What Christmas Means to Me

December 26, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

In our society today one might ask ”What does Christmas mean?” Folks coming from the middle east or other parts of the world who are not familiar with the Bible, might be astonished to see the decorations and to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” which have no connection with the original meaning of Christmas. The sad truth is that very often Christ has been taken out of Christmas.

The season has become frantically busy, leaving little time to enjoy things that are most precious, like relationships, music, or wintry beauty. After Christmas people often find themselves exhausted and depressed. Perhaps if they knew Jesus, who remains with His own forever, the thrill of His advent would last all year long! Consider what Christmas means to you. The Bible says it is about:

Miracles from our mysterious God! Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:28-35

A woman recognizing her Saviour. Luke 1:46-47

Angels pronouncing God’s ‘Joy’ to the world! Luke 2:10

Prophecy fulfilled in time and space. Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2

Immanuel: God taking on a physical body. Matthew 1:23

The Babe – manna in a manger, Bread of Life! Luke 2:7, John 6:35, 10:10

Star attraction around the globe. Matthew 2:1-2

Wisdom leading wise men to worship. Matthew 2:2

Peace and goodwill to every tribe and nation. Luke 2:13-14, John 3:16, Revelation 5:9

The Son of God seeking to save… Luke 1:35, 19:10

Shepherd of God’s sheep, the Lamb who was slain. John 10:11

King of kings, Lord of lords. Luke 1:32-33, Revelation 17:14

“Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God!”

Reflection:

Dear Lord

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to walk among men and women, that we might know You intimately. Please remove our unbelief, our arrogant independence, our self-justification so that we might humble ourselves in worship of this Holy Babe. May our response to Your precious gift of Eternal Life bring glory to You this Christmas. May our worship come from hearts purified by the blood of Christ, for it is in His name we pray for forgiveness of sin, and for guidance, that our lives may be pleasing in Your sight, Oh Lord our God. Amen

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Thoughts About Tomorrow

December 27, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:25-34

Throughout human history there have been many plans laid for tomorrow. Business, family planning, evangelistic outreach, scientific discoveries, space travel and more have each been impacted by the plans people have made.

We read in the Bible that God also has plans. “I know the plans I have for you….plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). To whom was He speaking?

This was part of a text sent from Jerusalem by the prophet Jeremiah. God’s people were in exile. Finally, after centuries of patient warnings, God, like any good parent, had to make true the consequences of rebellion and disobedience. How thrilling it is that God did not hold grudges. When their punishment was over He reclaimed His people with promises for the future, for a prosperous future! His intention was not to harm them; He felt it necessary to spell that out, apparently. Rather God wanted them to have hope!

He gives them more promises. When they come to their senses and pray sincerely, He will listen. God was not interested in lip-service, but rather judged the intentions of their hearts, much as He does today. Jesus quoted from Isaiah when He was attacked by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. “These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules, taught by men” (Matthew 15:8-9). How many people today are as unprincipled as those in Hosea’s day “They make many promises, take false oaths and make agreements…” (Hosea 10:4). These realities make God’s plans even more generous.

When we make plans for tomorrow how often do we focus on what is good for others? We get up in the morning thinking about what we will wear, what we will eat, where we will go, whom we will meet. How often do we pursue goals for success, hoping to impress? Perhaps this was the lifestyle adopted by those Jews, prior to exile. Little did they suppose their lives could change in the twinkling of an eye. Why didn’t they see God’s judgment coming?

Jesus cares so much for those who followed Him, and would follow Him, that He too, kindly warns us not to worry about our temporal needs – things like eating and drinking and dressing – those very things which consume so many of us today. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

It may not be a happy thing to contemplate what lies ahead, with political turmoil all around us, but we do have hope. Let us take heart in the words of scripture, knowing that God’s plans are for a better future, one He has provided for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. His advent meant that a new day was dawning; we will feast at His table in eternity, robed in garments of dazzling white. We will live in the light of God’s glory forever and ever!

Praise the Lord!

Reflection:

Are we letting Satan rob us of our glorious hope by fixing our eyes on todays’ troubles?

Let us remember that “All scripture was given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The scripture we hold in our hands was written for everyone…primitive tribes in places yet to be discovered, for every tribe and nation, who will one day worship together around Christ’s throne.

Therefore, since we are told to “Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) let us remember at Christmastime what lengths God went to, to give us abundant life, to free us from anxiety and fear, to enable us to forgive and love – even those who are our enemies.

