1. Every Good Gift Is From Above
I used to rush though December and would find myself wrapping gifts as we prepared to go out the door. I have already wrapped some of the gifts for our grandchildren this year and I am still celebrating being thankful for our loving God. Our verse for this Christmas season is James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." I want to look at the description of our "Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning", and hope to also look at some of the good and perfect gifts He gives to us. Let's continue our focus on our wonderful God and not let the things of the world stress us this Christmas.
2. "Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given"
Let's begin our new chapter on God's perfect gift to us, His only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed the coming of the Lord, and this promise was kept on that first Christmas. And we can be just as sure that He will come again and rule "with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever."
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
3. "God Said, Let There Be Light"
For a good story, we often say, "Let's go back to the beginning..." Well, today as we look at "The Father of lights" we are going back to the very beginning. In the midst of the darkness, God said, "Let there be light: and there was light." God's very first day of creation was to create light. And it was good! Not only did God create light, He is the Light. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (I John 1:5) I am thankful for the light!
"1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:1-5)
4. Jesus Is Our Spiritual Light
Just as God created light in the beginning, He gave His Son, Jesus, to be our spiritual Light.
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 11-9)
We don't have to live in darkness. When we trust Jesus to be our Savior, we can see in a whole new light. He opens our eyes and gives us understanding that the world can not understand, because they are still in darkness. Praise God for the Light!
"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) "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)
5. "The Glory Of The Lord Shone Round About Them"
Michael gave me an early Christmas present. I have always liked the Charlie Brown Christmas because of the scripture from Luke 2. So, I usually receive something with Snoopy or the Peanuts characters each Christmas, that adds to my growing collection. Michael gave me the Peanuts Nativity set and I had it set up on the table with all the characters facing outward so the grandchildren could see them. Before lunch Tuesday I asked Elsa to stand on the piano stool and put them on the top with some of the other collectables. I handed her the Baby Jesus first, then Mary and Joseph and she put them in the center. As I handed her each of the next pieces she didn't put them all facing forward as I had them on the table. She placed them all facing the Baby Jesus. This spoke to my heart. Christmas is not about putting our best decorations, gifts, displays, forward so that all can see, but it is about putting our focus on the Baby in the manger. The shepherds were watching their sheep "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." They saw the angels and the glory of the Lord shining round about them. And they went to find the Christ Child. I enjoy Christmas shopping, and giving, and baking, and time with my family. And I think the reason I enjoy Christmas so much is because our focus is on the Lamb of God, born in a stable, and laid in a manger. And the glory of the Lord shines in my heart!
"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." (Luke 2:8-11)
6. God Shines His Light In Our Heart
When I was in my early teens my uncle asked me to baby sit his girls and it was late before he got home. I had to walk down the gravel country road through the trees to get home in the dark. I don't like the dark. I decided to sing loud so that any animal in the woods would hear me coming, and wouldn't think I was trying to sneak up on them. I also hoped that they wouldn't try to sneak up on me. I sang, "Amazing Grace" and some other songs I knew that gave me peace in the darkness. God shines His Light down on us, and shines in our heart and He gives us peace. Many years later when I was waiting for surgery, I quoted the 23rd Psalm in my mind and God gave me peace. I am thankful that God shed His great Light on my life many years ago and He continues to be with me and comforts me through the darkness of this world.
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)
7. Let Your Light Shine
I went to my Aunt Barbara's funeral Wednesday. Two of the preachers said the word that described her most was, "Faithful". Barbara played the piano and organ in her church for 60 years. My Dad paid her $2.00 a week to give my sister and me piano lessons 50 years ago. She was faithful to the Lord and she was faithful to look after and care for her family. Since I got older I leave funerals wondering what will be said about me at my funeral. I try to live my life for my Lord. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world, and to let our light shine.
