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But Mary treasured up all these things, 
pondering them in her heart. 
Luke 2:19 
 
Our family has had a “birthday trivia” tradition through the years. Just after we blow out the candles on the cake, I toss out a half dozen questions that recap the highlights of the day each child was born. Along with questions about the time each child was born and the birth weight, I asked questions like: What was the name of the hospital where Amy was born? What was mom having for lunch when she went into labor with Katie? What was the name of the doctor who delivered both James and John? 
 
We started the tradition because, over the years, we found that, if we didn’t rehearse the details of each child’s birth, it was easy to forget what had happened on what had been hugely significant days for our family. 
 
Each year, the Advent season gives us a chance to remember and rehearse the details of the most significant birth event in all of human history. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, we ought to spend time pondering this event in our hearts. We likely know the facts—the angels appearing to the shepherds, the journey of the wise men, the birth taking place in a stable. But we ought not let the details crowd out what is of first importance. When Jesus was born, God came to us. He came near. 
 
It's no wonder that in the years that followed Jesus’ birth, Mary treasured and pondered all that had happened that night. As we conclude the advent season, let’s make sure we take time each day in the new year to treasure and ponder the incredible truth that God became flesh and dwelt among men. 
 
Prayer: Lord, help me, like Mary, to ponder the details of the birth of your Son throughout the year. Give me a fresh sense of awe and wonder at the revelation of your grace and love for us.

But Mary treasured up all these things, 
pondering them in her heart. 
Luke 2:19

Our family has had a “birthday trivia” tradition through the years. Just after we blow out the candles on the cake, I toss out a half dozen questions that recap the highlights of the day each child was born. Along with questions about the time each child was born and the birth weight, I asked questions like: What was the name of the hospital where Amy was born? What was mom having for lunch when she went into labor with Katie? What was the name of the doctor who delivered both James and John? 

We started the tradition because, over the years, we found that, if we didn’t rehearse the details of each child’s birth, it was easy to forget what had happened on what had been hugely significant days for our family. 

Each year, the Advent season gives us a chance to remember and rehearse the details of the most significant birth event in all of human history. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, we ought to spend ti

Day 20 - Luke 2:19

“Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 
Luke 2:14 
 
Christmas Day, 1863, was a difficult day for the celebrated American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Less than 18 months earlier, he had been severely burned trying to rescue his wife from a fire that led to her death. Now a widowed father of six children, Longfellow continued to battle grief and depression after the loss of his beloved wife, Fannie. 
 
In early December of 1863, Longfellow received a telegram that his 18-year-old son Charley, his oldest, had been injured fighting as a Union solider in the Civil War. He had been informed by a surgeon that his son’s condition was very serious, and that he might in fact be paralyzed. Longfellow was told to expect his rehabilitation would take at least six months. 
 
Weeks later, as he heard church bells on Christmas Day proclaiming Good News of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, it all felt like a cruel hoax to Longfellow. With pen and paper in front of him, he wrote what seemed obvious to him. “There is no peace on earth . . . for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men.” 
 
But as the bells continued to sound, somehow, they began to drown out the despair in Longfellow’s soul. He picked up his pen again and wrote: 
 
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; 
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, 
With peace on earth, good-will to men.” 
 
For many who have experienced loss and grief during the year, the Christmas season can feel like a mockery. The season of love, joy, and peace can be a season of hopelessness and deep sadness. That’s why we need to remind ourselves of the message of Christmas. Our comfort is found in the Good News that God has come near. And that he will come again. 
 
Prayer: Jesus, in my sorrow during this season, draw near to me. Help me find in you the peace for which my soul is longing.

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14

Christmas Day, 1863, was a difficult day for the celebrated American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Less than 18 months earlier, he had been severely burned trying to rescue his wife from a fire that led to her death. Now a widowed father of six children, Longfellow continued to battle grief and depression after the loss of his beloved wife, Fannie.

In early December of 1863, Longfellow received a telegram that his 18-year-old son Charley, his oldest, had been injured fighting as a Union solider in the Civil War. He had been informed by a surgeon that his son’s condition was very serious, and that he might in fact be paralyzed. Longfellow was told to expect his rehabilitation would take at least six months.

Weeks later, as he heard church bells on Christmas Day proclaiming Good News of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, it all felt like a cruel hoax to Longfellow. With pen and pap

Day 19 - Luke 2:14

For unto you 
is born this day 
in the city of David 
a Savior, 
who is Christ 
the Lord. 
Luke 2:11 
 
When we receive a birth announcement in the mail or see one posted on social media, the happy news lets us know that a mom and dad have welcomed a child into their family. We all recognize them as the parents. A new son or daughter has been born to them. 
 
It’s interesting then to note that when the angels came and announced the birth of Jesus to a group of unsuspecting Judean shepherds, the angel told them that a child had been born to them. 
 
In fact, the angels are saying the same thing the prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel 700 years earlier, when he said, “Unto us a child is born.” In fact, we have to wonder when the angel told the shepherds, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord,” if those shepherds heard in that announcement the echoes of Isaiah’s prophecy. 
 
Jesus was born “unto us.” Unto all of us. And to make clear their relationship to this newborn baby, the angel explains He is your Savior. Christ, the Lord. 
 
Most people in our world today don’t see Jesus as a child born to them. That’s because before Jesus can be born to you, you have to see your need for Him. You have to recognize that you are in danger and you need a Savior. You have to see that, left to your own devices, you make a mess of things. You need someone to rescue you from yourself. That’s something most people refuse to acknowledge. 
 
There’s a big difference between saying “Jesus was born” and saying, “Jesus was born for me.” To join with the angels in calling Jesus our Savior, we have to first recognize that we need saving. We need to be rescued from a life that is heading in the wrong direction. We need to be reconciled to God. We need to have our sins forgiven. We need to be made clean and new. We need someone to give us a hope and a future. 
 
Until then, we can’t truly say with the angels that Jesus is born to us. 
 
If you are reading this devotional and you have honestly come to the conclusion that you need Jesus in your life, here is a simple prayer you can pray in order to begin your new life with Him. 
 
Prayer: Father, I confess again today that I need someone to rescue me from myself. I’ve tried running my own life, and it doesn’t work. I acknowledge that I need a Savior. And I turn to Your Son, Jesus. I surrender to Him and acknowledge Him as my Savior and my Lord.