How many folks have seen the Christmas story as one for the white man only? As we think about tomorrow, let us love all people in both word and deed, following in the footsteps of the babe who became the world’s most revered Son of Man! Let us thank God for the hope that He gives us through, the prophet Isaiah “For unto us a Child is born…and the government will be upon His shoulders…Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

The Christmas Story Unfolds

December 20, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Perhaps it will surprise you to know that the Christmas story begins in Genesis. We need to look at some background. The earth was not God’s first creation. Created beings lived with Him in heaven long before earth took shape. How long Lucifer, one of many angels, existed before the creation of man, we are not told.

God created Lucifer [meaning “Shining One”]. Ezekiel describes him as chief among the angels, powerful, intelligent and very beautiful (Ezekiel 28:13-17). What we learn from Ezekiel and Isaiah is that rivalry developed; Satan wanted not just to be like God, but to be in control (Isaiah 14:12-14). That is when things began to fall apart. It is important for us to understand that God did not create evil in the person of Satan [meaning “accuser”]. Privileges were taken for granted, as power was coveted. Satan’s attempt to seduce Eve and Adam, demonstrated his continuing efforts to control God’s creation.

How does this relate to Christmas? As God cursed the serpent, the creature used by Satan to tempt Eve, He predicted that Satan would bruise the heel of One who would actually extinguish any power the Devil gained in intervening years, by crushing Satan’s head.

We know of course, that this is what happened during the Easter event when Jesus was crucified (bruised seems a light term for His great suffering). But wait! Jesus rose from the dead – the Divine Conqueror of death! His resurrection crushed the determined efforts of the “accuser of the brethren”. Revelation 12 describes that final battle in heaven. As the Devil is hurled to the earth, salvation is complete; the power and the Kingdom of God, authorized by the blood of Christ overcomes him.

How was all of this possible? God sent a tiny baby, born of a virgin to bless all nations of the earth (Isaiah 7:14). This was also fulfillment of a prophecy given thousands of years before to a man named Abram. The author of Genesis writes the promise of God to this man He renamed Abraham [meaning “father of a great number”]. “I will make you a great nation….and all people on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). That promise was repeated to God’s covenant people, the nation He promised Abraham’s progeny would become.

Matthew begins his gospel “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac…..” Writing specifically to the Jews, it is crucial for Matthew to begin with the one they called Father Abraham. Ryrie explains “The common teaching of that day said that the Jews participated in the merits of Abraham, which made their prayers acceptable, helped in war, expiated sins, appeased the wrath of God and ensured a share in God’s eternal kingdom” (Page 1463 Ryrie Study Bible) No wonder they were so shocked when John and Jesus preached the need for personal repentance!

The Apostle John records the dissension caused by Jesus, claiming God as His Father (John 8:33-58). His statement that He existed before Abraham was the final straw. This was blasphemy in the ears of orthodox Jews. Yet here we are celebrating Jesus! Not only do we rejoice in His birth, but His life has given us eternal life! So at Christmas it really is impossible to remember His birth, miraculous as it was, without thinking of His death on a cross. Hallelujah! That was not the end because He rose again to bring spiritual healing and glorious hope to all who would believe and receive Him! (John 1:12-13).

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Do You Know?

December 13, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 2:13-20

How much our witnessing has changed during the course of one short life-time. Today if we want to tell people about Jesus, we cannot start from the premise that everyone knows who He is. There is now a whole generation of children who have not gone to Sunday School, for example. Subtly, distractions and responsibilities have taken over a society with more time on their hands than ever before, disabling well meant intentions to give God one hour on Sunday.

Christmas was once a time when most people went to church, if only to hear the carols. Now, however, Christmas has become so commercialized and carols so secular, that even that witness to the birth of Jesus has become virtually ineffective. Everyone knows Santa. Sadly the very virtues once attributed to the Saviour of our world, are now seen in a jolly fat man, garbed in red. “He knows when you are sleeping; he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good….” Is Santa really omniscient?

In my childhood memories the sweetness of Christmas songs plays a big role! One song is a particular favourite, inspiring awe at the whole event:

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope! the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

When we used to sing “Who is He in yonder stall?” people knew the miracle baby, Jesus, had been laid in a manger.

Amazingly His birth was announced by a choir of angels, a once-only event. Shepherds heard them and instantly responded with great joy! What was it about a baby in the most humble of circumstances, lying in the feeding trough of some cattle, in a smelly stable, which caused them to glorify and to praise Almighty God? (Luke 2:20). And so – the lyrics go on to tell us more. “At whose feet [the baby Jesus] the shepherds fall”.