"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
It hurts when people say things that are not kind about us. And we don't know what will be said at our funerals. But, what really matters is what the Lord will say about us. It would be such a joy to hear my Savior say, "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21)
8. The Light Of The Glory Of God
We looked at the first chapter in the Bible, "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis 1:3) Today we are looking at the last chapters. I have been reading in the book of Revelation and I have to admit that there is a whole lot that I don't understand. But, God tells us clearly that He is the Light of the holy city, the new Jerusalem. And there will be no night or darkness there. And we shall live forever in His light. I can say with John, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)
"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;" (Revelation 21:10-11)
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." (Revelation 21:23-24)
"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
9. The Wise Men Followed His Star
There are several verses in the Bible about stars that I like. The first chapter of Genesis tells us that God created the stars on the fourth day. God asked Job, "Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:6-7) It is a wonderful thing to think about the stars singing and praising our God. "Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light." (Psalm 148:3) God tells us that all the stars are different... "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory." (I Corinthians 15:41) One of my favorites is Psalm 8:3-4. "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" God created it all, and he still thinks of us! He sent His only begotten Son to live and die in my place. As the Lamb of God, He was born in a lowly stable and visited by the shepherds. As the King of Kings, His star led the way for the wise men to bring Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrhh.
"1 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,
2 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.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
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.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." (Matthew 2:1-12)
10. God Gave Us His Word
As we begin our look at gifts from The Father Of Lights, I want to begin with, "The Word." I am going back to the beginning, not Genesis 1:1, but John 1:1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." If I didn't have the Word of God, I wouldn't have known that I was a lost sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) I wouldn't have known that my sin would bring eternal death. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) I wouldn't have known that Jesus died for me, so that I could live. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) I wouldn't have known that I could confess my sin to Jesus, and believe on Him and be saved. "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." (Romans 10:9) The truth is, God's Word is the truth, and without His Word I would be lost, without any hope of salvation. Because of God's Word I know the truth and I know the way, and I have life! "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) I am eternally thankful that God gave us The Word!
11. God Gives Us A Home In Heaven
When this year began I started a notebook and titled it, "Things To Do In 2022". I worked my way through purging and spring cleaning, making garden plans and working to reap the benefits, and have even been shopping my way through my Christmas list. But, actually, there was one thing that kept me going through the entire year, and that was to finish my Bible study. I like to begin in January with Genesis, and my goal this year was to write my notes that I gathered from 5 or 6 years and copy them in notebooks. I am so glad that I am in the last book, in the last chapters, of Revelation. I am reading about the New Jerusalem and all it's splendor and the glory of God. God gives us a home in heaven. That is such a wonderful gift! I am so thankful!
"1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
12. God Gives Us Memories
Going to the funeral of my Aunt brought back sad memories of my Dad's funeral, even though it was more than 20 years ago. But, it also brought back happier memories of her teaching me how to play the piano some 50 years ago. As we get closer to December 10th, the memories of Michael's heart surgery two years ago flood my mind. Many are painful for me and I realize it was the goodness of the Lord that brought us through that long, bitter month. But, there are also blessed memories of family and friends sending cards and messages of prayer, and him coming home, and each step that led to his recovery. Christmas brings many memories. Happy childhood memories, and wonderful memories from when our children were small. But, like any other times, it can bring lonely memories and heartbreak of those who have gone on. I am thankful that God gives us memories. Some are good and bring a smile, and some bring tears and sorrow. Think how sad it would be without any memories. I know some older people who are losing their memories, and it is so sad. At the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, where King Solomon complained that all is vanity, he says, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;" (Ecclesiastes 12:2) We are admonished in the book of Isaiah, "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me," (Isaiah 46:9) And what joy we would have to remember the lovingkindness of the Lord like David. Many times when I am writing these devotionals God reminds me of when He saved my soul. Memories are a gift of God.