For unto you 
is born this day 
in the city of David 
a Savior, 
who is Christ 
the Lord.
Luke 2:11

When we receive a birth announcement in the mail or see one posted on social media, the happy news lets us know that a mom and dad have welcomed a child into their family. We all recognize them as the parents. A new son or daughter has been born to them.

It’s interesting then to note that when the angels came and announced the birth of Jesus to a group of unsuspecting Judean shepherds, the angel told them that a child had been born to them. 

In fact, the angels are saying the same thing the prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel 700 years earlier, when he said, “Unto us a child is born.” In fact, we have to wonder when the angel told the shepherds, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord,” if those shepherds heard in that announcement the echoes of Isaiah’s prophecy. 

Jesus was born “unto us.” Unto all of us. And to make clear their relation

Day 18 - Luke 2:11

And the angel said to them, 
“Fear not...” 
Luke 2:10 
 
Back in December of 1965, millions of Americans gathered around their TVs to see for the first time a Christmas TV special where Lucy and Snoopy and Linus and Schroeder and Violet and Charlie Brown explored the true meaning of Christmas. 
 
What you may not know is that when the people at CBS Television first viewed the special, they thought about scrapping it. They expected it would be a huge flop. “This is probably going to be the last [Peanuts special],” one executive said. “But we got it scheduled for next week, so we’ve got to air it.” 
 
Of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas turned out to be a huge hit. So huge that it was shown on television every December for the next five decades! 
 
During the production, the team that worked on the special wrestled with whether or not to include the use of an actual, biblical passage. Some executives thought it might alienate viewers. But Charles Schulz insisted and Coca-Cola, the sponsor, gave their blessing. 
 
Today, the scene where Linus recites the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke 2 is considered by many (as one producer described it) as “the most magical two minutes in all of TV animation.” 
 
A few years ago, Jason Soroski, a worship pastor in Houston, was watching those magical two minutes when something hit him for the first time. 
 
When Linus, who is never seen without his security blanket in hand, begins to recite the story of the birth of Jesus, he does something startling. 
 
As he comes to the part of the story where the angel says, “fear not,” Linus drops his blanket. 
 
“It is pretty clear what Charles Schultz was saying,” Jason Soroski wrote. “It's so simple it's brilliant. The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears. The birth of Jesus frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves. The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.” 
 
Ours is a world in which it is very difficult for us to "fear not." But in the midst of our fears and insecurities, this simple cartoon image from 1965 continues to say to us today that our security, hope, peace, joy, and love are not found in the things to which we cling. 
 
Because Jesus is here, we can let go of our fears and insecurities. When we do, everything changes. Because Jesus has come, like Linus and the shepherds, we can “fear not.” 
 
Prayer: God, help me to let go of the things I’m holding onto, hoping that those things will keep me safe. Help me to find my security in you.

And the angel said to them, 
“Fear not...” 
Luke 2:10

Back in December of 1965, millions of Americans gathered around their TVs to see for the first time a Christmas TV special where Lucy and Snoopy and Linus and Schroeder and Violet and Charlie Brown explored the true meaning of Christmas.

What you may not know is that when the people at CBS Television first viewed the special, they thought about scrapping it. They expected it would be a huge flop. “This is probably going to be the last [Peanuts special],” one executive said. “But we got it scheduled for next week, so we’ve got to air it.”

Of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas turned out to be a huge hit. So huge that it was shown on television every December for the next five decades!

During the production, the team that worked on the special wrestled with whether or not to include the use of an actual, biblical passage. Some executives thought it might alienate viewers. But Charles Schulz insisted and Coca-Cola, the sponsor, gave

Day 17 - Luke 2:10

Behold, 
I bring you good news 
of great joy 
that will be for all the people. 
Luke 2:10 
 
When the angel appeared to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus, he told them he had good news. But not just any good news. This, he said, was good news of great joy. 
 
I don’t know what kind of week you’ve had so far, but I can imagine you’ve run into some joy robbers. You’ve heard discouraging words. You’ve felt regret about things not going as you had hoped. Someone else’s bad mood has infected your disposition. You’ve faced conflict. Pressure. Stress. 
 
The good news the shepherds received from the angels just outside of Bethlehem was that a baby had been born that night. A Savior. The Anointed One. The Lord God Himself. 
 
This was the Good News that brings great joy. 
 
Joy is not linked to our circumstances. Joy is closely linked to hope. The reason the divine birth announcement was news of great joy is because it brought hope that what was ahead would be better than what was happening in the moment. 
 
The path to joy is the path of hope. 
 
The great British preacher Charles Spurgeon, reflecting on the Good News of great joy announced to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus, had these thoughts for his congregation in London in 1871: 
 
“The further you submit yourself to Christ the Lord, the more completely you know him, and are like him, the fuller will your happiness become. Surface joy is to those who live where the Savior is preached. But the great deeps, the great fathomless deeps of solemn joy are for such as know the Savior, obey the anointed one, and have communion with the Lord himself. He is the most joyful man who is the most Christly man.” 
 
The momentary joys of the Christmas season are a shadow or a foretaste of a greater joy that is to come. During the season of advent, we can remind ourselves that it is ultimately that fullness of joy for which we are waiting. 
 
Prayer: Lord, in the midst of all I’m facing right now, give me joy as I find my hope and my peace in knowing you and centering my life on your purposes for me.

Behold,
I bring you good news
of great joy
that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:10

When the angel appeared to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus, he told them he had good news. But not just any good news. This, he said, was good news of great joy.

I don’t know what kind of week you’ve had so far, but I can imagine you’ve run into some joy robbers. You’ve heard discouraging words. You’ve felt regret about things not going as you had hoped. Someone else’s bad mood has infected your disposition. You’ve faced conflict. Pressure. Stress. 

The good news the shepherds received from the angels just outside of Bethlehem was that a baby had been born that night. A Savior. The Anointed One. The Lord God Himself. 

This was the Good News that brings great joy.

Joy is not linked to our circumstances. Joy is closely linked to hope. The reason the divine birth announcement was news of great joy is because it brought hope that what was ahead would be better than w

Day 16 - Luke 2:10

And in the same region 
there were shepherds out in the field, 
keeping watch over their flock by night. 
Luke 2:8 
 
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear was written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a minister living in Massachusetts. The carol started life as a poem, with the music composed by Richard Storrs Willis a decade later. 
 
