Devotions-Tidings-Of-Comfort-And-Joy

Tidings Of Comfort And Joy

1. Rejoice In The Lord Our Savior

As we begin our celebrations of the Christmas season I look around and I see people who don't need a lot of presents under their tree. I see sad, empty eyes behind covered faces, who need more of the presence of our Lord and Savior. I see people of all ages who need to experience the love of God, and feel love towards one another. We long to be comforted, just as the poor shepherds were, when they heard the angel proclaim, "Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Instead of living our lives in fear, we need to hear the heavenly hosts ring out the message, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." As we look to Jesus this season, let's reach out and rejoice in the things He has given us, to find tidings of comfort and joy.

"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.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:9-11)

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2. Find Tidings Of Comfort And Joy In Song

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" sometimes called, "Tidings Of Comfort And Joy" is one of the oldest Christmas carols. It dates back to the 16th century. In Luke 1:46-55 we have the Magnificat, or song of Mary. "My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name." (Luke 1:46-49)

Christmas carols and songs can help bring us tidings of comfort and joy. Some Christmas songs are lively and quick, and good to listen to while I am cleaning or busy, or playing with the grandchildren. I have other favorites which always bring peace to my mind and soul. I always enjoyed singing, "Silent Night" as I rocked my babies to sleep those many years ago. Let the songs of Christmas bring tidings of comfort and joy to you.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

For Jesus Christ our Saviour

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father

A blessed Angel came;

And unto certain shepherds

Brought tidings of the same,

How that in Bethlehem was born

The Son of God by Name.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

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3. Tidings From The Word Of God

When God wanted to tell Zacharias about the coming birth of John the Baptist, He sent Gabriel to give him the message. "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings." (Luke 1:19) The angels don't have to bring us tidings from God today. We have the Word of God, carefully preserved, in Bible form and we can read it day by day to hear what God has to tell us. Someone suggested reading one chapter from the book of Luke each day during the month of December. There are 24 chapters in Luke's Gospel, and beginning on December 1st, you could cover the life of Jesus on earth and finish on Christmas Eve. This would be good to read aloud with your children to help them understand what Christmas is really about. It is so important that we teach our children scriptures.

"15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:15-17)

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4. In The Bleak Midwinter

My husband, Michael, had a heart cath Monday, and they found three blockages, with one being totally blocked. He was given several more tests to prepare him for open heart surgery scheduled for Thursday. Ten days ago our youngest son, Josh, got a positive test result back for Covid, and his wife, Michelle, is now also very sick. These problems brought this Christmas carol to mind, "In The Bleak Midwinter" written by Christina Rossetti, published in 1872. Sometimes our tidings seem bleak, but we can still praise the Lord because we know that He is our loving Savior. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Ask Him to save you and trust in Him and you won't have to be afraid of evil tidings. I want to share a few verses of this great old carol.

"Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.... He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD" (Psalm 112:1 & 7)

In The Bleak Midwinter

"In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan;

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain,

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty —

Jesus Christ.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am? —

If I were a Shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part, —

Yet what I can I give Him, —

Give my heart."

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5. Sending Glad Tidings

One way we can spread Christmas cheer and glad tidings is through Christmas cards. Proverbs 25:25 tells us, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Now is the season to send out the good news. Many years ago a man in our church built a wooden mail box, shaped and decorated like a church. Each year at Thanksgiving we put it at the entrance and people can put their Christmas cards in it, which are sorted and handed out through the month of December. It is a great time to write down special notes of love and appreciation to dear friends at church. It is encouraing to read that others are praying for you and care about you. As our verse from Proverbs says, it is refreshing to get good news from afar, too. I enjoy getting Christmas cards in the mail box from dear friends whom I have known for many years. Do you have friends in a nursing home that you have not been able to go see? Send them Christmas cards to tell them that you are thinking about them. Are there people you appreciate, such as your hair dresser? A Christmas card might brighten her day and bring some much needed good news. Maybe you used to send out cards, but somewhere along the way, you stopped. We send emails and put messages on social media, but this would be a perfect year to revive this custom of mailing Christmas cheer. Everybody could use a little good news today!