"3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." (Psalm 63:3-7)
13. God Gives Us Time
One of the most precious gifts that God gives us, and one that is taken for granted, is time. Each morning that we wake up we are given time. We all have the same amount in a day, unless our day is cut short, but some seem to have more time than others. Part of the difference is in the obligations that we have. Those who work full time at a job don't have much time to get the things done at home. Parents with young children also struggle to fit everything into the scheduled time slots. Sometimes we over-extend with sports, or extra-curriculum activities for our children and it takes time. How well we use our time also makes a difference in the amount of time we seem to have. Mom wanted me to help her make fruit cakes Wednesday morning and that took precedence over anything I could have done at home. Spending time with family is a priority for me and I gladly use that time with them. Teachers in school often tell the students to use their time wisely. That's good advice for all ages. God gives us time, until our time is done, and we should use it wisely. Spending time with the Lord in prayer, Bible reading, worship, and serving Him by serving others should also be a priority. Our time is short... "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14) Make the best of it.
"1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
14. God Gave Us His Son
Last year our son, Matthew, gave us a large Nativity that he and his family cut out of wood and painted. Thursday Michael helped me carry it down to the garden. We leaned it up against the tomato wire that was still there. The collard greens are in front of it, and a few remaining dried stalks of corn and okra are behind it. I think it looks perfect in the garden. God blessed our garden this year and this is the perfect way to carry it through the winter. As I was thinking about Christmas, I knew this was the gift to praise God for today. God gave us His Son. Jesus was born as a Baby, and the care of this special little Baby was put in the hands of Mary and Joseph. He grew up and fulfilled His ministry until His time was come, and He was put into the hands of the Roman soldiers. He died a most painful death. You may have heard someone say, "If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things a lot differently." God did know! He gave His Son to be born, knowing that He was the Lamb, pure and sinless, to be our sacrifice for our sin. Jesus knew! He was not taken by surprise in the garden. He knew. They knew the cost and yet they gave anyway.
"1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:1-6)
15. Another Chance On Life
December 10th. Two years ago Michael went into heart surgery early that morning and was in surgery all day. That night he was taken back into surgery for a large portion of the night. It was a hard ordeal, but God brought him through both surgeries and the month of rehab in the hospital. Today I am thankful for God's gift of life. It was in God's plan for Michael to recover. God gave him the gift of life. Each new day is a gift of life. Let's praise the Lord for life in Christ! "While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." (Psalm 146:2)
16. God With Us
As I walked down the aisle of church yesterday I was remembering the four monks in one of our Christmas plays singing, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". The song may have been written as early as the 12th century. I thought of the verses in the Bible about Emmanuel, which means, "God with us," and wondered in amazement that Almighty God would want to be with us!
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
What a glorious gift of God, that He would want to be with us! There are times we feel alone, but God is always with us! As I thanked Him for being with me, He gave me the words to this little poem.
God With Us
When our family and friends forsake us, and it seems that they don't care,
God is still with us, and lets us know that He is there.
When we have lonely days, because someone we love moves on,
God is with us, though we may feel we're left alone.
When our heart is bowed down low, and we can't rise above,
God is with us in our sorrow, comforting with His love.
When troubles come from all directions, and we feel we've lost our fight,
God is with us through the shadows, to carry us through the night.
He said, "I'll never leave thee..." and His promises are true,
He gives us peace and comfort, and He will see us through.
"...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
17. Forgiveness
I have watched children playing, and one will accidently knock over the toys or something, and say, "I'm sorry." When the other child replies, "I'ts okay" then they can keep on playing. If the child screams and yells then their peaceful playtime is over. We get older. Someone does something that we don't like, and they say, "I'm sorry." How we react can influence our relationship for the future. When we don't forgive, we grow cold and hard, and bitter. It can affect our relationships with many around us. It is so much better when we forgive. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray He told them that if they didn't forgive others, then God would not forgive them.
"12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:12-15)
Forgiveness is a wonderful gift of God. Without forgiveness we would have no joy or peace. "If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) As Jesus hung on the cross He prayed for forgiveness for others. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (Luke 23:34) He gave His life for my sins also! If Jesus could forgive me for all I have done, then I should be willing to forgive others in love. What a wonderful gift from the Father... the gift of forgiveness.
