Devotional Reading for the Advent Season
December 1-27, 2015
God has inspired people of all ages to sing. Most of
the great truths of Scripture were given a melody.
Each successive generation of God’s people learned
to pray and praise through song.
Dr. Case reminds us that Advent is for singing. The
airwaves carry the melodies of the Messiah who has
come to save His people from their sins. So, rejoice
and sing!
May each of these devotionals bless and encourage
your heart during this grace-filled season. Let the old
and new songs fill you with great joy!
In Celebration of Jesus the Messiah,
Pastor Jonathan
The Incomparable Christ
December 1
Colossians 1:9-23
With today’s reading we begin another observance of the Advent
Season. The theme for the first week is The Lord is Coming! The
Scripture reading is from one of the Pauline Epistles, one of four
prison epistles. Tradition would date Paul’s death somewhere around
64-65 A. D. The Gospels were written later than this. In the Gospels
we read about the Nativity of Jesus Christ. In the Epistles we read
about the theological significance of The Lord who came. And who is
this coming One? He is the incomparable Christ!
Paul’s laudatory statements about Christ mention:
• His kingdom (1:13);
• His redemptive work (1:14);
• His being the outward representation (image) of God in human
form (1:15);
• His supremacy over creation as its master and heir (1:15);
• His creatorship (1:16);
• His preexistence and cohesion of the universe (1:17);
• His headship over the new creation, the church; and
• His primacy in rising from the dead never to die again (1:18).
All of us enjoy reading and thinking about the Baby born at
Bethlehem. We rejoice in reading the surrounding events that
accompany the birth narrative of our Lord. But if we only remain at
the cradle we will miss the implications of The Lord is Coming. The
story of His cradle is only significant as we remember that in the
cradle is The Incomparable Christ.
The King of the Jews
December 2
St. John 18:33-37
Today’s reading takes us to Passion Week. In just a few hours our
Lord will be crucified. The text relates for us one of the most amazing
conversations in human history. It is between our Lord and Pilate.
The first thing Paul reminded us yesterday was that the incomparable
Christ had a Kingdom (Col. 1:13). You can’t have a Kingdom without
also having a King. The Baby in the cradle is that King. One could
almost feel sorry for Pilate. He, a non-Jew, was being asked to decide
an issue brought to him by the Jews. He tried to get out of deciding
their dispute (v.31) but to no avail. He was forced to deal personally
with this Jesus. His time with Jesus begins and ends with questions.
First: Are you the King of the Jews? Since Pilate was not a Jew, his
question is based on what others have said about Jesus and what had
been told to him. This is pointed out with Jesus’ remarks at verse
thirty four. Jesus then began to talk about His kingdom. It is not an
earthly kingdom. It is not of this realm (v.36). Jesus said that He
came from another realm into this realm for a special mission. In
order to be the King of a Kingdom, Jesus (1) had to be born in this
realm, (2) had to accept His Father’s mission for coming into this
world, and (3) had to testify to the truth of the Kingdom.
This leads to the second question: What is truth? We know that truth
is standing right in front of Pilate. Truth is real, objective truth. Not
everyone hears and responds to truth (v.37). As we sing the carols of
the season let us remember it is the birthday of a King.
Israel Redeemed
December 3
Isaiah 43:1-13
The Scripture lesson for today reminds us that the Lord God not
only is the Creator of the universe but that he formed humankind to
inhabit His created world. The fact that God formed humanity to
inhabit His world reminds us God enjoys the fellowship of
humanity - God wants a relationship with His created beings. In
the Old Testament, the people of God were known as Israel. In the
New Testament, God’s people will be known as the Church.
In many ways, God’s dealing with Israel becomes a pattern of His
dealings with the Church. As the account of Israel’s history
unfolds in the Old Testament, one cannot miss the point that on
many occasions, Israel often gets into trouble. They frequently are
engaged in battle with their neighbors and often serve many years
enslaved to foreign powers. Their journey is often plagued with
torment and trial. Through it all, God still has His people - He has
redeemed His people.
A Redeemed people need a Redeemer. For Israel, it was the Lord
God. Notice the frequent number of times the first person pronoun I
is used in today’s text. One translation has I used 21 times. This does
not take into account the use of my eight times and Me three times.
The people of God known as The Church also need a Redeemer.
This coming One will redeem people from their sin. The Incarnation
of Jesus Christ means that the Word became flesh and lived among us
(Jn. 1:14). He lived among us and died for us. Through His death we
might be saved from our sins. As you sing the carols of the season
don’t forget to sing this one: Sing, O sing, of my Redeemer, with His
blood He purchased me.
A New and Living Way
December 4
Hebrews 10:11-25
The theme for the first week is The Lord is Coming. Each day has
described the character and purpose of this coming One. He is a
King. He is our Redeemer. None can be compared with Him.
Today, He is our great High Priest.
Our Great High Priest is in contrast to the priests of the Old
Testament. They stand daily and make offerings time after time.