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6. Christmas Gifts

We went to the hospital Wednesday morning to finish up the pre-op for Michael's surgery and everything was ready. Just as we got home they called and said that his surgery has been postponed until next Wednesday. This is hard because he is still having pain at times in his chest. It is hard because he made it through all the preliminary tests and got his mindset ready for surgery Thursday morning... now to have to wait another week. This is a small thing, but it is hard because we are isolating ourselves at home and I really miss Christmas shopping. I did a little of our Christmas shopping early, but I will have to do the rest online, and I like to see and touch the gifts I buy. Giving gifts is important to me. I have been knitting scarves, and making ornaments all year, and I know these aren't valuable gifts, but it is something I enjoy doing to let people know I'm thinking of them. The first Christmas gifts that we know of are found in Matthew 2:11. "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." These were great treasures to a King, but our gifts don't have to be so valuable. In Esther 9:2 the people celebrated by "days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." We also see a day of celebration in Nehemiah 8:10. "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." We see that they gave gifts to the poor and sent portions to those who didn't have anything prepared. Many have suffered loss this year and it would be a good time for those who have more, to give more. I think the "sending portions" could be compared to giving food, groceries, and necessities. Let this be a year of giving.

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7. Gospel Tidings

The Covid Virus has changed our church worship services. But, we can rejoice that nothing can change the gospel message that Jesus was born! We have fewer people in our church during the preaching services, but because they are shared online, many more are able to hear the good tidings of salvation. You can share the good tidings in your Christmas cards, as we mentioned before, but you can also help get out the good tidings of salvation by sharing the worship services that you see online. By just clicking on the Share button, you can help reach some who may not have heard that Jesus saves!

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)

"9 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.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:9-15)

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8. The Shepherds Shared The Good Tidings

We opened these devotionals with the message of the angels to the shepherds.

"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)

As we continue with the scriptures we see the response of the shepherds. They heard the message of the angels, and said, "Let us now go... and see..." "And they came with haste..." They quickly went to Bethlehem to see Christ the Lord. That wasn't all. They then shared the good tidings all around, and glorified and praised God, so much that people wondered about those things. This is a wonderful time of year to share the good tidings of great joy with others, just as the shepherds did!

15 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.

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.

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9. Comfort For The Grieving

A dear friend died last week after a lengthy illness. We have been going to church with him and his family for the past 30 years. I am praying for his wife and children, that they can find comfort in the Lord.

"13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

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10. Joyful Thoughts

I was driving down the road and I saw a sign that read, "To have a beautiful day, begin with beautiful thoughts." I like that. I learned long ago as a young mother that if I was pleasant and joyful to my children when they woke up, they would respond by being in a good mood. It I was upset and irritable with them, then they would also be irritable. I post these devotionals in the mornings, so let's begin today with joyful thoughts. One thought that should give us joy is that God is thinking of us! "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." (Psalm 139:17-18) David says that the Lord's thoughts of him are more in number than the sand. Also, "When I awake, I am still with thee." We go to sleep, but our God never sleeps, and when we wake up He is still thinking of us. How amazing is that, that the God of all creation has thoughts of us! Another amazing thought that should give us joy is that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Oh, how He loves us!

"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)

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11. A Smile Of The Day

My husband, Michael, has been teaching school many years. When he first began he was told not to let the students see him smile before Christmas, so they would know that he was in control of the classroom. It didn't take very long for him to drop that policy, and instead he began to have "A Smile of the Day". He told me that many students don't have much to smile about in their lives, and he wanted to make sure he gave them something to make them smile each day. Some days they laugh at his little jokes, and some days they laugh at him telling the jokes, but he said, "Either way, they're smiling." Students that have moved on to higher grades sometimes go by his classroom to hear the smile of the day. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us that there is a time for laughter, "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;" Michael is getting ready to have heart surgery, and I wanted to give him a smile of the day. If you know something that would make him smile, please email it to me, or post it online, and I will make sure he sees it. Thank you! Keep smiling!

