Family 5

John 15:15

With the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas our sons’ girlfriends are learning all the family traditions. They are picking up on the personalities of our relatives and beginning to understand the relationships between the family members. An outsider, someone who is not part of our family, has no need to understand all these things.

While speaking to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion Jesus lets them know where they stand with him. What name is taken away from the disciples? What are they now? Why is this?

The disciples followed Jesus in his ministry. They learned from him. They assisted him in the things that he did. In some ways they were like servants to him. At the very least they were students.

As the ministry of Jesus drew to an end, as he neared the end of his time on earth, he explained a change that had come about with his disciples. They were no longer pupils. They were no longer servants.

Instead, these devoted followers, these believers, were now friends to Jesus. They had learned everything Jesus had to teach. They understood things now. Although Jesus uses the term “friends” these followers were very much like family to Jesus.

We who believe in Jesus, who accept and believe that the child we celebrate at Christmas is truly our Savior and king, are people who are brought in to a deeper relationship with Christ. We no longer live in the darkness of ignorance and unbelief. We live in the light of God’s love.

We are friends to Jesus. We are more than friends; we are part of the family of our loving Savior. The celebration of Christmas is a time to share joy and love with family. Now that family includes Jesus.

As we enjoy Christmas we must be certain to make God, our heavenly Father, and Christ our king part of the joyous celebration. We are all part of one big family now.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you make Christ part of Christmas?

This is the last 10/2 Grow Daily Devotion for 2011. We wish all of you a joyous Christmas filled with the love of family and the love of God. The daily devotions will return on January 2, 2012. – Roger and Peggy

Family 4

John 1:11-13

My nephew and his wife adopted a child a few years back. The boy’s biological mother was unable to care for the child so she gave him up for adoption. Now the little boy has a safe and loving home.

Such a story is not unusual to most people. Adoptions happen all the time. They are a wonderful opportunity to provide a warm and loving home to a child in need, a child who otherwise may have a life of struggles and challenges.

While the Gospel of John does not have the traditional Christmas story we are accustomed to hearing during Advent, what the Gospel writer says fits well in the Christmas season. What is said of Jesus? How did most people respond to the arrival of Jesus? What does Jesus offer to those who believe?

Mary and Joseph and Jesus began as a family in humble surroundings, the baby being placed in a feed trough – a manger – because there was no room for the baby anywhere else. Shepherds were told about the miraculous birth and were invited to see their Savior. Magi traveled from far off countries to honor the child because they recognized him as a king.

In spite of all that surrounded that special birth, in spite of the signs from heaven, not everyone accepted the fact that Jesus was the Son of God. Not everyone recognized the baby as the king God had sent. Even as Jesus grew and began his ministry not everyone accepted what he had to say.

Jesus was rejected by many of the people, the people he had come to save.

But if we believe in all that Jesus is, if we believe he is the Son of God, if we believe the baby was our Savior and king, then we are invited in to the family of God, the family that Jesus is part of. When we recognize Jesus for all that he is – Mighty God, Prince of Peace – we are adopted into a new family. We may not be related to Jesus in the same way that Joseph, Mary, and his brothers and sisters were but we are part of this great family of love.

Let us learn to celebrate the family that we have been brought into, the family of Jesus. It is a family of great love and grace.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What will remind you that you are part of Jesus’ family?

Family 3

Matthew 12:46-50

The other night we had our church family Christmas dinner and program. Instead of the traditional event that featured the youngest children in the church singing songs and acting out the Christmas story, representatives from every Sunday school class gave short presentations of stories, readings and song. It truly was a church-wide program and it highlighted the fact that we are all part of one larger family – the family of God in the church.

Jesus was part of a family. Most people know that Jesus was part of a small family with Joseph as his father and Mary as his mother. But we have also seen that Jesus had brothers and sisters as part of his family. Now, in Matthew, we see a visit from Mary and his brothers. How did Jesus respond when told that his family was asking to see him? Who are Jesus’ mother and brothers?