While they make continuous offerings, those offerings can never take
away the sins of the people. In contrast, our Great High Priest made
one sacrifice - His own death on Calvary. Having made the supreme
sacrifice, He sat down - His work completed. Today He is seated at
the right hand of the Father waiting for the consummation of all
things.
When Christ died on Calvary, not only was atonement made for the
sins of the whole world but as people placed their faith in the finished
work of Christ, they discovered a new way of life. They discovered
that their Great High Priest had inaugurated a new and living way for
the people of God.
The new and living way is based on a new reality. The new is
introduced by the word since. What is new? We can now enter into
the very presence of God and we have a great High Priest. A new
reality brings about new commands: (1) Let us draw near…; (2) Let
us hold fast…; (3) Let us consider…; and (4) Let us encourage one
another!
This Advent Season we acknowledge once again the fact The Lord is
Coming! With His coming all things are new. He has come as our
Great High priest and He introduced a new and living way.
The Lord Is In Your Midst
December 5
Zephaniah 3:14-20
The text for today comes from one of the Minor Prophets in the
Old Testament. His name is Zephaniah and he was a prophet
during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 B.C.). This particular King
was the last righteous king in Judah. He was followed by four
kings who did evil in the sight of God. The message of this
prophet was one of impending judgment that would ultimately end
in the Babylonian exile (v.18). But the story does not end there there will be a future for this people. In fact, there will be a
complete reversal of their situation (vv.15-17). There is only one
way to account for this dramatic reversal - The King of Israel, the
Lord, is in your midst (v.15).
The New Testament Gospels continue the story of the Jewish
people. But now the emphasis is not on their enemies but on a far
greater evil. The Gospels reveal a people who have forsaken their
God and who are enslaved to wickedness and sin. And although
the people are very far from God, He has not forsaken them. God
intends to deliver the people from their sin and restore their
fortunes before their eyes (v.20). To accomplish this, the Lord God
will once again be in their midst. He will be to them as a warrior
who saves (v.17). The good news of the Gospels is that the Word
became flesh and dwelt among us, and He will be called Immanuel,
God with us.
Not only is the Lord in your midst, but He will be a God of action.
Notice the first person pronoun in verses 18-20, (eight times). The
Baby in the cradle is the Lord in our midst!
The Magnificat
December 6
St. Luke 1:46-55
Today’s reading is one of four hymns in Luke 1-2. This hymn of
praise is known as the Magnificat because in the Latin Vulgate
translation the opening word is Magnificat; which means exalts. This
song is like a psalm and should be compared with the song of Hannah
(1 Sam. 2:1-10).
In the biblical narrative, this song is spoken by the Virgin Mary upon
the occasion of her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. In the narrative,
after Mary greets Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist,
the child moves within Elizabeth’s womb. When Elizabeth praises
Mary for her faith, Mary sings what is now known as the Magnificat
in response.
In structure, this song reflects the compositions of pre-Christian
contemporary Jewish hymnology. The first stanza displays
graphically a characteristic feature of Hebrew poetry - synonymous
parallelism - ascribing praise to God: my soul mirrors my spirit;
proclaims the greatness with has found gladness; of the Lord with
in God my Savior. The balance of the opening two lines bursts out
into a dual Magnificat of declaring the greatness of and finding
delight in God. The third stanza again demonstrates parallelism,
but in this instance, three contrasting parallels: the proud are
reversed by the low estate, the mighty by those of low degree, and
the rich by the hungry.
By working our way backwards in the first stanza, we discover three
important aspects of this song. First, The Holy God helps the lowly,
(the latter half of verse 49). Next, the Holy God blesses Mary (verse 48
and the first half of verse 49). Finally, Mary’s heart magnifies the Holy
God (verses 46-47).
The Birth of John the Baptist
December 7
St. Luke 1:5-25
The theme for this week is Preparing the Way. The point of what
we refer to as Christmas is that the Lord is in our midst. This
momentous event will come with much fanfare. The numerous
messianic prophecies in the Old Testament all testify to the
importance of Christ’s coming into our world. The sensitive reader
of the Old Testament will soon discover the Messiah in the Old
Testament. But the prophetic voice ended around 400 B.C. While
the Jewish nation of the first century had their writings of the Law
and the Prophets, they probably needed a clear and personal voice
in their day. This voice would be the voice of John the Baptist.
The story of Christmas is really the story of the birth of two babies,
Jesus and Cousin John. And both of the births are a miracle. The
father of John was an old man (v.18) by the name of Zacharias and
his mother, Elizabeth (2:36) was advanced in years and was called
the barren one. To these unlikely parents would be born John
whose purpose in life was to be the voice crying out to a
generation of people that the Lord is coming! In this capacity,
John assumed the role as the last prophetic voice announcing the
coming of Israel’s Messiah.
The ministry of John is outlined in verses 15-17. John will have a
special status among men (Mt. 11:11), he will live an austere life,
he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, he will turn many back to
God, and he will go as a forerunner before Him who is to come. In
short, John’s ministry is to make ready a people prepared for the
Lord. This is why Jesus said John was a prophet, in fact more than
a prophet!