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12. You Made Me Smile

I am early for Christmas this year and have already given away most of the scarves and ornaments that I made. My beautician sent me a photo of her granddaughter wearing her new scarf and holding her ornament, with a big smile on her face. I replied, "You made me smile." I enjoy trying to do things, or saying things to make others smile. When someone shows me their smile, it makes me smile. Actually, there are many things that make me smile, such as hearing my grandchildren laugh or tell me a story, walking to the garden in the summer, watching the squirrels play outside my kitchen window while I am washing dishes, looking at my Christmas tree, and talking with friends at church. I text a lot with my three sisters and sometimes I will begin a text, and I realize that it sounds critical and I hit the backspace until it is deleted, and try instead to say something pleasant. I heard once that smiles are contagious. Try smiling at someone and see if they smile back at you. Even with a mask over their mouth, you can see the smile in their eyes. Be pleasant, Be kind. Make someone's day a little less stressful with a smile. "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24)

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13. Joseph Comforted His Brothers

I was reading in the book of Genesis and God gave me this devotional thought for the day. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. He was put in prison and suffered for wrongs he didn't do. After the death of his father, Jacob, his brothers were afraid that he would turn against them for the way they had treated him. But Joseph did not react in anger. Instead, he acted in love and "he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." This is a good lesson for us today. Your brothers or sisters may have treated you unfairly, but I don't think they sold you into slavery. Someone may have said something to you or about you that wasn't right and it hurt you, and you just can't get over it. It may be time to put away those bitter feelings and open your heart with kindness. When we hold in those resentful feelings we continue to feel the pain, more than the person who hurt us in the first place. I have heard people say, "I'll forgive, but I won't forget." I know how hard it is to forgive and move forward. Little things remind us of the past. But God is able to help us heal and grow in our lives. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3) Let the Lord heal your broken heart, and then you can be a comfort to others.

"15 And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,

17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.

19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." (Genesis 50:15-21)

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14. Peace On Earth

At Christmastime we see many things that say, "Love, Joy, and Peace". Today I want to talk about "Peace". The angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14) God's peace is not only at Christmas, but can be felt any time we put our trust in Him. There were complications with Michael's surgery, which went on for 12 hours. When they told me I cried, and I prayed, and the Lord wiped away my tears and gave me sweet peace. I felt God's goodness, and His peace, which passes all understanding. I sent a text to my pastor and asked him to pray and he sent me an encouraging verse. "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." (Psalm 34:7) God delivered me from my fears, and His gentle peace swept over my soul. Please keep Michael in your prayers, as he has a long way to go to recovery. "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)

I came home last night and typed this devotional and shortly after 1:00 am the hospital called and said they were going back into surgery. I still had the peace of God while waiting during the night, and around 5 this morning the doctor said that he looks much better this time. Thanks again for your prayers. My granddaughter, Meredith, sent me a text this morning with Philippians 4:7 and Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Again, I want to thank you all for the prayers.

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15. God Is The God Of Today

When we look at the Christmas story in the Bible we are going back two thousand years. When we look at the beginning of God's creation we must go back 6,000 years. But, my God is the same God who created the heavens and earth. My Lord is the same Jesus who was born in a stable and laid in a manger. I serve the great I AM. "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." (Exodus 3:14-15) In these verses we see that God is the God of the past. He spoke to Moses and said, "The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob..." He also spoke of being God of the future, "...this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." But, the part that helps me today is that He is the God for today! "I AM THAT I AM." Our God is the great I AM. And no matter what struggles come our way, He is God today. He is God of the past, God of the future, and He is God for us today!

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16. Ponderings In My Heart

I have spent the major part of three days and one night in the hospital for Michael's heart surgery. Family and friends keep repeating, "Tell me if there is anything I can do for you." Well, this morning when my children were saying that, I replied that the only thing I needed was more minutes for my phone. I had used up most of my monthly minutes for December. It wasn't long before Joshua sent me a text that he had gone to Verizon and I now had unlimited minutes for the month. In just a little while Daniel sent me a text asking if I could come down to the lobby and he had brought a phone, set up with my families' numbers in the contact section, that I could use as long as I needed. My words can not express the love I feel in my heart from the calls and texts, emails and messages online, from our family and friends. I believe in the power of prayer and I feel the results of the prayers going up, not only for Michael, but also for me. One of my favorite verses from the Christmas story is Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." This was the focus of my journals when my children were small. My devotions were all the little things that I pondered in my heart as a young mother. I am thankful that today I don't have to just ponder these feelings and experiences in my heart. I can reach out to others with our needs of prayer, and also send out words of praise for all the answered prayers that come from my wonderful Lord.

