May these devotionals bring you peace and joy this Christmas season

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31

The birth of a child should be a joyful event, a celebration of love, and the sign of God's blessing. Any child has the potential to be a success and to bring happiness to those around him. A newborn is like a small candle that pushes back the darkness.

A child was born almost 2000 years ago, who has brought joy to untold millions. To those living in the shadow of death, he has brought a great light. The rejoicing at his birth began with angels and has continued up to this day. Jesus was born for all of us. Rejoice again at His coming!

"For unto us a child is born;

Unto us a Son is given...

He will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The prophet Isaiah predicted that one of the titles given to Jesus would be "Wonderful Counselor". As Counselor, Jesus will be king over all the earth, determining and carrying out a plan that will cause the world to marvel.

He will rule with righteousness and justice. There will be no harm or destruction, and "the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea". If this Marvelous King, the Wonderful Counselor, reigns today in your life, He will give you the desires of your heart and make all of your plans succeed.

Isaiah prophesied that one of Christ's titles would be "Mighty God", which stresses His divine power as a warrior. The Lord is a great and awesome God who drives our enemies out before us, throwing them into great confusion until they are utterly destroyed.

If we serve Jesus, we need never fear. He will fight our battles for us. With a shout of triumph, He will powerfully triumph in them all. If we stand firm and trust in His love and power, Jesus our warrior, the Mighty God, will bring us great deliverance.

DECEMBER 4

Scripture Reading: Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 9:6; 64:8; John 14:9-10.

In our society, we have experienced a tremendous breakdown in family values. The traditional family, composed of father, mother and children, is on the verge of extinction. Absent, uncaring fathers are the #1 reason that women must go on welfare, and a large factor in the growing crime rate.

As the Everlasting Father, Jesus is an abiding, compassionate provider and protector for His children. He is an example of loving concern for all fathers. And He is a comfort and a refuge for fatherless homes everywhere. If you need an Everlasting Father's care, you can find it in Jesus.

Peace is a hot topic these days. Everybody says they want it, but there seems to be less and less of it. On Christmas, the angels sang, "Peace on earth", because Jesus, the Prince of peace, had come.

Like a river, peace flows from the cross where Jesus took the punishment for it until now. His rule can bring wholeness and well-being to individuals and society, establishing abundant peace and prosperity. One reason the world is not at peace is that it has rejected Jesus. If you desire peace, let the Prince of Peace rule in your heart.

When the Prince of Peace begins to reign on the earth, some amazing things will occur. The wolf and lamb, now mortal enemies, will live with each other. The lion will eat straw with the calf. The child will play near vipers without fear. "They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain", the Lord declares.

How could this ever be true? The power of peace starts with individuals allowing the Prince of Peace full control over their lives. Then, like circles in a pool of water, peace will radiate out into all of the world. But it must start with you.

"So Joseph also went up ... to Bethlehem ... 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." Luke 2:4-7

Would you look for a King in a bed of straw? What an indignity, for a king to come, not in a lovely, clean palace with liveried attendants and rejoicing subjects, but in a dirty stable full of lowing cattle. The King of the Universe loved man more than His own dignity, for He took on human flesh, and was born in the utmost indignity.

Would you look for a King in a bed of straw? If you are seeking the King of Love, you would. Here is the one who left the pleasures of Heaven to give His life for you. Give your whole heart to Him.

I always wonder why people who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ celebrate Christmas. What can Christmas mean to anyone without Christ? If He had not come to earth as a tiny baby and had not grown up to suffer and die as our Savior, we wouldn't be having the holiday to start with.

If you are celebrating Christmas, but don't know Jesus, why don't you take a few minutes to read the Bible and learn who He is. Then, ask Him to come into your heart. Wow! Now you really have something to celebrate!

In preparation for the coming of Jesus, nothing took God by surprise. Every step was planned, including who were to be Jesus' ancestors. His angels' watch care extended over every facet of the plan - from the annunciation to Mary, to the flight to Egypt.

Likewise, if you are a believer, God has set His angels to watch over you, and to bring about His purposes for your life. He knew about you even before you were born. If you are submitted to Him, He will guide your footsteps all the way to Heaven.

Scripture Reading: John 15:9,13; Romans 5:5,8; 8:38; Ephesians 3:17-19; I John 3:1; 4:8-10,16,19; Jude 21.

A popular song croons, "I would do anything for love!" And most of us feel exactly that way. We all crave love, and if we are lonely, at times we are desperate enough to risk everything to receive the love we so urgently need.

Maybe that's why we overlook God's love. It is so simple to receive, and is given unconditionally. Love so easy to get sometimes doesn't seem very valuable. But God never takes back His love and will never forsake us like earthly lovers often do. His love lasts forever. It IS worth doing anything to get, but all we have to do is receive it.

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:30-33; 2:11,21; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Titus 2:13-14; 3:5-7.