Temptation and Commission
December 8
St. Matthew 4:1-6; 28:18-20
The theme Preparing the Way applies to both John the Baptist and
Jesus Himself. Certain events are recorded in the Gospels that
speak to the preparation of Jesus for the mission He was to
accomplish. Gospel accounts report the baptism of Jesus by Cousin
John. Today’s text points to another aspect of His preparation.
This involves the temptation of Jesus.
Following His baptism by John, Jesus was led into the Wilderness
to be tempted by the devil. After a forty day fast, the Scripture tells
of three attempts of the devil to derail Jesus from His mission.
This episode in the life of Jesus points to a great theological
doctrine regarding God the Son - the doctrine of Impeccability.
The question is often raised, Could Jesus Christ yield to temptation
in the Wilderness? Some have said yes or else these temptations
were not real temptations. On the other hand, this is God with us
who is being tempted. God will not yield to temptation. But Jesus
is the God-Man. The humanity of Jesus would feel the full force
of temptation and His human will could yield. This is why, on
another occasion, Jesus prayed not my will but thine be done.
Preparation for His mission demanded this opportunity to
demonstrate that Jesus Christ is filled with the Holy Spirit and
guided by the Word of God. On three occasions Jesus denied the
tempting voice of the enemy.
Today’s reading now turns to the end of Matthew’s story. Jesus,
fully prepared for His mission, has conquered sin, death, and the
grave. He is alive! The victorious Christ has all authority. The
disciples are commanded to go! As they go, they are to make
disciples, baptize them, and teach them. Be encouraged disciples,
Jesus Christ is with you!
The Preaching of John
December 9
St. Matthew 3:1-12
Someone has said the great movements of God are the result of
strong preaching. For instance, the First Great Awakening in
America was the result of the preaching of the Puritan preacher
Jonathan Edwards. Today’s reading introduced us to the preacher,
John the Baptist.
The first important fact our text would have us understand is that
John’s ministry is the result of the fulfillment of the words of the
Old Testament prophet Isaiah (40:3). When an earthly king would
make the rounds of his kingdom, the word would go out - make the
place as presentable as possible. A massive reconstruction plan
would attempt to make ready the way (v.3). John’s preaching will
serve the same purpose. John is a voice announcing the coming of
Christ into the world.
Secondly, the text speaks to the personal appearance of John.
There is nothing appealing about this man (v.4) but what he
preached produced a response from his audience. The preaching
of John resulted in people confessing their sin and their baptism
was a sign of their preparation for the One who was to come.
Thirdly, John’s preaching was a message of impending judgment.
The axe is already laid at the root of the tree (v.10). The coming of
Christ will result in two possibilities: the wheat gathered into the
barn and the chaff burned up (v.12).
Finally, John has a very clear understanding of his role in this great
movement of God. He is only a voice. The One who is coming is
mightier than John. John does not feel worthy to even remove His
sandals. John’s preaching, as great as it was, resulted in a baptism
of water (v.11) but the mission of Jesus will result in a baptism with
the Holy Spirit and fire.
Lo, Your Salvation Comes
December 10
Isaiah 62:1-12
The author of today’s text is Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet who
lived in the seventh century B.C. One of the familiar traits of a
prophet is his ability to foretell the future. We have an example of
that trait in this reading.
At the time of Isaiah’s message, Israel is represented by two tribes
of people. They are known as The Southern Kingdom. In just a few
more decades they will experience God’s judgment for their past
sins. They will see their beloved city, Jerusalem, destroyed by the
Babylonian army. They will suffer the humiliation of exile in a
strange land for seventy years. All this by 586 B.C. And yet, Isaiah
sees a bright future.
In fact, the prophet sees a complete reversal of their situation.
Israel will have a new name (v.2), be adorned with new jewels
(v.3), and a new reputation (v.4). Israel’s neighbors will no longer
refer to them as forsaken” and desolate. In place of those terms
will be names like My delight is in her and married. The only
explanation for this astounding reversal is Lo, your salvation
comes! As an act of faith in this prophetic promise, Israel is told to
prepare the way for this great coming salvation (v.10).
The Old Testament imagery of Israel’s ruin and reversal points to
the New Testament’s story of the salvation of humankind. Though
humankind was lost in sin and doomed for certain judgment, God
has made a reversal of this situation possible through the coming
of Christ into our world. Through His life, death and resurrection,
it is possible to have our sins forgiven. A reversal is possible. The
story of the Advent season is this, Lo, your salvation comes!
The Ministry of John the Baptist
December 11
St. John 1:19-34
Each of the four Gospels provides information on the life of John.
They differ in the amount of verses devoted to him and what
details they decide to use. The Fourth Gospel is most unusual in
the amount of coverage given to John (1:19-37; 3:22-36; - a total
of 33 verses) and the content of this material.