Michael is gradually improving. The biggest blessing I had was when I walked into the room and spoke and he started moving his feet. He seems to be sleeping, but when I speak I can tell that he hears my voice and he knows what I am saying. I told him that all his family and friends were praying for him to get well soon. When I told him Saturday that I was leaving but would be back in the morning, he raised his hand and I held his fingers. For those who want to know what you can do for us, all I ask is that you keep him in your prayers. The nurses are trying to gradually take away the medications Saturday during the night, and the doctor hopes to take him off the ventilator Sunday morning. Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your love and prayers!

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17. Jesus, Others, You

When our children were small we taught them that true JOY comes from putting Jesus first, Others next, and then, You. Sunday morning I had to wait outside Michael's room while they took him off the ventilator. When I went into his room I said, "Hey, you look good." His first words to me were, "You have a mask. You have asthma." He had been flat on his back for three days, with tubes going in every direction, not able to drink water or speak, and he was thinking of me. I told him that I was okay, not to worry about me, God was helping me breathe, even with a mask. And God surely has, because earlier I could only wear the mask a few minutes, and I started breathing heavily. Now, I have worn it almost continually for the past four days. Sunday afternoon Maggie sent me a picture and asked me to show it to PawPaw. Then, I got one from her family. I told my children that if anyone else wanted to send a picture I would show it to him. I received pictures from all five families. I showed him the pictures and told him they were sending him smiles. He said, "Tell them I am smiling too, just not very much." Every smile was a blessing!

Christmas is a good time to be reminded to put Christ first, and others next. Hearing Michael's concern for me brought joy to my heart. Seeing the pictures from our children and grandchildren brought joy. Reading all the messages from everyone who is sending their love and prayers, brings me joy. Jesus, Others, You!

"35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

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.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:35-40)

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18. God Is My Refuge

On Monday Michael had a rough day at the hospital. When I went in he was sitting in a chair, but it had been a hard endeavor, and caused him pain. The doctor told me that the third day after surgery is often the hardest, and because he had a second surgery, he is having a set back. When I was leaving the CCU, so the physical therapist could come in, I saw a sign over the large double doors, "Point Of Refuge". I notice the words every time I am in the CCU area. I began singing the song, "God Is My Refuge". Later, when I got home I looked it up so that I could understand what the phrase meant in a hospital. I learned that a Point Of Refuge is a designated place for people to go and be safe during an emergency. It is for the elderly, or patients, who can't get out on their own. They can wait there to be rescued. It blessed me to be reminded that God is my refuge. I can't get out of this old world on my own, but I can go to the Lord and be safe until He comes to take me safely home. Praise the Lord! I am sending encouragement to all who are in a storm, that God is our refuge, and we can go to Him, and He will keep us safe.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." (Psalm 62:7)

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalm 91:2)

God Is My Refuge

by Janet Paschal

When clouds of doubt hover o'er me,

angry waves toss me to and fro,

there is a place that I can go.

He's a shield from every tempest,

He's an anchor that is sure.

In times like these, it's good to know:

That God is my refuge,

a strong and mighty tower, that I can run to.

God is my refuge,

without Him, what would I do?

Once I drifted from the shelter,

just ahead I could not see

those dark clouds so heavy with rain.

Angry winds blew hard against me,

but He called out and I ran to Him,

and now I am safe from the storm.

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19. Baby Steps

Tuesday morning the nurses came in and told Michael that the goal was for him to be able to walk the circle around the nurses' station. But, the goal for that day was to see if he could walk to the door. First, he had to sit up in the bed, which was progress. Then he had to stand. And finally he was able to prop his forearms on the high walker and push forward, one small step at a time. The nurses told him to just take "baby steps" and add a little each day. He was able to do that again in the late afternoon and the nurse assured him it would get easier each day. When we have surgery, or an illness, it takes time for our body to heal and we have to take these "baby steps" to recovery. Those who had a bad case of Covid may not have been able to go right back to work after their two weeks of sick leave. Many lost their jobs in 2020, or had their hours cut and it will take time for them to catch up financially with the lost pay. When we go through the storms of this life it takes time and "baby steps" before we feel like we are back on solid ground. It also takes "baby steps" to learn and grow. Someone once asked Susanna to teach her to play the piano, but she didn't want to start with the easy books. She wanted Susanna to show her how to play like she does. After we trust the Lord to save us we can read the Bible, and pray, and our faith will grow. I think of Moses and how in wanting to help the Hebrews, he killed an Egyptian. He met God on the backside of the desert where he was a shepherd for 40 years. "Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb." (Exodus 3:1) I believe that God was teaching Moses how to shepherd His people, one step at a time with those little sheep during those 40 years and he was later able to lead the Children of Israel through the wilderness for 40 years. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush... He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. (Acts 7:30 & 36) Our encouraging words today are found in Psalm 37:23-24. Let the Lord guide your steps, even when you feel like they are "baby steps." "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." (Psalm 37:23-24)

