Christmas Present
1. Christmas Present With Sprinkles
2. Nativity Plays
3. Angels
4. Mary
5. Joseph
6. The Innkeeper
7. The Shepherds
8. The Wise Men
9. Ceasar Augustus
10. Christmas In My Heart
11. White Christmas
12. Ornaments
13. Christmas Lights
14. A Star
15. Gifts
16. When We Don't Have The Resources To Give
17. Wrapped In Swaddling Clothes
18. Christmas Cards
19. Remember The Elderly At Christmas
20. Christmas Stockings
21. Sharing Christmas Cookies And Treats
22. A Christmas Balancing Act
23. Christmas Stories
24. Come And Worship
25. Christmas Eve
26. A Christmas Miracle
1. Christmas Present With Sprinkles
I am so excited! Christmas is coming and we have a new devotional theme. I used to plan a lot of parties for our youth at church and some for family, too, and I was always happy to decide on our theme. The theme brought everything together. I could start preparing decorations, planning the menu, and putting together games and activities, once I had a theme. I always pray for God to lead me to a devotional theme and this time we will be looking at some of the decorations, foods, and activities we share at Christmas, but most of all the Bible scriptures that brought it all together. In celebration of the birth of Jesus, God's Holy Son, we are looking at "Christmas Present" and illuminating them with sprinkles of "Bible Past". I enjoy making Christmas cookies with our grandchildren and they love covering them with sprinkles. The sprinkles end up all over the table and floor, but give a new look and taste to the cookies. I hope that we can look at our joys of Christmas present and see them in a new light and sweetness, as we compare them to scriptures from the past.
2. Nativity Plays
Let's begin our look at "Christmas Present" with Nativity Plays. I remember singing, "Silent Night" in our church play when I was six years old. My children learned verses to recite and songs to sing during the children's part of the Christmas service when they were very young. It is fun to watch the children do their parts, and also very enjoyable to watch our friends and family perform. It takes a lot of work for those behind the scenes working on costumes, building sets, and learning music. The characters and singers also work hard to learn their parts. All the hard work pays off and it all comes together. I have been to some of the live nativity presentations and even stood in one as a teenager (it was so cold!) and they are also fun to see. But, I don't think that even those show us the full story. The shepherds' clothes were not colorful and bright. The stable and the animals were not clean. And when you really stop and think about it, it is sad that nobody had room for an expectant mother who had traveled so far. Mary had to lay her newly born Son, the Holy Son of God, in an animal feeding trough. God worked it all according to His will, the precious Lamb of God, lying in a manger, with poor, lowly shepherds gathered round about them. Do you have room in your heart and life for Jesus?
"6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:6-12)
3. Angels
I have seen the sweetest little angels dressed in white gowns, with tinsel of gold round about their heads, singing the great Christmas carols. "Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing oer the plains..." and "Hark, the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!" give us the joy and gladness of the new birth as sung by the angels. We don't think of being afraid of these sweet little angels, but look at the first words spoken by the angels, "Fear not..." The angels of our Christmas nativity plays may not give us the true vision of Gabriel, but it puts the Word of God in the hearts of our children as they take part in this great Christmas tradition that we enjoy so much!
"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John." (Luke 1:13)
"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God." (Luke 1:30)
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 1:20)
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:8-10)
I suppose that it would be frightful to suddenly find myself face to face with an angel. The angels of the Old Testament often appeared with swords drawn. They were able to fight battles for the Children of Israel, release the disciples out of prison, and stop the mouths of lions. Sometimes the angel messengers appeared to men and they were not recognized as angels, as the writer of Hebrews reminds us. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)
4. Mary
When it comes time to hand out the parts for the play, I think most little girls want to play the part of Mary. She does have a very important role in the Christmas story. She was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. "And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." (Luke 1:28) If we could see Mary today she might not be "highly favoured" in the eyes of the world. The advertisers would have us to believe that the most important features about a young girl would be the clothes she wears, her hair style, and that her teeth are pure white. How great it is for a young lady to focus on the things of God. What a blessing to find God's favor! But, our children are continually bombarded with the messages of the world, and we must teach them that following God is the right way to live. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30) This doesn't only apply to young girls. We should all strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God. We can read our Bibles, pray, and seek the Lord's direction, and then, like Mary, be willing to let the Lord use us according to His will. That would be a great Christmas blessing.
