Christmas devotions: Dec. 31, 2017

Sunday December 31

John 1:19-34 Preparing the Way for the Messiah

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said,
‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said.

 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’

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All four gospels express that John the Baptist was a fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3. He is a "voice crying in the wilderness, 'prepare the way for the Lord, make His paths straight,'" and John makes it clear that he understood this and claimed it himself (John 1:23). John, therefore, in some sense understood that he was preparing the way for the coming of God to His people. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance expressed in water baptism and bearing active fruit in one's life in preparation for the appearing of the Messiah, whose coming would represent a divine visitation; the very presence of God coming to His people. In other words, he preached the essential gospel message of repentance and faith in Jesus as the divine Messiah. Like many of the prophets before him, John was sent to call the people to an urgent repentance in light of what God would soon bring about.  Even unto death, John called the people high and low to turn their hearts and their lives from their sin unto God.

In John, we see a messenger before the coming of the Lord, and a warning about the day of the Lord's coming.

John did not leave the crowds guessing who this great one to come was. He was quite explicit. Matthew 3:14 tells us that when Jesus came to John to receive baptism, John already recognized something of the greatness of Jesus, insisting, “I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me?” However, it was what he saw afterward that confirmed for John that Jesus was indeed the promised one of God. The scene at Jesus' Baptism when heaven opened, God the Father spoke, and the Spirit descended upon Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17), this was what John had been anticipating. This was not the only time that John would call Jesus the "Lamb of God," (John 1:35). While John may not have yet fully grasped that Jesus would literally have to die on the cross to atone for sins and rise again thereafter, he certainly understood that Jesus had come to take away the sins of the people and that the comparison to a sin offering was appropriate. John saw his ministry as one preparing the way for Jesus, the Messiah who was greater than he. John was happy to fade into the background as people rightly began to turn to the one to whom he was pointing. John the Baptist not only spoke of a great and worthy one to come after him but he also widely made it clear precisely who it was. Jesus was the Messiah, and all were to believe and follow Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to recognize your voice and see the path you set before us that leads to the tremendous gift of your Son, our Lord, Jesus, Amen

Luke Wayne is a writer-researcher for Christian Apologetics Research ministry. He holds a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist College and a Masters in Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Christmas devotions: Dec. 30, 2017

Saturday December 30

Luke 1-67-80 Zechariah’s song

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
   for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us
   in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
   that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
   and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
   to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
   before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
   by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
   the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
   to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

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There are a couple of musicals written about Jesus’ life – Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell.  Yet, there is not a one (that I can think of) about Jesus’ birth – though many of people’s favorite hymns are also Christmas carols.  In preparation for the birth of Christ, we are given two different songs – Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and today’s reading of Zechariah’s song (there is also the song of Simeon after Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:29-32).

Music has a way of expressing our faith that mere words by themselves cannot match.  There is a quote attributed to St. Augustine that states “he who sings, prays twice”. 

Zechariah cannot help but burst forth in song (much like in musicals) as his words just don’t suffice.  He and his wife, Elizabeth were barren and when the angel Gabriel appeared to him, he did not believe the message that they would have a child.  He was made mute until the birth of his son.  When he tongue was loosed, he proclaimed his son’s name – John (the Baptist) - and then burst forth in this song of praise.

As our own ears are filled with songs, what hymn, carol or song reflects your own words of praise of God?   How might you use that song as a reflection of your own life of faith?

Prayer: When in our music God is glorified, and adoration has no room for pride, it is as if the whole creation cried: alleluia.  How oft, in making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound alleluia.  So has the church, in liturgy and song, in faith and love, through centuries of wrong, borne witness to the truth in every tongue: alleluia.  And did not Jesus sing a psalm the night when utmost evil strove against the light?  Then let us sing, for whom we won the fight: alleluia.  Let every instrument be tuned for praise; let all rejoice who have a voice to raise and may God give us faith to sing always: alleluia.  Amen (Hymn #851, ELW)

Pastor Jen Boyd

Christmas devotions: Dec. 29, 2017

Friday December 29

 Luke 1:57-66 The birth of John the Baptist

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

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Today we reflect upon the birth and the naming of John the Baptist, and on the wonder of our own calling.

The opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel contains two birth narratives, those of Jesus and of John the Baptist. Both births are preceded by angelic announcements, one to Zechariah and one to Mary. Zechariah’s story is very different to that of the young, humble and accepting Mary in the Annunciation. He is an old man, a priest in Jerusalem, a privileged person at the center of power.