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20. Praise The Lord

I have prayed. My family and friends have prayed. People I don't even know have prayed. And God is hearing and answering our prayers. After a couple of hard days for Michael at the hospital, Wednesday was a good day, and for that I am thankful. I saw about six different doctors in just a few short hours, and each one was pleased with his progress. And for the first time, Michael is seeing progress. He was able to walk farther without the severe pain he experienced before. There are so many little things that I can see are going in a good direction, and I am glad that he is able to feel the improvements. Once when a nurse came in and asked him how he was doing, he replied, "Good. I'm feeling better." That sounded so good to me. And I want to praise the Lord for hearing and answering prayer. I thank Him for each part of Michael's healing. He still has a long way to go, but I think being able to see some progress will encourage him to keep on trying. Can I encourage you today? Don't give up. Keep on praying. Keep on trusting the Lord. And don't forget to give Him thanks and praise His holy name, for He alone is worthy. Thank you, Lord!

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (Psalm 106:1)

"1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100)

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21. A Verse To Live By

Michael's verse for a while has been Psalm 71:18, "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." Michael Key has been teaching school 44 years and he tells me that nobody enjoys their job more than he does. He taught at Archdale Trinity Middle School until he retired, and now he teaches at Hayworth Christian School, where he enjoys having devotions and prayer with his students. He wants them to know the Lord, and know more about the Lord. The doctor told him yesterday that he is a strong man, and nobody else would have made it last Thursday night. I told him that God heard our prayers. I believe that God is still using him to show this generation the strength and power of the Lord. I think some encouraging words from his current students, and his students from the past, would help Mr. Key. If you know Mr. Key through school, and want to leave a message for him, I would love to read them to him. Please share this message with other students who would like to help him during this hard time. And if you don't have a verse to live by, try to find one that can speak to you from day to day, and help you through, when times get tough.

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22. When I Can't Stand, I Have To Lean

I really can't thank you enough for all the prayers and concern you have shown to Michael and me. He had a hard day on Friday and the nurse told me it was probably because he didn't sleep Thursday night. Some have asked me where they can send a card to cheer him up. Since I don't know how long he will be in the hospital, I think it would be best to send them to our church and someone will see that we get them.

Michael Key

Pine Grove Baptist Church

6308 Modlin Grove Road

Archdale, NC 27263

This battle has been hard and my mind keeps going back to the song, "One Scarred Hand" by Kyla Rowland. Michael is having a hard time standing because of the heart surgery he went through, twice. I am also having a hard time standing. It is hard to watch someone I love so much go through this. I am determined to be strong and supportive for him, and encourage him to push his limits and learn to stand and walk so he can go forward with his recovery. Pray that he will soon be able to stand and walk, because that will show him that he is, indeed, making progress. Pray that God will give healing, and give both of us peace of mind to lean on the Lord. If you are going through a physical battle now, and you are having a hard time standing, lean on the Lord. And if you can't see, believe in the Great Physician. I like the story of Moses, after the Israelites had sinned he cried out to God, to show him His glory. "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: " (Exodus 33:21-22) I want to stand on that Rock! I want to be in that place by my Lord and let Him cover me with His hand. Please pray that the Lord will continue to mend Michael's broken heart.