18. God Provides Our Needs, And Many Of Our Desires
Michael went shopping with me and I think we are finished with our Christmas gifts and baking needs. I actually thought we were finished last week, but I keep adding more to my list. I am thankful that God has always provided our needs for our family. And we always had enough for gifts at Christmas time. My son asked me what we wanted for Christmas, but all I want this year is to be able to spend time with our family. Philippians 4:19 tells us, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Psalms 37:4 also tells us that God not only supplies our needs, but also our desires of the heart. "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." The desire of my heart is to be able to give to others, not only gifts wrapped up in festive paper, but gifts of the heart... love and joy. I want to be a blessing to others, just as the Lord has blessed me!
19. God Gives Us Water
We had a busy day! It was fun to go get hair cuts with Annie, Elsa and Lici, her first one. The last part of the day was just as fun as we spent some time with Maggie watching Micah play basketball. I walked down the hall to my computer, wondering what gift I would talk about for our devotional, and I asked myself, "What am I most thankful for right at this moment?" My answer was "water". I had a glass of cold water in my hand to sit on my desk. I get so thirsty I take a large cup of water with me in the car, and I often have one on my desk or where I am sitting. I thank the Lord for clean water. My grandparents had a well in the front yard and it was fun to draw the bucket up and drink the cold water from the dipper. But, I am thankful that I can turn on the faucet and have cold or hot water for cooking, drinking, or washing dishes. I have water in the bathrooms and pipes that run it into my washing machine. I can put water into the ice trays, and in a short while I can take ice out of the freezer. Yes, I am thankful for water. We find water in the first few verses of the Bible... "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2) And the Bible speaks of water in the last chapter... "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely... And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:6 & 17) I like the story of the woman at the well in John 4. Let's begin with verse 4, "And he must needs go through Samaria." Jesus needed to go through Samaria to give living water to the woman at the well. I am so glad that one day Jesus came to me and let me drink from the living water! If you are thirsting for something more from life, ask Jesus to save you and drink of the living water.
"4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:4-14)
20. God Gives Us Songs
Michael and I sang, "Silent Night", at church Wednesday night. I think I was about 6 years old when I was asked to sing that song as a solo during the Christmas play at church. I am thankful that God gives us songs. He gives us a song in the night when we need it. "Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." (Psalm 42:8) "I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search." (Psalm 77:6) The book of Psalms is also filled with Psalms of praise to the Lord. Going back to "Silent Night". I researched and wrote a play on some of the Christmas hymns and carols several years ago and I want to share the part today about this lovely song, "Silent Night".
(British Soldier of WWI – left side in beige uniform)
Silent Night was written by Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf, Austria in 1816. Two years later, on Christmas Eve 1818, he gave the poem to his church organist and asked him to write music for the guitar, possibly because the organ was broken. The music was written quickly and the song was sung on Christmas Day. Two singing families traveled to that little church and carried the song with them across the land. During the next hundred years the song traveled around the world.
(German Soldier of WWI – right side in gray uniform)
World War I started in the summer of 1914 and by Christmas almost a million lives had been lost. As the German and British soldiers lay some 60 yards apart on either side of “No man’s land” in deep trenches of icy, murky mud, an amazing thing happened. Late Christmas Eve a baritone voice came booming from the German side, “Stille Nacht”. The British could not understand the words, but knew the music well and responded with their words of “Silent Night”. The opposing troops alternated singing Christmas carols and the Germans lit candles on small Christmas trees. On Christmas Day the soldiers crossed the barbed wire and called a truce. They exchanged small gifts and buttons, and joined services to bury the dead. This one time in history, never again repeated, the guns were silenced and enemies called a truce as they celebrated Christmas, in the first World War, December 25th, 1914.
SONG: “Stille Nacht” sung in German by German Soldier and “Silent Night” sung by British Soldier, alternating verses.
21. "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"
Today I want to share another song from the play I wrote 5 years ago.