5. Joseph
We have our Joseph figurine standing faithfully beside Mary in each of our Nativity scenes on the mantle. What do we know about Joseph? We know who Joseph was. Matthew 1:1 opens the New Testament with what we believe to be the genealogy of Joseph, reaching all the way back to Abraham. "And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Matthew 1:16) We know that Joseph believed God. He took Mary to be his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24) He also fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to save Him from Herod after the warning from God in Matthew 2:13. Joseph obeyed the laws of the land and made the journey to Bethlehem with Mary to pay his taxes. And He obeyed the laws of God and offered the sacrifice for Jesus in the temple when he was eight days old, and went to the feast of the Passover each year at the appointed time. The last we hear about Joseph was during Passover feast when Jesus remained in the temple at twelve years old. We don't know what happened to Joseph after this time. He was not mentioned when Jesus began His ministry around thirty years old, or performed His first miracle in Cana. And as Jesus hung on the cross He made sure that John would take care of His mother Mary. I would like to encourage all of you today who may have had someone who once stood faithfully beside you, and now you feel alone. I pray that God will bless you and help you through this Christmas holiday.
6. The Innkeeper
There are many people in the Bible who are not mentioned by name, like the little maid who helps Naaman find healing from God through Elisha. But, in the Christmas story we often include a character in our plays who is not even mentioned at all. Our verse is Luke 2:7, "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." To have an inn, there must have been an innkeeper, and that is our interest today. Maybe he is not named so that you and I could each put our name in his place. Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem which some sources estimate to be around 90 miles. Walking, or even riding a donkey, for several days would have been hard for Mary and when they reached Bethlehem there was no room in the crowded little town for them to stay. They were turned away. Joseph may have knocked upon several doors, all with the same answer, "There was no room for them in the inn." Has the Lord knocked upon your heart's door? "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) And more importantly, have you found room for Christ? You are the innkeeper of your soul. Please invite Jesus into your life and let Him be your Savior.
7. The Shepherds
The shepherds on the hillside had to be brave as they watched over their flocks to protect them from wolves and maybe also from thieves. Possibly they had encountered bears or lions as the great shepherd David had in days of old. But, even these brave men were not prepared for the salutation of the angels from on high. They quickly overcame their fears and said, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15) How quickly do we face our fears, or better yet, put our faith in God, and go when the Spirit of the Lord bids us to go?
Another thought... Why did God choose to let the shepherds be the first to welcome the newborn Baby in the manger? Was it because we are the lost sheep, needing a Good Shepherd? Maybe it was because the shepherds were seeking the Savior, with humbleness of heart, meek and lowly. It could be that God was preparing for the day when His precious Son would become the Lamb and give His life for the sheep. Whatever the reason, we can be glad for the story of the shepherds. It tells us that we don't have to have riches or positions of honor to come to the Savior. We come to Him in meekness, confessing our sins and believing that He is the only way to receive eternal life. Then, we can go just as the shepherds did and tell everyone we meet that we have found the Lord. "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." (Luke 2:16-18)
8. The Wise Men
On the corner of my piano is a beautiful glass Christmas light decoration that my daughter-in-law, Danielle, made for me several years ago. It has the message, "Wise Men Still Seek Him." That is what we want to talk about today. We know the story of the wise men, who followed the star, and presented their gifts and worshiped the King of the Jews. We can follow the example of the wise men and really experience the joy of Christmas by seeking the Savior. Jesus gave us this promise in Matthew 7:7-8. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." I must not get so busy seeking the right Christmas gifts that I forget about the greatest gift of all, the gift of my Savior. When we seek the Lord, and know the Lord, only then can we come into His presence and really worship Him. And as we worship Him we can open our heart and give to Him by giving to others. This application can be made to all of us. Our children need wise Moms and Dads. They can learn a lot from the wisdom of older Christian Grandparents, church and school leaders, and loved ones. And sometimes we all need the shoulder of a wise friend to lean on. Be that wise man or woman who still seeks Him!
"9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:9-11)
9. Caesar Augustus
The second chapter of Luke is my favorite place to read during the Christmas season. It opens, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” (Luke 2:1) We may read this verse in our Christmas pageants, but we don't recognize the Roman dictator as a noticeable character. He taxed his realm for his own gain, and didn't know that God was using him to fulfill prophecy. To follow his order, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem.
"3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." (Luke 2:3-5)
In the little book of Micah, God told His people that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) I want to encourage you today as you are faced with the troubles of the world. Life may be sending you in a direction that you were not prepared to go. Don't give up hope. Keep trusting the Lord to lead and guide you. God can use people and things of this world to put you in just the right place where He can use you for His glory.