The angel meets him while he is officiating in the temple, tells him that he will have a son and that the child is to be named ‘John’. Zechariah is skeptical and asks for a sign. He is therefore made mute until the naming of the promised baby.

I wonder why he couldn’t name his son Zechariah? Zechariah means ‘the Lord remembers’ and John means ‘the Lord is gracious’. Both names seem appropriate for the prophet who was to announce the coming of the longed-for Messiah. In those days, children were understood as the way in which one achieved a kind of immortality –      

one lived on through one’s children. Everyone at the naming ceremony took for granted that the child would be named for his father. But the

old priest is insistent that the child not take his name. Zechariah has had a long time of silent reflection to think on the angel’s words and on the meaning of the arrival of this child. Maybe he is simply obeying the angel’s instructions, but I like to imagine that the old man has grasped the significance of the command. By giving him his own, non-family name, Zechariah is acknowledging the unique calling of this baby. This child will not live out the dreams and aspirations of his father, but will fulfil his own unique calling.

Prayer:  Lord you call each of us into service to share your love, peace, and justice in the world. Help us to fulfill that mission through the many gifts you give us and strengthen us to bring the voice of your Word to a noisy world. Amen

Jessie Rogers is lecturer in Sacred Scripture at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Ireland.

Christmas devotions: Dec. 28, 2017

Thursday December 28

Luke 1:5-25 Birth of John the Baptist foretold

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense-offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’

 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.’

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When I read this Bible verse I think of how every new baby is both a blessing and a miracle. Miracles happen every day and we need to remember that all miracles are possible if we have faith in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for this precious blessing. There is no greater gift then a newborn, sent straight from you. Thank you Lord, for this new life. We praise and thank you for your perfect creation. Amen.

Jeanette Baldanza

Christmas devotions: Dec. 27, 2017

Wednesday December 27

Luke 2-41-52 The boy Jesus at the temple

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

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This reading is so amazing! The words coming from the mouth of a young boy…Didn’t you know I was in my Father’s House? Can you imagine looking for your lost child and you are somehow directed to go to your church …and there he or she is and they say these same words to you! What would you do? What would you think? How would you react? Oh, I was just talking with some of our members, said Jesus! 

Prayer: Lord, we ask you to help us to be open minded and not ask Why? But, instead be amazed at what is actually happening! We are being called to him who leads us, so let’s follow our LORD and savior and not ask how, but yes, I will follow you! 

Ken Mongold

Christmas devotions: Dec. 26, 2017

Tuesday December 26

Luke 2:21-38 Jesus presented in the temple

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
   according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
   which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
   and for glory to your people Israel.’

 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

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Mary and Joseph were pious, observant Jews living according to the Law of the Lord. Simeon, a devout man led by the Holy Spirit, takes the infant into his arms to proclaim that Jesus is the means of salvation for all people, Jew and Gentile. He then tells Mary that the great honor bestowed on her as the mother of Jesus would entail suffering as well as joy “... and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” It has been written that Mary had a crown of joy as the mother of the Son of God and a cross of sorrow, seeing her son hanging on the cross. Being chosen by God may require sacrifice and suffering as well as joy.

A mother’s maternal instinct is to love and protect her child from all evil and harm. As Mary cradled her child, a child whose nature she could not fully understand, did she know her child’s destiny? In many statues and paintings of the Madonna and Child she is portrayed as looking fondly, yet wistfully, at her child. Yet Mary said “Yes” to the Lord: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.”

Prayer: Help me to say “Yes” to the Lord. As Martin Luther stated: “Here the tender mother of Christ teaches us with her words and by the example of her experience, how to know, love and praise God.” Help me to follow the example set by Mary. In Jesus name, Amen

Joan Bradley

Advent devotions: Dec. 25, 2017

Monday December 25

Luke 2-1-20 The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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Today as I celebrate the birth of Jesus it becomes in my family a triple celebration. Not only is it Jesus’ birthday but also my grandson and grandson-in-law who were born on this day. I always told Dan he was special because of this and now we acquired a new family member who is also special. To share a birthday is really a great honor but to have two family members share this day is even more special. When Dan was very young and had learned that twins were two children born on the same day he proudly announced that he and Jesus were twins and was very proud of that fact. Of course we explained to him this was not true but it made him feel important. God is still in his life and will be forever. Happy birthday to Jesus and all those special people born on this day.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we ask that you be with all who celebrate this day the birth of Your Son. As always keep watch over all Your children on earth and guide us to a peaceful world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Dorothy Kafalas