At first glance this story can be seen as a slight to his earthly family. Jesus seems to be ignoring his mother and brothers who have come to see him about some matter.

We are not told that Jesus refused to speak to his family when they came looking for him. What we have is Jesus taking an opportunity to expand our view of who is part of his family.

Mary was indeed Jesus’ mother and his brothers are listed by name later in Matthew. We know who his mother and brothers are. But now Jesus points out that any person who does the will of God, our heavenly Father, is a brother or sister or mother to Jesus. Jesus is not excluding his earthly family; he is including all believers into his family.

We may look at our own situation at the holidays and feel that we want to spend time with family. We may plan to visit and exchange gifts with parents and siblings, possibly even cousins and uncles and aunts and others. We may be able to trace our family relations by blood as we consider our family.

But as we celebrate Christmas this year let us expand our view of our family. Jesus was given as God’s gift of love, and he came as part of an earthly family. But now we are included in the family that belongs to Christ. We are all part of one family under God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who needs to be part of your family?

Family 2

Matthew 13:55-56

With all the giving of gifts at Christmas, the many commercials and ads that urge buying the best and most expensive presents for others, the holiday often becomes a time of materialism. Christmas can become a celebration of possessions, a focus that takes us away from the gift of love from God.

But as time moves on, as we grow and mature, especially as we mature in our faith we can realize that the gifts – the things – of Christmas don’t have the appeal they once did. What becomes important is the time we spend together with the ones we love.

Although the focus of Advent and Christmas is often the baby in the manger, we must see that Jesus was part of a family. As Jesus was teaching in his hometown the people were amazed and in their amazement they wondered about this man they had known so many years. What questions did they ask? What family members are mentioned specifically?

In the amazement of the crowd, the questions they ask of each other, we see some details about the private life of Jesus. They mention his father, Joseph, someone we already know. They also talk about Mary, his mother. But now they talk about siblings to Jesus.

Listed by name are four brothers; James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Although they are not named, sisters are mentioned and the words “all his sisters” seems to hint at three or more. Jesus was not alone in his life. He had brothers and sisters as he grew up.

Why is this important? I believe it is important for us to remember that our Lord and Savior was no stranger to the relationships we have in life. He had friends. He had parents. He had siblings. Jesus is completely able to understand whatever it is we go through in our lives because he experienced it too.

Christmas can be a celebration not just of gifts given and not just the greatest gift of Jesus, but also a celebration of time together with family. Jesus was the first child of a family, and that family has now grown to include each of us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who needs to be included in your Christmas?

Family 1

Luke 2:4-7

Christmas is more than just a pleasant holiday we celebrate each winter. It is a time of sharing together with family. It is a celebration of the holy family – Joseph, Mary, and Jesus – and as such is a celebration of all families.

We are familiar with the Christmas story – not just the story of angels and shepherds and wise men – but also the story of a family. Where did Joseph go? Why did he go there? Who was with him? What was their relationship? What happened in Bethlehem?

Jesus did not enter into this world through some mysterious way, suddenly appearing in the streets of Bethlehem or Jerusalem. He did not come to earth in a strange light or cloud of smoke. He came into the world as all people do, through human birth.

Both Joseph and Mary, descended from the line of David, were required by the ruler’s decree at that time to return to the town of their heritage, to Bethlehem. While they were there fulfilling their legal responsibility Mary gave birth to a child.

We see in this story the actions of a dedicated husband and father. Joseph is obeying the law of the land and returning to Bethlehem even though it was a hardship to him as he was in the company of his new wife already pregnant. We see a loving mother, Mary, wrapping her child in cloths – a tradition of that culture to ensure strong, straight legs – and giving him the most warm and comfortable bed she could find.

With the arrival of the baby Jesus we have a growing family. But there is an interesting word used that we often overlook. This was her “firstborn” child. It was not her only child. The implication is that other children would follow.

