25 Days of Celebration Christmas Devotional 2021

25 Days of Celebration Christmas Devotional 2021

DECEMBER 1 CELEBRATING GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT By Don Lough, Jr. President & CEO, Word of Life Fellowship

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Think back to the most incredible Christmas gift you ever received. Maybe it was a Schwinn bicycle, a popular LEGO set, or even a new puppy. While these things offer moments of excitement and fun, they pale in comparison to God’s ultimate Christmas gift. As a matter of fact, God’s gift is so incredible that mere words are inadequate to describe it. The Apostle Paul celebrates this truth in 2 Corinthians 9:15 by expressing, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Indescribable means “defying expression or description.” What kind of gift would qualify? This verse points us directly back to a manger in Bethlehem and Calvary’s cross. Because of God’s great love, He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to this earth as the best Christmas gift ever. His mission was to pay the penalty for our sin, a penalty we deserved to pay. But He took our place by dying a criminal’s death on a Roman cross. Romans 5:8 confirms,“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Get the picture! While we were thrusting our angry fists toward God, He still loved us and sent the gift of Jesus. This gift defies description!

As we enter this Christmas season, this is prime time to celebrate and share God’s indescribable and undeserved gift. Neighbors, friends, and family desperately need to hear the Good News about Jesus.

DECEMBER 2 THE MEANING OF CHRIST’S BIRTH By Tom Messer Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The traditional Christmas season celebrates the birth of Christ and focuses on His First Coming. His First Coming also points the way to His Second Coming. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas are characterized by Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace. Our Hope: The church in its present situation is waiting for the Return of Christ to usher in His eternal kingdom. The First and Second Coming of Christ is what allows us to look backward and see God’s grace (Calvary) and look forward to the coming of our Future King. We remember His First Coming as a means to anticipate His Second Coming. Our Joy: The coming of Christ assures us that “your joy may be complete.” It is to assure us that we are going to have freedom of emotions. Nothing can rob us of our joy. The joy that God gives is not based on circumstance and is not dependent upon our performance or effort. It is a subterranean river of joy that flows even when things are not going well on the outside. Our Love: God’s love is made known in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the supreme embodiment and example of the Father’s love for us. God showed us His love by sending Jesus Christ to this earth in human form. The theological term for this concept is incarnation. Jesus humbled Himself and emptied Himself of the glory of heaven because He determined that obedience to the Father and the redemption of lost people were more important. This is love; Jesus treasured us more than the treasures of heaven and came to this earth out of obedience to the Father and love for us. Our Peace: The Christmas carol says, “Hark the Herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.” In the announcement in Luke 1, Zacharias was told that the Savior was to come “to give knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins…to guide our feet to the way of peace.” Peace with God is the foundation of all other peace. This peace is reconciliation with God through the forgiveness of sins that God has provided in Jesus.

Christ’s birth gives us incredible hope, sustainable joy, unconditional love, and incomparable peace!

DECEMBER 3 UGLY CHRISTMAS SOCKS By Sean Pierce Director, Hudson Baptist Association

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. (John 3:31)

Every Christmas, I agonize about what I should buy as a token of my love for those most important to me. It’s never easy, and I dread it most years. This year, however, was a little different. I purchased socks for a bunch of people I care about. Not just any socks and certainly not black socks. I bought the most fun, colorful, tacky socks I could find. There were superhero socks. Cartoon socks. Ugly Christmas socks—kind of like ugly Christmas sweaters, but for your feet. I’m not sure if that really is a thing, but I thought it might be. I was a little apprehensive about people’s responses, so I geared up to explain why I bought them. I bought them as a reminder to make sure to do something fun every day. We work hard and serve well, and sometimes we deal with some very heavy issues. Even then, we should take a moment to have a little fun even when it’s out of view. Hopefully, the socks will remind them of that even if they never wear them. I’m glad God did something better than buy us a pair of ugly Christmas socks. God’s gift for us is far more than that. It is literally out of this world. John 3:31-36 reminds us that Jesus alone is not of this earth. He alone comes from heaven and is above all. He speaks of His own experiences as coming from God. He utters the words of God on this earth. It’s these words that change our lives. It’s these words we rely on; words that give us life, hope, encouragement, conviction, peace, security, etc. These are far better than what a pair of socks can bring. As Christmas draws closer, my prayer is that you might experience even more the results of eternal life that comes through believing in the Son.

