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Christmas Edition
Our Daily Bread The
Gift Of
Christmas WRITERS: J. David Branon • M. R. De Haan, M.D. • Richard W. De Haan David C. Egner • Vernon Grounds • David C. McCasland Haddon W. Robinson • Herbert Vander Lugt • Paul Van Gorder Joanie Yoder • Bill Crowder (Insights)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Cover Photo: © Terry Bidgood • Cover Design: Janet Chim Winter scene in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. MANAGING EDITOR: Tim Gustafson • EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Becky Knapp SENIOR EDITOR: Clair Hess • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Dennis De Haan EDITORS: Anne Cetas, David Sper, Tracy Carbaugh © 2006 RBC Ministries • All rights reserved. • Printed in Indonesia
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The King of Kings Long before animals roamed the earth, a great King issued a decree and the universe came into existence. With endless imagination and detail, the King filled the land, waters, and sky with living creatures of every shape, color, and size. Then the King reached down, picked up a handful of loose soil, and breathed into it His own likeness. From the dust the King made a man to share His happiness. Then He made the first woman from a rib He took from the man. In their garden home the King had planted two trees. One He called the “tree of life” and the other, “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Pointing to the second tree, the King said, “Don’t eat from this tree or you will die.” The caretakers took the King’s counsel and shared His happiness. But hiding in the shadows, a rebel watched the caretakers and envied their happiness. Disguised as a friend, the rebel engaged the woman in conversation. He raised questions they had never thought about. What was the King withholding? What didn’t He want them to know? Curiosity got the best of them. Tasting the forbidden fruit, the caretakers suddenly felt afraid and vulnerable. Grabbing leaves to cover themselves, they ran to hide from the King. Life would never be the same. Seasons changed. Generations passed. The King kept promising His chosen people that through them the world would be blessed with a Son who would be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
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The promise, however, usually fell on deaf ears. His people tested His patience until He stopped talking to them. After 400 long years the silence was broken by the cry of a baby. A young unmarried woman gave birth to a child whose name meant “Savior.” Thirty years later this Son of promise turned water to wine at a wedding party and then traveled from town to town doing good and giving hope to the poorest and most troubled of people. Instead of using His power to overthrow His enemies, the Teacher said He had not come to condemn but to be the servant of all. In a stunning turn of events, religious leaders accused Him of trying to overthrow the government and called for His death. On a holiday that celebrated their national freedom, an angry mob unknowingly subjected the Son they had been waiting for to a public execution. For 3 days the Teacher’s friends were afraid and confused. Then a group of women found His grave empty, and for the next 40 days the Lord of life let hundreds of His followers see that He had overcome the power of death in their behalf. The great King became the Servant of servants. After giving us life to share His joy, He was born into our world to bear our pain. His story must be told. Everlasting happiness is waiting for all who will welcome into their hearts the Servant of servants, the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). —Martin R. De Haan II, President of RBC Ministries
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wo women, dressed in their finest, were having lunch together in an exclusive restaurant. A friend saw them and came over to their table to HERE S greet them. “What’s the special occasion?” she asked. One of the women HE ABY said, “We’re having a birthday party for the baby in our family. He’s 2 READ: years old today.” “But, where is the Isaiah 7:10-14 baby?” the friend asked. The child’s mother answered, “Oh, I dropped him off at my mother’s house. She’s takThe virgin shall conceive and bear a ing care of him until the party’s over. Son, and shall call His It wouldn’t have been any fun with name Immanuel. him along.” —Isaiah 7:14 How ridiculous—a birthday celebration for a child who wasn’t welcome at his own party! Yet, when you stop to think about it, that’s no more foolish than going through the Christmas season, with all of its festivities, without remembering the One whose birth we are supposed to be honoring. And that’s the way many people celebrate Christmas. In all the busyness—the party-going, gift-shopping, and family gatherings—the One whose birthday they are commemorating is almost completely forgotten. During this holiday season, in all of your good times with family and friends, make sure you don’t leave out the Lord Jesus. Give Him the honor He deserves. —Richard De Haan As part of your family Christmas activities, plan a birthday party for Jesus. Bake a cake, sing “Happy Birthday,” and encourage family members to give a special gift to the Savior. December 4
W ’ T B ?
Beware of keeping Christmas but losing Christ.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Isaiah 7:10-14 Moreover the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!”13 Then he said, “Hear now, O house of 10
David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
INSIGHT In verse 14 of today’s Bible reading, we see the name given to the child of promise—Immanuel. This name, which means “God with us,” would later be applied to the birth of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:23 as an expression of the reality that Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. In addition to Isaiah 8:8, Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 are the only occurrences of the name Immanuel in the Bible. Yet it is more than a name or even a title. Applied to Christ, “Immanuel” is a statement of fact—the fact that Jesus was God, present among us in this world! So complete was this truth that Jesus Himself would say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
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ince that first Christmas day 2,000 years ago, the assurance that God is with His people has taken on new Before Jesus was born, the OD ITH S meaning. Israelites were assured that even in judgment they could have hope READ: because God was with them (Isaiah Isaiah 8:3-10 8:8,10). Yet they didn’t know God as fully as we can today. We have a great advantage because Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear through reading the New Testament we can see the glory of God “in the a Son, and they shall call His name face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians Immanuel, which is 4:6). And we can sense His presence translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 in all situations of life because He is made real to us by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:10-16). When I need to be reassured that God is with me, I think about Jesus as He is revealed in the New Testament. I recall how He took little children in His arms and blessed them (Matthew 19:13-15). Then I think of His crucifixion, which reminds me of all He endured to be my Savior (27:27-54). Finally, I reflect on His promise, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (28:20). The birth of Jesus gave new significance to the name Immanuel, which means “God with us” (1:23). Because He lived among us, died for us, and sent His Spirit to indwell us, we can rejoice! —Herb Vander Lugt Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. —Wesley December 5
G W
U
God came to live with us so we could live with Him.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Isaiah 8:3-10 Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name MaherShalal-Hash-Baz; 4 for before the child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The LORD also spoke to me again, saying: 6 “Inasmuch as these people refused the waters of Shiloah that flow softly, and rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah’s son; 7 now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them the waters of the River, strong 3
and mighty—The king of Assyria and all his glory; he will go up over all his channels and go over all his banks. 8 He will pass through Judah, he will overflow and pass over, he will reach up to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings will fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel. 9 “Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”
INSIGHT Isaiah is the longest of the “major prophets” and contains more prophecies of the coming Christ than any other Old Testament book.
