Category: Daily Devotions

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.”
Luke 1:68

A Lasting Joy

For most of us, Christmas is over. In all likelihood, the presents are unwrapped; the pretty paper is in the garbage can. And take a good look at your Christmas tree, because in a week or so, it will be gone. Many of us are getting back to school and work, back to our regular lives. In order for the joy of Christmas to last, it needs to mean so much more to us than trees, presents, and nicely decorated homes. As we put away Christmas for another year, Zechariah’s words are an important reminder: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.”

Zechariah was a new dad. He and Elizabeth had just had their first son, John. One can understand the joy of a new parent at the birth of their first child. But how quickly that new joy can wear off. Time goes by and it becomes evident that neither child nor parent is perfect. Sin infects us all.

So for Zechariah, his joy had to be based on more, and it was. God had revealed to him that his son, John the Baptist, would be the forerunner of the promised Messiah, Jesus!

Zechariah could see something far greater at work here than just the birth of his own child. His son was preparing the way for someone who would change every life that has ever walked the face of this earth, someone who would change Zechariah’s life too, long after his son was old and grown.

God gave us a gift that lasts! At Christmas, he says to you, “Here is my Son, born in poverty in a manger who will live among you and die for you. Because of him, you will know that I have done everything necessary to draw you to myself. Your sin is forgiven. Your debt is paid. You are my child!” What a gift!

So, put away your Christmas decorations, take down the trees. But remember the gift of joy he gives us to last the whole year through!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for the gift of joy you give to us and our families. As we enter into a new year, fill our hearts with the joy of the Christ child in all we say and do. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

 

 

 

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of 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

Our Brother Frees Us Forever

The man sat in my office and said, “Pastor, I’m afraid to die.” He lived in fear of what would happen when his heart stopped beating and his lungs stopped working. He’s not the only one. Many people live in fear of death. But they don’t have to.

There was a reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus came to be your substitute. He needed to have a human body to serve as your substitute. He had to have a heart that pumped blood, a brain that functioned on oxygen, a body that was fueled by nutrients. He had to experience weariness and a need for rest. Only with a real human body could Jesus live a perfect life in your place.

And, only with a real human body could Jesus die in your place. Jesus died to make death powerless. One day your heart won’t pump, your brain won’t think, and your lungs won’t breathe. But, death will have no power over you. The grave will not be able to confine you. You will be with the Lord. Because this is true, death does not need to terrify you. Jesus’ perfect life and innocent death replace the fear of death with the hope of eternal life.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you came to free me from my fear of death by defeating it for me. When Satan tries to make me afraid of death, remind me of your power over him. Amen.

 

 

 

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Hebrews 2:10-11

A Brother Like No Other

“I wish I had a brother to play with me,” said the boy who dribbled the basketball on the court alone. “I wish I had a brother to stand up for me,” said the girl who dreaded the bullies on the bus. Maybe you have said, heard, or thought those words. Perhaps you have gone through life and wondered what it would be like to have a brother.

But you and I have a brother. And, “Jesus is not ashamed to call (us) brothers.” Can you believe it? Think of how ashamed parents are when their child misbehaves in church. Think of how ashamed an upstanding member of a community is when his sister is arrested for dealing drugs. Think of how ashamed a child is when her father speaks rudely to the waitress at the restaurant. Even we, sinful human beings, are ashamed of our relatives when they say and do things that are shameful.

Yet, Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. How can this be? Think of all the shameful things you have thought, said, and done. How could Jesus not be ashamed of you?

The author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us. Jesus suffered for your sins. He washed them all away with his blood. You are now perfect in God’s sight. There is no longer anything of which he would be ashamed. You are his brother or sister. And, he is thrilled about it!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you came into this world to sacrifice yourself for my sin. Though I’ve given you every reason to be ashamed of me, in love you died and rose for me. Thank you for making me a member of your family! Amen.