Most of us are familiar with the poetic description of angels bending near the earth to touch with harps of gold. But fewer know the later verses, where Pastor Sears turns to address those who are weighed down by the sorrows and burdens of life, calling them to hear clearly the message the angels of God proclaimed when Jesus was born. 
 
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, 
Whose forms are bending low, 
Who toil along the climbing way 
With painful steps and slow, 
Look now! For glad and golden hours 
Come swiftly on the wing. 
O rest beside the weary road, 
And hear the angels sing! 
 
The angels of God who told the shepherds about the birth of the Messiah brought “good news of a great joy.” This hymn reminds us that whatever burden we are bearing, Christmas brings the message of joy to the world. 
 
According to Scripture, your circumstances, whatever they are, are actually “light and momentary troubles” that are producing in you an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17). 
 
That’s the good news of Christmas. 
 
And when we find that life is hard, we need to “rest beside the weary road” and hear (again) the song of the angels. 
 
Prayer: Lord, In the midst of my weariness, help me today to find my strength and hope in You as I look forward to the day when You will make all things new.

And in the same region
there were shepherds out in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:8

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear was written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a minister living in Massachusetts. The carol started life as a poem, with the music composed by Richard Storrs Willis a decade later.

Most of us are familiar with the poetic description of angels bending near the earth to touch with harps of gold. But fewer know the later verses, where Pastor Sears turns to address those who are weighed down by the sorrows and burdens of life, calling them to hear clearly the message the angels of God proclaimed when Jesus was born.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! For glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

The angels of God who told the shepherds about the birth of the Messiah brought “good ne

Day 15 - Luke 2:8

They fell down and worshiped him. 
Then, opening their treasures, 
they offered him gifts, 
gold and frankincense and myrrh. 
Matthew 2:11 
 
When you give a family member or a friend a Christmas gift this year, you will be engaging in a practice that goes back to the birth of Jesus. 
 
In the ancient world, if a ruler from one nation was coming to visit a ruler of another nation, it was customary for the visiting king to bring gifts of value to honor his host, and to show that he was coming not as an aggressor, but in peace. 
 
In 1 Kings 10, when the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon, she brought gifts of gold and spices. 
 
And in Psalm 72, the Psalmist writes: 
 
May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands 
render him tribute; 
may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 
May all kings fall down before him, 
all nations serve him! 
 
When the magi brought their gifts to Jesus, they were honoring him as a king. And they were fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 72. 
 
The gifts they brought were significant as well. 
 
They brought gold, which was and is a precious metal. People had begun using gold as currency more than 600 years before Jesus was born. Because it was considered a beautiful metal, and because it was rare, it was considered valuable. 
 
Frankincense is a high-quality incense that produces a pleasant fragrance. Why would sweet smelling incense be so valuable in Jesus’ day? Two reasons. First, because bathing was rare. Incense was used to cover body odors. It was also an anti-inflammatory. So, a gift of frankincense was a gift that offered both a pleasing aroma and good health. 
 
Myrrh is also an aromatic spice, made from the resin of a number of small, thorny trees found in the Arabian Peninsula. It was considered so valuable in ancient times that an ounce of myrrh was as costly as an ounce of gold. The ancient Egyptians used myrrh as an embalming spice when they buried their dead. It was also mixed with wine as an anesthetic. 
 
In the Old Testament, gold is most often connected with kings or rulers. Incense is associated with the ministry of the priests. And myrrh is tied to funerals. 
 
These were the gifts given to Jesus: a valuable metal and two kinds of costly, high-quality incense. Why give these gifts to a baby? Because the magi seemed to know they were honoring a king and a priest whose death would be significant. 
 
Prayer: Lord, as we reflect on the significance of your birth during this season of the year, may we acknowledge you as our king and our high priest, and may we never lose sight of the significance of your death as our sin substitute.

They fell down and worshiped him.
Then, opening their treasures,
they offered him gifts,
gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11

When you give a family member or a friend a Christmas gift this year, you will be engaging in a practice that goes back to the birth of Jesus.

In the ancient world, if a ruler from one nation was coming to visit a ruler of another nation, it was customary for the visiting king to bring gifts of value to honor his host, and to show that he was coming not as an aggressor, but in peace. 

In 1 Kings 10, when the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon, she brought gifts of gold and spices. 

And in Psalm 72, the Psalmist writes:

May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
render him tribute;
may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!
May all kings fall down before him,
all nations serve him!

When the magi brought their gifts to Jesus, they were honoring him as a king. And they were fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 72. 

The gifts they brought were s

Day 13 - Matthew 2:11

In those days 
a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 
that all the world should be registered. 
Luke 2:1 
 
For more than four decades, Caesar Augustus ruled over the Roman Empire as its first Emperor. He reigned in a time of relative peace and stability within the expanding kingdom. 
 
But Caesar Augustus was not his name. It was the title given to him when he took control of the empire following a bitter civil war. 
 
His given name was Gaius Octavius. Orphaned as a child, he was adopted by Julius Caesar when he was 19. The emperor changed his name to Gaius Julius Caesar Divi Fillus (son of the divine). And later, when Gaius claimed the throne, he became known by his title - Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus, which translates as, “Emperor Caesar, son of the divine, worthy of reverence.” 
 
This is who ruled Rome when Jesus was born to a virgin in Bethlehem. 
 
And the irony of the situation was not lost on Luke, the writer of the third gospel. 
 
“A decree went out from Caesar Augustus,” Luke writes, “that all the world should be registered” as part of a Roman census. 
 
In other words, most powerful ruler on earth, a man who fancied himself a god in human flesh, set in motion the events that would fulfill centuries-old prophesies about the birth of the one and only, truly divine Son of God. 
 
Augustus was known throughout the empire as the emperor who had established and now ruled over the celebrated Pax Romana. Meanwhile, in an obscure town in Israel, the real Prince of Peace was born. He would bring a deeper peace than any human king could establish. An eternal peace, not a temporal peace. 
 
Most people in our day who know anything about Caesar Augustus know of him because Luke included his name in his account of the birth of Jesus. The once revered and worshipped Roman emperor is no longer considered worthy of reverence as he once was. His birth is ignored. No one thinks of Augustus today as the savior of the world. 
 