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survey showed that 84 percent of people polled want a less materialistic holiday season. I suspect the same is true of people all across the EASON world. But when all roads seem to F ENEWAL lead to the shopping malls, what is the pathway toward a more spiritual and meaningful celebration of Christ’s READ: birth? Isaiah 40:28–41:4 Some church leaders are suggesting that we put more attention on the Those who wait on the observance of Advent, the 4-week LORD shall renew their period before Christmas. Instead of strength. filling those days with activity and — Isaiah 40:31 ending up physically and spiritually depleted, we need to recall that “those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Even with a busy calendar of school and church programs, and family obligations, we can still carve out time to “wait on the LORD” and to concentrate on the true meaning of this season. We can determine to make the most of our times of daily Bible reading and prayer, and to give people priority over things. As we take time to focus on Christ’s birth and strengthen our relationship with Him, this time of year can become a season of renewal instead of exhaustion. —David McCasland Take time this Christmastide to go A little way apart, And with the hands of prayer prepare The house that is your heart. —Anon. December 6
AS O R
A Christless Christmas is like a counterfeit dollar.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Isaiah 40:28–41:4 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. 1 “Keep silence before Me, O coastlands, and let the people 28
renew their strength! Let them come near, then let them speak; let us come near together for judgment.” 2 Who raised up one from the east? Who in righteousness called him to His feet? Who gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? Who gave them as the dust to his sword, as driven stubble to his bow? 3 Who pursued them, and passed safely by the way that he had not gone with his feet? 4 Who has performed and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? “I, the LORD, am the first; and with the last I am He.”
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athan, age 8, was working hard (with a little help from his grandfather) to build a birdhouse for his mother for Christmas. He referred to HE IFT it as his “secret project.” He gave it careful thought and poured all his F OVE energy into it. Most important, he was motivated by love. READ: Before Nathan started, he calcuEphesians 1:3-14 lated the number of hours he thought it would take to make it (7 1/2), and he God so loved the world decided what colors it should be that He gave His only painted (yellow with a blue roof). On begotten Son. Christmas morning he insisted that it — John 3:16 be the first gift opened, and he beamed when Mom said she really liked it. Nathan’s gift was given in the true spirit of the Gift whose birth we celebrate on Christmas. God the Father, moved by His great love, “gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). Think of the love of the Father that led to the priceless gift of His Son, which was part of His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:4-5; 3:11). God’s gift of love should fill us with deep gratitude and joy. Let’s together proclaim, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). —Dave Egner Before the glimmering dawn of creation, And with thoughts too wondrous for me, The Lord designed the plan of salvation To send the Savior to set sinners free. — Egner December 7
T G O L
The best gift anyone could receive is Jesus.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Ephesians 1:3-14 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good
pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
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ome people believe that the Bible is merely a haphazard collection of ancient writings. But we have good reason to believe it is God’s inspired HE ALUE Word. For example, the Bible conF ROPHECY tains prophecies that have been fulfilled. Centuries before specific events took place, the writers of READ: Scripture predicted their occurrence, Psalm 22:11-19 and in the course of time those events came to pass. No matter how farsighted we may Beware that you do not forget the LORD your be, we cannot foretell the future with God. any precision. Indeed, our best — Deuteronomy 8:11 guesses often turn out to be wrong. Here are some examples: “Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value.” Who said that? A renowned professor of military strategy. “Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.” This pronouncement was made by a distinguished economist just before the financial crash of 1929. The Bible, however, is filled with dramatic examples of fulfilled prophecy. Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22:1-18 record details about the crucifixion of Christ hundreds of years before this cruel form of execution was ever practiced. When we pick up the Bible, we are holding in our hands the one authoritative divine revelation of truth—a claim verified by fulfilled prophecy. —Vernon Grounds When we look beyond the manger To the cross of Calvary, We will know the reason Christmas Brings such joy to you and me. —D. De Haan December 8
T V O P
God always keeps His word.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 22:11-19 Be not far from Me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me. 13 They gape at Me with their mouths, like a raging and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it has melted within Me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws; 11
You have brought Me to the dust of death. 16 For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!
INSIGHT Psalm 22 is part of a trilogy of psalms that prophesied the coming Christ. In Psalm 22, He is depicted as the suffering Savior. In Psalm 23, Jesus is the loving Shepherd. In Psalm 24, Christ is seen as the sovereign King. Taken together, in these songs we see Christ’s ministry in all realms—past, present, and future. He came in the past to die for our sins, He is alive today caring for His flock, and He will one day rule over all as King over kings and Lord over lords.
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Special Feature
The Predicted Names Of Messiah No Old Testament prophet had more to say about the promised Messiah of Israel than the prophet Isaiah. In a period spanning at least 64 years, Isaiah (whose name means “the salvation of Jehovah”) was God’s spokesman to Israel during the reigns of four kings—Uzziah (or Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah predicted a coming messianic age marked by world peace. He foresaw a world government in the last days that would turn the eyes of the international community on Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-4). He also described the coming of a Servant-Ruler who would bring a mysterious blend of power and suffering (Isaiah 53; 61:1-3). But the character of this coming Servant is most clearly stated in Isaiah 9:6, where the prophet declared: Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. While it was clear that Isaiah was predicting a coming world leader and the inevitability of a messianic age, Isaiah was actually predicting the arrival of the Son of God. This could not have been seen until after Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Prophetically, Isaiah saw the day when a son of Israel would bear upon His shoulder the weight of world leadership. In chapter 2, Isaiah predicted that in the last days the house of the Lord would be established in Jerusalem. He said
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the Lord Himself would “judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; 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 2:4). Those who have bowed The Son of God their knee to this coming Messiah and Lord can find became the Son of present encouragement in Man, so that sons of that future day. While we men could become regard as mythology the sons of God. image of Atlas bearing on his shoulder the globe of the world, we can see in God’s Messiah a real Lord who can carry the combined weight of all human problems. Inexpressible comfort can be found as we discover that the “shoulders” which will someday carry the government of the world are large enough to bear any personal weight or burden that we bring to Him now. The Character Of Messiah. “. . . and His name will be called . . . .” Hebrew names are significant. The prophet used a marvelously descriptive set of names to unfold the very essence of the person of the Messiah. Isaiah used four compound names, each giving a different window through which to view the Son of God who was to become the Son of man for us. These four names shape our understanding of who God’s Messiah is. They can help us develop a personal relationship with Him, and show us in moments of fear where to find Him. Let’s take these names one at a time. The first of them is “Wonderful Counselor.”
