Life This Side of Heaven

Christmas cards have been an enduring means of sending greetings to friends and family another across town, across the country and around the world. However, for many, with the advent of social media, texting and video chatting, the means by which we’re sending greetings has changed. But before we look wistfully at the past, and maybe even lament the change, consider the very nature of Christmas itself. It’s all about an extraordinary new means of communication. And the writer to the Hebrews points this out.

With all of different colors, styles, looks, and sizes, it’s difficult to pick out clothes for someone else. It’s not easy to know what will go together well and what fits. But, hands down, the award for choosing the best gift of clothing for Christmas – goes to our God. He really knows what goes well together and what fits.

In ancient times, you could tell the announcement that was coming by the feet of the messenger carrying the news. As well as having been given a Savior, you and I have been given some pretty fine footwear for Christmas.

On this day, we awaken and are reminded of our heavenly Father’s gift to you and me of His Son. It’s time for us to tear back the wrapping as we rejoice and tell others.

If I was one of the "shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night," I might have asked the angel if he could repeat the announcement just made. "Did I just hear that right? The almighty and eternal Son of God, the one through whom all things were made, the King of kings and Lord of lords … is lying in a feed trough?"

“Everyone counts.” That’s the title of what the U.S. Census Bureau calls its new song, “A catchy tune and fun lyrics help young children understand the census and why everyone counts in their own special way.” It was a census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. And it's through faith in our Savior, whose birth you and I are getting ready to celebrate, that God now counts you and me in very special way – as His redeemed children.

“Supply crisis: Will Christmas be cancelled?” That was a provocative newspaper headline. There are so many things that we often count on, all coming together with perfect timing, that the hope for a perfect Christmas celebration is practically unattainable when any of them is in short supply. However, Christmas itself is all about God's loving response to very real shortage.

It’s one of the most lovely images of the season of Advent. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb. Some have wondered how that's possible. The truth is, it's even more amazing to think of all the leaping for joy that's taking place now and all that's going to come as result of Jesus' saving work.

It must have had folks scratching their heads when the prophet Micah announced that the Savior of the world would be born in Bethlehem. Today, the little town of Bethlehem is famous but you can be sure that folks in Micah’s day were asking, “Bethlehem? Are you kidding?” But this tells us something important, and very comforting, of how God looks on you and me and our salvation.

Do you enjoy listing to Christmas oldies? A number of radio stations have curated lists of their favorites. Of course, when they say oldies, they’re referring to songs that came out primarily in the fifties and sixties. And many of them are actually songs that are based on earlier hits. But there’s also a favorite hymn of this Advent season that’s actually a clever remake of some much, much older music. Can you guess which one it is?

Christmas is a popular time of the year for most people – including thieves. It’s been noted that between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, thefts, burglaries and property crimes increase significantly. So, it’s not surprising that each year local police departments release tips on how you can safeguard your home for the holidays. Another thief goes into high gear at this time of the year. It’s the adversary. So Paul tells us the means by which God Himself protects for us the precious gift of peace that we have in Christ.

It's not surprising at this time of the year to find that the package you were expecting on your doorstep is one that was actually meant for your neighbor. So when John the Baptizer sent his disciples to Jesus with the question, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else,” it almost sounds like they’re asking if there was some confusion in the delivery. But it’s a heartfelt question and one that might cross our lips as well,

What do you give to those you love? It’s the annual conundrum of Christmas. What do they like? What would bring them joy? What will my wallet allow? But the question that comes up in a popular Christmas tune asks, "What do I bring to Jesus, the newborn King?" The answer may surprise you.

You and I have good reason to sing and rejoice. The sentence for our sins is gone and through faith in our Savior, who died and rose for us, we have been reconciled to God. But did you know that God Himself sings for joy over you and this eternal reconciliation?

“Bah! Humbug!” That's the famous line from Charles Dickens 18th century story, “A Christmas Carol.” It’s the contempt-filled reply that Scrooge gives to in response to Christmas greeting shared with him by his cheerful nephew. But have you ever wondered what this phrase means?

Someone you love may not be with you this Christmas. And that may make it feel especially difficult to be around those who are celebrating. In fact, more than once some have said, that, they don’t feel very joyful and and have even thought about skipping Christmas altogether. You may be feeling this way as well. But I hope you’ll reconsider. The truth is that this Good News of Christmas is especially for you.

Here in Luke, he quotes a highway project that was described all the way back in the days of Isaiah. What Isaiah descried is a picture of what took place when ancient kings would visit a region. In anticipation of their arrival the the roads were cleared of debris and other hazards. The cry here was for the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior. It’s the same Advent cry that’s made to you and me this day.