But a baby born to Joseph and Mary during the esteemed emperor’s reign is known by that title by people all over the world. He rules over an eternal kingdom as the true Prince of Peace. 
 
That’s what our celebration of Christmas is all about. 
 
Prayer: God, help me to see greatness as you see it. Not in the applause of men, but in the applause of heaven for those who serve.

In those days
a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that all the world should be registered.
Luke 2:1

For more than four decades, Caesar Augustus ruled over the Roman Empire as its first Emperor. He reigned in a time of relative peace and stability within the expanding kingdom. 

But Caesar Augustus was not his name. It was the title given to him when he took control of the empire following a bitter civil war. 

His given name was Gaius Octavius. Orphaned as a child, he was adopted by Julius Caesar when he was 19. The emperor changed his name to Gaius Julius Caesar Divi Fillus (son of the divine). And later, when Gaius claimed the throne, he became known by his title - Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus, which translates as, “Emperor Caesar, son of the divine, worthy of reverence.”

This is who ruled Rome when Jesus was born to a virgin in Bethlehem. 

And the irony of the situation was not lost on Luke, the writer of the third gospel. 

“A decree went out from Caesar Augustus,” L

Day 14 - Luke 2:1

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, 
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, 
from you shall come forth for me 
one who is to be ruler in Israel, 
whose coming forth is from of old, 
from ancient days. 
Micah 5:2 
 
Phillip Brooks served for many years as the rector at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. In 1865, when he was 30 years old, he took a leave of absence from the church and traveled through Europe and the Middle East. During Christmas week that year, he wrote home about his travels in Palestine: 
 
“After an early dinner, we took our horses and rode to Bethlehem. It was only about two hours when we came to the town, situated on an eastern ridge of a range of hills, surrounded by its terraced gardens. It is a good-looking town, better built than any other we have seen in Palestine.” 
 
“Before dark, we rode out of town to the field where they say the shepherds saw the star… As we passed, the shepherds were still ‘keeping watch over their flocks or leading them home to fold.’” 
 
Back in Philadelphia a few years later, Brooks undoubtedly recalled his trip to Bethlehem as he wrote a poem that would eventually be set to music and sung in his church. We still sing it today, almost 150 years after he first saw the little town of Bethlehem. 
 
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie 
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by 
 
But while the residents of the city are in slumber, God is at work, keeping His everlasting covenant: 
 
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light 
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight 
 
The final verse of the carol has always been a favorite of mine. It’s a prayer that every human heart would be a manger, where the Holy One might dwell and bring peace: 
 
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray 
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born to us today 
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell 
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel 
 
In the same way that the angels rejoiced and told others about the birth of Jesus, angels rejoice today when any person repents, and Christ comes to dwell with that man or woman (Luke 15:7). 
 
During this advent season, let’s pray that our lives would be the holy habitation of the Messiah in the days leading up to Christmas and all year long. 
 
Prayer: Lord, make me aware each day during this season that you are with us even now. Help me to abide in you as Christmas draws near.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Micah 5:2

Phillip Brooks served for many years as the rector at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. In 1865, when he was 30 years old, he took a leave of absence from the church and traveled through Europe and the Middle East. During Christmas week that year, he wrote home about his travels in Palestine: 

“After an early dinner, we took our horses and rode to Bethlehem. It was only about two hours when we came to the town, situated on an eastern ridge of a range of hills, surrounded by its terraced gardens. It is a good-looking town, better built than any other we have seen in Palestine.” 

“Before dark, we rode out of town to the field where they say the shepherds saw the star… As we passed, the shepherds were still ‘keeping watch over their flocks or leading them home t

Day 12 - Micah 5:2

In him was life, 
and the life was the light of men. 
The light shines in the darkness, 
and the darkness has not overcome it. 
John 1:4–5 
 
When I was still in junior high, there was a sad song that talked about Christmas that came on the radio. As a piano softly and achingly hinted at the melody for Jingle Bells, Joni Mitchell sang: 
 
It's coming on Christmas 
They're cutting down trees 
They're putting up reindeer 
And singing songs of joy and peace 
Oh, I wish I had a river 
I could skate away on 
 
The reason for the sadness in Joni’s song was a relationship that had ended. She would go on to acknowledge her part in the breakup. 
 
I'm so hard to handle 
I'm selfish and I'm sad 
Now I've gone and lost the best baby 
That I ever had 
Oh, I wish I had a river 
I could skate away on 
 
The Christmas season, with its promises of joy and peace, is actually, for many, a sad and dark time of year. 
 
Through the years, at our church, we have made it a practice to light advent candles in our worship service each week as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. 
 
When we light a candle, we’re saying that we live in a dark world. We’re also owning up to the fact that our own hearts and minds are darkened. That our selfishness drives other people away. We’re acknowledging that we need light in our darkness. 
 
The advent candles are there to remind us that light is coming. They point us to the one who can banish the darkness in our world and in our hearts. 
 
In recent years, another song has been released that offers an invitation for everyone to find light in our dark world. 
 
O come, all you unfaithful 
Come, weak and unstable 
Come, know you are not alone 
 
O come, barren and waiting ones 
Weary of praying, come 
See what your God has done 
 
O come, bitter and broken 
Come with fears unspoken 
Come, taste of His perfect love 
 
O come, guilty and hiding ones 
There is no need to run 
See what your God has done 
 
Christ is born, Christ is born 
Christ is born for you 
 
Prayer: Lord, I need you to be the light in my darkness. 
 
 
 
 
River. Music and words by Joni Mithell © BMG Rights Management, DistroKid, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management Inc, Songtrust Ave, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc 
 
O Come, All You Unfaithful. Music and words by Bob Kauflin and Lisa Clow © 2020 Sovereign Grace Praise/BMI (adm. worldwide by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.

In him was life,
and the life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4–5

When I was still in junior high, there was a sad song that talked about Christmas that came on the radio. As a piano softly and achingly hinted at the melody for Jingle Bells, Joni Mitchell sang: 

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh, I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
 
The reason for the sadness in Joni’s song was a relationship that had ended. She would go on to acknowledge her part in the breakup.