DECEMBER 4 THE BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS By Jonathan Bubar Dean of Ministries, Word of Life Bible Institute

And you, O tower of the flock, The stronghold of the daughter of Zion, To you shall it come, Even the former dominion shall come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem. (Micah 4:8) So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). And Jacob set a pillar on her grave, which is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent toward the tower of Eder. (Genesis 35:19-21) But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting. (Micah 5:2) One of my favorite details of the Christmas story centers on the place where Jesus was born. As a child, I imagined a stable out behind an Inn somewhere in the city of Bethlehem, but I don’t believe that is what happened. When we first see King David, he is tending his father’s sheep outside the city of Bethlehem. David twice risked his life for these sheep because these weren’t ordinary sheep. These were sacrificial lambs bred for perfection to be offered for the sins of the people. Now, fast forward 900 years later. Mary is great with child, and there is no room for her and Joseph, so they brought her to Migdal Eder, “the tower of the flock,”where the precious sacrificial lambs were born. The swaddling clothes were there to swaddle the lambs and worked great for the newborn Jesus. When the angels appeared to the shepherds outside Bethlehem, they weren’t ordinary shepherds. They were temple shepherds watching over the temple flock. They knew exactly where to find the child of whom the angels sang. In John 1:29, John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching and cries out, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” What a wonderfully appropriate reference to the One born as the prophets foretold, in the tower of Eder, born as a sacrificial Lamb to suffer and die in my place. That’s the real story of Christmas. More than gifts, trees, family, and Hallmark movies, we celebrate the birth of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

DECEMBER 5 HAVE YOU EVER SAID THANK YOU? By John Nelson Executive Vice President of Stewardship, Word of Life Fellowship

I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Have You Ever Said Thank You? This title to a song written by Word of Life Co-Founder, Harry Bollback, expresses what should be the spirit of every believer. The lyrics of the song capture the essence of this season of giving: God gave the Ultimate Gift when He sent His Son to provide new life to all who place their faith in Him.

Have you ever said ‘thank you’ to the One who loves you, Left His splendor in heaven, to prove His love true, He’ll make your life anew, and all you have to do, Is say ‘I believe,’ I believe it’s true.

In John 10:10 we read, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This is the new life referenced in Harry’s song; it’s the life that God gives to every person who comes in simple faith, believing in what Jesus accomplished on Calvary’s cross through His death and resurrection. Are you grateful today for the change God made in your life when you trusted in Him? Have you recently shared the Good News of God’s Gift to mankind—the Gift of new life through a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ? Amid this busy season, take time to say “Thank You” to God, and tell someone how they can find new life in Christ.

DECEMBER 6 EXTRAORDINARY By Karen Smith Dean of Women, Word of Life Bible Institute

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24)