"One Scarred Hand"

by Kyla Rowland

He is the fountain for a thirsty soul

He is the healer and so much more

When my heart is broken by this world's demands

The pieces are mended through one scarred hand

Chorus

And when I can't stand, I have to lean

And when I can't see, I must believe

The Great Physician's touch is a balm that can

Mend broken hearts with one scarred hand

It's a hand that holds this whole world in place

It's a hand that was scarred just to give me grace

And to think a hand that holds the stars

Is small enough to mend one broken heart

Chorus

The Great Physician's touch is a balm that can

Mend broken hearts with one scarred hand

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23. A Valley Of Tears

Before Michael‘s surgery I was thinking about using some of the older Christmas Devotions that I had written before. Michael always proofreads what I write and I knew he wouldn’t be able to do that for me for a while. (Susanna, my daughter, is doing that for me.) But the Lord has been leading me to share some of the ups and downs of this journey. Why would I share our story of personal struggles with so many people that I don't know? Driving to the hospital early Saturday morning I was thinking that maybe there is someone going through similar trials and needs a word of encouragement. Many times when we are going through storms we are prone to feel like we are going through them alone and no one has been in our shoes. You may have heard someone say, "Why do things always happen to me?" The doctor keeps assuring me that others have made it through heart surgery, and these problems are temporary. You may feel alone in your storm, but remember that others have traveled the same path, and more importantly, Jesus promised never to leave you. "... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) Another hardship that we may experience is the feeling that, "I can’t go on,... I can’t do this." Michael said one day that he was just going to quit. The doctor told him, "You can't quit now. If you were going to quit you would have a week ago. Look at the progress you've made." I also tried to encourage him as much as I could, but I will tell y’all that some days I don’t feel like I can keep going, either... I am just hiding it from him. We get our strength from the Lord and we must keep on going. We are too close to the end to quit now. The Lord can feed us, give us sweet rest, and send us with a task to do for him, just as He did for Elijah. (I Kings 19) Again, I hope to encourage you. Don’t quit. Whether you are on the road of sickness and recovery or you are doing all you can being the cheerleader on the sidelines, don’t quit. Psalm 84:5-6 tells us, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools." Some commentaries interpret Baca as "weeping." The psalmist is telling us when we go through our valley of tears, make a well to help others who will be passing that way. That is what I am trying to do with these devotionals. I want to turn my tears into a well of refreshing water to help someone else traveling through their valley of tears. It has been so encouraging to me to see the comments sent to Michael. It is also a great blessing to me from the ones that have sent encouraging words to me about these devotionals. Just today someone sent me a message that the devotions were helping his cousin, who had just lost her husband. We really don't know who is watching us, and can draw strength for their own storms by the way they see us get through ours.

Saturday was a better day. They are gradually taking Michael off the medications which is helping his mind to get clear. Much of the 50 pounds of fluid from the IVs is gone which is making it easier for him to move. Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words.

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24. Give A Little Joy And Hope

Today I have a message for you... each of you who is reading this. You may have been following long enough to know that Michael had open heart surgery with some major complications. With the Covid restrictions he can only have one visitor, and that's been me. For several days I asked him if he wanted to talk with the kids and he would say, "No." Saturday morning I was talking with our son and I heard little Madison ask if she could talk to Paw Paw. Then, I heard Grayson start yelling, "Talk Paw Paw. Talk Paw Paw." I asked Michael if he felt like talking with them and he said that he would. For the first time I saw a glimmer of hope come into his eyes. After he talked with them he told me that I could call our other children. As he spoke with our children and grandchildren I could hear a little more life in his voice. By the end of the day he had talked with each of our 5 children and our grandchildren, his Mom, and Pastor Tripp. He needed to hear those words of love from his family. I have been relaying messages, but he needed to hear them and feel their love for him. It gave him joy and hope, and put a smile on his face.

Here is your part. I want to challenge you to think of loved ones that you haven't spoken with in a while. Think of those in the nursing homes who have not been allowed to have visitors in months. Maybe you have elderly relatives or friends who have stayed at home out of fear. Reach out to someone who may need to hear your voice. Give them a little love and remind them that they haven't been forgotten. If you know someone who is sick or shut-in, and they can't get to the store, ask if you can take them some groceries and leave them at the door. Christmas is a terrible time to feel alone, but there are many who are missing loved ones, and they have never felt more alone. You may not be able to have your big celebrations that you usually have, but don't let that keep you from sending your love. Call, or facetime, or ride over and wave from the porch, whatever you can to give them a little hope. In Paul's letters he tells them to "comfort one another", "love one another", "edify one another", "consider one another," and more. Let's strive to think of others during this hard time and give them joy and hope. I close with this encouraging verse sent by a dear friend, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