The theme for this week is, Preparing the Way. John is the voice
that serves this purpose. John is not preparing the way for the birth
of Jesus but the preparation is for the ministry of Jesus. Thus, our
reading today finds both John and Jesus as grown men. John has a
ministry of preaching and baptizing believers. Jesus is just ready
to begin His ministry.
It is not easy to have a ministry and be willing to accept the fact
that this ministry is secondary to a far-greater ministry. This tells
us something about John, his character, and his sense of self-worth.
The question was asked, Who are you? John’s answer could have
given him a chance to assume a ministry greater than what God
had intended (1:19-20). John’s response I am not the Christ (v.20)
reveals his self-awareness. John simply states I am a voice and
this voice is the fulfillment of the prophet’s word.
There was a day in John’s ministry when Jesus stepped into the
Jordan to be baptized. This was a moment of confirmation and
transition. The Holy Spirit settled upon Jesus, confirming that
Jesus was the Son of God (vv.32-34). This moment also pointed to
transition - John’s mission of preparation was nearly over and
Jesus Christ would begin His ministry. You probably won’t receive
a card this season of this baptism but this is what preparing the
way ultimately means.
Mark’s Record of John
December 12
St. Mark 1:1-8
Yesterday’s reading was from the Gospel of John. We noted that
account was the longest of the four Gospels. Today, we look at the
shortest account – eight verses! As an aside, the contrast between
John’s account and the one in Mark points to the possibility of
Mark’s Gospel being the first written account. It was only natural
that more information about John would be given in later Gospel
accounts.
What do we know about John the Baptist from only eight verses?
We know exactly what we need to know concerning his mission of
preparing the way. First, we know that the appearance of John is
the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Verses two and three
are the words of two prophets – Malachi, at verse two and Isaiah,
for verse three. The latter is known as a major prophet and the
former, a minor prophet. Mark gives preference to the major
prophet Isaiah for both quotes.
Secondly, we know something about the austere nature of this
man. He appeared in the wilderness preaching. His clothing and
diet spoke to his humble background. There was nothing about his
appearance that would cause people to be attracted to him. We do
know he came preaching!
So thirdly, it was the content of his preaching that attracted all the
country of Judea. He preached a baptism of repentance for the
forgiveness of sins. John’s mission was to call the Jewish nation
of his day back to true Jewish religion. The Messiah was coming
to His people. The people had to be spiritually prepared for His
arrival. John’s message was about the coming One, not himself.
He understood that the coming One was mightier than he was and
that was fine with John.
The Benedictus
December 13
St. Luke 1:68-79
The reading for today is the second of four nativity hymns
recorded in Luke 1-2. This hymn is called Benedictus (blessed be)
because the opening word in the Latin Vulgate translation is
Benedictus. Whereas the Magnificat is similar to a psalm, the
Benedictus is more like a prophecy.
This thanksgiving hymn was composed by Zechariah in
celebration of the circumcision of his son, John. The hymn is
divided into two sections. The first half (verses 68-75) expresses
thanks that the Messianic hopes of the Jewish nation have been
realized; but the tone is also characteristically Christian. In the
history of David’s family, the nation was powerfully defended
against enemies. Now the restoration of their nation was to be
accomplished, but in a higher and spiritual sense. Deliverance was
now at hand, with the intent that we may serve God without fear, in
holiness and justice all our days.
The second part of the hymn is an address by Zechariah to his own
son, who was to take a very important part in the scheme of
Redemption. John was to be a prophet, and to preach the remission
of sins. The prophecy that John was to go before the face of the
Lord to prepare his ways (v.76) was an allusion to the well-known
words of Isaiah 40:3. John himself afterwards applied these words
to his own mission (Jn. 1:23), and all three Synoptic Gospels adopt
it (Mt. 3:3; Mk. 1:2; and Lu. 3:4).
Both John and Jesus will play a part in God’s plan of salvation.
One will announce; the other One will accomplish!
The Return of Christ
December 14
St. Mark 13:1-13; 24-37
The theme for this week is The Coming of Christ. You might
think this theme is obvious; after all we are in the Advent Season.
To be precise, we are anticipating the First Advent of Christ.
Scripture teaches two advents - the First and the Second Advent of
Jesus Christ.
Today’s reading is Mark’s account of what is known in the first
three Gospels as the Little Apocalypse because of its similarity to
the Book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse.
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, as happened in A.D.
70, but quickly leaves that topic behind to warn his disciples not to
think of the end as near merely because of false christs, wars,
earthquakes, persecutions, and such like. Not until they see the
abomination of desolation, a sacrilege that causes religious Jews to
stop going to the temple and thus to leave it desolate, deserted of
worshipers, will the end be near. Then disciples living in the
populated areas of Judea should immediately flee to the nearby
wilderness of Judea.
The Lord will cut short this horrible period, known as the Great
Tribulation, to save the lives of the elect. When the smoke of battle
has darkened the sun and moon and meteorites have showered the
earth, Jesus will come with great power and glory. The angels’
gathering of the elect, scattered by persecution, will spell salvation.
