Faith

Christmas Devotional

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This year, I am again offering a 30-day large print devotional. Though I specifically developed this to have something to give out at the nursing homes that we visit, the daily readings are meant for everyone. Yes, I know, I know – it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet! But to be able to complete a 30-day devotional before December 25th, you will need to start sooner than you think. The Christmas Star originally was published a few years ago, but this edition has been re-edited and also includes some new material.

Now, in the gospel of Mattew, the second part of the story of Christmas begins with a star. That star led mysterious wise men on a journey and their journey ended with a king. In this year’s devotional, that same Christmas Star still shines and will lead anyone ready to follow, to God’s only Son: King Jesus. We may not feel much like wise men (or women) but the wonderful news is that no matter who we are, Jesus still welcomes anyone who comes to worship Him! This large print book contains 30 days of readings along with a scripture verse, a Bible story, and some of our family’s favorite memories. As you read about Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and shepherds, my prayer is that you will discover how these ageless stories can still work miracles in hearts and minds today!

Where Shepherds Knelt to Worship

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Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? James 2:5 ESV

With our culture’s emphasis on success, the American dream and racing towards our goals, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters. But once a week God gives me a refresher course on the economics of what He values, in the memory care wing of Sunshine Christian Home. There I have the distinct privilege of meeting with a group of very special people. These friends of mine have lost everything that society says is important: their homes, their friends, their health, and maybe most precious of all, their memories. Not even in India have I met people poorer in the things of this world, and yet, every week they encourage my heart, by the richness of their faith. Though it may take a few minutes for them to focus, once they look up, I am greeted with smiles as big and beautiful as you will ever see in church. In today’s verse, the Apostle James points to people just like these friends of mine and asks, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world, to be rich in faith?”

By stripping away all the external signs of wealth, they are left with the eternal riches that only God can give. They are rich in faith, because when everything they have depended on all their lives was taken, they found that God was still on their side. There in that tiny room we sing about the kingdom that waits on the other side of the door and the promises of God that stand forever. There the Savior draws close as He once did in a stable where He lay His head on hay, and cattle lowed, and shepherds knelt to worship!

Daniel Still Prayed

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When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Daniel 6:10 ESV

Unless you have been living in a cave for the last two years, you know that there is an important election tomorrow. Whatever the outcome, there will be a lot of unhappy people on Wednesday morning. As I thought over the various outcomes for both the presidency as well as both houses of Congress I was drawn to this verse from Daniel and have been encouraged by his example. When Daniel woke up the morning after the election, he found out that his party was the loser. His prayer life had been declared illegal, and there were deadly consequences for him if he continued to pray. But none of these facts seemed to bother Daniel. When he learned the news, he didn’t kick the cat, throw the coffee pot or run over to his neighbors to complain. Instead, the Bible tells us that Daniel woke up, had his morning coffee, opened his window, just as he always did and got down on his knees to pray! No that’s an example worth following!

When I get so drawn into the political and social storms that are raging all around, I need to remind myself that not every day will be sunny, and the roses cannot always be in bloom. Being faithful to Christ will rarely be applauded by the world we live in, and that only when we follow Jesus, can we discover that his grace and strength can carry us through whatever lies ahead. So, this morning I pray that each one of us can keep Daniel’s perspective. Pray for our nation, we certainly need it! Trust that whatever the outcome, God remains the ruler of the universe: His term will never expire, and He loved us enough to send His one and only Son, to suffer and die for our sins. Now that is good news worth living for, and it is also good news worth dying for!