 

 

 

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:1-3

Finally

You have likely been there before. Whether as a child waiting for that special Christmas gift; a mother or father waiting to meet their baby for the first time; or a seasoned worker longing for the day of retirement. Waiting is hard. Especially when the thing you are waiting for is going to be so amazing.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to wait for the Messiah? For thousands of years God’s people lived life based on promises. “He is coming, but not yet. He is going to be life changing. Just keep watching!” It must have been extremely difficult to live in a world of sin and pain in that state of waiting. But do you see what the writer of Hebrews is saying to you and me? We don’t have to live in wait. He has come.

The fact that Jesus Christ came into the world means that the glorious gift has come. He stands right before us and so we don’t have to wait to experience the joy he brings. He no longer says, “wait.” He says, “look.” Jesus, our gift, means we daily get to enjoy Jesus by our side sharing forgiveness, love, and comfort. What a joy to remember every day—he finally came!

Prayer:
Jesus our Savior, thank you for renewing in us a daily appreciation for your coming into the world. You are our greatest gift, for which we thank you now and forever. Amen.

 

 

 

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 52:7-10

Worth Celebrating

Some gifts are just better than others. It is hard to acknowledge, because every gift is a gift. But let’s be honest, there is a big difference between getting socks and getting a brand-new bicycle. There is a big difference between a pair of fuzzy slippers and a handmade picture drawn by your three-year-old that says, “I love you Mommy” on it. There are some gifts that you probably won’t remember or use only weeks later. But there are other gifts that you will remember, celebrate, and cherish for a lifetime.

Isaiah sees that kind of gift coming—the kind of gift that would have you bursting out in song, praising God, and telling the world about it. It is a gift worth celebrating, It is the salvation that comes in Jesus Christ. Jesus came into the world to promise that although our lives are often in shambles, he will pick up the pieces.

This gift is ours. God has come into our sinful world. It is a gift worth shouting to the world. Carry that gift throughout your day. Share it with your friends. Thank God for it continually. Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord…a gift worth celebrating!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a gift you have given us in yourself. Forgive us for the times we have not cherished you. Remind us daily how reliant we are on you. Give us the courage to share you with others. 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

Love Overcomes Darkness

Something began to happen this past Wednesday, December 26th. Maybe you didn’t even notice. Slowly but surely, Christmas began to fade away. Christmas leftovers are 50% off or more. The radio stations return to normal broadcasts. After 24 hours and 7 days a week for a whole month, the season of loving, sharing, and giving seems to be over as if to say, “Time to move on…”

Not so fast! We can’t afford to pack away Christmas just yet. God’s love and generosity do not have a time limit or season of the year. Jesus is the Word who became flesh. That means God decided to come to us. He came to us in the human flesh of a tiny baby. He came to stay with us until God’s plan of salvation was complete. Now he lives and will shine forever!

In the darkness of our lives, we need the light of Jesus to still shine. In him is life and that life is the light of all people. No amount of sin or trouble can overpower it. The eternal Word lights up our hearts so that we are pulled from the darkness of sin. If this light is for all people, for everyone, then surely it is for us because we are part of everyone.

We can’t afford to pack away Christmas love and light. May it heat up our hearts so that we burn with a desire to share the light of his love with others!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the Word in the flesh, thank you for your eternal gift of love to the world. Fill us with your grace and truth. Light us up inside so we reflect you for others. Amen.

 

 

 

For the grace of God that offers salvation to all people has appeared. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Titus 2:11-14

Love Makes Us Eager to Honor

One of the most popular secular songs of Christmas warns, “You better watch out! You better not cry! You better not pout! I’m tellin’ you why: Santa Claus is coming to town!” People sing it with gusto! “He knows if you’ve been bad or good; so be good, for goodness sake!” In other words, Be good, otherwise, no goodies for you. Be good so you can get good things in return.

How different is “the grace of God that offers salvation to all people.” God’s grace in Jesus is completely removed from anything I do—good or bad. God is the only one who truly knew what I needed. So he gave it to me through Jesus. Jesus “gave himself” for me by paying for all my bad with his blood. Jesus purified me. Jesus was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger. Years later, he was wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a tomb. That tomb is now empty because of God’s love for us. Now I belong to him. I know God loves me and wants me in heaven with him!