I'm so hard to handle
I'm selfish and I'm sad
Now I've gone and lost the best baby
That I ever had
Oh, I wish I had a river
I could skate away on

The Christmas season, with its promises of joy and peace, is actually, for many, a sad and dark time of year.

Through the years, at our church, we have made it a practice to light advent candles in our worship service ea

Day 11 - John 1:4-5

But when the fullness of time had come, 
God sent forth his Son, 
born of woman, born under the law. 
Galatians 4:4 
 
I was a very impatient child at Christmas time. There were lots of things I was waiting for. My grandparents always drove from Flint, Mi. to St. Louis to spend two weeks with us, and they came with a trunk full of Vernors Ginger Ale. Every year, my dad received a two-pound box of Bavarian Mints as a Christmas gift from a customer. I couldn’t wait for him to bring them home. 
 
But I was most impatient for the big day. On Christmas morning, I was always up early. One year, I was awake at 5:00 in the morning, and I proceeded downstairs where I started opening presents before anyone else was awake. My mom was not happy. 
 
My experience as a child was that the weeks of longing led to a few hours of joy and excitement on Christmas morning that would fade by midafternoon. After I’d had the chance to show off my new stuff and play with my new toys for a while, I was bored. 
 
It’s good for us, during this season of waiting and longing and anticipation, to ask ourselves just exactly what it is we’re longing for? Is it presents? Food? Family? If those are the highlights of the holiday for you, you can count on the joy of Christmas fading quickly. 
 
Lasting joy comes as we embrace the great gift God has given us at Christmas. The gift of his Son, who never leaves and who never forsakes us. He came to earth at just the right time. When the food is gone and the family has said goodbye until next time, Jesus is still with us. 
 
Prayer: Lord, during this busy time of year, help me to keep my heart focused on what matters most in this season. Help me to find my delight and joy in You.

But when the fullness of time had come, 
God sent forth his Son, 
born of woman, born under the law.
Galatians 4:4

I was a very impatient child at Christmas time. There were lots of things I was waiting for. My grandparents always drove from Flint, Mi. to St. Louis to spend two weeks with us, and they came with a trunk full of Vernors Ginger Ale. Every year, my dad received a two-pound box of Bavarian Mints as a Christmas gift from a customer. I couldn’t wait for him to bring them home. 

But I was most impatient for the big day. On Christmas morning, I was always up early. One year, I was awake at 5:00 in the morning, and I proceeded downstairs where I started opening presents before anyone else was awake. My mom was not happy.

My experience as a child was that the weeks of longing led to a few hours of joy and excitement on Christmas morning that would fade by midafternoon. After I’d had the chance to show off my new stuff and play with my new toys for a while, I was bored. 

It’s 

Day 10 - Galatians 4:4

In the beginning was the Word, 
 and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God… 
And the Word became flesh. 
John 1:1,14 
 
With all the sentiment that surrounds Christmas, it’s easy for us to forget the significance of what was happening when Jesus was born. God was humbling himself, taking on human flesh, and entering time and space as a helpless child. 
 
The birth of Jesus is the starting point for what C.S. Lewis calls the Grand Miracle. 
“The Christian story is precisely the story of one grand miracle, the Christian assertion being that what is beyond all space and time, what is uncreated, eternal, came into nature, into human nature, descended into His own universe, and rose again, bringing nature up with Him. It is precisely one great miracle. 
“If you take that away there is nothing specifically Christian left. There may be many admirable human things which Christianity shares with all other systems in the world, but there would be nothing specifically Christian.” 
 
When we would not and could not go to Him, because of our pride and unbelief, God came to us. As songwriter Michael Card says: 
And so the light became alive, 
And manna became man. 
Eternity stepped into time, 
That we might understand. 
 
God drew near to us so that we might draw near to Him. 
 
Prayer: Lord, we thank you today that while we were still proud and stubborn and hard hearted, You came among us and loved us first.

In the beginning was the Word,
 and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God…
And the Word became flesh.
John 1:1,14

With all the sentiment that surrounds Christmas, it’s easy for us to forget the significance of what was happening when Jesus was born. God was humbling himself, taking on human flesh, and entering time and space as a helpless child. 

The birth of Jesus is the starting point for what C.S. Lewis calls the Grand Miracle.
“The Christian story is precisely the story of one grand miracle, the Christian assertion being that what is beyond all space and time, what is uncreated, eternal, came into nature, into human nature, descended into His own universe, and rose again, bringing nature up with Him. It is precisely one great miracle. 
“If you take that away there is nothing specifically Christian left. There may be many admirable human things which Christianity shares with all other systems in the world, but there would be nothing specifically Christian.”

When we would n

Day 9 - John 1:1,14

The saying is trustworthy 
and deserving of full acceptance, 
that Christ Jesus came into the world 
to save sinners. 
1 Timothy 1:15 
 
Quick, what day is Julius Caesar’s birthday? 
 
How about Gandhi’s birthday? Joan of Arc? Napoleon? Franklin Delano Roosevelt? Steve Jobs? 
 
About 385,000 people will be born today. That date will be remembered by a handful of family members and friends who will acknowledge it each year with a cake, a song, and some presents. 
 
And one day, the date will be carved into a grave marker or printed in an obituary. 
 
And then forgotten. 
 
Even if one of the babies born today should grow up to be a captain of industry or a great statesman, a military hero, or a famous athlete, it’s a virtual certainty that their birthday will not be widely known or celebrated during their lifetime or beyond. 
 
But the birth of a Jewish Rabbi who lived 2,000 years ago is remembered and celebrated every year by millions of people. 
 
Why? Why does the world pause to commemorate His birth? 
 
It’s not because He was a great moral teacher. We’ve had hundreds of those, and no one takes any special note of his or her birthday. 
 
It’s not because He was a great political leader. He claimed to be a king, and the claim was mocked as He was being put to death. 
 
The single distinguishing event of His life that is the reason that people put up lights and decorate trees and bake cookies and shop for gifts—that single event that is the reason why we remember His birth… 
 
… is His death. And what happened next. 
 
As you sing a carol or take a second helping of mashed potatoes at your holiday dinner this year, remember that the reason His birthday is a holiday is because of what he accomplished through His death and His resurrection. 
 
If it weren’t for the resurrection of Jesus, December 25 would be just another winter day. The reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Easter. 
 