During this Advent Season we are anticipating the birth of a baby
born to Mary and Joseph. It’s a beautiful story, but it is only the
beginning of what it means to believe in the coming of Christ. The
Baby in the cradle is also the Son of Man coming in clouds with
great power and glory (v.26).
Luke’s Little Apocalypse
December 15
St. Luke 21:25-36
Today’s reading is Luke’s account of what we read yesterday from
Mark’s Gospel - Jesus’ teaching on the Little Apocalypse. The
theme in both accounts is the same - the Son of Man will come in a
cloud with power and great glory (v.27). Luke however, does
provide some important emphasis.
Christ will return at a point of Great Tribulation. Although times
will be difficult, the reader is told that when certain things begin to
take place that they should straighten up and lift up their heads.
These events only show that their redemption is drawing near
(v.28). The reader is also told that when they see these things
happening, they should recognize that the kingdom of God is near
(v.31).
However, the purpose and significance of the coming of Christ will
not be realized by those who are not prepared for His return. There
are key words that show the importance of preparation: be on
guard (v.34); keep on the alert (v.36); be praying (v.36). For those
who are prepared, the coming of Christ will be triumph. For those
not prepared for His coming it will be a time of judgment.
It was the same for those living during the time of the First Advent.
The entire mission of John the Baptist was to prepare a people for
the coming of Christ. Scripture tells us the story - He came to His
own, and those who were His own did not receive Him (Jn. 1:11).
Why? The majority of the Jewish people did not heed John’s
words of preparation. There were exceptions, like Simeon and
Anna (Lu. 225-38), but the majority were not prepared for His
coming. During this Advent Season it is always my fear that we
will too quickly sing Joy to the world, the Lord has come…
Behold, He Is Coming
December 16
Revelation 1:1-8
Today’s reading is from the last book in our New Testament - The
Book of Revelation. This book was written by the Apostle John on
the island called Patmos concerning the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The content of this revelation is regarding things which must soon
take place (1:1).
This reading continues the theme of this week The Coming of
Christ. And again, the writing is to prepare people for this great
event. The coming event that John is writing about will be very
different from the First Advent of Jesus Christ. First, every eye
will see Him. No one will ask where is he that was born?
Secondly, those who killed Jesus will acknowledge His return.
Thirdly, all the tribes of the earth will smote their chest in sorrow
over Him. Fourthly, these things are an accomplished fact – so it
is to be (1:7).
The twin theme of preparation and coming continues to be our
focus. Scripture affirms the truth of both the First Advent and the
Second Advent of Jesus Christ. Both demand preparation. The
words of John in his last book are the final words calling for
preparation for the Second Coming. John the Baptist was the last
prophetic word preparing the way for the First Advent. The birth
of Jesus was only significant for the people of His day who were
prepared for His coming. This year, December twenty-fifth will
only be truly significant for those who have taken the time to
prepare their hearts and minds for His coming. This is the purpose
of the Advent Season.
A song from my childhood said: If I’d known you were coming,
I’d have baked a cake. I didn’t know – so no cake! We have no
excuse concerning the Coming of Christ.
Being a True Shepherd
December 17
Ezekiel 34:1-10
The reading for this day is from the writings of an Old Testament
prophet, Ezekiel. In the particular text for today, we read of
Ezekiel’s prophecy against the Shepherds (leaders) of Israel. This
text has an interesting context. In the previous chapter we learn
that Ezekiel was already in Babylon. He was told by refugees
from Jerusalem The city has been taken (33:21). The refugees want
to know how this could have happened. Chapter 33 provides the
answer.
Today’s reading addresses a further issue. Just who is to blame for
this tragic event? The answer is the Shepherds of Israel. The flock
(Israel) has been scattered and the Shepherds (leaders) are held
responsible. There is coming a day, however when the scattered
flock will be found. God, Himself will search for His sheep and
seek them out (v.11).
Everyone familiar with the narrative of the birth of Jesus will recall
the part shepherds have in the story. St. Luke, chapter two records
the fact that something has happened and shepherds have been
made aware of its great significance. They made their way to
Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby. The
shepherds told Mary and Joseph all they had seen and heard.
Unlike the Shepherds of Ezekiel’s day, these shepherds received
God’s word, knew immediately that it was good news and acted on
what they had received and verified it as true (vv. 8-18).
The scattered sheep of Israel were about to be sought out and
gathered once again to their God. It would not be a man-thing.
God will search out His sheep and seek them out. This will require
the Coming of Christ into our world. This is why we have the
Advent Season – to prepare for His coming.
Be In Readiness
December 18
St. Luke 12:35-48
The reading for today is another reminder of our Lord’s teaching
concerning the Second Advent. The emphasis is on being ready,
prepared for His Coming. The central theme is found at verse
forty: You too, must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an
hour that you do not expect.
