with devotion: December 2013

Advent | Born a King

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 KJV

When I think about this prophetic word I imagine a son being born into a royal family. Yet being raised in the house of a carpenter, Jesus did not have the trappings of royalty. He was worshiped as a baby by the shepherds and the magi but I suspect that this worship ceased as he matured. In this respect he was similar to his ancestor King David who was anointed king years before he ascended to the throne. On this Christmas Day it is good to remember that he who was born a king also had to wait many years before he would ascend his throne. It teaches us about patience.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Prince of Peace

In this world of war, hatred and discord, is there a more nobler title than Prince of Peace? How many of us long and pray for world peace yet find it so hard to be at peace with other and sometimes with ourselves. The apostle Paul writes and tells us that there is a peace that passes understanding - an inner peace that brings a stillness when the storms are raging outside. This is the Messianic peace that only that baby in Bethlehem can bring. It is an inner stillness that only comes when we know that He is God. It is a peace that spills from our hearts and brings reconciliation to other hearts.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Divine Son

This prophetic word gives us a picture of what ancient Jews were expecting a Messiah to look like. This morning I want to ponder with you a portion of this prophecy. Isaiah tells us that the Messiah would first be a son - a descendant of Israel. In this same word he calls that son "The Mighty God". When these two messianic qualities are combined, it makes sense that the Messiah would be both human and divine. In this light Christ's virgin birth interprets Isaiah's prophecy.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Response

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” -Luke 1:18,38 NIV

The angel Gabriel made two visits that year. One was to a religious leader and one to a teenage girl. These had very different responses to the angel. The older, "wiser", one had unbelief while the younger, "naive" one, had faith. It seems to me that the older responded from his mind and the younger from her heart. It speaks to me of how faith is a matter of the heart. It tells me that angelic messages, the good news, must be heard with the heart and not the head.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Magi

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ... When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. -Matthew 2:1-2,10-11 NIV

Jesus was born. Angels came to Shepherds. Shepherds came to the manger to see Jesus. Jesus was circumcised in Jerusalem eight days later. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were now living in Bethlehem. They were beginning to settle in to married life. And then there was a knock on the door. Mary was alone with her son when strangers came bearing gifts. These men had been directed by a star to her son. They worshiped when they beheld his face. Soon all would change and this young family would be running for their lives. And the Magi, these mysterious men, brought gifts that would help them on their journey. And on Christmas Day we remember God's provision for this young family when we give gifts.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Anna

There was also a prophet, Anna ... She was very old ... was a widow ... she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. -Luke 2:36-38 NIV

Simeon had just spoken prophetic words over the baby Jesus. Anna most probably heard his words and took them to heart as she told others about the one who was born to redeem humanity. In that sense, she seems to have been the very first evangelist. I can imagine her speaking of the Christ Child to all who came to the temple. I love that such a one, one committed to fasting and prayer for so many years, was one of the first to see the baby Jesus. Perhaps Anna is a witness to us also concerning what happens when we are faithful to worship with fasting and prayer?

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Simeon's Prophecy

Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” -Luke 2:34-35 NIV

It was a special day for two new parents. It was the day of Jesus' circumcision. But Mary and Joseph did not know how special the day would be. They didn't know that prophetic words would be spoken over their baby. What amazing things to be said about the baby Jesus. How Mary must have looked back at these words when her son ministered and revealed the thoughts of hearts. And how her soul was pierced through when soldiers nailed her son to the cross.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Simeon

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. -Luke 2:25-27 NIV

It was in the temple courts that Simeon would meet Mary and Joseph. It was here that young parents would be encouraged by a prophetic word from a righteous and devout man. I love how this passage speaks of Simeon as a man who had a relationship with God. The Holy Spirit revealed things to him and led him. It is only fitting that God should use such a man to encourage Mary and Joseph. I pray that I would be such a man who hears God's voice and is led by His Spirit. And is used by the Lord to speak His words and to encourage strangers.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Shepherds

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. -Luke 2:8-9 NIV

I once heard that shepherds were a part of the lower class in ancient Israel. These were simple people who had no political influence or earthly power. It was to these who the angels first announced the birth of the Messiah. It was these humble workers who first heard the heavenly host proclaim the baby in a manager. I love this image of God visiting people such as these. It seemed to be such a prophetic look into the life of the Messiah - the one who hung out with the lowest of the low. It reminds me that God is not impressed by our wealth or stature. He comes to the humble.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Bethlehem

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ... And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. -Luke 2:1,3-5 NIV

Centuries before Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the prophet Micah foretold that out of that town would come one who's origins were from ancient times - one that would be ruler over Israel. These words had to confuse ones looking for the Messiah. They understood the place of his birth but had no way of understanding how this one would originate from ancient times. Little did these know that a Roman emperor would help in the fulfilling of this prophetic word. Who could have imagined that this little town of Bethlehem would be the place where God took on human form?