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A Guiding Name: “Wonderful Counselor” Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . . And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor. The name “Wonderful Counselor” literally translates, “a wonder of a counselor.” But what does it mean? Let’s look at it in two parts. Wonderful. The first The shoulders that will is the word Wonderful. bear the government The Hebrew word pala of the world are large indicates “something enough to bear the uncommon or out of the weight of all the ordinary.” It reflects “a phenomenon lying outproblems of all side the realm of human His people. explanation; that which is separated from the normal course of events; something that cannot be explained.” The same Hebrew word is used in Psalm 139:6 in just this way: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” It is something miraculous! The problem is that we have a low view of the miraculous, and therefore a limited sense of wonder. A real wonder is something beyond human explanation. And the prophet Isaiah declared that the coming Child and Son would be a wonder. This not only describes what He does, it describes who He is. Do you see Him that way? He, Himself, is the wonder!
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Counselor. The second part of this compound description of the coming Messiah is Counselor. In its historical Hebrew usage, the word is used to picture a king giving counsel to his people. Micah declared the dilemma of the captives in Babylon this way, “Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in your midst? Has your counselor perished?” (4:9). *** Long before the Child was ever born, long before the Wonder is found Son was given, Isaiah foretold not merely in what that God was planning to send is difficult to a Counselor for the brokenexplain, but in that hearted people of the world. which cannot be And long after Jesus’ entrance into the world we can see that captured by He personified the kind of human reason. counsel that will go out from Jerusalem in the last days. • “He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). • “. . . the Spirit of wisdom and understanding” (Isaiah 11:2). • “. . . the LORD of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance” (Isaiah 28:29). When you take all that we know about Christ, it adds up to a marvelous truth—He is the God who is, and who is called a “Wonder of a Counselor.”
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arrenness, whether physical or spiritual, can lead to bitterness in some of God’s people. It can develop in the heart of a disappointed couple ARREN UT who cannot have a child. It can also occur when people serve God and see OT ITTER no results. A missionary couple who served READ: diligently for many years with no visLuke 1:5-17 ible fruit asked in frustration, “Have we wasted our lives?” A young pastor and his wife labored 5 years for a They were both righteous before God . . . . thankless, unresponsive congregation, But they had no child. pouring out their lives for their people. —Luke 1:6-7 “Do they even care?” the woman asked. Zacharias and Elizabeth, mentioned in Luke 1, are a model for anyone who is facing physical or spiritual barrenness. The aged couple had an impeccable reputation, having faithfully and obediently served the Lord for many years (v.6). They had prayed for children, but none came. Yet instead of becoming bitter, they kept serving and obeying the Lord. In His time, God honored Zacharias and Elizabeth with a son named John, the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah (vv.13-17). To avoid developing a bitter spirit in your life, faithfully serve and obey the Lord in the place where He has called you. Trust God to bless you in His time, in His way, and according to His plan. —Dave Egner Lord, keep me from being bitter When things don’t go my way, And grant me Your grace and wisdom To do Your will today. — Fitzhugh December 11
B B N B
Be faithful—and leave the results with God.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 1:5-8, 11-17 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, . . . 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel 5
said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
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uring the Great Depression that hit the United States in the 1930s, a family in the Midwest struggled to put food on their table. They HE AIN had no money for luxuries. One day posters all over town VENT announced that a circus was coming. Admission would be $1. A boy in the READ: family wanted to see the show, but his Luke 1:26-38 father told him that he would have to earn the money on his own. The youngster had never seen a circus You will conceive in your womb and bring before, so he worked feverishly and forth a Son, and shall was able to buy a ticket. call His name Jesus. On the day the circus arrived, he — Luke 1:31 went to see the performers and the animals parade through town. As he watched, a clown came dancing over to him, and the boy put his ticket in the clown’s hand. Then he stood on the curb and cheered as the rest of the parade moved by. The youngster rushed home to tell his parents what he had seen and how exciting the circus was. His father listened, then took his son in his arms and said, “Son, you didn’t see the circus. All you saw was the parade.” That story is a parable of Christmas. Many people get excited about the festivities but miss the main event. During this season, let’s remember what happened in a humble stable and what Jesus’ birth means to us. —Haddon Robinson The world drowns the carol with its sleighbells— Giftwraps the manger—shoves it out of sight; Yet though the darkness deepens and the din swells, The Star of Bethlehem still shines as bright. — Gustafson December 12
T M E
Jesus is the reason for the season.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 1:26-27, 30-38 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. . . . 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to 26
the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
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read about a young couple whose business had failed, and they had little money to spend at Christmas. were going to have to move out HE LESSING They of their house after the new year. But they didn’t want their holiday season REE to be spoiled because of it. So they decided to throw a party. When the READ: guests arrived, they saw a cedar tree Luke 1:39-45 decorated with one string of lights and small rolled-up pieces of paper tied to Blessed are you among the limbs with ribbon. women, and blessed is “Welcome to our ‘blessing tree’!” the fruit of your womb. they said, beaming. “In spite of hard — Luke 1:42 times, God has blessed us in so many ways that we decided to dedicate our tree to Him. Each piece of paper describes a blessing He has given us this year.” This couple has faced more trials since then, but they have chosen to stay focused on the Lord. They often remark that the Christmas with the “blessing tree” was one of their most beautiful, because they could testify as Elizabeth did of Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). Whatever your difficulties, they needn’t spoil Christmas, for nothing can spoil Christ! Like this couple, stay focused on Jesus and seek ways to share His blessings with others— perhaps through your own “blessing tree.” —Joanie Yoder Jesus came—and came for me! Simple words, and yet expressing Depths of holy mystery, Depths of wondrous love and blessing. —Havergal December 13
T B T
The crux of Christmas is Christ.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 1:39-45 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among 39
women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
INSIGHT Judah (Genesis 29:25) was one of the sons of Jacob (Israel) whose offspring came to represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In later history, when the nation of Israel split into northern and southern kingdoms, Israel was the name of the northern kingdom and Judah the name of the southern kingdom. By the time of Luke 1, Judah (v.39) was the area still designated by that tribal name—though in most cases this southern region had come to be known as Judea. Most significant, however, is the fact that the tribe of Judah was prophesied as bringing to Israel her true and ultimate king (Genesis 49:8 -10)—a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the “lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5).