The Scriptures provide the same emphasis concerning Christ’s
First Advent. In our readings thus far, we have seen Old Testament
prophecies that tell of the Coming of Christ. We have noted, in
some detail, the role of John the Baptist in the unfolding events.
John is a voice crying in the wilderness trying to prepare the
people of his day for the Coming of Jesus. We have also noted the
fact that the people to whom John preached were not responsive to
his message. John the Apostle has reminded us (St. Jn. 1:11), He
came to His own and they received Him not.
But there were a couple prepared for His coming. They lived in a
state of readiness! We know them as Simeon and Anna (St. Luke
2:25-38). How do we account for the fact that they were ready for
His coming? Simeon was a righteous, devout man. He was looking
for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him (v.25).
He was also open to instruction from the Holy Spirit.
Anna was known as a prophetess. She lived in the temple, serving
night and day with fasting and prayers (v.37). From both of these
individuals, we see that readiness does not just happen. One has to
work at being ready! But work for readiness probably means no
time or less time for other things. Being ready for God’s activity
demands certain sacrifices. No wonder John lived in the
wilderness!
Jesus Will Come Again
December 19
Acts 1:1-11
The reading for today is from the second of a two-volume writing
by Luke, the physician. The first volume, The Gospel of Luke, was
an account of what Jesus began to do and teach (1:1). This second
volume is a continuation of what was done and taught by the early
apostles and the emerging Church. The first chapter provides
interesting details of what was required of the first believers before
they could begin their work of doing and teaching. Luke’s way of
expressing it simply stated that Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, gave
orders to the apostles!
The first requirement was that the apostles must be thoroughly
convinced that Jesus was alive. The resurrection was a fact in
history. This demanded many convincing proofs (1:3).
Secondly, they were ordered to wait for what the Father had
promised, which is the baptism with the Holy Spirit (1:4-5). These
early believers would need power from a divine source, the power
of the Holy Spirit, in order to become witnesses to a skeptical
world.
There is a third requirement of the early believers. They must be
convinced that Jesus will come to earth again. The theme of
Advent continues to be The Coming of Christ. The early Church
believed in the Second Advent of Christ to such a degree that they
believed He would return in their lifetime. Some quit working;
others mourned over loved ones who died as if they would miss
out on the blessings of His return. Twenty-one centuries later the
Church is still waiting His return. The Church is again
remembering the First Advent as it eagerly awaits the Second
Coming of Christ.
The Gloria in Excelsis Deo
December 20
St. Luke 2:8-20
Today’s reading is the third hymn recorded in Luke’s Gospel. This
hymn receives its name from the first words of the Latin Vulgate
translation meaning Glory to God in the Highest. This glorious
hymn has a context with a conversation between an angel of the
Lord and shepherds (v.8-9).
It is amazing that crucial moments in the life of Jesus were
witnessed by those of a lowly station in life. The resurrection of
Jesus was first reported by women (Jn. 20:1) and His birth was first
revealed to lowly shepherds out in the fields. Both of these groups
could not provide testimony in a court of law and yet they were
chosen to witness to these great events.
To the shepherds, the angel gave words of hope and encouragement:
Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who
is Christ the Lord (v.11). Twenty-one centuries later, His birth is a
present reality - today; it has personal implications - for you; and His
birth is a precious gift - a Savior.
The angels, recognizing the glory and majesty of this great event,
began giving praise to God by singing this brief hymn. The human
world was experiencing the Pax Romana, Roman Peace, marked
by external tranquility. But the angels proclaimed a deeper, more
lasting peace than that - a peace of mind and soul made possible by
the Savior. Peace with God is received by faith in Christ, and it is
believers with whom He is pleased. The Davidic Messiah was
called Prince of Peace, and Christ promised peace to His disciples.
But Christ also brought conflict, the sword; for peace with God
involves opposition to Satan and his works.
The Child Immanuel
December 21
Isaiah 7:10-17
The theme for Christmas Week is God is with us. Let’s pause for a
moment and consider the implications of this theme. We know our
world. Sometimes we wish we could escape from what Paul
describes as this present evil age (Gal. 1:4). And yet, God created
this world. He controls every event in this world. He sustains every
aspect of this world by His great power. So, even as chaotic as our
world may seem to be, we should not be surprised that God would
determine to be with us.
The Old Testament records several promises concerning God being
with us. Today’s reading is one of the most familiar texts from the
prophet Isaiah. As often happens, prophetic words come in the
midst of real-life situations. King Ahaz, the king of Judah (7:1), has
a real problem. Two foreign kings are waging war against him.
Ahaz is fearful that he will not win the battle. Isaiah was intended
to be a voice assuring Ahaz that God was with him and the enemy
would not prevail. Isaiah even went so far as to encourage Ahaz to
ask a sign from God to prove that God was with him. Ahaz refused
to believe Isaiah and would not ask a sign from God.
Instead, God gave a sign to the king. The sign was this - a virgin
will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name,
Immanuel (7:14). The name Immanuel means God is with us. In a
world of war, fear, uncertainty, and faint-of-heart, God is with us!