Jesus came into this world as part of a family; a family we will soon see will grow to include brothers and sisters. The gift of Christmas is Jesus, but it is also the gift of family and the love that exists between parent and child, brother and sister. Christmas is the celebration of God’s love that brings parents and children together in an all-encompassing love of one universal family.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to make the holiday about family love?

Magi 5

Jeremiah 33:14-15

There is a sense of peace that comes with Christmas. Gathering with family and friends in the comfort of our homes, watching the bright lights of the Christmas tree, knowing that there is a general feeling of love and compassion in the world at Christmas can bring a sense of serenity.

While the celebration of the holiday can be a time of fun and laughter, we must also remember the way in which God’s promises are fulfilled in the birth. We have already seen that this gift of God’s love, the baby Jesus, was a gift intended for us since the beginning. We have already seen that Jesus came to save us from our sins and offer us everlasting life. We have seen that this gift of grace was meant for all people; the rich, the poor, the righteous and the outcast.

Now we look back again at the prophets of old to see the promise that God has made. According to the prophet Jeremiah what will God do? What type of king will Jesus be?

Once more we see the Bible telling us that Jesus was more than just a good man, more than a compassionate teacher. We see again that the baby born was a descendent from David, a child born to be a king. We know, however, that Jesus is more than just an earthly king. He is the spiritual king.

And knowing this should bring us a sense of peace in our hearts. Knowing that Jesus was born to be the king who will do what is just and right should give us the serenity that comes with assurance, of knowing that we are ruled by a righteous and holy king, a king not of this earth.

This Christmas let us remember that Christ is our king. He is the Lord who was born to bring justice and righteousness to the world. He has come to bring us peace.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can bring you a sense of peace this holiday season?

Magi 4

Luke 1:28-33

Christmas is a time of happiness and joy. It is a time to find gladness in knowing we have received the gift of God’s love and mercy. But the baby we celebrate is more than just an expression of love to give us hope and peace.

At Christmas we celebrate the gift from God, the baby Jesus given to save us. We likely have a Nativity scene set up somewhere to remind us of the story. And at the center of that comforting tableau is a baby in a manger, a child born to a young mother.

In Luke 1 Mary is visited by an angel who gives her some exciting news. How does he greet Mary? What is Mary’s reaction? What wonderful things are promised about the child?

The angel, Gabriel, has some information for this young woman. Gabriel has the advantage in that he knows what will happen with the child that will be born. Mary is not yet aware of all that will happen and so reacts with a bit of worry.

But the angel explains the importance of the birth of this child. It is not just any child who will be born. This child will have an incredible future.

Gabriel explains that the baby, Jesus, will be great. He will be the Son of God. As the Son of God, Jesus will receive the authority of God. He will be a great king. He will be part of the royal lineage passed down from Abraham to Isaac to David and to Solomon. And what is more his kingdom will never end.

In this prophesy from the angel Gabriel we see the majesty and glory of who Jesus is. He is more than just a child. He is more than the son of an average mother and a working father.

Jesus is a great king. But he is more than just a king in the earthly sense. He is a king in the spiritual sense. He is the Son of the Most High God, and therefore his realm is all the earth and all of our hearts.

Christmas is more than just a time to exchange presents. It is more than just a time of joy and happiness. It is also a time where we recognize the spiritual kingship of Jesus, and worship and praise him for who he is.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you give honor to Jesus this Christmas?

Magi 3

John 1:15

Christmas can be a time of contrasts. While the weather outside may be dreary and depressing, the season brings its own warmth. While the dark days of winter are upon us, there is the light of joy and hope in us. While we celebrate the birth of a child, a child born in a simple setting to poor parents, we also celebrate a great king.

The Gospel of John gives us some understanding of who Jesus is in the opening verses. It speaks of Jesus being the “Word” of God. Jesus was a part of God and remains a part of God. Jesus is the light of humanity.