When God sent His Son into the world, He named Him Jesus, which means "one who saves". What is salvation, anyway, and why do we need a Savior?

We need saving because we are lost. Sin, the wrong things that we all do, hurts others and brings condemnation and death to us. God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn it, but to save us all. Salvation brings us not only forgiveness and cleansing, but hope of eternal life. Jesus is the only name given by Heaven that can save us from sin. Believe in Him and be saved today.

"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... Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord..." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14.

What causes the angels of Heaven to rejoice? When God created the heavens and the earth, "the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy". When Jesus was born, the angels appeared in the sky, "bringing news of great joy that will be for all people", rejoicing and praising God.

But the occasion that sets Heaven to singing, that causes more rejoicing than anything else, is when a sinner repents of his sins and gives his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. Make Heaven resound with joy and praise today. Receive His forgiveness and ask Jesus to come into your heart.

Angels told shepherds about the birth of Jesus first, although they were probably last in Bethlehem's social scale. God values shepherds. Moses was a shepherd for 40 years before he led Israel out of Egyptian slavery. David was a shepherd boy before he became king. We are like sheep - easily led astray, easily confused, easily victimized. We need someone who loves us to lead us gently by the hand, to gather us into His arms when we are fearful, to see that we are fed and provided for. Jesus is that Good Shepherd. Let Him care for you.

The appearance of angels in the Bible is the exception, rather than the rule. They appeared in times of extreme crisis, as when Jesus had been sorely tempted by the devil, and needed the ministry of angels. Angels also appeared to people to make tremendous announcements, as when Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary.

Those with unspiritual hearts claim that angels should be worshipped, but the Bible clearly declares that these idle notions will cause eternal damnation. True angels of God will not allow themselves to be worshipped. Let all of God's creation, including the angels, worship only Him.

A lot of nonsense is being published today about angels. Many New Agers seek angel guidance without seeking the One who made the angels. Evil angels can take on the appearance of goodness and beauty, and are deceiving many. The Bible says that satan himself, the lord of the demons, can appear as a minister of righteousness.

An angel sent from God Almighty will exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and glorify God. He will direct you into the right ways, and will reinforce Bible teachings. Any other type of being is a deception, and will wing your way to hell.

When the sun arose on the sleepy town of Bethlehem that first Christmas morning so many years ago, most of the residents were unaware that God had become flesh and now lived among them. The shepherds, that class most despised of all tradesmen, knew. The angels knew, but many did not believe in angels, and would not open their hearts to angel song.

So it is today. The world is sleeping, unaware that God has become flesh and dwells among men. Christians are despised and ridiculed, and few listen for angel song.

DECEMBER 17

Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:23; 149:5; Romans 8:27,34.

The first Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas, was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Legend has it that he gave gifts to the poor in honor of Jesus. Through the ages, the myth has arisen that he gives gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

Somehow, our secular society has elevated Santa Claus to the position of honor and has forgotten who he worshipped - the Lord Jesus Christ. The original St. Nicholas would be horrified to find that he has upstaged his Lord. Let's put Christ back in Christmas this year.

A favorite carol exclaims, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!" Yet joy is a scarce commodity, even in the church, where God's people are told, "with joy you will draw water from the well of salvation".

Joy flourishes in the sunshine of God's love. It needs the water of salvation, the warmth of Christian fellowship, and the food of God's grace to develop. Beware of things that will rob you of your joy: fear, doubt, sin, unbelief, hatred, anxiety, and envy. Don't let the "joy-robbers" distress your heart. Rejoice! The Lord has come!

"Bah humbug!" Scrooge said at Christmas. Is this your attitude? Do you say, "What do I have to be joyful about?" You need a change of heart, because the Bible says that the JOY of the Lord is your strength.

Rejoice because Jesus has caused you to triumph over all of your enemies. He has spread His protection over you, and filled your life with good things. Celebrate with joy because He has given understanding of His word. He has made known to us the path of life and the pleasures He gives are eternal.

Did you ever feel so happy, that you felt your heart was going to burst? Have you ever danced for joy? If you have, do you feel that way now? If you haven't, would you like to feel this way?

In the presence of God is fullness of joy. Jesus said that He came that we might live in the fullness of joy, our hearts overflowing with happiness. This joy does not depend on circumstances, but on the heart that is committed to Jesus. Give your dirty old sins and worries to Him, and He will exchange them for overflowing joy.

In the darkest and deadest time of year, when all the plants have died and the trees are bare, we may often feel dead, too. The days are short. We struggle freezing from car to work to car to home in the dark. All seems dreary and full of drudgery.

We need something to cheer us up, to bring back the light and life of springtime. Mary Batchelor says, "The joyful celebration of Jesus' birth when everything is at its' darkest reminds us all that God's own light has come into our world, lifting darkness and conquering evil forever."¹ Celebrate life. Celebrate Christmas.