Stories of angels and shepherds and wiseman were common knowledge. The thunderous response to the question “Who is He” came back, identifying this holy Babe as:

“The Lord! O wondrous story! ‘Tis the Lord the King of glory!”

In my youth, once a year at least, folks were encouraged to consider, to worship and to respond! The thrill of that proclamation warmed even the coldest hearts in December! But the question still remains: Do you know the reason behind your response?

Reflection:

Do you know what, if anything, prevents you from truly worshiping this baby who became the Lamb of God?

Does knowing Him as the Son of God, cause you to fall at His feet in worship?

What is the most beautiful aspect of the Christmas revelation that stirs your heart?

What is it about Jesus Christ that caused a hymnologist to write:

“At His feet we humbly fall. Crown Him! Crown Him Lord of all!”

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional · Uncategorized

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

December 16, 2019 AdminLeave a comment

blur-bokeh-dark-defocused-376533

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the earth

Creation was silent, awaiting a birth.

The stars were all hung in the sky with great care

In hope that Christ Jesus soon would be there.

Bethlehem was quiet, all nestled in sleep

Unaware of the promise God said He would keep.

And angels in heaven were preparing to sing

A glorious anthem to the new baby King…..

When out in the field there arose such a clatter

The shepherds jerked round to see of the matter.

Away to the sky they all quickly turned,

Viewing a light that made their eyes burn.

The moon on the crest of the small little hill

Made everything quiet and wonderfully still,

When what to their wondering eyes should appear

But a choir of angels that made them all fear.

But an angel of comfort said to “Fear not”.

They were in a moment a curious lot.

More rapid than eagles these angels all went,

The shepherds left wondering what it all meant.

Now come, let us hurry! Now quick let us go!

Lord please guide our steps and keep us from woe.

We’re worried and anxious, but Your message we’ve heard.

We’ll dash away, rush away, seeking the Word.

As dry leaves before a wild storm will fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So down toward Bethlehem the shepherds all fled,

With a song in their hearts of what angels had said.

And then in a twinkling they all seemed to know,

They had reached the right place and thus it was so.

Their anxiety mounted as the stable grew near,

But their hearts were no longer filled with great fear.

…….

He was dressed all so warm in the swaddling clothes,

A beautiful creature in a miniature pose.

A manger of hay was His bed that glad night,

The holiest of scenes, what a wonderful sight!

His eyes how they twinkled, His dimples how small,

His cheeks were like roses, like those of a doll;

His soft little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And His heart was as pure as the new fallen snow.

Mary stood by Him and tenderly smiled,

How thankful she was for the beautiful child!

Though tired and worn she was so full of grace,

For the Saviour had come to God’s own chosen race.

And Joseph was there, so protective and kind,

With praises to God hidden ‘way in His mind.

Oh how could it be, he thought, this child so fair

Had come to lift sins and burdens and care?

……

The Saviour is here, there is nothing to dread,

Only believe….in the blood He has shed.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to the cross

Where He suffered and bled and died there for us.

And laying down His life, because of our sin,

He gave a last sigh….salvation could begin.

“It is finished” He said as the crowds turned aside,

Saddened and frightened because He had died.

But He rose from the tomb where for three days He lay

And spoke to the disciples as He vanished one day.

They heard Him exclaim as He passed out of sight,

“I will come again soon” – It might be tonight!

By Marilyn Duguid

Devotional · Uncategorized

What Christmas Means to Me

December 8, 2019 AdminLeave a comment

merry christmas sign — Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Angels pronouncing God’s ‘Joy’ to the world! Luke 2:10

Miracles from our mysterious God! Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:34-35

A woman recognizing her Saviour. Luke 1:46-47

Prophecy fulfilled in time and space. Genesis 12:3, Micah 5:2

Immanuel: God taking on a physical body. Matthew 1:23

The Babe – manna in a manger, Bread of Life! John 6:35, 10:10

Star attraction around the globe. Matthew 2:1-2

Wisdom leading wise men to worship. Matthew 2:2

Peace and goodwill to every tribe and nation. John 3:16, Revelation 5:9

The Son of God seeking to save… Luke 1:35, 19:10

Shepherd of God’s sheep, the Lamb who was slain. John 10:11

King of kings, Lord of lords. Luke 1:32-33, Revelation 17:14

Reflection:

Dear Lord,

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net