10. Christmas In My Heart
As I sit and write these Christmas devotionals, my heart is stirred. Tears flow as I remember an old song that was written by Oscar C. Eliason in 1946, "A Name I Highly Treasure."
"My heart is stirred when'er I think of Jesus.
That blessed Name that sets the captive free.
The only Name through which I find salvation;
No name on earth has meant so much to me."
It would be wonderful if our hearts were stirred as the shepherds who traveled to Bethlehem and found the Christ Child lying in a manger. They rejoiced and spread the news that Jesus was born. Later, in the temple, Simeon and Anna were both stirred as they blessed the Lord and gave thanks for the newborn Savior. During Easter our hearts are stirred as we look at the disciples on the road to Emmaus after they met the risen Christ. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32) This Christmas, take time to open the scriptures and meditate on the real meaning of Christmas. Let the Holy Spirit stir your heart for Christ.
A Name I Highly Treasure
1. I’ve learned to know a Name I highly treasure;
Oh, how it thrills my spirit through and through.
Oh, blessed Name, beyond degree or measure,
Oh, wondrous name of him so kind and true.
Chorus:
My heart is stirred when’er I think of Jesus.
That blessed Name that sets the captive free.
The only Name through which I find salvation;
No name on earth has meant so much to me.
2. That name brings gladness to a soul in sorrow.
It makes life's shadows and its clouds depart.
Brings strength in weakness for today, tomorrow,
That name brings healing to an aching heart.
3. That Name still lives, and will live on forever;
While kings and kingdoms will forgotten be.
Through mist and rain twill be beclouded never;
That Name shall shine, and shine eternally.
11. White Christmas
Many people think it is really special to have a white Christmas, with snow falling gently to create a winter wonderland. Well, the snow fell early this year. It came during the night and by morning we probably had six inches or more, and it continued to fall until it turned to freezing rain later in the day. Many in our area had twelve inches of snow. I used to go out sledding with the children and then made them hot chocolate to help warm them up when they came in. Snow cream is also a special treat that we enjoy during these rare occasions. I enjoy looking out at the snow because it makes everything look so clean and white. And that brings us to our Bible verse today. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) I don't think anything is as white as snow, yet God's Word tells us that we can be white as snow. Our lives are marked with sin and when we ask Jesus to forgive us He washes away our sin and makes us as white as snow. What a wonderful thought on this beautiful snowy day!
12. Ornaments
A few years ago I saw some ideas on making ornaments for the tree using family photos. I printed the pictures and carefully rolled them around a pencil. Then I released them inside clear balls and decorated each one with different variations. I enjoyed working on them and hanging them on the tree. It was like a part of each person was with us during Christmas, even when they were not here. Since that time I have looked for new ideas, and added a few more ornaments each year. It is exciting to add new grandchildren to the Christmas tree. I have not finished decorating the tree, but it is a joy to see the happy faces of our family. My tree won't shine with expensive, matching ornaments, but it will be graced with the ornaments of some lovely faces. Wise King Solomon tells us how wisdom can be an ornament to us. "She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee." (Proverbs 4:9) And Peter also stresses the importance of an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit in I Peter 3:4. "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." As you decorate with your favorite ornaments this Christmas, don't forget to dress yourself in ornaments of grace.
13. Christmas Lights
Do kids today count Christmas lights when they ride in the car? When I was small my sisters and I would look out the windows to see who could see the most Christmas lights. Christmas trees in windows, or a few strands of lights in someone's yard, were so beautiful to us in those simpler days. Lights are still a wonderful part of my Christmas decorations. I have fond memories of rocking my babies with just the light of the tree, as I sang "Silent Night" or some other beloved Christmas carol. It is no wonder we have lights to help celebrate the birth of our Lord. God created light at the dawn of creation. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:3-4) In the fulness of time God sent His Son, to be the Light of the world. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) The lights of Christmas are a beautiful reminder that God gave us the Light, and we don't have to walk in the darkness!