In the classic devotional, My Utmost for His Highest , Oswald Chambers states: "All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them." This is never more evident than when we read the Christmas story. If you or I were going to write the story of God’s Son coming to earth to save the world, we would write it in a completely different way—well-to-do family of high standing in the community, birthplace in a palace with nurses and maids attending, trumpets heralding the birth throughout the land and highly prestigious guests. But God chooses a simple teenager and humble carpenter from a quiet corner of the world. Ordinary people. While studying the Gospel of Matthew, I have been intrigued by Joseph. He’s sort of a background character in the story. We don’t know a whole lot about him, but we do know he was faithful. He loved Mary, and when he found out she was pregnant, he didn’t want to humiliate her by a public divorce. He was going to do it quietly because he cared for her. When the angel appears, his response (this time and every time) is immediate obedience (Matthew 1:18-2:23; Luke 2). He knew God and trusted Him even though the situation seemed outrageous. This was the man that God tapped for the role of earthly father for His Son. If I were writing the story, I would have picked the most notable priest with impeccable credentials and authority of the Law. And I would have gotten it all wrong. God chose an obscure man because he was well-schooled in humility, wisdom, kindness, and faith. An ordinary man was called to an extraordinary task—to be the earthly father to the Messiah. So much is left unsaid about Joseph’s life, role, and interactions with Jesus. But one thing we can know—he was extraordinary because of the task God gave him. We are all ordinary people who serve an extraordinary God. And because that is who He is, every task and opportunity He gives allows us to step into the extraordinary. Sometimes it doesn’t seem extraordinary, but rather insignificant. But with God, it is all extraordinary! Where has God asked you to be faithful when no one else is looking? God has given each of us a unique part to play in His extraordinary plan. Ask Him to show you how He is working around you and through your faithfulness.

DECEMBER 7 HANDLE WITH PRAYER By HB Charles Pastor-Teacher, Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)

James’ letter gives a series of tests of genuine faith. The relationship between prayer and faith is affirmed in James 1:5-8, saying, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Why pray? Pray because the Word of God commands it. James 5:13-15 is a divine call to personal, interpersonal, and corporate prayer.

Verse 13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” These two rhetorical questions establish the text’s point upfront: Genuine faith is demonstrated by a prayerful dependence upon God in every situation. Pray! It is a divine command. And, it is in a grammatical emphasis that denotes continual action. The benefits of prayer are not mentioned. We should not view prayer as a means to an end. The act of prayer is as vital as the answer to prayer. Prayer may not yield the answer you want. It will always yield the answer you need. And do not forget God when life gets good! Advertise your dependence upon God in every situation you face. The life of faith is a life of consecration.

Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, Thou art scattering full and free; Shows the thirsty land refreshing; Let some drops now fall on me.

DECEMBER 8 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BETHLEHEM By Chris Katulka Assistant Director of North American Ministries, Radio Host, Writer, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are small among the clans of Judah, Out of you will come for me One who will be Ruler over Israel, Whose origins are from of old, From ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

The Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem , illustrates the long-awaited arrival of God’s “everlasting light” into humanity’s humble conditions. But in my opinion, Bethlehem gets a bad rap. It’s painted as an insignificant pitstop on the way to Jerusalem as if the motto on Bethlehem’s welcome sign was, “Nothing To See Here!” The surroundings of the King of Kings at His arrival were unpresuming, but Bethlehem shouldn’t be blamed. If Jesus’ birth certificate reads “Bethlehem’’ as the place of birth, it shouldn’t demean Him; rather it should define Him in epic and majestic ways! Jesus our King King David was the most consequential king in Old Testament history. He was a man after God’s own heart. David had humble beginnings himself; he was a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. God promised David a Son who would, “establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). This is a prophecy of Jesus’ reign (Matthew 1:1). Christ’s birth in the “city of David”—Bethlehem—crowns Him the Descendant of Israel’s most memorialized king, King David (Romans 1:1-4). Jesus our Lamb Micah writes that Israel’s Ruler would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), specifically the “tower of the flock” (Micah 4:8). According to rabbinical texts, Bethlehem’s “tower of the flock” is an exclusive pasture where select shepherds tended to special flocks destined for Temple sacrifice.

When Jesus was born, He was surrounded by flocks selected to be offered for Israel’s sins. This is a setting that sets the mission of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Jesus our God Bethlehem reveals Emmanuel, God with us. Micah prophesied the One born in Bethlehem, “His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). Micah saw that the One who would be born in Bethlehem was more than a newborn King, but One whose existence is eternal; a glimpse into the incarnation (John 1:1).