This is the song that God used to lead me to write the play. The song is so moving, I could feel the emotion that stirred the author as he listened to the civil war cannons booming as the church bells chimed. We used all seven verses in our play, for in the end he realized that God will prevail "With peace on earth, goodwill to men!" Please take time to read these words that were written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow after experiencing great sorrow at the loss of his wife. I will try to give the story of his tragedy tomorrow.
"The following are the original words of Longfellow's poem:
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christiandom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
22. "God Is Not Dead, Nor Doth He Sleep; The Wrong Shall Fail, The Right Prevail"
“I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” was written by one of America’s best known poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Civil War began in 1861 and tragedy also struck his home in July of that year when his wife was melting sealing wax with a candle and caught her dress on fire. Longfellow tried to smother the flames with a small rug in the room, but Fanny Longfellow died the next morning, leaving him behind with five children. Due to his burns, he was unable to attend her funeral and was still grief stricken at Christmas when he wrote, “How inexpressibly sad are all holidays.” A year after her death he wrote, “I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace.” His journal entry for December 25th of 1862 reads, “A merry Christmas’ say the children, but that is no more for me.” His son Charles was severely wounded in the Civil War almost a year later and his journal was indeed wrapped in silence. On Christmas Day, in 1864, still months away from the end of the Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned these words to “Christmas Bells”. Listen as he proclaims, “God is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!”
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:1-4)
"Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 7:12)
23. God Gives Us Peace
Christmas is one week from today. I tried to have most of my Christmas preparations done early so that I could relax and enjoy this week. Notice that I said, "tried". It seems as though the more I try to do, the more there is to do. I usually struggle with all the things that I feel like I need to do. But, this year I want to enjoy Christmas. I am trusting the Lord to give me peace. Remember what the angels said to the shepherds? "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14) They proclaimed peace! Jesus came and brought us peace. When we are saved, our gracious God gives us peace! He removes our sin and this gives us peace from the guilt we carried. "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:17) He promises to be with us, and this gives us peace that this sinful world doesn't have. "... lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20) He gives us peace of mind from the worries that we carry. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7) When fear comes to our hearts, Jesus can give us peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) I want to encourage you today to let the peace of God fill you this week. I know that there are things we feel that we have to do, but take time to rest in God's love and let His peace overflow in your soul. Think about Psalm 4:8 each night as you go to bed. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Don't let the preparation for Christmas keep you from enjoying Christmas.
24. God Gives Us Truth!
In the Bible God spoke to Joseph in a dream concerning Mary. There are several references in the Bible where God spoke to different people to show them His will. Daniel and Joseph in the Old Testament interpreted dreams for pagan leaders. God can show us things through dreams. Sometimes I will have dreams that give me thoughts to meditate on, which lead to my next devotional. I dreamed that I was in a computer lab and the person was explaining that the binary code (which I have no knowledge of) did not include basic mathematical truths. Those were known and certain and didn't have to be explained in the program. Then, my mind switched to the popular line in The Declaration Of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The focus was on the first phrase, "We hold these truths to be self-evident..." Back in 1776 the leaders of our country acknowledged that some truths are "self-evident." Things have really changed since that time. Many people don't know truth from fiction, they don't know right from wrong, and they don't know good from evil. Children have not been taught "truth" and they are growing up without the knowledge of what is true. Our country and our leaders and our people need to get back to the truth. We need to get back to God's Word. God's Word is true. "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." (Psalm 119:160) Pilate questioned Jesus, "What is truth?" "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all." (John 18:37-38) The "truth" stood before him and he didn't even know it. John tells us that in His teaching, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) God gives us the truth in His Word! That's a wonderful gift!