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ary was troubled. She had just heard the words, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Comforting words, HE ONG it would seem, but startling because they were spoken by an angel. F ARY Mary was about to be presented with the most magnificent news ever, READ: yet she was fearful. And when the Luke 1:46-55 angel told her she would have a baby, she exclaimed, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (v.34). Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Those two facts about Mary—that —Luke 1:46 she was troubled and that she questioned the angel—tell us she was a person like us, with normal concerns. Yet, after listening to the angel, Mary called herself “the maidservant of the Lord,” and she said, “Let it be to me according to your word” (v.38). She was a humble, godly servant, with a willingness to do God’s will. We see more of Mary’s heart in her eloquent prayer, known as the Magnificat, the Song of Mary (vv.46-55). Here she rejoiced in God’s holiness (v.49), His mercy (v.50), His strength (vv.51-52), His care for the hungry (v.53), and His goodness to His people (vv.54-55). We can learn from Mary to trust God despite our concerns and fears, and to praise Him for His greatness. That’s what the song of Mary is all about. —Dave Branon We magnify our Father God With songs of thoughtful praise; As grateful children we confess How perfect are His ways. — Ball December 14
T S O M
God’s unsearchable ways deserve our unbounded praise.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. 50And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown 46
strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”
INSIGHT The author of the gospel of Luke was a Greek physician who was part of Paul’s ministry team. He joined Paul in Troas (Acts 16:9 -10), and visited him during Paul’s times of imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28; 2 Timothy 4:11). Luke wrote his gospel record as part one of a two-part explanation of the message of Christ to a friend, Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4). He then concluded his explanation of God’s ongoing work in the world with the book of Acts (Acts 1:1-2). Luke’s writing is careful about detail, presents women in a very positive light (unusual in that day), and has a number of medical references—a reminder of his background as the “beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14).
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wo passages in Luke related to the birth of Jesus are often called “songs” because of their similarity to Hebrew psalms of the Old Testament. ING The early church set them to music and used them in worship. One of EW ONG them, the Magnificat of Mary (1:4655), is well known. But the second READ: “song” is a less familiar poem of Luke 1:67-80 praise, which was spoken by Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist (vv.67-79). [Jesus will] give light to those who sit in After 9 months of divinely imposed darkness . . . , to guide silence, Zacharias was finally able to our feet into the way speak. He announced that the miracle of peace. baby born to him and Elizabeth would — Luke 1:79 be named John. Then, filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias spoke of God’s faithfulness and the salvation He would bring through Messiah. Zacharias said that Jesus, “through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us,” would come “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (vv.78-79). For a fresh look at the birth of Jesus this Christmas, consider Zacharias’ words of prophecy and exultation. Read them aloud. Ponder their meaning. Let God use them to write a new song of praise deep in your heart. —David McCasland This Christmas sing a new song That comes from deep within, A song that honors Christ the Lord, Who saves us from our sin. — Hess December 15
S A N S
Seeing God’s work in our life puts a new song in our heart.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 1:67-80 67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without
fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
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Special Feature
A Powerful Name: “Mighty God” Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . . And His name will be called . . . Mighty God. The name “Mighty God” is an Old Testament title here applied to the coming Messiah. It is the compound Hebrew term El Gibbor, and both parts of the name need to be understood. God. The first part of the title is El. Even though Jesus Himself pointed out that the title is sometimes used of mighty sons of men (John 10:34), El is so often used of God, and only God, that the prophet Hosea used The Messiah would not El to set God in contrast only have the power of to man in Hosea 11:9. Isaiah 9:6 was predict- God, He would be the ing One who would be God of power! far more than a man. This is indicated not only by the third name “Everlasting Father” and by other prophetic references such as Isaiah 2:1-4, but by the New Testament record of Christ. Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). He is the One of whom John wrote: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:1-3).
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Mighty. The other part of the name is Gibbor, which means “strength, power, hero.” What a statement! In a world where heroes are determined by their athletic prowess or financial power, we are told that the only One truly worthy to be adored is the One whose might is unparalleled! Isaiah 10:21 describes Him as the refuge of the remnant, and Deuteronomy 10:17 declares that He is the “great God, mighty and awesome.” *** The focus of Isaiah’s prophecy is El Gibbor, the Mighty God who is our true Hero. What this prophet in the seventh century BC anticipated, the New Testament confirms. Because the Messiah would be God, He would have God’s power. But to Isaiah, the amazing thing was that the Messiah would not only have the power of God, He would be the God of power! In other parts of his prophecy, Isaiah gave more details of what this mighty power would look like. For instance, in a messianic section of his prophecy, Isaiah declared: The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified (61:1-3).
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Jesus used Isaiah 61:1-3 to make His claim as the Messiah (Luke 4:16-21). But because He only partially fulfilled this prophecy in His first coming, He was only partially recognized. By His resurrection, perfect life, sacrificial death, and many mighty signs He showed we could trust Him to return one day to rule the world. Most of His own people rejected Him. John wrote, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). In many cases, however, Jesus was recognized as the long-awaited Messiah. All things were made Nicodemus, a rabbi of through [Jesus], and Israel, recognized Him (cp. without Him nothing John 3 with John 19). The was made that was disciples recognized Him made. —John 1:3 (cp. Matthew 8:27 with 16:16). Mary Magdalene recognized Him, and her life was transformed (Luke 8:2). Others’ lives were changed as well, even the life of the church’s most feared persecutor, Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9). These and thousands of other first-century Jews believed—and for good reason. Jesus Christ proved Himself to be El Gibbor as He displayed His life-changing might and power. *** For those who see their need of a Savior, the evidence of Christ’s mighty power is overwhelming. For those who sense their own weakness and inability to live up to God’s standard, the apostle John wrote, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
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What the New Testament provides is an opportunity to see the fullness of the “Mighty God” Isaiah was predicting. The clear statement of the Word of God is that Christ displayed His might in the creation of the world before He physically entered the world. John 1:3 says, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Colossians 1:16 agrees: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”
What the Old Testament foreshadows, the New Testament displays.
*** In the midst of evidence that shows Christ to be the Mighty God, it is important to remember that this is more than just theological data. It is divinely inspired evidence that urges us to see and respond to Christ as He As many as received is—our “Mighty God.” Him, to them He gave In view of the predicthe right to become tive evidence of Isaiah children of God, to and the historic record of the Gospels, how can we those who believe see our Lord Jesus Christ in His name. as anything less than the —John 1:12 Mighty God, El Gibbor?
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he words “there was no room for them in the inn” remind me of a family trip many years ago. We had been traveling all day, and I was trying OOM to find a motel where we could spend the night. As we drove along the highOR ESUS way, our hopes were dashed time and again by the sight of NO VACANCY READ: signs. As a father, responsible for the Luke 2:1-7 well-being of my family, I was frustrated and discouraged. Then I thought of Mary and Joseph. There was no room for How much worse it must have been them in the inn. for them when they arrived in Bethle— Luke 2:7 hem and found no rooms available! I can imagine Joseph pleading with the manager of the inn, telling him of Mary’s condition and their desperate need for a place where she could give birth to her child. But “there was no room for them in the inn.” So when Jesus was born, His mother “wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2:7). Today, 2,000 years later, millions of people have no room for Jesus. Although they participate enthusiastically in the festivities of the Christmas season, they keep Him out of their lives. The NO VACANCY sign is there. How about you? Is there room in your life for Christ? What better time than during this season to rededicate your life to Him or to receive Him as your Savior! —Richard De Haan Have you any room for Jesus, He who bore your load of sin? As He knocks and asks admission, Sinner, will you let Him in? —Whittle December 18
R F J
If Christ is kept on the outside, something is wrong on the inside.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 2:1-7 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, 1
because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
INSIGHT The registration referred to in Luke 2:1 was a census-taking. The purpose was to count the populations of different regions of the Roman empire to determine, in part, one’s expected taxation. The custom was to return to the city that was your own identifying “ancestral” home and then be counted there. Joseph was of the kingly line of David, and returned to Bethlehem, David’s boyhood home, to be registered. Because all of David’s descendants had come to Bethlehem at the same time to comply with the legal requirement of being registered, all available housing was taken. Joseph and Mary eventually found refuge in a stable.