So next time you hear about the little town of Bethlehem, remember it may be small, but it screams Jesus our King, Jesus our Lamb, Jesus our God! Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 9 CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTIAN MISSION By Christopher Gnanakan D.Min, Ph.D, D.D, The Director of Leadership Development, Christar Professor, Theology & Global Studies, Liberty University

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

An angel of God announced the most significant event in cosmic history to lowly shepherds—“Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

“Christmas” was the day a special “mass” was conducted to celebrate Christ’s birth! Mary brought forth what God from eternity planned and sent forth ( Missio Dei , Galatians 4:4). Let’s not get bogged down with the exact date that we forget the fact of Christ’s coming and command to go make disciples! Christ’s incarnation is an intrinsic part of the Go spel—which has an impelling “Go” within it! God’s revelation of His salvation in Jesus is linked to the Great Commission. This angelic message was a personal word to rejected shepherds, so socially oppressed that their hope was in God alone. This was a prophetic word, for God had, at last, fulfilled His promise of redemption through Jesus the Messiah. Israel’s expectations and the whole world’s salvation were embodied in Christ. It was a practical word that took care of the root of all problems—sin—by meeting our greatest need—forgiveness! Importantly, it was a purposeful word that brought peace on earth and goodwill among humans. Above all, receiving Christ as God’s gracious Gift brings glory to God in the highest! Note the shepherds’ twofold response: “Let us now go and see this for ourselves,” then they “made widely known” what God had revealed (Luke 2:15). Having personally experienced this joy, they were now chosen to publicly share their saving message to all people. The shepherds returned to their ordinary lives, yet they were on an extra ordinary mission. They became bearers of the Gospel as hope! Isn’t this what Christmas is all about?! "O Come Let Us Adore Him,” then, “Go Tell It On The Mountain!”

DECEMBER 10 THE BEST GIFT By Stacie Leann Rhodes Executive Director of the Center for Financial Literacy, Liberty University

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

A friend recently shared a letter with me that reinforced some of my concerns for our current culture. The letter was written in 1959 from John Steinbeck to Adlai Stevenson. In his letter, he speaks of two Christmases: “There is one kind [of Christmas] in a house where there is little and a present represents not only love but sacrifice. The one single package is opened with a kind of slow wonder, almost reverence.” “Then there is the other kind of Christmas with presents piled high, the gifts of guilty parents as bribes because they have nothing else to give. The wrappings are ripped off and the presents thrown down and at the end, the child says—‘Is that all?’” He follows with a comparison of the second Christmas to Americans: “Having too many THINGS they spend their hours and money on the couch searching for a soul. A strange species we are. We can stand anything God and nature can throw at us save only plenty. If I wanted to destroy a nation, I would give it too much and would have it on its knees, miserable, greedy, and sick.” As I think through all my Christmas experiences, I can remember moments of sincere gratitude (first Christmas) and moments of selfish greed (second Christmas). I would imagine we have all borne witness to our own or others’ endless consumption of materialism with little to no enjoyment for the items received. My recent wrestling: How often do I treat the gift of God’s grace similarly? Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God .” We have been given an incredible gift —one to be held “with a slow wonder” and most certainly reverence: salvation, not condemnation (John 3:16-17). Yet how often do we discard this gift extended to us with a defiant look and question, “Is that all?” I pray this season reminds us of the significance of such a gift and the humility to ponder the eternal implications of our choice to accept or reject such a gracious offering.

DECEMBER 11 FROM DYSFUNCTION TO DELIVERANCE By Corey Abney Pastor, Bell Shoals Church

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)