14. A Star
We talked about ornaments and lights for our Christmas tree, and after we place those beautiful and often memorable decorations on the tree it is time for the topper. Many use an angel or a star for the highest peak. The angels appeared to the shepherds from high in the sky. And the star appeared to guide the Wise Men from the east to the newborn King. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2) They saw His star and went to Jerusalem. Then, the star "went before them" and guided them to the Christ Child. "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:9-10) Have you ever wondered how the Wise Men knew to look for the star? How did they know the prophecies of the Messiah? I believe that the answer lies in the book of Daniel. Daniel and his friends were carried away captive to Babylon, where they were trained in the king's palace. After Daniel interpreted the king's dream he was made ruler over all the wise men of Babylon. "Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:48) At that time Daniel was no longer a student in the knowledge and understanding of the wise men of Babylon, but he became the teacher, "over all the wise men of Babylon." I think Daniel taught them the prophecies of the Jewish Messiah. Those teachings were passed down from generation to generation until the star appeared and the Magi traveled to worship the new King. You can put a star on the tree top or you can put an angel of rejoicing, but whatever you choose remember to worship Christ in all that you do in your celebrations of Christmas.
15. Gifts
From the story of the Wise Men we carry on our tradition of giving presents at Christmas. "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11) The Wise Men gave gifts to the Christ Child and we give gifts to others. I really enjoy trying to find the right gift for each person on my list. Mom enjoys shopping and we often spend the day together, going from place to place, marking items off our lists, one by one. Now that I have finally finished decorating my tree, I can start wrapping the gifts, all in anticipation of watching the joy on all the little faces as they tear into the colorful paper. As I think about the wrapped gifts I am reminded of I Corinthians 13:12. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." Heaven awaits for us like a wrapped present. We can't see all that it holds, but we anticipate the joy that we will have when we meet our Savior face to face. God gave us the greatest gift of all in His love at Christmas, and through that gift of salvation, we have everlasting life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I hope that you enjoy the gift of Christmas!
16. When We Don't Have The Resources To Give
We talked about giving, and it seems so important at Christmas, but sometimes we just don't have the resources to give. We want to show our loved ones that they are important to us but shopping to buy items that we can't afford brings stress and distress during a time that should be happy and joyful. I am a list maker. Maybe it is time to make of list of things to do to make Christmas special and take some of the focus off the presents. When the children were small we made Christmas ornaments. One year we used the names of Jesus and made an ornament each day to represent the different names we could find in the Bible. The Bread (bread dough ornaments), The King of Kings (crowns made of aluminum foil), and The Vine (miniature grape vine wreaths) are a few of the ideas we used. We also made paper chains with a name of Jesus on each strip of paper for the chain. Making and decorating cookies and gingerbread houses is fun. Stringing, and eating, pop corn while watching a favorite Christmas movie is another way to spend time together. And let's not forget taking time to read the true meaning of Christmas from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. For those who have greater resources, please give to help those who are less fortunate. Jesus told parables about faithful stewards and one day we will have to give an account of how we have used the money, talents, and resources God has given us. "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12) Giving to others can give you great joy! "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)
17. Wrapped In Swaddling Clothes
Do you see the picture of my precious little grandson wrapped in swaddling clothes? It has become popular now to swaddle babies, but this is not a new idea. Those who know the Christmas story know that Mary wrapped Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes two thousand years ago. "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7) I believe that the blanket is supposed to help the baby feel like he is being held, safe and secure. I often see advertisements for weighted blankets which say that the weight makes you feel like you are being held by a close friend. Again, this is not a new idea. When I was very young we slept under quilts that my Grandma Hancock made and they were very heavy. The extra weight helped us to get warm quickly and stay warm through the night. And it did feel like we were wrapped in loving arms. These thoughts remind me of Jesus looking over Jerusalem, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" (Luke 13:34) Jesus wants to spread His arms around us to keep us safe and secure. Just think, Jesus, the Son of God, was once swaddled in the arms of Mary, and now He keeps us wrapped in His hands where we will never perish.