25. A Season For Giving
Pastor Jack Tripp had an encouraging message for us Sunday titled, "Some Reasons For The Christmas Season." I would like to share parts of his sermon between now and Christmas Day. The first reason we can celebrate Christmas is because it is a "Season For Giving." Christmas is all about the gift God gave to us. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (II Corinthians 9:15) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1 & 14) Jesus came, born in a stable and laid in a manger, the perfect Lamb of God for our sacrifice. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:30 & 31)
We also see "giving" in Matthew 2. The Wise Men brought gifts fit for a King. They presented gold, to represent His diety and purity, His kingship. They gave Him frankincense, for the fragrance of His life of perfection, a sweet smelling savor. And they gave Him myrrh, for the suffering and death of the Son of God. What can we give to God? Everything we have comes from God. All we can do with His gift is to accept the gift of the Savior. Receive Him! All you can do with a gift is receive it or reject it. Please don't reject this precious gift of salvation.
26. Christmas Is The Season For Good Tidings
Our "Reason For The Christmas Season" today comes from Luke 2:9-11.
"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."
The good tidings which the angels brought was that the Savior had been born. The angels didn't tell the king in the palace, and they didn't go to the priests in the temple, but they told the lowly shepherds. The shepherds raised the sheep for wool and meat, but they also raised the lambs and sheep for sacrifices. The angels were telling the shepherds that they could see the Lamb of God. The gospel is still a message of hope! Good tidings and good news to all who will listen and go to the Lamb.
27. Christmas Is The Season Of Grace
The good tidings of Christmas announced the gift of the Savior. The wonder of this gift is that we did nothing to receive it. Jesus came to give His life for "whosoever believeth in him". "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) Today there is a "Season of Grace", but once we take our last breath, we will bow before God in judgment. "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1) Don't wait until it is too late. Ask Jesus to save you by His marvellous grace.
"4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)
28. Christmas Is The Season For Glorifying God
Christmas Day is almost here. Many have shopped and wrapped gifts, baked special treats, and some have begun to give the gifts to one another. As we gather together this Christmas weekend, let's keep our celebrations centered around the Reasons For The Season. Today our reason tells us "Christmas Is The Season For Glorifying God." My plan and purpose this year was to give to others, not just gifts, but give of myself to make others happy and help them enjoy Christmas a little more. The Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." We are looking again at the shepherds. They went to see the Baby in the manger and when they left they told everyone they met, glorifying God. They were the first to witness the birth of the Christ Child, and they were the first to witness to others of His birth. May we do the same.
"16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:16-20)
29. Christmas Is A Season For Going Home
Chapter 2 of the book of Luke begins with Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem. "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:)" (Luke 2:4) That was the home of their ancient forefathers. They were going home. I enjoy watching Christmas movies, but many of them follow the same, or similar formats. Many times parents or family are asking their children to come back home. Often something had happened in the past and they had not been home in 4, 8, or even more, years. I have only seen a few movies where the person did not find love and forgiveness when he or she decided to go home for Christmas. It may be time for you to go back home. It may be time for you to go back home to God the Father. You can find love and forgiveness at the Father's house! God will welcome you back home, just like the son who returned home to his father in Luke 15:17-22. Maybe this is the Christmas season for you to go back home.
"17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:"
30. Do You Have Room For Christ This Christmas?
Merry Christmas! Many times we see people write Christmas with an "X" in the place of "Christ." It may be done at times because they don't have room to write out the entire word. It may be that they don't know Christ and don't want to use His name. We have one verse for our Christmas devotion. "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) "There was no room for them in the inn." Our question today is, "Do you have room for Christ this Christmas?" We may wonder why there was no one who found room for Jesus. Do you have room in your heart for Jesus? If you remove the pride that's keeping you from asking Jesus to come into your heart, He can take away the guilt and sorrow and give you something worth living for. Do you have room in your day for Jesus? As you open your presents, and maybe spend time with your family, or enjoy your Christmas dinner, I hope you have room in your day for Jesus. It is the Lord's Day and spending it with the Lord will make a beautiful Christmas Day. Do you have room in your schedule for Jesus? With all the plans you make, set aside time for the Lord. Do you have room in your life for Jesus? In his closing words to the Children of Israel Moses told them to choose life. "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:" (Deuteronomy 30:19) Do you have room for Christ this Christmas?