The Christmas story to which we are accustomed centers around a beautiful baby born in a manger where cute animals are lying around and comfortable straw provides a nice bed. Wise men bring gifts, people are happy, and the baby is perfectly content; after all, “The little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.” The problem is, our story of Christmas is too sanitized. The true story of Christmas is not a sanitized story but a scandalous one. And the story begins not at a manger scene, but with a dysfunctional family. Surprisingly, Matthew opens his Gospel with a genealogy that traces the dysfunction of Jesus’ family, which is not the type of introduction to the Christmas story we hear today. You see, ancient genealogies were like resumes; they show a person’s credibility and legitimacy. Biblical genealogies are not exhaustive; rather, they are selective for a purpose. For Matthew, of course, it was important to show that Jesus’ earthly parents were direct descendants of Abraham and David, and that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament messianic prophecies. Matthew’s list of names, however, is quite unusual due to the number of suspicious characters who are unnecessarily included. Matthew goes out of his way to highlight the dysfunction of Judah and Tamar, the presence of Rahab and Ruth, and the unfortunate circumstance of “Uriah’s wife” (Bathsheba), who Matthew does not even name. Matthew is showing us that God brings deliverance out of dysfunction , so that God receives the glory for His incredible work of salvation. We don’t look at the history of Israel and marvel at the faithfulness of its kings and leaders (just look at Jesus’ family tree); rather, we marvel at the faithfulness of our God! Similarly, Christmas is a reminder to all of us that we worship a God who is faithful to us despite our dysfunction and disobedience. Jesus is the hero of human history, of my story, and of your story!

DECEMBER 12 GOD’S PERFECT PLAN By Tom Joyce Pastor of Next Generation, Discipleship and Family, Immanuel Bible Church

For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

Despite this proclamation by the angel, Gabriel, we can only imagine that Mary had reservations. How could she, a poor, young, insignificant virgin from Nazareth, be considered the “favored one” when she and her fiancé, Joseph, could barely afford to take shelter in a barn? How was she to give birth to royalty who would redeem mankind and reign over the house of Jacob forever? As outlandish as the plan may have seemed, Gabriel had assured her this was the plan, and there was no Plan B. Thus, as God’s plan unfolded, the prophets spoke, the unlikely parents were chosen, the Savior arrived, the Magi came a long way to worship, and some thirty years later the first phase of the plan was completed on an old rugged cross at Calvary! It was a perfect execution of God’s perfect plan.

But wait, there’s more:

The birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind is by far the greatest gift ever given. If that were the total of God’s redemptive plan, that in itself would be awesome, but God has even more in store for those He redeems. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples that God’s plan also included the creation of a future, special dwelling place, meticulously prepared for each of us. Our Savior, Jesus Himself, would return to escort us to that special place called heaven where we will dwell with and praise our Savior for all eternity. It’s the full story of Christmas and why we should celebrate not only each 25th of December but the rest of the year as well. There is no greater gift, and there is no Plan B. Hallelujah!

DECEMBER 13 THE EASY CHAIR By Philip Ginyard Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

This past summer, three Christian college students in my community where I pastor and serve as Police Chaplain met with me and requested my help. They were energetic and passionate about obtaining a permit from our local police department to conduct a peaceful protest march. Well, truth be told, I cringed and thought to myself, “Oh my!” That day I came to the harsh realization that I had been lulled into a space of complacency and convenience in my life and ministry, when I failed to recognize that the truth of the gospel constantly challenges and confronts our conventional mindset. The early first century church, located in Jerusalem, was forced to expand their reach of function and community beyond their initial location due to persecution (Acts 1:8). This was the practical impetus behind the apostles traveling beyond their comfortable borders to fulfill the Great Commission in places of hostility and vast diversity. All too often we believe that the church, and our walk with the Lord, can only be maintained by the familiar routine of niceties and familiarity. We eschew the idea that crises such as a pandemic, societal upheaval, and justice issues could possibly serve to enhance our spiritual development and maturity. If the prayer is, “Lord, please make sure that my church continues to enjoy a life of ease and comfort,” then that prayer runs counter to the narrative of the New Testament text, where often through great difficulty, debate and changes, the ecclesia emerged from a fledging gathering of Jewish followers to the veil torn, marvelous patchwork of people from diverse ethnicities, nationalities and cultures that work together in community to incarnate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in ways where communities are transformed! These three college students received their march permit that day. I also added a prayer vigil, and hundreds in our community were united, heard the truth of the gospel, and I was once and for all displaced from my “easy chair.”