Prayer: Father, thank you for demonstrating Your great love for us by sending Your Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

The saying is trustworthy
and deserving of full acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15

Quick, what day is Julius Caesar’s birthday? 

How about Gandhi’s birthday? Joan of Arc? Napoleon? Franklin Delano Roosevelt? Steve Jobs?

About 385,000 people will be born today. That date will be remembered by a handful of family members and friends who will acknowledge it each year with a cake, a song, and some presents. 

And one day, the date will be carved into a grave marker or printed in an obituary.

And then forgotten.

Even if one of the babies born today should grow up to be a captain of industry or a great statesman, a military hero, or a famous athlete, it’s a virtual certainty that their birthday will not be widely known or celebrated during their lifetime or beyond.

But the birth of a Jewish Rabbi who lived 2,000 years ago is remembered and celebrated every year by millions of people. 

Why? Why does the world pause to commemorate His birth

Day 8 - 1 Timothy 1:15

And they shall call his name Immanuel 
(which means, God with us). 
Matthew 1:23 
 
There were a couple times, when our children were little, that we set up a tent in our living room during the Christmas season. 
 
Kids love tents and forts and hideouts. Having one in the living room for a few days was a treat. But we had a bigger reason for pitching a tent. When the Bible says that God “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), the word used for “dwelt among us” literally means “to pitch a tent.” God came near. He moved into the neighborhood. He set up his tent in our midst. God did not just love and save us from afar. 
 
I’ve often wondered how my life would be different if Jesus still lived with us physically. If his tent was permanently pitched in our living room, would it change the way I live? The choices I make? 
 
Of course, the message of Christmas is that God is still with us. Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion that He would never leave them or forsake them. “I am with you always,” He said (Matthew 28:20). 
 
In the 17th century, a Carmelite monk who took the name Brother Lawrence wrote a devotional work he called Practicing the Presence of God. That title is a good reminder that God is with us, not to judge or condemn us, but to encourage, support, guide, and comfort. To give us strength and peace. When we practice His presence, and draw near to Him each day, He has promised He will draw near to us (James 4:8). 
 
Prayer: Jesus, help me to remember today that you are with me. Help me to fix my eyes on you throughout the day. Help me to turn to you for strength and help and peace.

And they shall call his name Immanuel
(which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23

There were a couple times, when our children were little, that we set up a tent in our living room during the Christmas season.

Kids love tents and forts and hideouts. Having one in the living room for a few days was a treat. But we had a bigger reason for pitching a tent. When the Bible says that God “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), the word used for “dwelt among us” literally means “to pitch a tent.” God came near. He moved into the neighborhood. He set up his tent in our midst. God did not just love and save us from afar. 

I’ve often wondered how my life would be different if Jesus still lived with us physically. If his tent was permanently pitched in our living room, would it change the way I live? The choices I make?

Of course, the message of Christmas is that God is still with us. Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion that He would never leave them or forsake them. “I am wit

Day 7 - Matthew 1:23

And the Word became flesh 
and dwelt among us. 
John 1:14 
 
The best seat at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas is occupied during every Dallas Cowboys home game by the man who owns the team. Jerry Jones has his own luxury suite, mid-level, on the 50-yard line. 
 
Those invited to join Jones in the owner’s suite for a Cowboys game receive a formal invitation with a box holding an acrylic tray that has the Cowboys star logo etched in the middle. Nestled inside the tray is a card requesting that the recipient join the Jones family “on the fifty” (as in yard line). Included are the tickets, a parking map, and a parking pass. 
 
And while sitting in Jerry’s suite is for most people a once in a lifetime experience, for Jerry, it’s how he watches the game every week. 
 
Ownership has its privileges. 
 
Now imagine for a second someone suggesting to Jerry Jones that instead of sitting in his suite each week, he spends the season watching the games from seats at the very top of the stadium, in the end zone. Instead of VIP parking, he’ll have to park far away and walk, just like everyone else. If he gets hungry or needs the bathroom, he’ll have to hike to the concession stand and wait in line. 
 
Anyone think Jerry would say, “Sounds great! I’m in!”? 
 
Who would trade the best seats in the stadium for a view from the bleachers? Who would trade luxury for an obstructed view outside of a climate-controlled environment? 
 
Christmas reminds us that God did exactly that. He left the splendor of heaven for a hard life on earth. He was born in a stable. Grew up in a carpenter’s shop. Left home and had nowhere to lay his head at night. 
 
Why? The Bible tells us. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). He came to us and to our world so that we might follow Him and live with Him in His kingdom forever. 
 
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for humbling Yourself and coming to the world You created as one of us—as a helpless, dependent baby. Thank You for living a perfect life and dying in our place so that we might live with You forever.

And the Word became flesh
and dwelt among us.
John 1:14

The best seat at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas is occupied during every Dallas Cowboys home game by the man who owns the team. Jerry Jones has his own luxury suite, mid-level, on the 50-yard line. 

Those invited to join Jones in the owner’s suite for a Cowboys game receive a formal invitation with a box holding an acrylic tray that has the Cowboys star logo etched in the middle. Nestled inside the tray is a card requesting that the recipient join the Jones family “on the fifty” (as in yard line). Included are the tickets, a parking map, and a parking pass.

And while sitting in Jerry’s suite is for most people a once in a lifetime experience, for Jerry, it’s how he watches the game every week.

Ownership has its privileges. 

Now imagine for a second someone suggesting to Jerry Jones that instead of sitting in his suite each week, he spends the season watching the games from seats at the very top of the stadium, in the end zo

Day 6 - John 1:14

She will bear a son, 
and you shall call his name Jesus, 
for he will save his people from their sins.” 
Matthew 1:21 
 
Advent is a season of waiting. And praying. And longing for deliverance. 
 
The nation of Israel longed for God to send the Deliverer. But in the thousand years that passed from the time of King David until the time of Jesus, God’s people began to lose heart—to lose hope. 
 
They invented their own religious rules. And they waited for God to send a military leader who would liberate them from their Roman captors. 
 
Instead, God sent them the Prince of Peace. 
 
They rejected Him. They weren’t interested in a heavenly King who would save them from themselves. They wanted an earthly prince who would rescue them from Rome. 
 
They thought their biggest problem was outside of themselves. It wasn’t. The rescue they needed most was not from human oppression. They needed a Savior who would cure the rebellion in their hearts. 
 