The words of an old hymn remind us - Out from the ivory palaces
into a world of woe… - God is with us! In the midst of a busy
week may we be reminded again and again that God is with His
people.
The Birth of Jesus
December 22
St. Matthew 1:18-25
Today’s reading is the New Testament fulfillment of Isaiah’s
prophecy. As you can see, verse 23 is a quote from Isaiah 7:14. This
account is a cardinal text for the biblical teaching concerning the
virgin birth of Jesus.
Matthew, in writing his Gospel, is very careful to make clear that
Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. Already in his
genealogy (1:1-17) Matthew has made a powerful statement
concerning His birth. Verse 16 states that Joseph was the husband of
Mary, by whom Jesus was born. In the Greek language, the pronoun,
whom, is feminine gender, meaning that Mary was the mother and
Joseph had no part in the birth.
The last paragraph in chapter one continues to teach the concept of
virgin birth. The relationship between Mary and Joseph was that
Mary was betrothed to Joseph. This term was the first stage of
marriage in Jewish culture, usually lasting for a year before the
wedding night. It was more legal than an engagement. Matthew also
makes it clear that during this period of time they had not come
together (v.18). But Mary was found to be with child!
Joseph’s first reaction was to put Mary away secretly (v.19). Instead,
God made known to him that the Holy Spirit was at work in Mary’s
life, that the baby would save His people from their sins (v.21), and
that these events were the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (v.23). God
has kept His word; He is with us! Joseph obeyed these words and
took Mary as his wife but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to
Jesus. This is the story of Christmas.
Comfort, O Comfort My People
December 23
Isaiah 40:1-11; 28-31
What should be the response to the fact that Jesus was born? Mary
treasured things, pondering them in her heart. Shepherds, on the
other hand, went away from Bethlehem glorifying and praising
God for all that they had heard and seen (Luke 2:19-20). The
prophet Isaiah expected a reaction like that of the shepherds.
Isaiah, a seventh century prophet, expected the good news that God
is with us to be broadly proclaimed. He wanted the spokesman to
speak kindly to Jerusalem, to call out to her (v.2). He wanted
spokesmen to lift up their voice and to say to the cities the good
news (v.9). He is surprised when someone indicated they do not
know that God is with them and asked Do you not know? Have
you not heard? (v.27-28).
And just what is the good news that is to be shared? In place of
turmoil there is comfort! Tell the people that their warfare is
ended, their iniquity has been removed, and they have received
from the Lord double for all their sins.
Also tell the people that Here is your God. He is with us! The
Lord God will come with might, His arm will rule for Him, and
His reward is with Him. He will be a Shepherd to them. He will
gather, carry, and gently lead the people (v.11).
And because the God who is with us does not become weary or
tired He gives strength to the weary. He increases power to those
who lack might. The promise of Christmas is that those who wait
for the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings
like eagles, they will run and not get tired, and they will walk and
not become weary. How can anyone keep quiet about what God is
doing in their midst? God is truly with us and He brings good
things with Him.
The Humiliation of Christ
December 24
Philippians 2:5-11
The reading for today is Paul’s account of the incarnation of Jesus
Christ. Incarnation means to make visible, and the birth of Jesus in
Bethlehem is to confirm the fact that God is with us. Biblical
writers had different ways to make this truth known. The Old
Testament writers made use of prophetic language that told the
coming of the Lord. In the Gospels, Matthew and Luke provided
for us the birth narratives. Paul wanted his readers to understand
the theological importance of Jesus Christ being born in our world.
The text for today is divided into two sections - the humiliation of
Christ (vv. 5-8) and the exaltation of Christ (vv. 9-11).
In the preceding verses of Philippians, chapter two, Paul talked
about a mindset or way of living in the world. He mentioned three
characteristics: do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit;
regard one another as more important than yourselves; and do not
merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the
interests of others. Who lives this way? The model for this attitude
or mindset was Jesus Christ as proven by the incarnation.
Without denying the baby born in Bethlehem, here is what Paul
stated. First, he existed in the form of God but did not regard
equality with God a thing to be grasped. Next, he emptied Himself,
taking the form of a bond-servant, and was made in the likeness of
men. Finally, being found in appearance as a man, He humbled
Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on
a cross. On this Eve of Christmas, let us not forget the theology of
the birth of Jesus Christ.
All Things New
December 25
Psalm 111
Our Advent journey is over. We joyfully celebrate the fact that truly,
God is with us! The birth of Jesus Christ is the greatest event that has
ever occurred in human history. Not only does our calendar move
from B.C. to A.D., but truly with the coming of Christ into our world,
all things are new. On this day we acknowledge this great event with
a prayer and a hymn.
First, a prayer of St. Augustine: O Lord, the house of my soul is
narrow, enlarge it that thou mayest enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it!
It displeases thy sight, I confess it, I know. But who shall cleanse it,
or to whom shall I cry but unto thee? Cleanse me from my secret
faults, O Lord, and spare thy servant from strange sins.