DECEMBER 14 SHALLOW NARCISSISTS By Christine Wyrtzen Writer, Teacher, Recording Artist, Broadcaster, Daughters of Promise

Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord. (Isaiah 60:6)

In the mighty expanse of God’s wisdom, prayers are always answered. Yet, God’s children in great need cannot predict what the answer will look like. Because our view is limited and our minds are finite, we often struggle with prayer. We know what it is like when we love someone and how much we desire to alleviate every place of pain in their life. If we could make things perfect for that person, we would. This is even more reason for us to wrestle with God and to trust Him to give us what is good. To believe all His decisions are driven by love requires supernatural faith. Never were these realities more on display than in the Christmas story. God provided supernatural clues of His loving-kindness in some instances but left us looking for them in many others. For example, He could have ensured a more comfortable journey to Bethlehem through the generosity of wealthy travelers who felt compassion for a woman about to give birth. The struggles and miracles in the life of Jesus continued all the way to His resurrection. We see God’s supply, but we also see the restraining hand of God as His Son suffered many things. In this, our faith is built. Can we call Him ‘good’ after a line of hardships and tragedies? I have seen the miraculous in my life. So have you. God showed up in unexpected places with just what I lacked. I prayed for help, and God came swiftly. I have also prayed and waited a long time for other things before seeing an answer. I don’t know the reasons why He waited, but when He finally did move, I can tell you it felt like the right time. In the waiting room of prayer, waiting was not my enemy, though it felt like it. God knew the benefits: my spiritual grit was increased, Scripture was explored, faith was exercised, patience was learned, and greater compassion for others was born. Both you and I have many unanswered prayers today. God will break through with saving power and redemption for all of them. If not today, one day. And when He does, we will give thanks that He does all things well.

Lord, I don’t want to be a shallow narcissist. In whatever ways I languish for You today, we both know it is good. Amen.

DECEMBER 15 CHRIST: THE PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING By Phil Moser Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church

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

The angels announced to the shepherds: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The term “Christ” comes from the Greek word, christos . It means “the anointed one” and is the exact equivalent of the Hebrew word, Messiah. In ancient times, three offices were anointed: prophet, priest, and king.

In Biblical times, the prophet was one who spoke on behalf of God. The priest was a mediator between God and man. The king served as the people’s protector and provider. To think of Christ fulfilling each of these roles is quite encouraging. In our lostness, we needed a message from God. In our sinful rebellion, we needed a mediator on our behalf to the Father. In our weakness, we needed the tender protection of a loving king. As the Anointed One, Jesus was all of that. As Jesus’ ministry waned in popularity, He warned the people what they were overlooking. Pay careful attention to the illustrations He selected. He said that the men of Nineveh would judge them because “they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here ” (Matthew 12:41). When He spoke of the temple (where the priests served), He said, “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here” (Matthew 12:6). Finally, He spoke of the Queen of the south who “came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here ” (Matthew 12:42). Jonah was a prophet; the priests served in the temple, and Solomon was king. Jesus was reminding them of His role as prophet, priest, and king. He was the Anointed One whom God had sent to fulfill these three roles. All of that is packed into one simple word: Christ. A word the angels used to announce the birth of Jesus.

DECEMBER 16 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD By Greg Stier Founder and President, Dare 2 Share Ministries

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

Few symbols express the joy of Christmas better than lights. A simple strand can transform a space from blah to festive, radiating warmth, beauty, happiness. And, in doing so, the lights capture the ultimate meaning of Christmas. About 700 years before the first Christmas, the prophet, Isaiah, described (in chapter 8) a great darkness that had settled over Israel—the darkness that comes from ignoring God’s Word and His ways; a darkness that leads to distress and fearful gloom. But suddenly, in chapter 9, Isaiah’s tone changes. He begins to tell how a light will dawn when a child is born—a child who will bless the land of Galilee (where Jesus spent most of His life) and shine from there to the ends of the earth, bringing peace, joy, and hope.

Christmas celebrates the moment that light dawned—when Jesus came on the scene. The child’s identity was revealed, and the Light of the World (John 8:12) became visible to those who were seeking Him.

