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Thoughts in Worship 12.21.2015
Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, December 21, 2015
Today’s Scripture Promise:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:21–23).
Today’s Observation:
As you are well aware, we are in full swing of the Christmas season. Whether religious or irreligious, most cultures are being inundated with images of nativity scenes, reindeer, wrapped presents, and chimneys. A not so careful look at history indicates that Jesus, the “Christ” in “Christmas” was not born in December 2,000+ years ago. There’s absolutely no such thing as a rotund bearded man in red fleece pajamas and patent leather black boots shimmying down anyone’s chimney to have cookies or milk. The controversy surrounding the exact timing of our Savior’s birth is not our focus here, or whether or not your family should choose to have a decorated evergreen in your living room. Amid folklore, fantasy, and controversy however, is the fact that God has already begun making good on the promises of our theme text.
In a miracle of grace, our loving Father saw our plight, being on our way to destruction due to our sins, and gave us His divine Son to take the punishment we deserve so we may have the eternal reward He deserves. The key to receiving the promise is simple, and I’d like to direct your attention to it in Scripture: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12). The promise God made was that the Virgin Mary would birth a Son named Jesus, and He would save His people from their sins. And if we choose to believe in and accept this gift, we become His people and the recipients of the promise.
During this season of gift giving, family gatherings, shopping, and eating, let us make time to give thanks for the Gift that keeps on giving—Jesus Christ. Let us give thanks for the fact that regardless of the month in which Jesus was born, His condescension to the human predicament has positioned those who accept Him, as His children and heirs of eternal life. At the risk of sounding cliché I say, “Christ is the reason for the season.”
Today’s Marching Orders:
Ask the Lord to direct your attention to the blessing of salvation, which was purchased with the price of His dear Son’s life. Ask Him to help you accept this gift anew today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)
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Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, December 21, 2015
Today’s Scripture Promise:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:21–23).
Today’s Observation:
As you are well aware, we are in full swing of the Christmas season. Whether religious or irreligious, most cultures are being inundated with images of nativity scenes, reindeer, wrapped presents, and chimneys. A not so careful look at history indicates that Jesus, the “Christ” in “Christmas” was not born in December 2,000+ years ago. There’s absolutely no such thing as a rotund bearded man in red fleece pajamas and patent leather black boots shimmying down anyone’s chimney to have cookies or milk. The controversy surrounding the exact timing of our Savior’s birth is not our focus here, or whether or not your family should choose to have a decorated evergreen in your living room. Amid folklore, fantasy, and controversy however, is the fact that God has already begun making good on the promises of our theme text.
In a miracle of grace, our loving Father saw our plight, being on our way to destruction due to our sins, and gave us His divine Son to take the punishment we deserve so we may have the eternal reward He deserves. The key to receiving the promise is simple, and I’d like to direct your attention to it in Scripture: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12). The promise God made was that the Virgin Mary would birth a Son named Jesus, and He would save His people from their sins. And if we choose to believe in and accept this gift, we become His people and the recipients of the promise.
During this season of gift giving, family gatherings, shopping, and eating, let us make time to give thanks for the Gift that keeps on giving—Jesus Christ. Let us give thanks for the fact that regardless of the month in which Jesus was born, His condescension to the human predicament has positioned those who accept Him, as His children and heirs of eternal life. At the risk of sounding cliché I say, “Christ is the reason for the season.”
Today’s Marching Orders:
Ask the Lord to direct your attention to the blessing of salvation, which was purchased with the price of His dear Son’s life. Ask Him to help you accept this gift anew today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)