"27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)
18. Christmas Cards
At our church we have a hand crafted mail box, set in cement to keep it standing, that resembles a little white church. Every year after Thanksgiving we put it near the front door and people can put their Christmas cards in it as they come into the church. The youth and some volunteers sort and deliver the cards before and after our church services during the month of December. I enjoy reading all the special messages from our church family of dearest friends. It is important not to overlook the value of our friends and loved ones and it is a blessing to be reminded to do this at Christmas, through something so simple as a Christmas card. We send out messages of hope and love that Christ was born, and He still lives today! And because He lives, we can live eternally with Him in heaven by accepting His gift of salvation. When I worked in an office I sent Christmas cards to all my coworkers. I saw it as a great opportunity to tell others about the love of Christ. Don't pass up a chance to give out some good news this Christmas. "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." (Proverbs 25:25) Be thankful for your friends and spread the joy of Christmas. "For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;" (I Thessalonians 3:9)
19. Remember The Elderly At Christmas
There is a song that begins, "Christmas, is for children..." and that is how many of us approach Christmas. We make sure that our children get presents before we add others to our shopping list. Many of our Christmas traditions are for our children. Making Christmas cookies and decorating the tree are much more fun when some of our grandchildren are here to help. I can still remember the little flour foot prints across the carpet when my children were small. But we need to remember that Christmas is not just for children. My parents took us to visit with our grandparents every Christmas. And we tried to go to the family Christmas dinners when our children were young. We often get so busy with our lives that we forget to include those who raised us and gave us the best years of their lives. Do what you can to make Christmas special for the older people in your life this year. You may not have money to spend on them, but what they may really want is to see you and spend time with you. If they want to reminisce about "the good old days", let them. The day may come that you would love to sit and talk with them once again, but it will be too late. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple when He was eight days old they met two amazing people. One was Simeon, who was waiting to see the Lord's Christ before he died. He held Jesus in his arms and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," (Luke 2:29-30) Then they met Anna. " And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (Luke 2:37-38) God revealed His Son to these two elderly people who looked for Him. I used to invite my grandmother to come eat with me and she wouldn't come. She always told me that one of her children might come by, and she would miss them if she was not home. Sometimes I made her a plate and took dinner to her, but I wondered how many times she stayed home alone, waiting for someone to come see her. Remember your older loved ones this Christmas and make it special for them.
20. Christmas Stockings
When I look back as far as I can remember I see some little girls going through their Daddy's sock drawer and pulling out the widest, longest socks they could find. On Christmas morning those socks would be filled with oranges, apples, nuts, and a few pieces of candy. I carried on the tradition with my children and made them stockings when they were young. As they got married I added stockings for their spouses, and then began adding more for the grandchildren. This year I have 21 hanging on the book shelves. Micah and Maggie have enjoyed filling them for me for several years. We laughed last year when Maggie had enough candy in her stocking it would actually stand on its own. This year I decided to forget the candy and I bought assorted surprises and my plan was to let each grandchild put something in each stocking. Being snowed in took away some of my time and I am scrambling to get everything done, so I am not sure all the kids will get to help. But, it should still be fun for them to have these extra little gifts. The idea of filling Christmas stockings is not in the Bible, but there were times when people gave gifts to each other in celebration. After the victory of the Jews in the book of Esther they had a joyful time of giving gifts to each other. "As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." (Esther 9:22) I carried on the tradition of filling stockings after my children were married to let their spouses know that they were now a part of our family and my love for them was as strong as the love I have for my children. With each new grandchild that love continues to grow more precious.
21. Sharing Christmas Cookies And Treats
There is a special joy in making Christmas cookies and special treats with the ones you love. I want us to look at Esther 9:22 again today. "As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." Our focus is on the latter part, "sending portions one to another". An enjoyable part of my Christmas traditions is having family and friends over to make Christmas sweets and chex party mix. When uncle Larry comes over to fix treats for his children we fill the table with delicious goodies and he packs them in decorative tins. We have been doing this together five years or so and it is a fun way for us to celebrate Christmas. When I do this with my grandchildren the goodness overflows the table, and I find sprinkles on the floor for days every time I sweep. I enjoy making these memories with the ones I love, even more than I enjoy eating the sweets.
22. A Christmas Balancing Act
Sometimes I dream something and I wake up and think, "Why did I dream something like that?" But when I woke up from this dream I knew exactly where it came from. In my dream I was balancing packages and all types of foods on my hands, arms, and even on my head. People were taking some of the things away, and other people were adding things to the load. I was keeping it all balanced, but then someone rolled a ball under my feet and when I woke up I was trying to keep from tumbling down, bringing everything down with me. With only a few days until Christmas you may also feel like you are doing a balancing act. I went shopping and checked things off my list... good! That took something off my shoulders. Now, to finish wrapping the presents, something added. With such a large family there are meals to cook, and gifts to sort to make sure they are taken to the right home, and all the wonderful cookies to bake with the grandkids. If I don't take time to keep my devotions and quiet time on my schedule I will live the part of my dream, and feel like all my expectations will come tumbling down around me. One of my favorite verses is found in Psalms 46:10. "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." When we feel like life is rushing at us way too fast, we need to "Be still..." and give our cares and struggles to the Lord. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I plan for it all year long as I work on crafts, projects, and ornaments to give to others. But even then I rush to get things done and almost panic when I can't find things that I already finished. The devotions today are for me. I need to be still and listen to the Lord, and exalt His name during this wonderful time.
