus is peace. When you have him, you have it all.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, prevent me from looking to earthly avenues of peace and thinking they will last. Instead, turn me toward Jesus, so that I might find true peace that lasts. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13,14

Share the Good News

Daily Devotion – December 24, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 2:13,14

See series: Devotions

Of all the events in the Bible, I think I most would have liked to witness the night the angels appeared to the shepherds. Can you picture the scene? It was a quiet evening with the shepherds perhaps gathered around a fire. It was dark, and the clear sky enabled the stars to shine brightly. The sheep lay sleeping nearby. Suddenly, the sky filled with the light of hundreds perhaps even thousands, of angels. Anyone who saw it surely would have described it as breathtaking and awesome.

Luke writes that this experience filled the shepherds with joy. Can you imagine their thinking? “It’s happening! He’s finally here! The Messiah promised for centuries has come!” Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is the answer to prayer, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the basis for our hope. His coming here and accomplishing his work of salvation is our guarantee of eternal life in heaven.

To see the angel’s announcement of our Savior’s birth would have been amazing for sure. But it would also have been great to see the Shepherd’s reaction The amazed expression on their faces. Their excited shouts of joy. Their adrenaline pumping as they ran off to spread the fantastic news.

Is that your reaction to Jesus? We are certainly tempted to take the message of Christmas for granted because we have heard it all before. It is easy to quickly forget the importance of what happened on that first Christmas. I imagine those Shepherds did not so easily forget what they saw.

God bless you as you worship your Lord and Savior tonight. May you also be filled with awe that God would keep his promises. May you also be filled with joy and a desire to share the good news of your Savior’s birth. While we were not there to see the angels, we can be just like those shepherds and spread the good news of our Savior’s birth wherever we go.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, bless my worship of you tonight. Like the shepherds, fill me with joy at the birth of Jesus and move me to share the wonderful news of his birth. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6,7

Make Room for Jesus

Daily Devotion – December 23, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 2:6,7

See series: Devotions

How is it that no one had room for Jesus? Poor Mary was about to give birth, and nobody would invite them in. That is difficult for us to imagine happening to anyone, let alone the true Son of God and the Savior of the world. How could it be that no one had room for Jesus?

The truth of the matter is that we likely would not have let them in either. If you do not agree, take a look at your life. How much room do you have for Jesus? Where does he fit into your schedule if he fits at all? With so many things going on, there are quite a few days where time with Jesus doesn’t seem to land on the calendar. Where does he fit in your heart? With so many things we love and chase after, Jesus does not always find a home in our hearts either. What about your Christmas planning? Have you made time for cookies and decorations and shopping and gift wrapping but somehow not managed to be in God’s house to worship?

Thankfully Jesus had room for us. He blocked off his calendar and made sure nothing would get in the way of being our Savior. In this great love, he came down to earth and lived a perfect life in our place. He died the death that should have been ours, and he rose from the dead to forever defeat death for us.

With joy and gratitude in your heart, make room for Jesus this Christmas and always. Carve out some time on your calendar to read his Word. Clear out your heart and fill it with love for Jesus who died for you. Plan worship into your holiday schedule so that you can worship the One who is truly the reason for the season. God bless you as you make room for Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Savior even though I do not always make time for you. Fill my heart with your love and lead me to always make time for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
Isaiah 9:6

The Greatest Gift

Daily Devotion – December 22, 2021

Devotion based on Isaiah 9:6

See series: Devotions

What gifts are waiting for you under the tree, soon to be opened? Have you looked? Maybe, when no one else was around, you snuck in and picked up the package with your name on it to gauge its weight. Maybe you shook it to get a sense of what it might contain. What gifts are you hoping for?

Whatever is in that package under the tree, will it satisfy? Will it be as amazing as you imagine, or will it break soon after opening? Will it live up to your expectations, or will it not be all you had hoped for? Will it take away the guilt or pain that you are feeling now? Will it fill the hole in your heart? Will it provide only a momentary rush, or will it provide lasting joy?

As wonderful as the gifts might be, God has given you a gift that is greater than all. God has given you a gift that is perfect and holy. A gift that has the power to erase everything you’ve ever done wrong. A gift that is not only the answer to all we struggle with here on earth but also provides lasting joy and peace. A gift that provides your ticket to an eternity in heaven that will never perish, spoil, or fade.