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | God Speaks to Us

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things,
and through whom also he made the universe. -Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

In the first chapter of John's gospel we learn that Jesus is the Word that became flesh. This Word was expressed in the birth, life, teaching, ministry and resurrection of Jesus. When that baby was born in Bethlehem, God spoke the word "humility" to us. In his teaching Jesus spoke the word "wisdom". His ministry spoke "compassion" and his resurrection shouted "eternal life" to us. But most of all, the life of Jesus the Messiah spoke the love of God in a magnificent way.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Humility of Christ

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross. -Philippians 2:5-8 NRSV

I once heard that Christ's coming was like a human being deciding to give up their life as a human to become an ant and live the life of an ant. I am not sure that adequately describes what Jesus did but it does paint a picture of what it might be to empty ones self. This emptying act speaks deeply to me of what it means to be humble. It tells me that humility involves emptying all we are for the sake of another. It points me to the ultimate humility of that baby in Bethlehem.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Humility of Mary

Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. -Luke 1:46-48 ESV

Mary is an unwed mother. It is unclear whether Joseph has accepted her condition at this point in time. She takes off for an extended visit with her older cousin Elizabeth. Times are very difficult for this amazing young girl. Yet listen to what she says as she speaks of magnifying and rejoicing in God. It speaks deeply to me of the humility of this precious saint. Mary paints an image for all time of what humility actually looks like. Would that we might all respond to the voice of God with such humility. I pray that my heart would be open to the workings of God. I ask to be humble like the Virgin Mary.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Immanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14 ESV

The name Immanuel means God is with us. Many who argue about the deity of Jesus Christ sometimes overlook the simple meaning of Immanuel. It is understandable. The idea that God would choose to be with us in the form of a helpless baby is very difficult to comprehend. Yet the gospel records are clear that he did. And the world has never been the same. And today God is still with us. God the Spirit lives in us. He is called the Comforter and the Counselor. And like Immanuel the coming of the Spirit requires a birth, a new birth. When we are born of the Spirit we experience Immanual.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Rejection

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. -John 1:11 ESV

I wonder when the Lord Jesus first sensed rejection. Was he rejected by his siblings like Joseph was as he was growing up? Or was it much later when he confronted the religious leaders. It had to break his heart to not be received by the ones to whom he was sent. In this he was so much like many of the rejected prophets. And in Christ we have an example of how we should respond to the hate and rejection of others. In him we are taught how to live and forgive.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Timing

When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. -Galatians 4:4 NLT

Ever wonder why the Messiah Jesus was born in that time and place? Ever wonder what it would have been like if he came to us today instead of back then? Some feel that the time of his coming was good in the sense that the culture, both religious and political, were ripe for him. The evidence seems to indicate that it was as his message is as powerful today as it ever has been. It fills me with awe and causes me to wonder if we too were born at just the right time.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Nothing is Impossible

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. ...
For nothing is impossible with God.” -Luke 1:35,37

The word impossible is one that so describes the coming of the Messiah. It seemed impossible for a virgin to be with child. It seemed impossible for the betrothed of such a girl to accept her as his wife. The life of the this Messiah was filled with the impossible. This pregnant virgin would one day see people healed by the hands of the baby that she was carrying. She would one day see her son resurrected and would know for certain that nothing is impossible with God.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Power of God

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” -Luke 1:35

Ever wonder what it was like for Mary when the Holy Spirit came upon her? Did she sense the power of God when it happened? Was there a moment in time when she knew that she was with child before her body told her that she was with child? It reminds me that God is often working in our lives, preparing us, before we sense His presence. And like Mary, the power of the Most High sometimes overshadows us long before we understand what has been birthed in us.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Dreams

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. -Matthew 2:13-15 NIV

I simply love the way that Joseph believed in these angelic dreams. He first embraced Mary's pregnancy as the result of a dream like this. Joseph seemed to be such a man of faith who was sensitive to the ways that God spoke to him in dreams. It reminds me that the prophet Joel was spoke of a time where the Holy Spirit would be poured out and divine dreams would be dreamed. My hope is that God would continue to appear to us in dreams. Such is my prayer today.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Joseph

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. -Matthew 1:20 NIV

Last month was National Adoption Month here in America. I am the father of two adopted children. Joseph adopted and raised the baby Jesus as his very own son. From my own experience I can tell you that the love that Joseph had for Jesus did not fall short in any way. I so appreciate that he responded so well to this heavenly dream and chose to embrace the human disgrace of Mary's pregnancy. In hindsight we can understand why such a man was chosen to raise Jesus.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Son of God

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. -Luke 1:32 NIV

The idea that God has a son is such a radical idea. I mean really, God has a son? In ancient times stories abounded about angelic visitations. If I were God maybe I would have sent an angel or possibly anointed a human baby. Yet the scriptures tell us that God so loves us that He did not withhold anything but gave us the one he held most dear. When I think of that baby born in Bethlehem so many years ago I think about how much God loves me.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | The Forerunner

The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert." -Isaiah 40:3 NKJV

I love the similarities between the stories of John the Baptist and Jesus. Both came with angelic announcements of their births. Both ministered almost exclusively to poor and disenfranchised Jews. Each received sinners rejected by the religious establishment. Both opposed and were rejected by religious leaders. Each died unjust deaths. Yet John understood that Jesus was greater. John baptized with water. Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. John pointed to Jesus. We point to him too. With John we say that Christ must increase and we must decrease.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Virgin Birth

The Lord himself will give you a sign:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14 NIV

The Nicene Creed affirms that Jesus came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary. Christians have always understood that the Messiah was more than a great teacher or prophet. Yet even Isaiah could not have imagined that God would become a man in fulfillment of his prophecy. It is simply outrageous to imagine that one day God would really be Immanuel ["God is with us"]. Almost as outrageous to imagine that God did not love the world enough to give us his Son. Even more outrageous, and arrogant, to think that Jesus was simply just one of us.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

Advent | Community

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. -Micah 5:2 NLT

I love that the Messiah was born in a small village. When I think about him being raised in Nazareth I think of the importance of family and community. God could have come as man but came as a baby who could grow experiencing interactions with both children and adults. Not all was good for Jesus though - because folks in his community knew him so well they were blinded to the idea that his origins were greater than their town. Because of this many could not see him as a messianic ruler. This familiarity is also a challenge to those who grow up in religious community.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.

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