23. Christmas Stories
There are many Christmas stories that our children know and love and some have been around longer than I have. The animated cartoons and Christmas songs make them popular with children. I can remember watching the stories of Rudolph, the Grinch, and Frosty when I was little. Charlie Brown Christmas was my favorite because Linus gives the real meaning of Christmas, and you don't find that in many of the secular stories. Our children are surrounded by these classic stories and may not understand that the real reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Baby Jesus in the manger. We need to make sure they understand that it is Jesus that watches over them and not Santa Claus or the Elf on the shelf. Please spend time with your children or grandchildren reading the real Christmas story from the gospels of Luke and Matthew. Let your Nativity pieces be an important part of your decorations. We would have no Christmas without Christ!
"6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:6-14)
24. Come And Worship
A few years ago I was in the grocery store and I noticed the song playing had a line about the Babe in the manger. I listened more closely and I heard, "How many Fathers gave up their Son for me? Only One did that for me." ("How Many Kings?" by Downhere) I went home and looked up the CD online and we ordered one for me, and several more for gifts. A few years later I was moved over four words in "O Holy Night" and I used the thought in the play I wrote that year. Those four words were, "fall on your knees". I kept thinking about how we need to fall on our knees to the Lord. It seems as though each year the Lord speaks to me through a different Christmas song. This year I keep singing the latter part of the chorus to "Angels From The Realms Of Glory" that was written by James Montgomery in 1816. People have been singing that great old song for two hundred years, and it still has the message we need to hear today.
"Come and worship!
Come and worship!
Worship Christ the newborn King!"
Today is the Lord's day and I hope that you will go to church and worship the Lord Jesus, the King of Kings!
25. Christmas Eve
Christmas is almost here. It is an exciting time. The decorating, the shopping, and everything that could be done before Christmas is done or getting done today. Children are excited that they will get to open their presents on Christmas day. Their anticipation has been building, and we add to it with the advent calendars, and putting presents under the tree where they can look for their names on the gift tags. Everyone has been asking them for weeks what they want for Christmas, and now Christmas is almost here. This is probably the most exciting day of the year for many of them. Many times our experiences don't rise up to meet our expectations, so some will get up excited and open their presents, then the winter blues will sink in. It's not that they are not happy with their gifts, but their balloons of hope have risen so high, there is quite a fall once the air is released. Children are not the only ones to feel "let down" after holidays, or vacations. One thing that does not fit into this pattern is our anticipation of the Lord's return. We are standing on Christmas Eve, looking for the Lord to come, and believe me, there will be no disappointments in heaven. We have only a glimpse of things to come and I don't think we can begin to imagine how beautiful our new home in heaven will be. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9) I hope you have a blessed day and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
26. A Christmas Miracle
I have enjoyed writing these Christmas devotionals and all the memories they have brought back to my mind. It was fun to include family photos of the past and the present to illustrate these devotionals on "Christmas Present Illuminated With Sprinkles Of Bible Past". For our last entry I want to talk about a Christmas miracle. I have been watching Hallmark Christmas movies and in many of them the characters admit that all is hopeless and they need a Christmas miracle. I want to talk about the real Christmas miracle. It was a miracle that all the prophecies of the promised Messiah found in the Old Testament were fullfilled the first Christmas. It was a miracle that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. It was a miracle that the angels appeared to the shepherds and told them where they could find the newborn Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. It was a miracle that the Wise Men followed the star to worship the King of the Jews, and He lived and died with the title on the cross, "The King Of The Jews". It was a miracle that His name Emmanuel means, "God with us" and He said to His followers just before He rose up to heaven, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20) All of these are Christmas miracles, but the greatest miracle of all is found in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The greatest miracle of all is that God loved me so much He gave His Son to die in my place, so that I could live forever. If you have not experienced this Christmas miracle, today would be the perfect day to accept God's gift of salvation. Acknowledge your sin... "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) Believe in your heart that Jesus is the only way of salvation. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Ask Jesus to save you and confess your sin to Him. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) Why not turn to Jesus today and accept the greatest gift ever given, and this Christmas miracle can be yours?
Illuminated With
Sprinkles Of
Bible Past