This one-of-a-kind gift is his Son, Jesus. God gave the very best that he had. He gave what no one else could or would. God gave the perfect gift. In Jesus, we have forgiveness and eternal life. In Jesus, we have the love of God and the reassurance that he is there for us. This gift from God is exactly what we needed. And guess what? This gift never fades over time. It does not break. It never fails to live up to what God promised. In Jesus, we are always saved, forgiven, and loved. Through this gift, we have eternal life in heaven.

As you open your gifts this year, remember the greatest gift. Thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son. He is the perfect gift. Help me to appreciate the blessings he brings all year through. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

And he will be our peace.
Micah 5:5

Peace

Daily Devotion – December 21, 2021

Devotion based on Micah 5:5

See series: Devotions

We hear a lot about peace this time of year. Christmas carols sing about peace on earth. Talking heads on television speak of how the true meaning of the holiday season is peace and goodwill among men. They dreamily describe a world where we all will live in perfect peace and harmony with each other.

While such a picture might look beautiful and sound wonderful, it is not reality. There is no peace on earth. Look around. Politicians stab each other in the back and refuse to work together for the common good. Nations continue to threaten each other. People scream at each other and post terrible things about other people all over social media. Family members argue and fight. This world has never known true peace, and that is not ever going to change. We live in a sinful world, and disharmony and strife come with the territory.

That is why Christmas is so important. Jesus entered into this world so full of conflict and disharmony. And he came to bring something this world longs for: peace. Yet, it is important that we understand what the Bible means when it says about Jesus: “And he will be our peace.” While peace between men and nations is a wonderful thing to have and strive for, there is a far more important kind of peace: Peace between sinners and a holy God. Jesus came to provide just that.

In Jesus’ life and death in our place, we have peace with God. Our sins have been removed, and our guilt paid for. Sin—the giant barrier that once stood between God and us—has been forever removed. We now have peace with God.

Do you realize what that means? It means we can go to him in prayer and know that he hears us. It means we have the protection he offers through his angels and the promise that he is with us always. And it means that we will live with him in perfect peace forever in heaven. This world will never experience perfect peace, but that blessing is and will be ours forever with Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for providing true peace. Help me to know that I am forgiven and saved and to keep my eyes on my heavenly home. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Luke 1:42-44

True Joy

Daily Devotion – December 20, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 1:42-44

See series: Devotions

What are you excited about this Christmas season? What brings you joy this time of year? Maybe it’s watching your grandkids open their gifts. Perhaps, you are eager to celebrate with family and friends. Maybe, you enjoy curling up with some hot chocolate as you watch your favorite classic Christmas movies.

Then again, maybe you cannot wait for Christmas to be over. Perhaps some hurt or hardship is making all the Christmas cheer sound like nails on a chalkboard for you. Maybe a profound loss in your life has turned this time of year into a terrible reminder of what is no longer in your life. It could be that you would just as soon avoid the whole holiday season.

Whether you are ready to celebrate or just want the season to be over, there is one reason for true joy as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. The baby who was born to Mary was no ordinary baby. John leaped for joy because of what that baby would bring. Our Savior has come into this world and achieved for us what we could never do for ourselves. Jesus brings forgiveness and eternal salvation to all who believe in him. Jesus brings peace with God now and forever. Jesus being born into this world is proof that God keeps his promises. It is proof that God cares. Because Jesus came down to earth for you and me, we have a sure and certain future in a place without pain or sin, or loss of any kind.

God bless your celebration of our Savior’s birth this Christmas. May this time of year bring you true joy: the joy of knowing your sins are forgiven, and you are God’s child. And if you don’t feel much like celebrating, know that in Christ, you will be part of an eternal celebration in heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming here to be my Savior. Help me always to find true joy in the blessings you bring. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Luke 1:41-44

Leaping for Joy

Daily Devotion – DATE

Devotion based on Luke 1:41-44

See series: Devotions

The pressure of the holiday season can sometimes suck the joy out of us. Will everything get done on time—shopping, baking, decorating, and more? Will Uncle Ralph lose his temper at the family party? Will Cousin Betty’s nasty words bite deep? Will my kids embarrass me? And what if the unexpected happens? What if there’s an accident, sickness, or problems at work or school? What if those I’m counting on fall short? What if my hopes and expectations end with disappointment and misery?