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D
uring World War II, it became a custom in the United States for a family who had a son serving in the military to place a star in a front winHE TAR N dow of their home. A gold star indiHE INDOW cated that the son had died in support of his country’s cause. Sir Harry Lauder told a touching READ: story about this custom. One night a Ephesians 2:1-10 man was walking down a New York City street with his 5-year-old son. The little boy was interested in the brightly For God so loved the world that He gave His lighted windows of the houses and only begotten Son. wanted to know why some houses had — John 3:16 a star in the window. The father explained that those families had a son fighting in the war. The child would clap his hands as he saw another star in the window and would cry out, “Look, daddy, there’s another family who gave a son for his country.” At last they came to an empty lot, and a break in the row of houses. Through the gap a star could be seen shining brightly in the sky. The little lad caught his breath, “Oh, daddy,” he cried, “Look at the star in the window of heaven! God must have given His Son too.” Yes indeed! There is a star in God’s window. Do you realize what He did for you? Because of God’s love for us, He gave His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4). Have you thanked Him? —M. R. De Haan, M.D. December 19
T S I T W
For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son To die on Calvary’s tree, from sin to set me free; Someday He’s coming back, what glory that will be! Wonderful His love to me. — Smith Many give their lives for their country, but Jesus gave His life for the world.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Ephesians 2:1-10 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, 1
made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
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ne Christmas I saw a cartoon that showed a boy gazing into a store window at a sign that read: HAVE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! F HRISTMAS Thoughtfully, he said, “It’s pretty hard to top the first one.” SN T ERRY Years ago my husband and I had an experience that drew our attention to READ: that first Christmas. In mid-December, Luke 2:21-33 I gave birth prematurely to a muchwanted son. As our “Tiny Tim” struggled for life, he was rushed to another Mary kept all these hospital. Then, miles away from us, he things and pondered died all alone. Christmas that year was them in her heart. not jolly but grievous. — Luke 2:19 In our grief, however, God gave us a moving glimpse of His original Christmas. We saw that God also experienced empty arms, but in a much greater way. His baby Son had been born to die—a death that would bring eternal life to us all. Like Mary, we cherished and pondered these thoughts in our hearts. Slowly, the unhappiness that had threatened to diminish the meaning of Christmas enlarged it instead. In time, that Christmas became the most meaningful one we’ve ever had. Christmas this year will be unavoidably sad for many people—perhaps for you. Take heart! Christmas needn’t be merry to be meaningful. It’s the Christ of Christmas we celebrate, not Christmas itself. Ponder Him! —Joanie Yoder December 20
I C I ’ M
Come with the spirit and heart of a child— It matters not what we share, For Christmas isn’t Christmas at all Unless the Christ-child is there. —Anon. To put meaning into your Christmas, give Christ first place.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 2:21-33 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, 21
and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 30 for my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” 33And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.
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D
uring a December visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, I paused to admire the magnificent Christmas tree. It was EIGHED covered with angels and surrounded at its base by an elaborate 18th-cenOWN T tury nativity scene. Nearly 200 figHRISTMAS ures, including shepherds, the Magi, and a crowd of townspeople, looked READ: in anticipation toward the manger or Luke 4:14-21 gazed up in awe at the angels. But one figure appeared different from the rest—a barefoot man, who He has sent Me to heal carried a heavy load on his back and the brokenhearted, . . . looked at the ground. It struck me that to set at liberty those this man, like so many people today, who are oppressed. — Luke 4:18 was so weighed down that he couldn’t see the Messiah. Christmas can be a difficult time for those who carry the burden of hard work, stressful family situations, and personal loss. But we should remember that Christ came into our world to lift up all those who are bowed down. Jesus used the words of Isaiah to announce His God-given mission on earth: “To preach the gospel to the poor; . . . to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). Jesus came to lift our burdens so we can raise our eyes to welcome Him at Christmas. —David McCasland Help us, Lord, to give our burdens To Your tender, loving care; Grant us faith to trust You fully, Knowing that each one You bear. —D. De Haan December 21
W D C
A
To find true joy at Christmas, look to Jesus.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 4:14-21 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, 14
because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” 20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
INSIGHT In Luke 4, Jesus publicly announced His ministry and mission by quoting from the prophet Isaiah (61:1; 42:7). The mission had two elements—to heal the broken and to rule the world with true justice. In His first coming He offered the salvation that alone can repair broken human lives. In His second coming, He will rule and reign upon the earth for 1,000 years.
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ven Christians can miss the point of the Christmas story if they aren’t careful. Halford E. Luccock warned of that danger in a thoughtHE ABY provoking essay. Here is what he wrote: “We can become so charmed REW P with the story of a baby that we grow sentimental about it. It does not ask READ: that we do anything about it; it does John 3:13-18 not demand any vital change in our way of thinking and living. “The great question for us is this: Is You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save our Christmas still only a story about His people from their a baby, or is it more, a . . . story about sins. a Person into whom the baby grew, — Matthew 1:21 who can redeem the world from its sins, and who calls us into partnership with His great and mighty purposes?” When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, he said, “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). It is only as we see the birth of Jesus in light of His crucifixion and resurrection that we are able to grasp the full meaning of Christ’s coming. With your eyes wide open this Christmas, respond to God with love and commitment for the gift of His Son. Focus your thoughts and actions and motivations toward honoring the Baby who grew up and died for all our sins. Christ the Savior is born! —David McCasland When we look beyond the manger To the cross of Calvary, We will know the reason Christmas Brings such joy to you and me. —D. De Haan December 22
T B G U
The mission of the cross is hidden in the message of the cradle.
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Today’s Bible Reading — John 3:13-18 “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes 13
in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
INSIGHT John 3:16 is arguably the most famous verse in the Bible. It describes the passion of God for a lost and rebellious human race. So great is God’s love for us that He was willing to sacrifice His Son to pay for our sins and to rescue us from death and judgment. The eternal life God provides in Christ is the only hope for the failures, sin, and emptiness that we experience, because it is not merely eternal in terms of time—it is a dramatically transformed quality of life that is wrapped up in the beauty and glory of God Himself.