“Batteries not included.” Three tiny words. And they’re not always easy to see on the box. But you’ll recognize their importance on Christmas when the gift is unwrapped and there’s no way to power it up. When God sent John to announce the coming of our Savior, He sent Him out to not only call people to repentance and faith but provided the power to go along with it. God's gift to you of salvation is the complete package. You could say it comes "batteries included."

In fairy tales, they begin with a common literary device that provides neither any datable chronology or point of reference on a map. They simply begin, "One upon a time in a land far away ..." That’s not how Luke begins his narrative describing the events surrounding the birth of our Savior. That's because God, His love for you, and the eternal rescue He sent His Son to carry out on your behalf, are all real. This isn’t a story detached from the events of your life but it is life itself in Him.

When it comes to nostalgia, our memories are like a sieve. It’s like sifting the lumps out of the powdered sugar sprinkled over cookies or flour for Christmas baking. However, what Jesus came to do for us is even better.

"We need a little Christmas, right this very minute!" Chances are good you may have heard the familiar lyrics and found yourself singing along with the popular Christmas hit. You could almost imagine the folks in Malachi’s day singing something similar to this. But anticipation was giving way to impatience with God. Have you found yourself feeling impatient with God and wanting to see a little more of His action in your life?

In Psalm 98, the psalmist says, “Sing to the Lord a new song.” It’s a phrase that’s heard there times in the Psalms. And it’s also included in Isaiah. And chances are good we’re going to sing these words in worship on Christmas. However, is this God’s way of telling us we need some fresh music in the Christian hit parade? Is the psalmist saying we should ditch the familiar old hymns and carols?

On April 3, England’s Daily Mail ran an editorial about COVID vaccines with the headline, “Easter’s greatest gift: The real hope that our ordeal is almost over.” The editorial itself wasn’t especially memorable, but the headline sure raised an eyebrow. The “hope that our ordeal is almost over” turned out to be premature. But does it sound that way as well when we hear God's announcement to Zechariah? With all that's going on in your life, and as Christmas approaches, does it seem premature to celebrate, "rejoice greatly" and "shout aloud"?

Have you ever caught you’re thumb in a mouse trap? When Jesus reminded the disciples to be alert and ready for that day when He comes again in glory, He used the language of a trap. And He described two forms of bait the world uses to entice us.

Hearing of the signs and circumstances surrounding our Savior's return may leave us feeling shaken. However with the full confidence of faith, knowing that the day of His return is coming and our redemption is drawing near, we are stirred to action. We are blessed to share the Christmas message of His first coming to bring us forgiveness, life and salvation.

While sounding strange to us, these images Jesus described would take place at His coming would have been familiar to the disciples. It’s the language of judgement from the Old Testament. Yet, because of what Jesus has accomplished for us, through faith we need have no fear of condemnation.

In Jeremiah, God spoke a remarkable promise through the prophet. If you've ever found yourself feeling as if all is lost, here's a promise you will want to hear!

In Philippians, the apostle Paul gives us a list and says, "Think about such things." However, like a song in a musical, it may just sound like the happy lyrics of a life detached from reality. Far from it. In fact, with Advent beginning tomorrow, and the readings about the coming of our Savior, "these things" are not as hard to imagine as we might think.

At twilight, when you and I may be feeling sleepy, is the time to watch. Jesus tells us there's also another time – in fact right now – when, instead of falling asleep, you and I will want to be alert.

Worry doesn’t change anything. That’s why, here in Philippians the apostle Paul points us to the One that does. And here's why he says you and I can do all this with real thanksgiving in our hearts on this festive celebration.

At Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean is also accompanied with warnings not to walk on the rocks, fall into the water, and be swept out to sea. Nevertheless, people continue to do just that. Many have suggested that more warnings are the answer. When it comes to God's Law, some have thought that perhaps more laws and warnings would help to keep people from falling. However, Jude points us in a different direction – to the One who keeps us from falling.

One of the more uplifting and enduring images that comes to mind when folks hear of an oil spill are the commercials on TV showing ducklings being carefully washed clean. And the means used to clean them remains them same. When it comes to cleaning you and me, God directs us to the same means that has endured for centuries. It still works.

"Build yourselves up!" Sounds like a good slogan for a gym or fitness club, doesn’t it? However, when we look in the mirror of God’s Law what we see staring back at us is our sins and shortcomings instead of the strong and sanctified superhero we long to be. But Jude is peddling some false message of self-reliance. He's got good news that's worth hearing – and handing on to.