Take a breath and remember whom we are meeting at the manger. Even before his birth, Jesus brought joy to those who knew him.

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that even though she was a virgin, she would give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High. His name would be Jesus. After the angel left her, Mary hurried from Nazareth to Judea to visit her relative Elizabeth. As Mary greeted her, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She knew the one who Mary carried in her womb, and Elizabeth’s unborn child also knew him. He leaped for joy.

Mary’s child is our Lord. Everything that distracts us from him accentuates how much we need him. Why do we feel empty? Because we’ve tried to fill our hearts with other things. And anything except Jesus leaves our hearts empty in the end.

But remember whom you are meeting. The one born of Mary and laid in the manger is your Savior, your Redeemer, your Lord. He lifts you up out of the depths of your guilt. He fills your empty, hungering heart with the good news of his forgiveness. Leap for joy, for you get to meet Jesus.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 19)
O Lord, how shall I meet you,
How welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
My Hope, my heart’s Delight.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4,5

Christmas Joy Always

Daily Devotion – December 18, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4,5

See series: Devotions

What a wonderful time of the year it truly is: bright, blinking Christmas lights, frosted Christmas cookies, Christmas parties, Christmas presents under the decorated Christmas trees! People seem to be much happier and joyful at Christmas time. Christmas shoppers at crowded shopping malls will smile at one another and say, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy holidays!”

But will this Christmas joy and happiness last beyond the holiday season? For most people, no, it won’t. When the Christmas lights are taken down, when the Christmas tree is hauled out to the curb, when the stale Christmas cookies are thrown away, happiness and joy will come to an end. The rat race of life will continue—same old, same old.

Friend, rejoice! Rejoice, always. The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote these words. No matter what your circumstance in life is, rejoice. Why? How? Because Jesus Christ is your Savior from sin and eternal condemnation in hell. Rejoice because the Christmas gospel is for you, and it is all about you! The herald angel said on that first frosty Christmas Eve, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Rejoice because the Lord is near. With each tick of the clock, we are one step closer to Jesus’ second and final coming to this earth. When Jesus comes again in all his glory and accompanied by his mighty angels, he will make all things new and put an end to all our troubles and sorrows.

May God grant you true Christmas joy; today and always!

Prayer:
Lord, I rejoice in the salvation you came to provide. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’”
Luke 3:8

False Security

Daily Devotion – December 17, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 3:8

See series: Devotions

Between World War I and World War II, France created a sophisticated line of defense between itself and Germany. The Maginot Line was 280 miles long. It was an unbroken network of concrete bunkers, gun emplacements, and artillery forts. Everything about it was state-of-the-art. There was a telephone and wireless communications system. There was an underground railroad to transport troops. It contained comfortable barracks, mess halls, hospitals and even recreation areas.

One and a half million cubic meters of concrete went into the making of the Maginot Line. That, and 150 thousand tons of steel. Five hundred thousand personnel occupied the line at all times. This miracle of technology became the pride of France—so much so that her citizens saw little need for further vigilance.

Then came World War II. And to her shock, France watched as a modernized, fast-moving German army invaded her borders by finding a way to go around the Maginot Line. The sense of security France had possessed was false.

In Luke chapter 3, the purpose for John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare hearts for the arrival of the Messiah, the Savior from sin. As he spoke, many of John’s listeners had a comfortable, Maginot Line sense of security. Many presumed that, because they were descendants of Abraham, the great Old Testament believer—they presumed they somehow had an automatic pass when it came to their own, personal sins. After all, why worry about your sin when your family connections already identify you as a good person?

You and I can fall into the same trap. Maybe I have fond memories of taking part in the church Christmas program as a child. Maybe I can tell funny stories about the pastor who taught me in catechism class. Maybe I can swap inside jokes about my church body with the best of them. But the moment I presume that somehow gives me a pass regarding the personal guilt of my sin—that’s the day my soul is lost.

No false security. Only Jesus. Only his perfect life on my behalf. Only his blood. Only in him will all be well.

Prayer:
No more false security, Lord Jesus. Give me a repentant heart. Move me to cling to you alone. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.