Daily Devotion - Christmas
During the American Civil War, Henry W. Longfellow wrote the lyrics of 'I heard the Bells on Christmas Day.' With heartfelt candor, he wrote, "For hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good will to men."
Researchers have discovered tablets in Persia dating from Jesus’ day. Those tablets predicted that a great king would be born in the West and justice, righteousness, peace and joy would mark his reign.
Unarguably, being Mother to the Son of God is a tremendous honor and blessing. However, Mary did not live a charmed life. Her blessing led to her reputation being tarnished...
Christmas is so much more than I understood as a child. But I'm still very fond of the Christmas Song because it reminds me of a different anticipation.
When Jesus came into the world, it was completely voluntary. He came knowing the battles He would face and knowing the ultimate end of His life on earth would be a week like no week in human history.
When this author put on a Santa Claus outfit for a picture, he noticed that people treated him differently. Strangers waved, smiled, and said "Hello." He felt significant. The Holy Spirit used the experience as a teaching moment.
When the angel told Joseph to name the child Jesus it wasn’t just to give Him the name by which He would be called to dinner. It described the purpose of the Son of God’s life.
You may be in a season you are ready to see end. Or perhaps you are in the best season of your life, hoping it will never end. In any case, seasons come and seasons go, but our instruction remains the same: Be ready in season and out.
It was Christmas Eve 1914, on the western front, where British and German forces faced each other in fierce fighting. A British soldier who was present on that night penned a letter describing a true Christmas miracle.
Since the 7th century A.D., Christians have included this celebration in their preparation for Christmas Day. It's purpose is twofold: first, it prepares us for the celebration of the birth of Christ and second, it reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for Jesus' return in glory.
The death of our parents often creates a feeling of being orphaned. But God promised never to leave us or forsake us. He understands our grief and provides a safe place in his everlasting arms. Because we've been adopted into the family of God, we're not orphans.
Miracles just don’t happen without the activity of the Holy Spirit. It was true then for this amazing event and it’s true now. So here is a lesson for all of us from the Christmas story, and it applies to us not just at Christmas, but every other day of our lives.
I struggled with the commercialism of Christmas. I read emails about Jesus being disappointed because no one paid Him any attention at His own birthday party. I watched news stories about people celebrating the holiday season by beating each other over the head with the latest “must-have” toy - and I felt guilty.
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