Did you know that tomorrow is known as “Stir Up Sunday”? It's a tradition that dates back to Victorian times. It involves a special recipe and a family activity. But it points beyond tasty baking to all of the special ingredients that God has bought together to bring us salvation and savor the opportunities to share His mercy and love with those in our midst.

Sometimes, it's tempting to find our security in the size of our church building instead of our Savior. But Scripture reminds us that whether you find yourself worshipping in a beautiful, ornate church, or a modest cabin in the woods, we can rejoice that where the Gospel is proclaimed in truth, and His sacraments administered according to His Word, there is God in our midst as we gather in His name.

Have you ever wondered, “What can I do in church that I can’t do at home?” After all, I can sing hymns in the garage and I can pray at the cottage. It’s true. But gathering in worship has more to do with what Christ does for us that it is about what you and I do for him.

Here in Mark, Jesus says something that you probably won’t find cross-stitched onto a pillow. He says, “All men will hate you because of Me.” That may not be pleasant to hear but it’s the truth. For many, Jesus leaves a bitter taste in their mouth. However, we have good reason to be neither surprised nor discouraged.

A tattoo, popular, among sailors was the phrase “Hold Fast,” with each letter of the two four letter words written on the knuckles. It was meant to remind the sailors to have a good grip on the rigging. Here in Hebrews, the writer encourages us to hold fast to our confession of faith.

“Stop: Authorized Personnel Only Beyond This Point.” Have you ever seen signs like this? Controlled access is often put in place to safeguard the health and welfare of someone who might otherwise put themselves in peril. However, because of what Jesus has accomplished for you and me on the cross, God Himself has authorized you to come before His throne in full assurance of His mercy and forgivevness.

While folks often like to imagine what heaven is like, Scripture often describes it by telling us what’s not there.

Sometimes, as Christians we seemed surprised by trouble. It’s ironic, really, since Jesus Himself assures us in John, “In the world you will have trouble.” Nevertheless, in Revelation, God points us forward and assures us of the time when that will no longer be the case.

If you’re hearing this devotion today in the United States, it’s Veteran’s Day. If you’re living in Canada or countries in the Commonwealth member nations, today’s Remembrance Day. And, if you are living in England, the observance of Remembrance Sunday will take place later this weekend. Each of these days are marked with solemnity, profound gratitude and a moment of silence. However, each of them is slightly different and distinct. This month, the Church also celebrates All Saints’ Day. So, it’s reasonable to wonder, is this a day set aside for those who have died in the faith or those today who are still living? And the answer to that question is, “It’s both!”

The celebration of the saints, and in particular All Saints’ Day in November and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, remind us how blessed we are with the encouraging example of those who have gone on before us in the faith and are now with God. It's comfort too good to leave it muddled in misunderstanding. Here in Revelation God shows us its joyous focus.

It’s ironic that cartoons and movies often portray the redeemed in heaven as angels with wings, halos and harps. The reality is that what God has promised is so much better. In the glimpse of what is to come, God gave John a glimpse which includes white robes and palm branches. And it actually describes an apparel and activity that's ours even now through faith.

“Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!” If someone comes up, and wants to talk all about the ending a book that you’re both reading, it might spoil it for you if they give it away. So, you may interrupt them and say, “Wait, wait … Don’t tell me.” However, what God had John record for us at the end of the Scriptures is so good it will have you saying, "No, Don't Wait .. Please Tell Me!"

As the red hot molten lava shot up into the sky and flowed down the mountainside, rocks and ash began to rain down along with it. A couple were among those who had to flee and leave everything behind. They lost everything … well, almost everything.

Is it possible to be familiar with the truth but still not understand it? Can you be aware of the facts but still not fully grasp what they mean? Surprisingly, yes! Want a handy way to understand the Scriptures and a handy distinction which brings clarity? Try using the letters SOS.

In Mark, one of the teachers of the law came to Jesus with a question. He asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Essentially, he asked Jesus to boil it down for him into something short and sweet. Jesus gave Him a useful, and eye-opening answer and went on to bring us the sweet, perfect and eternal forgiveness we have with Him now through faith.

It's inspiring to hear when someone in the grocery store is surprised to learn that someone else has paid their bill. But it's absolutely jaw-dropping to hear what Paul describe for us here in Romans.

In many cases, famous companies have important trade secrets. And a great deal of care goes into keeping it that way. But here in Jeremiah, God announces the New Covenant of our salvation. It's not a secret and He wants everyone to know it. And He points out how the details of this precious good news are open and available for everyone here in His Word.