The Gospel of John also speaks about John the Baptist. This prophet proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, the coming of the Savior who had been hoped for and sought after. What does John the Baptist say about Jesus? How was Jesus “before” John the Baptist?

At first glance this verse may seem a bit convoluted and confusing. Jesus came after John. Jesus surpassed John. Jesus was before John.

John the Baptist first states that Jesus has come after him. We know through Luke 1 that John the Baptist was born first, born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a cousin to Mary. In this way John came first.

But now John the Baptist claims that Jesus was before him. John is acknowledging what has been said earlier in this gospel. Jesus – the Word – was with God in the beginning. Jesus, as a part of God, has been present since before John was conceived.

John the Baptist also points out that Jesus has surpassed him. John the Baptist was an important figure in the good news from God and an important figure in the Christmas story. But Jesus is far greater than John ever was.

Jesus is the very Son of God. He was given as a gift to the world, a gift to all humanity. He came to be our Savior, the Messiah who would remove our sin and despair and give us joy and hope and peace.

Like John we must acknowledge the sovereignty of Jesus. We must see that this baby we celebrate is more than a child. Although born in humble surroundings he was born the king of all things.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you keep Jesus as the king at Christmas?

Magi 2

Micah 5:2

As we decorate for Christmas we pull out all the old ornaments we have collected over the years. Each has a memory and a story for us, but some of my favorite decorations are paper plates that bear the handprints of our children. When our children were in pre-school they dipped their palm in green paint and then pressed their hands on a paper plate.

These are simple things – inexpensive paper, cheap paint – but they are a reminder of how little and innocent our kids were so many years ago. I treasure these ornaments.

We are all familiar with where Jesus was born. We know the story of how Joseph had to go back to the town of his heritage and register for a census. He went to Bethlehem, a small town south of Jerusalem. It was considered a back-water kind of place, insignificant and unimportant.

But the prophet Micah has a message from God about this little town. Although it may on the surface be perceived as unimportant it would play a crucial role in God’s plan. How does Micah describe Bethlehem? Who will come from this town?

We can look at the town of Bethlehem now with some reverence and wonder. It is important to us. It was the place where Jesus was born. And again we are reminded of who Jesus is.

This humble birth that we celebrate at Christmas was really a very special birth. This little baby was truly someone great and wonderful. The baby was really a king, one who would rule over Israel. Although not the kind of ruler people may have expected, not the kind of ruler we may imagine when we think of kings, Jesus is still truly the king of all people. He is our Lord.

His origins are from ancient times. He was with God in the beginning. He has been part of God for all time.

As we go through the holidays this year we must remember how important the place of the birth was and how important the baby still is. We must recognize the Lordship of Jesus; see him as the king that God has sent to rule in our hearts.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What will help you remember who Jesus really is this season?

Shepherds 5

Hebrews 5:8-9

At our Thanksgiving celebration this year we attended several gatherings of various family groups – my cousins, my wife’s cousins, our immediate families. Each gathering, each meal, was established for the family members to come together and celebrate our blessings.

But I noticed at each gathering that more and more people would come through the door and join in the party. As some of the people came in to join the feast our children would ask, “Who is that?” We would usually say, “I don’t know.”

It didn’t matter who the person was who came through the door. There was plenty for every person who entered. All were welcome.

The author of Hebrews explains what the gift of Jesus is all about. What relationship did Jesus have with God? What did Jesus become? What did he become to all of us?

Just as everyone was welcome to the celebration the families held at Thanksgiving, so it is with the gift of Jesus. The baby born in Bethlehem was a gift, first as God’s son intended to save his people, the Jews. But Jesus grew from a baby into the perfect teacher and Savior. Through him all are now welcome in the celebration of love that God offers.

Jesus is the source of salvation to all who believe in him. As the Savior to the world, then, the celebration of Christmas is a time to rejoice in the mercy and grace that is offered to us and to all people. Just as the shepherds – outsiders – were told the good news, we too are invited to share in god’s love.

