Oops - already falling behind...

Sorry - work was intense and I forgot to post for Sunday and Monday.  So, please enjoy the following devotionals I got last year:

For DAY 4:
It's eTHOUGHTS with Dr. Glenn Young     December 3, 2010

THE BEGINNING OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY

"Of the increase of his government and peace,
there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice
and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the
LORD Almighty will accomplish this."  Isaiah 9:7 (NIV®)


You must know that the story behind Christmas is not the Christmas story!  Certainly, we focus upon the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zacharias, the Magi, the shepherds, and Anna and Simeon.  All of these godly figures capture our imagination, and it is only natural that we consider their story at this time of year.  However, Bethlehem is only the setting, and these individuals are only the ensemble cast of supporting characters.  The real story of Christmas began many years before, and the total cast of characters extends many years beyond Palestine at the start of the Common Era. 

The Christmas story began in the Garden of Eden when God chose to redeem us from sin rather than dispose of us.  That story is still going on today.  If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord, add yourself to that cast of characters in God’s magnificent plot of redemption.  When Isaiah said, “from this time on and forever,” it was not hyperbole.  Incarnation means that God chose to come to earth to live with men so that one day we may go to heaven to live with Him.  Incarnation is the story of God’s grace in the eternal now.

for DAY 5:
It's eTHOUGHTS with Andrea Phillips  Dec 21 2010

CHRISTMAS TREASURE
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21 (NIV®)


In the Christmas story, we see those who rejoiced at Jesus birth and those who were fearful, indifferent, angered, or distressed by it.  The reaction to Jesus shows the condition of the heart! 

Mary--the young girl whose joy at her life being turned upside down for God’s kingdom was remarkable!
Elizabeth--the old woman who praised God more for Mary’s Son than her miracle baby!
Joseph--the one who immediately put his faith into action after his dreams.
The lowly Shepherds--who ran excitedly, worshipping and spreading the good news for all people!
The Wise Men--sacrificing money and time to come and worship. 
Simeon and Anna--looking for God’s Messiah.  You can almost see Simeon’s trembling hands taking the blessed baby into his arms and praising God.  
John the Baptist--fearlessly preaching, proclaiming and even praising the Messiah before he knew him and always looking and watching for him.
The people of Bethlehem--indifferent, busy, and distracted.
The people of Jerusalem--troubled, along with King Herod.
The chief priests and scribes--not even bothering to go to Bethlehem to see what was happening.
Herod--angry, fearful, jealous, murderous.

Do we really want joy that makes us burst open with God’s praises?  Do we want excitement that causes us to run and tell everyone what God has done . . . faith that moves into action . . . peace from giving our best to the Master . . . love for our Savior that eclipses all other loves?

We must beware of falling into the traps of those who missed Christ and follow the examples of the godly who have gone before us!  Look for God, rejoice and drop everything when He calls, sacrifice our dearest things to worship Him, and put His agenda before our own.

It is no small order.  However, we will find the treasure in the manger.

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