31. Faith Can Move Mountains
As I went through the gift bags from my sisters I enjoyed each thoughtful thing, the chocolate covered cherries, bedroom shoes, the Snoopy and Peanuts gifts, and I found a new journal in the bottom of one of the bags. The cover title is a Biblical truth found in Matthew 17:20 and it reads, "Faith Can Move Mountains." I finished my personal Bible study and made it almost to the end of my "Things To Do In 2022" journal and I am ready to begin the New Year. I was thinking about this devotional and I noticed that the journal and the first point of Pastor Jack Tripp's sermon on Sunday were both about faith, so I feel like it will be encouraging to share some of the notes. His title was, "The Spirit Of Christmas". As we look at these thoughts on the Spirit of Christmas we can see that each is something we can carry with us through the New Year.
We begin with "The Spirit Of Faith". In the first chapter of Luke we see that Zacharias' faith was lacking. He questioned the Lord's revelation and he could not speak until after his baby was born and named, "John." (Luke 1:13-22 & 62-64)
Mary had faith! "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her... And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord," (Luke 1:38 & 45-46)
It took faith for Joseph to accept the news. "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)
Simeon had faith to believe God. "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law," (Luke 2:25-27)
The Wise Men had faith to travel by camel through the desert. "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 2:2)
The shepherds had faith. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, 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)
It takes faith to accept God's gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. And faith can help us walk with the Lord in 2023.
32. The Spirit Of Joy
Getting to spend time with our family during Christmas gives me so much joy. Watching the joy on our grandchildren's faces and hearing the joy in their voices is contagious and brings us joy. We also have joy in giving to others as we see the joy in each smile. Our next Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Joy. "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 2:10) It brings us joy just to think about what His name means... "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23) Many aspects of our Christian life brings joy. To share the message brings joy. "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:20) Looking for Christ's return brings us joy. And there is joy in knowing that we will live with our Lord forever. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3) The Spirit of Joy pushes us on and gives us hope, "...the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
33. The Spirit Of Peace
The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14) We looked at the song, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, right before Christmas. As we talk about "The Spirit Of Peace", I want to share the last two verses again.
"And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
Even when the world is raging all around us we can have the peace of God in our heart and soul. We can be at peace with God. That comes when we give up our fight against God and humble ourselves to His will. The peace of God is a peace the world does not understand. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3) We don't have peace on earth now, but it will come to pass. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) "For unto us a child is born..." that was Christmas. "... unto us a son is given..." that was Easter. "... and the government shall be upon his shoulder..." that will be when Jesus reigns over all the earth and His name will be The Prince of Peace!
34. It Is The Spirit Of Good Will
This is the last point from Preacher Tripp's sermon on, "The Spirit Of Christmas". It is also from Luke 2:14. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The Apostle Paul taught the church to "do good unto all men..."
"7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10)
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth." (Luke 11:2) As long as we seek the Lord's will, then we will have a spirit of good will to others. Jesus also tells us to follow two commandments. This will also help us have a spirit of good will.
"37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:37-39)
35. The Spirit Of Wisdom
When God was directing Moses about making the priest garments for Aaron and his sons, and for the Tabernacle He said, "And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." (Exodus 28:3) Each time I read through the book of Exodus and come to these verses I pray and ask the Lord to give me a spirit of wisdom to be able to do all that He wants me to do. God called Bezaleel by name and told Moses that He had "filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom..."
"2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship." (Exodus 31:2-5)
When Moses knew that he was going to leave this world he asked God to choose a leader for the people. And God chose Joshua and he was "full of the spirit of wisdom". My prayer for the New Year is to be filled with the spirit of wisdom. Wisdom to know and do God's will. Wisdom to know what to say, and when not to say anything at all. Wisdom to be a help to others. And wisdom to live for the Lord and be a witness for His Holy Name.
"15 And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,
16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;" (Exodus 27:15-18)
"And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses." (Deuteronomy 34:9)