Christmas marks the beginning of God’s expression of mercy and love to all who are separated from God. All are welcome to join in the feast of hope, mercy and peace. The celebration began as an expression of joy for the presence of Jesus but now grows to a time of rejoicing for all who believe.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you welcome others in your Christmas celebration?

Shepherds 4

Romans 3:25-26

When I started out in life I needed some financial help from my parents.  Over the years they assisted with school fees, car repairs, money for food, and so on. There was an unspoken understanding that these gifts were loans and would some day be repaid, but my parents never asked for the money to be given back.

In Paul’s letter to the churches in Rome he explains the meaning of the gift that God gave through the birth of Jesus. What was the intention of God’s gift? Why did he give Jesus to humanity?

We all know that we are sinners. We all know that we fail to be perfect in the sight of God. Knowing that, we all understand that we deserve nothing but punishment from God.

Yet God surprises us with His tremendous love. Instead of punishment and banishment God has given us the gift of Jesus, the birth we celebrate at Christmas. This gift is meant to be a gift of atonement. The birth of the baby was intended to be the beginning of God’s plan for humanity to be brought back into a loving relationship with the Almighty.

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God demonstrating His incredible mercy and love. The birth of Jesus is the sign of God’s grace. Jesus would be that sacrifice, that atonement, that repayment of an eternal debt.

Jesus was given so that all people in all the world would have an opportunity for forgiveness. Anyone who accepts the gift of Jesus is welcomed back into the loving relationship of a connection with God.

The gift is a demonstration of God’s tolerance of our failings. It was a demonstration of God’s own justice, a justice that goes far beyond our own ability to be just and fair.

Christmas is the celebration of God’s love for all people. All are welcome to share the joy of knowing God is loving and forgiving.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you make the celebration of forgiveness part of your holiday?

Shepherds 3

Luke 2:8-11

While Christmas may be a time of joy for each one of us as individuals, and may be a time for joy that we share with friends and family, it is also a time of joy for all people. In the Christmas story we encounter the first outsiders in this passage from Luke.

Who is mentioned? Where are they? Who appears to them? What message is given?

Shepherds in the time of Jesus were a necessary part of the culture. They held an important job tending to the flocks of sheep that were so much a part of the economy and every day life of that time. But these men who tended the sheep were often thought of as outcasts and outsiders.

Shepherds conducted a dirty job – both physically dirty and spiritually unclean. As such they were seldom welcome in the society. Most people preferred to avoid them.

And yet we see in the Christmas story that it was shepherds who were the first people outside the holy family to hear the good news of the gift God had given. Angels appeared to them and announced the good news. These outcasts were presented with the news of God’s love.

In verse 10 we see the extent of this wonderful news. Not only were the shepherds – outsiders – told of the good news the angels explained that it was good news for “all the people.”

Just as the name of Jesus indicated that he would be a Savior to his people, and the implication could be that it was for not only the Jews but all who believed, the angel’s message now included all people. The good news of salvation is meant for everyone, including the outcast and the outsider.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this year we need to remember those people who are outsiders in our own culture. God’s love is extended to us as believers, but it also seeks those who do not know God yet. We can be the ones who bring that news of hope and salvation. We can be the ones who invite the outsider in to the celebration of love.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who is an outsider you know who needs to know of the love of God?

Shepherds 2

Matthew 1:20-21

Just as John the Baptist was a part of the Christmas story, so too were angels. An angel spoke to Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father. Angels appeared to the shepherds. An angel appeared to Mary and spoke to her about the birth of Jesus. And an angel guided Joseph.

This carpenter who was pledged or engaged to be married to the young woman, Mary, has discovered that the woman he plans to marry is already with child. Not understanding the heavenly and holy designs of what is going on Joseph decides to divorce her, to put an end to the relationship.

Who appeared to Joseph? What assurance is given? What name is to be given?