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Special Feature
A Timeless Name: “Everlasting Father” Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . . And His name will be called . . . Everlasting Father. The symbolic use of the word father was an ancient Hebraism for “possessor of.” In Isaiah 9:6 the Messiah is described as both a Son and a Father. He became a child in time (through the incarnation), but He is the Father (and possessor) of eternity. He inhabits and posJesus said, “Before sesses eternity. “For thus Abraham was, I AM,” says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, linking Himself to the “Everlasting Father” whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy Isaiah foresaw. place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones’” (Isaiah 57:15). His name is eternal. “His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed” (Psalm 72:17). He is the eternal provider. “He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’” (Revelation 21:6). He is eternal in all that He is and all that He does! This implies several crucial truths claimed for God’s Messiah in both Old and New Testaments:
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He is preexistent. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:2). He is self-existent. In Exodus 3 we find the name “I AM.” This name describes and defines the God who is. He is totally independent of His creation, and totally independent of time. He is the God who is Alpha and Omega, the God of the eternal present tense. As self-existent, He is wholly and completely self-dependent. Frederick Faber wrote, “No age can keep its outward years on Thee, dear God! Thou art, Thyself, Thine own eternity.” In the events recorded in John 8:12-58, a fascinating dialog occurs. The exchange is between Jesus and His religious antagonists, the Pharisees. Jesus called God His Father. The Pharisees called Abraham their father. Jesus said that if Abraham were their father they would do the works of Abraham. They responded that at least they were not born of fornication (implying that Mary had been sexually active before marriage), and then matched Jesus’ claim that all have one Father—God. To this Jesus replied: If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do (John 8:42-44).
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The Pharisees were making their claim to Abraham and to the God of Abraham, but Jesus wasn’t backing down. More important, He clarified that their link to Abraham was only physical. Spiritually they were of their father the devil. Then Jesus made the most amazing statement of all: “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). To His countrymen, He had finally gone too far. They recognized that by such a claim He was making Himself equal with God. (In Exodus 3:14, Moses met the God who identified Himself as the “I AM WHO I AM.”) As on several other occasions, Jesus so infuriated the While all other fathers Pharisees that they grow old and die or picked up stones with leave us in our youth, the intent to kill Him. In retrospect, we can our everlasting Father see more than the Phar- will never leave us nor isees’ rage. We can also forsake us. see One who by His miraculous life, death, and resurrection has shown His right to the name Isaiah’s prophecy had given to the Messiah 600 years before Jesus’ birth. The truth of the eternality of the Messiah is something that has come under continuous attack for centuries. But the inescapable fact is that all groups who reject the eternality of Christ also reject His deity. The two are inseparable! If Jesus is not eternal, He is not God—and vice versa. Yet Isaiah said that when Messiah came, He would be the physical embodiment of the Everlasting Father.
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The ability of Christ to be a timeless source of fatherly protection and provision is claimed in a number of ways in the New Testament. • His character is described as eternally consistent and immutable (unchanging). Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” • His New Testament title Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8) uses the first (alpha) and last (omega) letter of the Greek alphabet to symbolize that Christ is before everything and will surpass everything. • He declared that His divine judgment will be an eternal one (Matthew 18:8). • John the Baptist, whose birth preceded Jesus, still recognized the eternality of Christ when he said, “This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me’” (John 1:30). He is the eternal One! *** The self-existence of God’s Messiah means that He will not leave us, as all earthly fathers eventually do. The Eternal God took upon Himself the limitations of a human body so that He could bring us into an everlasting relationship with Himself. May we take time to think about Christ, the timeless One who invaded time to rescue us from sin and self. He is the Father of Eternity who has given eternal life to make it possible for us to have eternal peace with God and with one another.
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ne wintry day a man was walking down the street and noticed some grain on the ground. A flock of was having an unscheduled E AME EAR sparrows feast. As the man took a step toward the birds, they became uneasy. READ: Another step, and their nervousness Matthew 1:18-25 increased. When he was almost upon them, they suddenly flew away. For a few moments the man stood Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a there reflecting on what had hapSon, and they shall call pened. Why had those sparrows scatHis name Immanuel, tered in flight? He had meant no which is translated, harm. But then he realized that he was “God with us.” too big. — Matthew 1:23 Another question came to mind: How could he walk among those birds without frightening them by his size? It would only be possible if he were able to become a sparrow and fly down among them. The spiritual analogy is clear. In Old Testament times God appeared to people in various ways—to Abraham through heavenly messengers, to Moses out of the burning bush. They were afraid because of God’s awesomeness. But centuries later the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds and announced, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Yes, God became a man so that we would not be afraid to draw near to Him. —Paul Van Gorder December 25
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Without reluctance, flesh and blood His substance, He took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan. O glorious mystery, sacrifice of Calvary, And now I know Thou art the great “I Am.” —Booth-Clibborn Jesus’ birth brought the infinite God within reach of finite man.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21And she will bring forth a Son, and you 18
shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
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f you’re going back to work after Christmas, what will you take with you? A few gifts and some warm holmemories, or something more? ACK O ORK idayI like the way J. B. Phillips translates Luke 2:20—“The shepherds READ: went back to work, glorifying and Luke 2:15-20 praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, which had happened just as they had been told.” The shepherds After hearing the angel’s announcereturned, glorifying and praising God for all the ment of Messiah’s birth, after visiting things that they had Bethlehem where they found the baby heard and seen, as it lying in the manger, after telling peowas told them. ple the amazing things they had heard — Luke 2:20 about this child—after all this, the shepherds went back to the fields, the sheep, and their daily routine. But they returned from that first Christmas with something new—hearts full of praise for what they had experienced. Their circumstances were the same, but they themselves were different—they had encountered Christ the Lord. Have you encountered Christ this Christmas, perhaps through the Bible or a new appreciation of His coming? When someone asks, “How was your holiday?” what will you say? With Jesus in your heart, you can go back to work with joy and a word of witness to others—glorifying and praising God for everything you have heard and seen. —David McCasland December 26
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Joy to the world! the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing. — Watts Take the joy of Christmas with you every day.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 2:15-20 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the 15
saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
INSIGHT The shepherds who heard the first announcement of Christ’s birth were regular working men. They had spent their lives servicing the temple with lambs for sacrifice, but in hearing the message of the Savior their lives were changed. They immediately went out and carried the announcement with them to all who would hear. It is that message that defines the life and values of every child of God, and it is that message that gives fresh new purpose to the believer’s daily experiences. As they celebrated the Child by sharing His good news, so should we!