Like ancient Israel, most people in our world today are looking for someone who will deliver them from life’s problems. And like the men of old, most people today believe the biggest problems they’re facing are outside of themselves. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we know our biggest problems come from the inside. We need someone who can save us from ourselves. 
 
That’s why the birth of Jesus at Christmas is such good news. God has sent us a Deliverer. 
 
Prayer: Lord God, please help me to see with clear eyes the darkness in my own soul. Please save me and heal me from the grip of sin in my own life.

She will bear a son,
and you shall call his name Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

Advent is a season of waiting. And praying. And longing for deliverance. 

The nation of Israel longed for God to send the Deliverer. But in the thousand years that passed from the time of King David until the time of Jesus, God’s people began to lose heart—to lose hope. 

They invented their own religious rules. And they waited for God to send a military leader who would liberate them from their Roman captors. 

Instead, God sent them the Prince of Peace. 

They rejected Him. They weren’t interested in a heavenly King who would save them from themselves. They wanted an earthly prince who would rescue them from Rome. 

They thought their biggest problem was outside of themselves. It wasn’t. The rescue they needed most was not from human oppression. They needed a Savior who would cure the rebellion in their hearts.

Like ancient Israel, most people in our world today are l

Day 5 - Matthew 1:21

And the government shall be 
upon his shoulder. 
Isaiah 9:6 
 
In presidential election years, my wife has often wondered out loud “Why would anyone even want that job!” 
 
It’s a fair question. Running for president involves putting a target on your chest while telling the world, “I’d like to have the weight of responsibility for the whole nation on my shoulders for the next four—maybe eight—years. 
 
It’s been said that there must be a trace of narcissism in anyone who runs for president. The responsibilities are overwhelming. If you’re doing the job right, the pace is relentless. You can expect virtually constant opposition anytime you decide or plan something. And should you win the election, you can know that you will make mistakes along the way—any of which could have significant repercussions for the country. 
 
Jesus was already a king when he came into our world. He was already carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders before he arrived as a baby in Bethlehem. The magi who came to pay tribute were acknowledging by their gifts that this child was already a king. 
 
Years before he was born, another king—Solomon—wrote a psalm of praise to this coming king: 
May he have dominion from sea to sea, 
and from the River to the ends of the earth! 
May desert tribes bow down before him, 
and his enemies lick the dust! 
May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; 
may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 
May all kings fall down before him, 
all nations serve him! 
(Psalm 72:8-11) 
 
When Pontius Pilate, on the morning that Jesus was to be crucified, asked him if He was a king, Jesus responded by saying that His kingdom was not of this world. His rule and reign are far beyond that of any human leader. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. 
 
Kingship, the Bible says, belongs to the Lord. He rules over all the nations (Psalm 22:28). He rules over the affairs of men, including whatever happens in your life today. He rules in power, in majesty, in wisdom and justice. We can rejoice because the Lord reigns. 
 
Prayer: Jesus, I acknowledge You as my King and the ruler over my life today. Thank You for caring for every detail of my life.

And the government shall be 
upon his shoulder.
Isaiah 9:6

In presidential election years, my wife has often wondered out loud “Why would anyone even want that job!” 

It’s a fair question. Running for president involves putting a target on your chest while telling the world, “I’d like to have the weight of responsibility for the whole nation on my shoulders for the next four—maybe eight—years.

It’s been said that there must be a trace of narcissism in anyone who runs for president. The responsibilities are overwhelming. If you’re doing the job right, the pace is relentless. You can expect virtually constant opposition anytime you decide or plan something. And should you win the election, you can know that you will make mistakes along the way—any of which could have significant repercussions for the country.

Jesus was already a king when he came into our world. He was already carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders before he arrived as a baby in Bethlehem. The magi who cam

Day 4 - Isaiah 9:6

I will put enmity between you and the woman, 
and between your offspring and her offspring; 
he shall bruise your head, 
and you shall bruise his heel. 
Genesis 3:15 
 
In recent years, it’s been common in our neighborhood to see people decorate their front yards with banners, signs, and large wooden storks to announce the birth of a son or daughter. Social media posts have become the preferred method for new parents to share pictures and details once their long-expected baby has been born. 
 
The birth of Jesus was announced first to a group of shepherds on a Judean hillside by a host of angels who filled the sky as they declared, “Glory to God in the highest.” But centuries before that announcement was made, the birth of Jesus had been hinted at many times. The Jewish people had waited for years for God to send a promised Deliverer, the One who would rescue His people from their bondage to sin. 
 
In fact, the first announcement that God would come to rescue those who had rebelled against Him came on the same day as the rebellion itself. In Genesis 3, when the first man and first woman fell to temptation and rejected God’s instructions for them, there were consequences. The garden would now produce weeds and thorns. Women would now experience pain in childbirth. And the man and his wife would experience, for the first time, strife and discord in their relationship. 
 
But in that same moment, as God was explaining to the man and the woman the consequences of their rebellion, He also offered a word of hope. He announced that a child would be born who would crush the head of the serpent and free the man and woman from their oppression. That declaration, found in Genesis 3, is the first announcement of the coming birth of Jesus. 
 
Genesis 3:15 is known as the “Protoevangelium” – the first announcement of the Good News. It’s what J. Hampton Keathley III called “the first flicker of the Gospel.” The verse does not provide a lot of detail about the coming Son. In fact, it is ambiguous enough that when Eve gave birth to her first-born son, Cain, it seems she expected he would be the one who would fulfill the prophecy and crush the serpent’s head. 
 
It’s interesting to note that the person being spoken to in Genesis 3:15 is not Eve. It’s not Adam. God speaks directly to the serpent. We see this verse as good news, but for the one being addressed, it is a declaration of destruction. Bible teacher Derek Kidner says that Genesis 3:15 is “about God’s rule as much as about man’s need.” 
 
Genesis 3:15 also makes it clear that destruction of evil and the deliverance of humankind will come with a cost. The ultimate Victor, God declares, will Himself be bruised in the battle. 
 