And a hymn written by Nicholaus Hermann:
Let all together praise our God
Upon his lofty throne;
For he uncloses heaven today
And gives to us his Son,
And gives to us his Son.
He lays aside his majesty
And seems as nothing worth,
And takes on him a servant’s form,
Who made the heaven and earth,
Who made the heaven and earth.
The New Heaven and Earth
December 26
Revelation 21:1-7
This week we have been considering two themes that have helped us
transition from Advent to Christmas. First, we have considered the
implications of God is with us. Secondly, Christmas Day brought to
our attention the fact that All things are New. These two themes
converge in today’s reading. That first Christmas Day saw the
fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist
foretelling the coming of Christ into our world. We currently live
between that time of fulfillment and the coming final consummation
of all things. Today’s reading brings us to that point of consummation
- a new heaven and a new earth. Finally, we understand the
implications of all things new.
With the consummation of all things, God will bring to pass several
realities. First, there will be the New Jerusalem, God’s city. St. Paul
previously made the contrast between present Jerusalem and the
Jerusalem above (Gal. 4:25-26). This New Jerusalem is ready as a
bride adorned for her husband. Next, God will tabernacle among men.
He will dwell with them. Also, the world will be renewed. In fact, all
things are new. Also, God’s word will be vindicated as faithful and
true. Also, God’s work will be completed. It will be said, It is done!
On the cross Jesus cried out, It is finished (Jn. 19:30); here is the cry of
consummation. Finally, this consummation contains God’s final
blessing. He will give water of life to the one who thirsts and to the
one who overcomes, God will be his God and he will be My son.
That first Christmas was the greatest event in human history. We are
waiting the consummation of all things. John completed his writing
with Come, Lord Jesus (22:20). That is our prayer as well.
The Nucu Dimittis
December 27
St. Luke 2:25-35
With today’s reading we conclude our Advent/Christmas journey.
The hymn for today is not as well-known as the other three hymns
recorded in Luke, chapters one and two. It is Simeon’s hymn (vv.
29-32), although Luke provides some context for it. This hymn is
called the Nucu Dimittis, from the first words of the Latin Vulgate
translation, meaning Now…you are releasing.
This hymn was sung by an aged believer in God. He was righteous
and devout (v.25) and had received a revelation by the Holy Spirit
that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah
(v.26). Simeon and the parents of Jesus meet in the temple and it
was there that Simeon realized that this promise was now fulfilled.
He took Jesus into his arms and began to sing. The essence of his
hymn was that God was releasing him from this world and would
allow him to depart in peace. Simeon had seen God’s salvation in
Jesus!
The hope of Christmas is that God is with us and because of that
all things are new. Christmas means we are released from the
darkness of this world and are translated into God’s kingdom of
peace and light. This current world is no friend to virtue and
godliness. Paul referred to it as a present evil age (Gal. 1:4), and
Jesus reminded His disciples in this world you will have tribulation
(Jn. 16:33). Simeon’s hymn reminds us of this good news - you can
be released from the hurt, burden, and heartache of this world now
and there is a new heaven and earth for us some day. As the
Christmas song says: Mankind will live forever more because of
Christmas Day.
Christmas Celebration Schedule
Indiana Wesleyan University Chorale Christmas Concert
Sun, December 6, 6:00 pm
Visiting Faith for the first time and under the direction of Dr. Todd Guy,
this 75-voice ensemble seeks to worship Jesus Christ through a diverse
repertoire of music, including sacred classics, hymns, spirituals and
contemporary compositions. A love offering will be received in support of
their ministry. Doors open at 5:00 pm.
Sunday, December 13
• The Reason We Sing, Faith Christmas Program, 10:30 am
All of Faith’s Music Ministries groups along with Faith Kdis will lead the
congregation in a musical celebration of Christmas.
• The Collingsworth Family Christmas Concert, 6:00 pm
Join us at 6:00 pm for a praise and worship Christmas concert. A love
offering will be taken in lieu of an admission fee. Seating is first comefirst served and doors open at 5:00 pm.
Lancaster Community Band Holiday Concert
Sun, December 20, 2:00 pm
Faith is pleased to annually host the Lancaster Community Band in their
instrumental celebration of Christmas.
Wednesday, December 23
Evening programs dismissed except for Music Ministries groups.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Thu, December 24, 6:00 pm
This family service is filled with traditional carols and hymns and the
Biblical message of Christmas. Individual candle lighting takes place at
the end of the service and is a beautiful way to start your family’s
celebration.
Sunday, December 27
9:30 am
Study Groups for all ages
10:30 am
Morning Worship
Evening programs dismissed
Teens New Year’s Eve Eve All Nighter, Wed, December 30
We will combine with other area churches to ring in the New Year one
night early with food, games, and friends. Contact Pastor Aaron Green
for details about times and locations, 740.415.7053 or visit the church
website, www.faithmemorialchurch.org.