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ccording to tradition, a Christmas song once brought peace to a battlefield. It happened on Christmas during the Franco-German War OLY IGHT Eve (1870-1871) as the two sides faced each other in their trenches. READ: A French soldier jumped up and Luke 2:1-14 began singing “O Holy Night.” The surprised German soldiers did not fire. Instead, one of them stepped forOn earth peace, goodwill toward men! ward to sing “From Heaven Above To Earth I Come.” — Luke 2:14 For a brief time at least, peace on earth prevailed and goodwill was shared among men whose job it was to kill each other. Think about the words of “O Holy Night” and see how they can bring hostilities to a halt. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining.” Who knows about the world’s ills better than soldiers who are facing the consequences of war, killing, and death? “A thrill of hope” is what those men needed in the darkness of that winter night. Hope is what “the dear Savior’s birth” provides. Because of Him the “weary world rejoices.” Even though we may not be engaged in physical combat, we all face the battles of everyday life. We can let the peace of that holy night—the night of our dear Savior’s birth— reign in our hearts the whole year through. —Dave Branon O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. —Dwight December 27
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God gave us His Son to give us His peace.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 2:1-14 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were 1
in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
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FIRST BREATH READ: Colossians 1:15-20 All things were created through Him and for Him. —Colossians 1:16
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ussell Nagy’s moving choral anthem “The Promise” contains these words: Silently by night, in mortal flesh enshrouded He who framed the mountains draws first breath. Far from human sight, the promise never forgotten Is in love begotten to conquer death.
The marvel of Christmas is that the Maker of the mountains took His first breath as a baby. The One who framed the universe assumed human flesh so He could save us. The Incarnation is the astounding combination of who descended from heaven to earth, how He arrived, and why He came. “By Him all things were created . . . and He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself . . . having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:16-17, 19-20). When Jesus took His first breath on earth, a loving promise of God the Father had been fulfilled. The Christ Child whom the angels announced and the shepherds proclaimed had come to die. The Baby in the manger was the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, (v.15) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (v.14). Come, let us adore Him! —David McCasland The Incarnation is a marvel of God’s power and love.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18And He is the head of the body, the 15
church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
INSIGHT In Colossians 1, Paul affirms what we read in John 1. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe. Not only did He bring the universe into existence, but even to this moment He is sustaining the universe He created. This is the One in whom dwells “all fullness” (v.19)—the fullness of God the Father. It is because of this—that He came as the fullness of God in human flesh—that Jesus was able to make peace for us with God “through the blood of His cross” (v.20).
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n Acts 10:39, the cross of Calvary is called a tree. It’s also referred to this way in Acts 5:30, Acts 13:29, Galatians 3:13, and 1 Peter 2:24. HE At this season when much attention ORGOTTEN REE is paid to the Christmas tree covered with tinsel, ornaments, and colored lights, the rugged cross of Calvary READ: might well be called the forgotten tree Acts 10:34-43 of Christmas. Many people completely overlook the purpose for which Jesus came to earth. The true We are witnesses of all things which He did significance of His birth can be lost in . . . , whom they killed the trappings, gift-giving, and partyby hanging on a tree. going associated with the celebration —Acts 10:39 of this holiday. We must keep clearly in mind the real meaning of Christmas. Luke tells us that “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The Babe of Bethlehem was born to die. He came to give His life as a sacrifice for sin by hanging on a tree—not a tinsel-covered thing of beauty, but an ugly, cruel instrument of execution. As we remember our Savior’s birth in Bethlehem’s stable, let’s be deeply conscious that it is vitally related to Golgotha’s hill where He was crucified, and where He shed His blood for the sins of the world. Don’t let Calvary’s cross be the forgotten tree of Christmas. It’s the most important one! —Richard De Haan This joyous season of the year Should prompt us to recall That Jesus’ death on Calvary Provides new life for all. —Sper December 29
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The Christ of Christmas is also the Christ of Calvary.
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Today’s Bible Reading — Acts 10:34-43 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39And we are
witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
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Special Feature
A Comforting Name: “Prince Of Peace” Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . . And His name will be called . . . Prince of Peace. The name “Prince of Peace” is the Hebrew Shar Shalom, which means “the one who removes all peace-disturbing factors and secures the peace.” This sets Him apart from most human rulers whose reigns often depend on bloody conquest. His rule rests on a bloody sacrifice! What a contrast to such biblical kings as Nebuchadnezzar, and even David, whose rule was established on might, but not necessarily on right. The name “Peaceful Prince” helps to explain why Jesus disappointed His countrymen when He came! They did not want a peaceful prince. They wanted a monarch who would annihilate their foes and establish again the glories the kingdom of Israel knew in the golden days of Solomon. They wanted the Roman rulers taken away and all their other oppressors with them. But Jesus didn’t lift a finger against Rome. He didn’t make one international peace treaty. How can He then be considered the Prince of Peace? Notice two very different statements from the New Testament. Luke 2:14 states, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” But in Matthew 10:34, Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” How can these two statements be reconciled? Can we
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blame Jesus’ countrymen for rejecting the Prince of Peace if our own world is still engulfed in conflict as we move into the third millennium? The New Testament says that the first phase of His coming was to establish a basis for peace with God and to offer it to individuals of all nations. The New TestaJesus will bring peace in two phases: ment also claims that He will come a second time to bring peace to the earth. • We may now The first phase of Mesenjoy peace siah’s coming produced a with God. peace unknown to man since the fall of Adam into • In the future, sin. It is rooted in the savwe will have ing mission carried out by peace among Christ on our behalf. Paul the nations. wrote: God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). This means that the peace Jesus brought is more than a negotiated ceasefire between ourselves and God. It is a peace that changes us from enemies into the children of God. We clearly see the evidence that Jesus Christ is the “Prince of Peace” in the New Testament: His power. So significant was the power of the Son of God that He was able to bring calm to the natural
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storms on the turbulent Sea of Galilee. “He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). His cross. So effective is His work on the cross that it is able to make peace between God and man. “It pleased the Father . . . by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled” (Colossians 1:19-21). His gospel. The good news of salvation in Christ is acknowledged as the root of peace in the hearts of the redeemed. “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). His body. Though Judaism separated Jews and Gentiles, Christ has not only reconciled God and man, He has reconciled Jew and Gentile so that we are now one body in Christ. “He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14). What is the importance of the name “Prince of Peace” to the believer today? Those who trust Christ as their Mediator and Savior are given by God an assurance that flows out of a right relationship with Him. Once we are in Christ, the Prince of Peace shows us that He can bring peace wherever He rules. He can bring: Peace in life’s trials. “Peace I leave with you, My
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peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Peace in life’s maturing process. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Peace in life’s victories. “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20). Peace in life’s relationships. “. . . endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). *** What a treasure is ours in Isaiah’s predicted Messiah. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. May we give Him worship, as we ponder the great God that He is!