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25. The Star Of Bethlehem

I walked out to try to see the alignment of the planets that some are calling the star of Bethlehem. It is good that people are looking for the Star of Bethlehem. I think that the star which led the wise men to find Jesus was so much more than two planets lined together. We read in the second chapter of Matthew, "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... 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 2:2, 9 & 10) It had to be a special star for a caravan of Magi to travel that distance to present their gifts to the Christ Child. They saw the star in the east, and it "went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was." They followed the star, seeking Jesus. The shepherds went with haste to Bethlehem, seeking Jesus. Zacchaeus climbed up in a sycamore tree, seeking Jesus. Are we seeking Jesus? Just as Jesus came to earth that first Christmas long, long ago, He is surely coming back. This would be a great time for Him to come, while we are celebrating His first coming. If the Lord should come back this Christmas, are you ready to meet Him? If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can. Admit the fact that you are a lost sinner, with no way to get to heaven on your own merits. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) Believe that Jesus is God's only begotten Son who left heaven to come to earth and give His life on the cross to be our sacrifice. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us... For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:8 & 6:23) Confess your sin before God. "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... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9, 10 & 13) Jesus will save you if you ask and believe.

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26. Putting My Trust In The Lord

Each time I go into the hospital someone takes my temperature and asks me the covid safety questions and then I am signed in at the desk. I walk down the long hallway until I come to the elevators. There are 4 elevators, with 2 on each side. I push the button and stand close to the doors that I think will open first. So for 12 days, going up and down, sometimes more than once a day, how many times do you think I was standing close to the doors that opened? Twice. You saw that right, only 2 times. I am so glad that I don’t have to live my life by chance. God’s Word tells us, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) As we put our trust in God, He leads us, and as we follow His leading, our faith grows and we trust Him more. I thought about this as I was going down Tuesday evening. I knew that God was with me, out the doors, down the hallway, and up the 3 flights of stairs on the parking deck. And God has been with us through the hardest storm of our lives. I am so thankful for God’s constant love and care. Michael has made great progress. He was moved from CCU Tuesday evening and the doctor hopes to move him to rehab on Wednesday. My joy overflows. Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement.

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27. Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve. That was always a fun day for me as a child. It was so exciting to plan, and wait for Christmas to come. Some have said this year doesn't feel like Christmas. It has been hard with all the challenges that came with 2020. Well, Michael and I will be spending Christmas in the hospital. We won't be with our family. We won't get to see our children and their spouses, or our grandchildren, to give them gifts. But, even so, I have never had more to be thankful for in all my life. Michael has been moved to rehab and I can see him making progress. I am happy to be spending Christmas with him at the hospital, because I came really close to not spending another day with him. God is good, and I am grateful.

Don't let your hardships keep you from your Christmas joy. You may not be able to go to your annual family gathering... but think about Mary. She spent that first Christmas in a stable. Joseph was a carpenter and he may have made a bed for their Baby. But they had to travel to Bethlehem and Baby Jesus had a manger, a feeding trough, for a bed. There may have been someone special in Mary's life that was planning to be with her and help her during this important time. But, instead she was visited by the shepherds on that night. I don't think she let these hardships keep her from her Christmas joy. Celebrate the birth of our Savior. Be thankful for what you have. I went into Michael's room Wednesday morning and he said, "I'm a man without a comb." I said, "What?" He told me that only when you get to the place where you feel you have nothing, not even a comb, do you really appreciate what you do have. You may not have what you wanted to have this Christmas, but look at what you do have, and be thankful. Jesus came that first Christmas so long ago, and if we had nothing else in this world, not even a comb, we would still have the best gift ever given. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (II Corinthians 9:15)

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28. The First Gift Wrapped Up For You

I was reading in Luke 2 and asking the Lord what I could say today for Christmas. And verse 12 spoke to me, "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." The shepherds went to Bethlehem to find a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. How many people will run to their Christmas tree this morning to see what they can find, wrapped up, lying under the tree? I am glad that we have the tradition of giving gifts to the ones we love at Christmas. I enjoy giving and I love to watch the little ones unwrap their presents. But, in all the excitement, please take time to remember the first gift of Christmas, wrapped, and lying in a manger. That's what Christmas is all about!