Joseph, a righteous man, has now been made aware of God’s plans. He has now been informed as to why Mary is with child and then he receives some instruction. Joseph should go through with the marriage and he should give the baby a specific name.

The name we are familiar with – Jesus – is actually just the Greek translation of the name “Joshua.” Just as most other names have a meaning behind them, the name Joshua has its own meaning. It means “the Lord saves.” But who is being saved and from what?

The angel explains in verse 21 what the birth is all about. Jesus – the Lord saves – will save people from their sins. He will remove the punishment earned from evil behavior. But who will receive this grace? The angel says that Jesus will save “his people.”

Our first thought might be that Jesus came to save the Israelites, the Jews, because Jesus was born as part of the Hebrew nation. While this may be true, I believe that “his people” are all the people who will accept Jesus as that Savior God has sent. I believe that Jesus came, not for a select group, but for all people. It is simply up to us to accept this gift and receive God’s grace.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you accept God’s gift this year?

Shepherds 1

John 1:6-9

If you examine the Christmas story in Luke 1 you will see that John the Baptist plays an important part of the story. It is reflected also in the beginning of the Gospel of John. John 1:1-5 talks about the Word being with God and the Word (that is, Jesus) being the light of men.

Who is brought into the story here? What is said about John and “the light”? Who was the light for?

We all undoubtedly believe that Jesus, even as a newborn baby, is the Prince of Peace and the Lord of our life. We give him honor and praise because he is the gift of God’s love and has come for our salvation. He is deserving of adoration and glory.

Yet, in spite of all this royal treatment and respect that is given we are also reminded that Jesus came to earth not to be separate and above all of us. Instead, Jesus came to be part of the lives of all humanity. He came to be that expression of God’s grace but also to live on the same level as each of us.

We see it in this passage. John was sent by God – inspired by God – to serve as a prophet for Jesus. John the Baptist was moved by God to begin teaching about Jesus and proclaiming his coming. In verse 7 the Bible tells us that John served as a witness to Jesus so that through Jesus “all men might believe.”

This is picked up again in verse 9. The true light – that is, Jesus, the love of God – was coming and Jesus was meant to give “light to every man.”

As we celebrate the holiday of Christmas we must remember that the birth of Jesus was a gift of incredible love from God. Jesus was an expression of God’s mercy and grace. And even though Jesus is of heavenly royalty he was given as a gift to every human being who will accept him.

We do not need to be extremely rich. We do not need high intelligence. We do not need to be perfect people. We simply need to see that the gift of Christ was a gift for you and me and everyone, no matter what place in society they hold.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What will remind you that all people can receive the gift of Jesus?

Prophecy 3

John 1:1-2

A few years back we gave our two sons some skateboard ramps. They came in a very large box too big to wrap so we left it in the garage. On Christmas morning we sent our boys out into the garage to get the box. They were amazed by the gift and wondered when we had gotten it. We explained that it had been sitting in the garage for weeks; they just hadn’t noticed.

The Gospel of John begins with some explanation as to the relationship of Jesus to God. Who is “the Word?” Where was “the Word?”

When we celebrate Christmas we often get caught up in the hurry and stress of all that needs to be done. We worry about our money. We worry about buying the perfect gift. We stress over cleaning our house to be ready for guests.

With all that occupies our minds we can easily forget what it is we are really celebrating at Christmas. We are celebrating the fact that God loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son, a part of Himself, to live on earth in human form.

That was a tremendous and wonderful gift that we have received. It is the ultimate gift and the ultimate expression of love. Such a gift was not an afterthought. It was not a gift hastily purchased or prepared.

The gift of Jesus was a gift that was intended from the beginning of all things. John tells us that in the beginning, when everything was just starting and nothing existed but God, Jesus – the Word – was with God. Jesus was God; he was part of the Almighty.