This is the claim of the Bible and the heartbeat of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ is God and He came into the world to save sinners. What is your response to that claim and to the evidence that He is the only deliverer for sin-laden, lost people who are the object of God’s love? Will you receive His gift of forgiveness and be saved? If you already belong to God, having been rescued from your sin and its just punishment, will you live under His perfect will and wisdom so that He may guide you into a life that pleases Him? May it ever be so, for He brings peace wherever He reigns.
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10 Reasons To Believe God Became A Man 1. A Virgin Conceived An angel told Mary she would conceive a son by God’s Spirit. This child, to be named Jesus, would be the Son of God (Luke 1:26-35). If Mary was lying, the night of Jesus’ birth was not holy, and the only thing that was silent was the truth. But how can we know? The answer is in what followed. If there were no witnesses and no evidence, we could ignore Mary’s claims. If her son’s life was the same as any other life, her claim of a virgin birth would be the easiest of all stories to dismiss.
2. An Old Testament Prophet Predicted A God-Man In the seventh century BC, the prophet Isaiah made this prediction: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah also gave a mysterious prophecy: “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel means “God with us.”
3. Angels Announced The Birth An angel announced the birth of the Messiah to Jewish shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (vv.10-12).
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4. A Sign Appeared In The Sky Wise men from the East followed a star to Judea where they found the Messiah. Prophets had spoken of “a Star” and “a Scepter” to come out of Israel (Numbers 24:17), a ruler of Israel who would come out of Bethlehem, “whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
5. The Time Was Right Many believe that the Magi who worshiped Jesus after His birth came from the region of Babylon. If so, they would likely have had access to the prophecy of a Jewish prophet named Daniel. While in exile in Babylon 400 years earlier, Daniel had a vision (Daniel 7:13-14; 9:24-27) that allows for the calculation of the arrival of the Jewish Messiah.
6. Jesus Claimed To Be Equal With God Jesus repeatedly claimed to be one with God. He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). (In Exodus 3:14, the name I AM was used by God to identify Himself to Moses.) “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also” (John 14:7).
7. His Friends Worshiped Him The apostle John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-3,14).
8. Jesus’ Enemies Accused Him Of Blasphemy Jesus’ friends may have wanted to believe He was more than a man, but His enemies did not. The religious leaders
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of Israel were outraged to think that the same man who accused them of being hypocritical and blind leaders would also claim to forgive sins, speak of God as His Father, and even say that He was one with God. The religious leaders picked up stones to kill Jesus, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God” (John 10:33).
9. Jesus’ Miracles Supported His Claims Jesus’ miracles were signs and wonders to encourage men and women to believe in Him. He walked on water, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. The apostle John wrote, “Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
10. His Departure Was Greater Than His Arrival Many people have claimed to be gods. Yet only one man has been willing to die for the sins of others. Only one has risen from the dead to prove that He is the Son of God. After Jesus voluntarily gave His life on an executioner’s cross, He appeared to His closest disciples and more than 500 other followers for a period of 40 days (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). The eyewitnesses were so convinced of His resurrection that they were willing to suffer and die for their claims. Then on the Mount of Olives, He gave them His last words and ascended into the clouds. With a departure more spectacular than His arrival, Jesus left us with a better understanding of the announcement of the angel who said, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
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You’re Not Alone You’re not alone if you have mixed feelings when you think about the evidence surrounding the life of Jesus. You may feel compelled to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but you’re not sure of your relationship to Him. If that’s the case, be assured of this: If you accept Him, He will accept you. If you will receive His offer of forgiveness, everlasting life, and adoption into the family of God, He will become your Savior, Teacher, and Lord. It’s the greatest gift of all— the gift bought by God Himself—for you. No one is saved by trying to be good. We are saved by trusting in Jesus. The Bible says, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The actual words we say to God to receive this gift may vary. What is important is that we believe Him enough to be able to say something similar to the following: God, I know I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and that He rose from the dead to prove it. Now I accept Your offer of full forgiveness and eternal life. I accept Jesus as Your gift for my salvation. If this is the honest expression of your heart, you have entered into a personal relationship with God! You are His child (1 John 3:1-2). And He gives to His children this comforting promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
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RBC Ministries Offices Please direct all correspondence to the office nearest you.
Headquarters RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI 49555-0001, USA Tel: (+1-616) 974-2210 • Fax: (+1-616) 957-5741
Asia-Pacific Region Australia — RBC Ministries South Pacific Ltd., PO Box 3052, Mandurah East WA 6210, Australia Tel: (+61-8) 9581-7882 • Fax: (+61-8) 9581-9221 • E-mail: australia@rbc.org Hong Kong — RBC Ministries Ltd., Kowloon Central, PO Box 74025, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2626-1102 • Fax: (+852) 2626-0216 • E-mail: hongkong@rbc.org Indonesia — RBC Indonesia, PO Box 2500, Jakarta 11025, Indonesia Tel: (+62-21) 544-2152 • Fax: (+62-21) 2561-0013 • E-mail: indonesia@rbc.org Japan — RBC Ministries Japan, PO Box 46, Ikoma Nara-ken, Japan 630-0291 Tel: (+81-743) 75-8230 • Fax: (+81-743) 75-8299 • E-mail: japan@rbc.org Malaysia — RBC Resource Centre Berhad, PO Box 86, Taman Sri Tebrau 80057, Johor Bahru, Malaysia Tel: (+060-7) 335-5919 • Fax: (+060-7) 335-7828 • E-mail: malaysia@rbc.org New Zealand — RBC Ministries New Zealand, PO Box 65086, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0754, New Zealand Tel: (+64-9) 478-1311 • Fax: (+64-9) 478-2651 • E-mail: newzealand@rbc.org Singapore (Regional office) — RBC Ministries Asia Ltd, Macpherson Road Post Office, PO Box 146, Singapore 913405 Tel: (+65) 6858-0900 • Fax: (+65) 6858-0400 • E-mail: singapore@rbc.org Taiwan — RBC Ministries Foundation, PO Box 68-325, Taipei 104, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: (+886-2) 254-17911 • Fax: (+886-2) 252-39184 • E-mail: taiwan@rbc.org Thailand — RBC Ministries Thailand, PO Box 44, Hawkarnkhar University, Bangkok 10325, Thailand Tel: (+66-2) 692-2476 • Fax: (+66-2) 275-4467 • E-mail: thailand@rbc.org Philippines — RBC Ministries, PO Box 288, Greenhills 0410, Metro Manila, Philippines Tel: (+63-2) 722-2010 • Fax: (+63-2) 725-5058 • E-mail: philippines@rbc.org