The offer to see that Light and the joy it brings still stands today for anyone who believes the Gospel of Jesus. And the Gospel is simply this: God created us to be with Him, but each of us has separated ourselves from Him by choosing our own ways over His. To bring us back to Him, God sent the Light of the World to Earth to live as the perfect human and to suffer in our place the consequence we deserve, which is death. Then three days after Jesus died, God raised Him to life, never to die again. When we trust in Christ, God forgives all our sins, saves us from darkness, and grants us eternal life with Jesus. As a sign of that new life, God fills us with His Spirit, who gives us the desire and strength to walk in God’s ways.

DECEMBER 17 LOVE: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING By Daniel Anderson President, Appalachian Bible College

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)

Without question, giving gifts is readily associated with Christmas. These acts of giving are usually motivated by our desire to express our love toward the person receiving the gift.

Do you know that the greatest illustration of love ever displayed is seen in God’s gift provided for every person? This love gift keeps on giving to every generation.

The Apostle John, known as the apostle of love, describes this love gift in 1 John 4:10. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Note these five features of God’s infinite love gift. 1. The Declaration of Love—“Herein is love.” In a world that searches but sadly misses true love, John clearly declares exactly what love is. No doubt. No exceptions. He is about to describe the ultimate love gift. 2. The Desperation of Love—“not that we loved God.” The condition of every person can be described as incapable of initiating love on our own. We do not naturally love God. We desperately need God’s love gift. 3. The Dedication of Love—“but that He loved us.” God extended love to us while we were incapable of loving Him (Romans 5:8). Such unconditional, undeserved love defies every imaginable effort we could attempt. Fathom it—God loves you! What an amazing dedication of love! 4. The Demonstration of Love—“and sent His Son.” The true test of love is not just saying it, but rather it is showing it. God demonstrated His love gift by giving His most prized possession—His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ—to be our sin substitute. 5. The Destination of Love—“to be the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation means satisfied. Because of the blood sacrifice of Jesus which provides the required payment for our sin, we can now enjoy this destination—God is satisfied. He lovingly welcomes us into His presence when we place our trust in Jesus as our Savior from our sins. That’s the greatest love gift ever given!

DECEMBER 18 JESUS CAME AS A CAMPER By Stephen Bramer Department Chair, Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The name of Jesus and the term “camping” have been inseparable at Word of Life since the beginning. Looking at John 1:14, we also see a theological connection.

When John the Apostle wanted to describe the coming of Jesus and his life on Earth, he used a phrase translated “made his dwelling among us.” In an idiomatic way, we might say, “He came to camp among us!” Jesus had been in heaven throughout eternity, but one day He came to Earth that He might live as a human with us to share the most important message of all time. This message was that we could live for eternity with Him.

In the nation of Israel, God’s glorious presence had been confined to the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. Only the high priest could enter that place, and only once a year.

But on Christmas day this all changed. In the person of Christ, the glorious presence of God came to this earth in human form. He truly was Immanuel—“God with us.” The God-man came as a baby in Bethlehem that he might “camp among us.” Because He came, John is able to say, “we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” At Christmastime we celebrate the first day of the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was born as a human so He could die in our place. He came as one of us and willingly took upon Himself the penalty of our sin. His coming from heaven to earth and our faith in Him makes our journey from Earth to heaven a reality. What a “day of camping” that will be!

DECEMBER 19 THE KING WHO IS WORTHY By Jim Jeffery Discipleship Pastor, Chapel Pointe

For 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. (Isaiah 9:6)

The birth of a king is an important event in history. The quality of life in the kingdom depends on the character and competency of the new monarch. Jesus was born to be the worthy King over your life, nations, creation, and His Church. He is worthy because He was born as a child in His humanity. He is the Son who was given in His deity. The “government will be on His shoulder” because He has ultimate authority and carries the weight of responsibility for all He rules (Matthew 28:18). He is called “Wonderful, Counselor” as a competent decision maker because He is greater than Solomon, and in Him are hid the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3). He is the “Mighty God” with power to overcome every enemy including sin, death, and Satan’s armies. His Resurrection, Ascension and Second Coming all prove His power. He is the “Everlasting Father” as the Ancient of Days, the Patriarch of His people who will never die, The One who was, is, and is to come. Therefore, there will never be a need for another King. He is the “Prince of Peace.” Where Christ rules, there is peace (Isaiah 9:7). In any area of your life where you have not surrendered to Christ’s authority, there will not be peace. When we submit to His rule, we experience His shalom . There will be peace on earth when He sets up His kingdom. There is none better suited to sit on the throne of your life.