"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.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:8-16)

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29. Winter Solstice

My Grandma Hancock always talked about winter solstice. I never understood why it was important to her until I got older. Winter solstice is the shortest day, and thus, the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurred December 21st, which was the first day of winter. Winter was much harder on the generation of my grandparents. They raised most of the food they ate, and if they didn't have a good garden year, they might go hungry during the winter. It was also hard to stay warm without the modern means of heat that we have today. To me, the winter solstice means the long nights are beginning to get shorter. I feel like I have just gone through some of the longest nights that I can ever remember. But, the winter solstice brings hope. After December 21st, the days begin to get longer and the nights start to get shorter. A couple nights ago Michael called me and I asked, "How are you?" and he said, "Wonderful!" He had been sleeping and had terrible dreams, reliving all that he had been through the past two weeks. He said it was terrible, but he woke up and saw that he was in a different room. He thought about how he was in a new place, and he had left the old place behind. He didn't have to go through that again, and that gave him hope. It was so encouraging to hear him say he was putting it all behind him and was ready to go forward. Winters are hard. Long nights are hard. But, God has promised that spring will follow winter, and day will follow night. "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22) You may also be going through some long, dark, and cold nights. Maybe you can find hope in knowing that the days are now getting longer and the nights are getting shorter. Maybe you can come to the place where you can leave it all behind you and be ready to go forward with hope, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 30:5 tells us, "... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." We have had our nights of weeping, and there may be more along the way, but joy comes in the morning! And as Christians, we look forward to the time when there will be no more pain and sorrow, and no more night. "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)

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30. I Thank God For You

Last Monday my furnace stopped working, so I had to remember who to call and make arrangements with my daughter to meet him so I could go to the hospital. On Tuesday my power was off so I called it in before I left. After I got back home I set the clocks on the stove and microwave. For three nights I went to bed and noticed the alarm clock's blinking light reflecting on the wall, but I was too tired to get back up and set the time to stop it. Michael always sets all the clocks during the time change and after power failures. Several days later, I finally remembered and set it. Yesterday our internet stopped working and Michael was able to tell me how to get it to come back on, over the phone. There are so many things that he takes care of around the house, and I am beginning to feel like I have not shown my appreciation like I should. I tell him, "Thank you", when he takes off the trash, and when he helps me rinse and dry the dishes, but do I really show him how much I appreciate him? Not just for what he does for me, but I am thankful for him. Look at these examples in letters written by the Apostle Paul.

"Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;" (Ephesians 1:16)

"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you," (Colossians 1:3)

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;" (I Thessalonians 1:2)

"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)

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,..." (II Thessalonians 2:13)

Paul tells them that he gives thanks for them, not just for what they do, but for them. I am thankful for all the things Michael does for me, but I need to let him know that I am thankful for him. I am also thankful for all the friends who are praying for us and sending their love through the internet and with cards. I appreciate you! I have seen messages from some people that I have not seen in 30 years or more and reading these sweet thoughts makes me so thankful for our long lasting friendship. This is such a simple little thought today, but I hope it will help us to be thankful for one another, and not just for what others do for us.

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31. Good Like A Medicine

When I went to visit with Michael on Sunday I had a whole stack of Christmas cards, and Get Well cards. As I read the ones that were delivered to our church address, he knew one was from a class mate he graduated with, some were from students he taught years ago, and many others from friends he has kept contact with through the years. He asked me how they knew about his surgery and how did they know how to find him. I told him that Susanna had asked the preacher if we could give our church address, and then she posted messages online asking friends who knew him to send a card to cheer him up. It really did bring good cheer! As I read the cards and told him the names he had special memories of each person. I want to thank you again for all the cards and also for the messages you sent online. These heart felt messages have done a lot to lift him up and encourage him. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)

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32. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

God can bring us through hard storms, and turn our hearts towards Him to use us for His glory. Several years ago I read the story behind the Christmas carol, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day". It touched me so deeply that I spent two years researching the stories behind other Christmas songs and I put it all together in a play that we performed for Christmas at church. Today I want to share the tragedy behind this great old song, as it was shared in our play.

“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!”

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