December 26: Luke 2:6-12
Key Verse: Luke 2:8
And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Devotion:
Do you know where you were born? Not the town or city, but the hospital and even the ward you were on. I don’t think many of us could break it down to the ward and room, and some of us were born in places which don’t exist anymore – much like the place or Saviour was born; a lowly stable where they had to lay Him down in a manger because they did not have portable carry cots and things like that then!
I know hospitals get rebuilt, moved or re-purposed because of the advances in technology and medicine – so a few generations back and things get lost in time. But what does not change over time is the people who have babies (mothers) and less so, the carers who look after soon-to-be mothers. But no matter how much changes, people are still going to be born and people will still die – it's the memories and our souls which live on forever.
One thing which is very different here is the first people who came to see the new baby. It was not the friends and family who were called to say the baby had been born, but shepherds who were looking after their flocks nearby. These were the guys who spent their nights out all the time with the animals, who didn’t get paid a lot and who were not recognised as people of society. But God chose them to be the first.
This, to me, is the ultimate statement of who Jesus looks out for first of all. It is not the well-off people who shower others with money and possessions, it is not the high priests and church leaders, but the poor and meek whom Jesus reaches out to – those He wants to bless because they have little else to look forward to.
Points to Ponder:
Who did you spend Christmas with?
Have you tried reaching out to someone you know who needs a little helping hand?
December 25: Isaiah 9:6-7
Key Verse: Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Devotion:
Today we finally celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ after what has been, for many of us, a very challenging year. But none of this really compares to the weight which was placed on Jesus’ shoulders during His ministry on earth; a ministry He took on willingly because of His great love for us then and now!
No matter how much time passes and how much goes wrong in this world, we continue to have a Saviour who loves us and cares for us. During this year many may be questioning “where was God” amongst all the bad things which have happened. He has been here, waling with us and trying to protect us every step of the way. Unfortunately, we make our own choices in life and we upset the apple cart now and again!
Christ continues to love us and to want what is best for us in our lives no matter what things we get up to and no matter how far we stray away from His protection. When we listen and obey, we find out how much He does love us. When we look back on what has happened to us, we may well see how much He has protected us along the way.
But whatever happens, I do pray today you will see some more of the Saviour’s love for you, no matter where you are and no matter what state you are in.
Merry Christmas everyone, and may God continue to bless you.
December 24: Matthew 1:18-25
Key Verse: Matthew 1:24
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Devotion:
As we wake up tomorrow, we should be remembering what God has done for us by remembering the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It was no ordinary birth; not that there are ever ordinary births because we are all God’s children! This birth was to be remembered for many good and many bad reasons. We remember all the good reasons because we know what God was doing and we see the results of what He has done for us.
On the other hand, some people would be looking at this birth as something not welcome and even a disgrace to the Jews. Something God knew was going to happen and what had been foretold many years ago by the prophets. All this was unravelling just as the prophets had said, but people did not want to believe because it meant big changes in the way they had grown used to living.
None of us like too many changes in our lives because we have to get used to all new things, but God wants us to see how change can be good and change can welcome in new ways of living. If we are willing to change our ways and walk away from the sin in our lives, we will see changes which God wants in our lives; Jesus came to change things in a big way!
Joseph was ‘on the front line’ of this extraordinary birth and in normal circumstances would have every reason to reject Mary and the baby; but God called Him to love and protect the baby Jesus because He was a gift from God. We should never turn our backs on what God is giving us – no matter what the world has to say about it!
Points to Ponder:
Do you see what God is giving you?
Will you accept God’s gift with open arms?
December 23: John 1:19-23
Key Verse: John 1:21
They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’
Devotion:
What would you do if someone mistook you for someone famous? Would you revel in the mistake and take advantage of it, or would you try to persuade them you are just plain old you? I do remember seeing someone in a film who looked just like me (albeit about 30 years ago) and wondering what it would be like to be them...
Most of the time I have passed on opportunities to raise my profile and have, instead, wanted to remain anonymous. I do see the attraction of publicity, but also fear what it would bring me. I do, however, like being able to help others whenever I can and wouldn’t mind if I had the opportunity to do more for people; but my choices should be guided by Christ and not by money or notoriety!
When God calls us to step forward for Him, it is not so we can gain popularity or gain massive income from working in churches; God calls us to be faithful servants, willing to do things when He asks. This is a very different culture to some large organisations or even large churches. Jesus did not command any salary, and even warned the disciples they should go out and teach the gospel without expecting anything; instead waiting on God and allowing Him to give what was needed.
John was living what we may think of as a rough life, eating strange foods and wearing what was provided. He did this because God had called him to be a servant, preparing the way for Jesus and not lining his own pockets.
Points to Ponder:
What rewards do you expect for doing God’s work?
How hard would you work if you knew there was no income?