One of the often-overlooked verses from Charles Wesley’s majestic Christmas hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” takes us all the way back to Genesis 3:15: 
Come, Desire of nations, come! 
Fix in us Thy humble home; 
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring seed, 
Bruise in us the serpent’s head; 
Adam’s likeness now efface, 
Stamp Thine image in its place: 
Final Adam from above, 
Reinstate us in Thy love. 
Hark! The herald angels sing, 
Glory to the newborn King! 
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me today to know the joy that comes from walking closely with You. Thank you for coming into the world to crush the head of the serpent and to bring me victory over sin and death.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.
Genesis 3:15

In recent years, it’s been common in our neighborhood to see people decorate their front yards with banners, signs, and large wooden storks to announce the birth of a son or daughter. Social media posts have become the preferred method for new parents to share pictures and details once their long-expected baby has been born.

The birth of Jesus was announced first to a group of shepherds on a Judean hillside by a host of angels who filled the sky as they declared, “Glory to God in the highest.” But centuries before that announcement was made, the birth of Jesus had been hinted at many times. The Jewish people had waited for years for God to send a promised Deliverer, the One who would rescue His people from their bondage to sin.

In fact, the first announcement that God would come to rescue those who had rebelled against Him 

Day 3 - Genesis 3:15

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, 
my chosen, in whom my soul delights; 
I have put my Spirit upon him; 
he will bring forth justice to the nations. 
Isaiah 42:1 
 
Advent is the season of the already and the not yet. 
 
For centuries, God’s people held fast to His promise that He would send them a Deliverer greater than Moses. A Prophet greater than Isaiah or Jeremiah. A Priest greater than Samuel. And a King greater than David. 
 
He would send a Messiah. 
 
The prophet Isaiah described a day in the future when the Messiah would rule as the leader of the greatest Kingdom on earth. “It shall come to pass in the latter days,” Isaiah wrote, “that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills” (Isaiah 2:2). 
 
This long-awaited Messiah would come to rule in justice and peace. 
“For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:3-4). 
 
What should we make of Isaiah’s prophecy? If the Messiah has come, where is this promised Kingdom? Where is this justice and peace for which we long in our day? 
 
It’s here. But it is not yet what it will one day be. It’s already, but not yet. 
 
The Messiah has come. His eternal Kingdom has been inaugurated. He is ruling and reigning today over the hearts of men and women from every tongue and tribe and nation. Christianity spans the globe with more ethnic diversity in the Kingdom of God than in any other world religion. Indeed, in the Kingdom of God today, “He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.” 
 
That’s the already. 
 
But a greater day is coming, when what Jesus inaugurated two millennia ago will reach its full consummation; when the foretaste of the Kingdom we experience in the community of faith today will be fully realized. 
 
CS Lewis, in his classic story, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, pictured for us what it’s like to live in the “already but not yet,” as he described the end of a long winter: 
 
“There was a moment's silence. And in that silence Edmund could at last listen to the other noise properly. A strange, sweet, rustling, chattering noise - and yet not so strange, for he'd heard it before - if only he could remember where! 
“Then all at once he did remember. It was the noise of running water. All round them though out of sight, there were streams, chattering, murmuring, bubbling, splashing and even (in the distance) roaring. And his heart gave a great leap (though he hardly knew why) when he realised that the frost was over." 
 
We live in the time of the thaw. But if we stop and listen, we can hear the roar of springtime in the distance. Winter’s curse has been broken. And one day, we will see the forest in full bloom. 
 
At Christmas, we celebrate the already while we long for the not yet. 
 
Prayer: Lord, help me to live contentedly today in the already while I wait for the coming of Your Kingdom in all its fulness. Help me to live in the already but not yet.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 42:1

Advent is the season of the already and the not yet.

For centuries, God’s people held fast to His promise that He would send them a Deliverer greater than Moses. A Prophet greater than Isaiah or Jeremiah. A Priest greater than Samuel. And a King greater than David. 

He would send a Messiah.

The prophet Isaiah described a day in the future when the Messiah would rule as the leader of the greatest Kingdom on earth. “It shall come to pass in the latter days,” Isaiah wrote, “that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills” (Isaiah 2:2). 

This long-awaited Messiah would come to rule in justice and peace. 
“For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disput

Day 2 - Isaiah 42:1

The people who walked in darkness 
have seen a great light; 
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, 
on them has light shone. 
Isaiah 9:2 
 
As a boy, I took a school field trip to Hannibal, Missouri, the home of Samuel Clemens, who is best known by his pseudonym, Mark Twain. Our trip to Hannibal included a visit to Mark Twain Cave. Anyone who has read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer knows about the cave which, in the book, Twain called “McDougall’s Cave.” 
 
There was a moment in the tour I’ve never forgotten. We were deep inside the cave. All of us school children stood still and quiet. The tour guide had all the lights turned off. For about 15 seconds, we stood in pitch-black darkness. I put my hand just inches from my face. I could see nothing. 
 
That’s the problem with darkness. You can’t see what’s right in front of you. It’s disorienting. Frightening. In fact, in experiments where people have been subjected to extended periods of total darkness, it doesn’t take long before they begin to experience psychological terror and extreme confusion. 
 
The prophet Isaiah called God’s people “the people who walked in darkness.” He was describing their spiritual condition. Although the evidence of God’s grace and presence and love was all around them, they were blind to it. They couldn’t see it. 
 
Christmas is about God sending the Light of the World to live among people who walked in darkness. But even as all creation shouts to us about the reality and glory of God, He still has to open our blind eyes before we can see the Light. 
 
Prayer: God, give me spiritual eyes to see You at work all around me during this Christmas season. Help me to see and to walk in the light of Your love (1 John 1:7).

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone. 
Isaiah 9:2

As a boy, I took a school field trip to Hannibal, Missouri, the home of Samuel Clemens, who is best known by his pseudonym, Mark Twain. Our trip to Hannibal included a visit to Mark Twain Cave. Anyone who has read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer knows about the cave which, in the book, Twain called “McDougall’s Cave.”

There was a moment in the tour I’ve never forgotten. We were deep inside the cave. All of us school children stood still and quiet. The tour guide had all the lights turned off. For about 15 seconds, we stood in pitch-black darkness. I put my hand just inches from my face. I could see nothing.

That’s the problem with darkness. You can’t see what’s right in front of you. It’s disorienting. Frightening. In fact, in experiments where people have been subjected to extended periods of total darkness, it doesn’t take long before they begin 

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