As we move into the Advent season and prepare ourselves to celebrate the precious gift of Christ, we need to remember that this gift has been waiting for us since before time began. The gift has been given. The gift is there ready for us to receive it. Have we noticed it yet?

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you remember the gift of Jesus this year?

Prophecy 2

Isaiah 9:6-7

So often at Christmas some of our preparation is to buy a pack of batteries. We get them because we know that some of the gifts we will be giving will require those batteries. We get the batteries because we know what the gift is even though the one receiving it has not opened it yet.

The prophet Isaiah had a message from God about what was coming in the future. What was coming? What is said about this child who is given?

This passage does more than just give hope about what might some day happen. The prophet describes what will happen using words that imply it has already happened.

“To us a child is born, to us a son is given.” These seem to be more than words that predict the future. They come across as statements of fact. The child is born. The son is given.

These words were written hundreds of years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem and yet they were exactly true. God had imparted His plan to the prophet and the prophet knew in his heart that God would carry through on this plan. The birth and life of Jesus was in the works from the beginning of time. God was already preparing to give a gift that would save us all.

And it was no small gift. Jesus would take on the authority over all the world. He would come to reign as our Savior and Lord from his birth, to today, and on into the future. He would be and is the Mighty God, Prince of Peace.

We know the celebration of Christmas is coming. We may know what we are giving as gifts. We may even know what we might be receiving as a gift. But what we must remember as we celebrate Christmas is that this precious gift of Christ was planned by God for millennia. He had decided to save us and give us everlasting life for thousands of years before we even existed.

As we celebrate the gift let us also celebrate the love behind the gift. It is a love from God that has been there for a long time and will remain there for even longer.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you remember the reason for the gift of Jesus this year?

Prophecy 1

Jeremiah 29:11

Along with all the plans we were making for our home and our jobs when we were first married, my wife and I talked about how many children we wanted to have. We even came up with names for our children. As soon as each was born we talked about what type of person each child might grow up to be, what we expected to happen with them, and what we hoped would happen.

Things haven’t changed much in our lives. We still look at our children and think about what the future might be like for them. We consider what paths they might take and where they might go.

The interesting thing to me is that God has done the same with each one of us. In this passage from Jeremiah God has a message of hope. What does God know? What type of plans does He have?

This passage is an excerpt from a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to leaders in exile. It was intended to make them aware that God had not forgotten them in their exile. God still had plans for them, and those plans were for good things, happiness, prosperity, and success.

As we enter into the Advent season, that time in the life of the church when we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we must know that the birth of the baby in Bethlehem was not some random occurrence.

God had plans for all of humanity from the beginning of the world. Although we as humans are separated from God because of our inability to be perfect, God still desires that we be connected to Him. He wants us to be able to be in His presence.

For that to happen God had to give a gift to the world, to all of humanity. That gift was Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. And this gift was planned for centuries and centuries. God had plans for all of humanity to be saved from sinfulness, to prosper and have hope. And all of these plans were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this year may we remember that the holiday celebrates God’s love and mercy, a gift that was planned from the beginning of time and meant for each of us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be certain your holiday plans include celebrating God’s gift?

Grace 5

Luke 1:49-50

Christmas is a time of tradition and specific activities. We have certain trees we put up in certain rooms of our house. We have certain decorations we put on the trees and around the house. We have special programs at church and at school that we attend.

And beneath our Christmas tree is the small figurine of Jesus lying in a manger. It is set out when we put up the tree and begin decorating, and it remains there until the tree comes down. There may be times when presents and packages obscure our ability to see it, but it is always there.

It is a constant reminder of the purpose for celebrating Christmas. Christmas is all about the celebration of the gift of Jesus, the gift of salvation and grace from God.

When Mary learned that she would be the one who would bear the child of God, the Savior of nations, she rejoiced and sang praises to God. What did Mary recognize? What gift has God given to the generations?

In her holy joy Mary saw the working of God in the Christmas story. She saw that what God had done was a great thing. He had provided a way of forgiveness for all mankind. He sent His only Son to be the reconciliation between sinful man and the holy God.