To those who desire to have children, a child's birth is a long-awaited event, full of expectation. The first cry brings a thrill of excitement that no other thing on this earth can equal. And nothing can surpass the joy the new mother and father feel as they gaze on their creation of love.

Thinking of the birth of God's Only Son, even nearly 2000 years later, brings a thrill to the heart of the believer. This creation of love brought not only joy to His earthly parents, but redemption and deliverance to the whole human race. God became flesh and lived among us. Praise His Name!

When we become really discouraged, we are said to have "lost heart". Our failures and inadequacies seem insurmountable. We are weary of trying. We don't have "the heart to go on".

Christmas is that time of year to remind us to "take heart". The devil, who is the expert at discouragement, would like us to forget that the very "heart of Christmas" is the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate encourager. By coming to earth and bringing us the gift of salvation, He showed how valuable we are to God. He came here to help us when we fail. Take heart, Jesus loves you!

Accounts abound as the to origin of the Christmas Tree. "Some say that it was Martin Luther, the great sixteenth century reformer, who first brought the lighted Christmas tree indoors. As he walked through the forest one night he looked up to see the stars shining through the branches. It was so beautiful he went home to tell his children how the lighted tree was like a picture of Jesus, who left the starry heaven to bring light to the earth."²

When you look at your Christmas tree this year with its' merrily twinkling lights, think about Jesus, who brought the light of Heaven to earth.

Scripture Reading: John 4:10; Romans 6:23; II Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 2:7-8.

God could just have sat up there in Heaven and said, "Mankind, I love you!" and meant every word of it. Yet without taking action to show His love, mankind would have never known about it.

Everything we have is a gift from God, proof of His love for us. But the greatest gift is the Lord Jesus Christ, who came straight from God's heart to a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Jesus' gift to us, His life, bought us salvation. When you are opening your gifts this Christmas, don't forget to be thankful for the greatest gift of all - Jesus.

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 2:1-2, 7-12; 7:7; Ephesians 1:17; I Corinthians 1:30.

The Wise Men came from the East following a star to look for a "king, like a bright star" who would arise in Israel. They found Him, worshipped Him, and then disappeared from history. It is said, "Wise men still seek Him".

We do not have to follow a star, or look for a manger bed to find the Lord Jesus Christ. We seek Him through His Word and prayer. And He promises that if we keep on seeking we will find Him, and He will come, dwell within our hearts, and fill us with His wisdom.

Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 9:15; Colossians 2:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:18.

Good manners urge us to give thanks for the gifts we receive at Christmas. This can be done in person, or in the form of thank you notes. Even if that sweater from Aunt Aggie is two sizes too small, or we really don't need another necktie with flamingoes on it, we are thankful for the remembrance.

Christmas is a good time to thank God for His priceless gift. He gave us the greatest treasure in Heaven, His Only Son. And the Son gave all He had, His very life, to save us. Thank God for His gifts of love!

After all of the excitement of the holidays, after the last package has been unwrapped, and the last hope fulfilled - or dashed, as sometimes happens, after the decorations are taken down, and life goes back to the "same old, same old", we often experience a let down of spirit.

In this post-holiday quietness, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what God has done for us, and let His peace and tranquility fill us. We can rest and glory in His presence. Take the time to give Jesus His present - the adoration of your heart.

If the account of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ is just a made-up story, if the angels did not sing the night He was born, if wise men did not follow a star to where the Holy Child lay, why do so many groups fight so hard to rid our society of decorations depicting the Christian faith at Christmas?

If Jesus did come to this earth, as Christians believe, then this is the most wondrous news the world will ever hear. Only some one who is an enemy of man's soul would want to squelch the celebration of such an event. God became flesh and lived among us. No one can change that fact.

Herod saw the birth of Jesus as a threat to his power. He wanted no king of the Jews to be born in Bethlehem to replace him. He tried his best to destroy Jesus, but did not succeed. However, in the process many innocent lives were lost.

The birth of Jesus still remains a threat to those who lust after power, because Jesus represents God's attitude towards righteous government. Justice, equality and compassion distinguish Jesus' rule in the lives of men. Men who lust after power hurt the innocent, but they will lose out when the Righteous King begins to reign on the earth.

When we lovingly wrap up the Christ Child and put away our nativity scenes for another year, do we also forget to honor the One our figurines represent until the next Christmas? Or do we remember His sacrifice of love that began in a manger bed in Bethlehem and ended on the cross at Calvary?

As we ready ourselves to begin a New Year, let us remember that although the celebration is over, the Christmas holiday represents a new beginning, a new life in Christ. Don't put Christ away with your Christmas decorations. Let Him live in your heart all year.

¹ Batchelor, Mary, The Lion Christmas Book, c1984 Lion Publishing, Illinois, pp.8-9.
²Ibid, p.28.


*"Oh, Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord"*