God’s Christmas love teaches us to say a big no to sin and a bigger thank you to the Savior! It teaches us to “be good for Jesus’ sake,” not because he’s watching us, but because he died and rose for us. God’s grace did this, not just for you and me; he did it for everyone. Joy to the world; the Lord is come!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for making me clean of sin inside by giving yourself. May I live every day of life for you while I await your glorious return. Amen.

 

 

 

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 increase 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

More than Meets the Eye

A father gave his one-year-old son a wooden toolbox with a hammer, wrenches, nuts, bolts, and pegs for him to hammer into holes. But his son didn’t know how to play with this toy that said on the side of the box, “For ages 3+.” He was still too young. A year and a half went by. Finally, his son began to play with his tool kit. He could use all the tools. He could fasten the pieces together. It took him some time, but now he appreciates his toolbox.

Did you get a present you weren’t really excited about this Christmas? It may not seem like much now. Maybe your appreciation will grow once you begin to understand why it was so valuable.

Jesus didn’t look like much of a gift when he was born. After all, lots of children are born into the world. What makes him so valuable? Listen to the names given him in Isaiah’s prophecy: “…he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…” Those are the names that describe who Jesus is and what Jesus does. He will never fail to forgive you as your Wonderful Counselor. He will never fail to strengthen you as your Mighty God. He will never fail to love you as your Everlasting Father. He will never fail to comfort you as the Prince of Peace. He will never fail to live up to his names because you are his child. He will never fail you!

May your appreciation for the Christmas gift of Christ grow as you understand more and more the precious value of the names for Jesus!

Prayer:
Keep your Word in my heart, dear Lord, so I grow to see how precious the gift you have given in your Son, Jesus. Amen.

 

 

 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 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. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:1-10

Love is Never an Afterthought

Look back at the last few weeks: How much time did you spend preparing for the Christmas season as you meticulously put decorations up, planned or attended parties, and baked cookies? Or, are you the type that doesn’t go “Christmas crazy?” So, you only set up a little tree with a few decorations to celebrate quietly with your family. Besides, the less you put up the less you have to take down later, right?

How did God prepare for that first Christmas? He moved nations around using Caesar’s decree to get everyone to just the right place. He cared for and protected Mary—the mother of our Lord. And when it was just the right time, his angels announced Jesus’ birth in a grand and glorious way! God carefully crafted every detail in order to bring you the perfect Christmas. The message for a perfect Christmas is this: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy!”

The gift of Jesus was well planned. A God who puts that much planning into giving you the perfect Christmas gift is a God who absolutely loves you!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you always have me on your heart and mind the same way you carefully planned and prepared the first Christmas. Open my eyes to see your love for me in the details of my life. Amen.

 

 

 

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
Luke 1:46-55

A Christmas Song

Merry Christmas! Today, the world breaks out in song! A Savior is born!

Mary, the mother of Jesus, sang a song too. The amazing love of God left Mary both surprised and excited. She can’t believe she is going to be the mother of the Savior! So she sings a song about God’s love:

• She sings that all generations would call her blessed even though she comes from a lowly background.
• She sings about how God scatters proud people but he lifts up humble people.
• She sings about the rich who are sent away empty, but God fills up the hungry and keeps his promises.

Mary’s song reminds us how all of God’s promises come true on this Christmas Day. Christ is born into our world! Christmas is why we live and can get up each day. Christmas means God has come to save us and points us ahead to the cross and the empty tomb. Christmas Day is all about God’s love!

How do we respond to God’s love? We sing like Mary! She wanted people to know the great things God had done for her and wants you to sing with her. So let’s SING! It’s Christmas Day! Share with someone the great things God has done for us!

Prayer:
Light of the world, Fill my heart with gladness as I remember your dear birth. Help me shine my light by sharing your birth with someone in need of light and love in their life. Amen.