As we celebrate Christmas we can so easily be distracted from the holiness of the occasion. We can allow the giving of gifts, the parties, the shopping, and the spending of money to get in the way of what is truly important. But at the heart of the holiday is the birth of Jesus.

And that birth was an expression of God’s mercy and love, not just for Mary and Joseph, not just for the people of Israel at that time, but a gift of grace for all generations of those who will accept the gift of Christ.

Let us not allow the activities of Christmas or the traditions of the holiday to get in the way of our gratitude to God. Let us recognize the tremendous love God has shown us through the baby given to save the world.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you keep Jesus at the center of your Christmas?

This concludes our 10-2 Grow daily devotions for the 2010 calendar year. We will resume the 10-2 Grow on January 3. From all of us, we wish each of you a happy and blessed Christmas.

Grace 4

Matthew 1:22-23

For me one of the best parts of Christmas is the celebrations that go on over the holidays. I love to get together with family and have those times of frivolity and games, of laughter, good food, and companionship. It is good to catch up with distant kin and old friends.

But in time the holiday must end and we must face the bleak cold of winter that still remains. We must return to our homes and say good-bye to friends and family until the holidays come around again.

We can often take the same approach to the meaning of Christmas. Once everything is put away, all the gifts have been opened and the wrapping paper and boxes cleaned up, we can forget about the holiday. But the gift of Jesus is an eternal gift. What was prophesied? What title was to be given to the child?

An angel informed Mary and Joseph that they would be parents. Mary would give birth to a child. And this alone would be reason enough to celebrate. They could look forward to the many years of watching the child grow to manhood, the many years of his struggles and success as a person.

But they also had more reason to celebrate. This was no ordinary child. He was God in human form. He was to be called “Immanuel.” He was God living among us. And that would never end.

As we say good-bye to the holidays this year let us remember that the love of God does not go away when the decorations come down. Jesus is God with us, not just then, but now and forever. The gift of God’s grace is an eternal and everlasting gift. God is with us always.

As we enjoy the Christmas season this year let us keep the memory of this gift alive in our hearts at all times. Let us forever remember that God is with us, not just in the laughter and happiness of the day, but in the love that surrounds us every day.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you always?

Grace 3

Luke 1:30-33

When our second child was born my wife looked at him and said that he would either grow up to be a musician or a preacher. I didn’t think much of what she said; at the time I hadn’t even entered into the ministry yet. But I always remembered what she had said.

Today our son is a talented musician playing in the school band and lately playing guitar with others in his own band. He has also begun playing at the opening of our church service and is very involved in worship.

When Mary was visited by an angel to announce that she would be the one who would bring forth the child of God the angel explained what would happen. Why was Mary chosen? What name was to be given the child? What will happen?

God had great plans for Mary and for His Son. God knew what the world needed. We needed a chance, an opportunity, to connect with God. We needed mercy and grace from God so that we might have salvation and everlasting life.

The only way to achieve that was for God to send a part of Himself to be among us. This child was given the very specific name of “Jesus,” which translates into “the Lord saves.” The very name told of what he would do.

All these things that were prophesied have come true. Jesus was great and called the Son of the Most High. And he reigns, not just over the house of Jacob, but over all the world.

And so we should see that the rest of the prophecy must be true as well. The kingdom of Jesus Christ will never end.

The celebration of Christmas can be a busy time, a time of excitement and joy, a time of fun and happiness. But it is fleeting. It may last a month or two, but in time the holiday seems to fade.

What we must remember is that the gift of God’s grace and love never ends. The gift of Christmas not only lasts throughout the year, but through all the years. The love of God, expressed in Jesus, is a love that never ends.

Let us celebrate the unending kingdom of Jesus this holiday. Let us recognize the eternal nature of God’s grace this year.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you remember the meaning of Christmas beyond the holiday season?