DECEMBER 20 IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME By Tom Davis Distinguished Professor, Word of Life Bible Institute

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son. (Galatians 4:4)

God chose a specific time and place for the birth of the Savior! Here are some of the items God prepared:

1. An adequate lapse of time for the Law of Moses to be fully appreciated by the Jewish people and to demonstrate that mankind is not able to obey such a Law in our own strength. 2. A certain number of humans living on the earth (about 300 million with about 3 million of these being Jewish). 3. The development of the Greek language with very precise means of explaining abstract concepts and its spread by Alexander the Great’s conquests so it became the accepted language of international communication, even under the Roman Empire. 4. A certain degree of sophistication in technology for the speedy spread of good news (The “peace” established by Roman conquest and the amazing road and postal system they established.). 5. A political situation that allowed for unfettered international travel. 6. The first sophisticated taxation census in Roman history to move Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. 7. Crucifixion (a death that involves the “piercing” mentioned in Old Testament prophecies) as the means of execution.

Under Roman law, the Jewish court did not have the authority to execute Jesus. If they did, the Jewish mode of execution was by stoning.

“In the fullness of the time” God had His Son die a bloody death by being “pierced” (Zechariah 12:10) and being “lifted up” (John 3:14) to pay for the sins of all humanity. His resurrection then affirmed God’s acceptance of this substitutionary sacrifice.

This continues to be the “reason for the season” 2025 years after Christ was born!

DECEMBER 21 A SON, A NAME, A PURPOSE By Loren Reno Professor of Management, Cedarville University

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

When I think of all that is recorded of the first Christmas, my mind races to Matthew 1:21. The angel of the Lord told Joseph in a dream, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. This verse tells us what Mary will do, what Joseph was to do, and what Jesus would do. Three announcements of significance in a single verse! First, any boy/girl uncertainty was dispatched—Mary would have a son. Second, Joseph was to name Him Jesus. Third, even before His birth, His purpose was foretold—He would be the Savior. This wasn’t an aspirational career path; it was a certain fact. Neither that He would be a son nor His name was unusual, but His purpose and the certainty of the outcome changed the world. Though born with a common name, it would become the name at which every knee would bow (Philippians 2:9-10). In 1983, my family and I were stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Karen and I were asked to sing a duet at a small neighborhood church that Christmas. With guitar, we sang this family carol; the essence of Matthew 1:21.

One Christmas morning, God sent a Savior Named by an angel: Jesus, Lamb of God; Born of a virgin, to Mary and Joseph Jesus, Immanuel, Savior of the world.

This same Jesus gave His life on Calvary That we may by believing, have life through His name; Trust Him as your Savior, He came to save you This the Christmas story, can give life anew.

DECEMBER 22 FROM THE CRADLE TO THE CROSS: BORN TO DIE By Wendell Calder Evangelist

For unto you this day...is born a Savior. (Luke 2:11)

Bethlehem was a stepping stone to Calvary. In the announcement of Christ’s birth, we also have that of His death—“a Savior is born.” The Son of God became the Son of Man that we could become the sons and daughters of God. The words of this gospel song* express it beautifully:

I should have been crucified I should have suffered and died; I should have hung on the cross in disgrace But Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.

Jesus’ entire life and ministry on earth were lived in anticipation of the cross. At the wedding in John 2:4, He said, “mine hour is not yet come,” and repeats it in John 7:6,8. In John 17:1, just hours before the cross, He states, “the hour has come.” This statement reveals the hour to be that of His death. The primary purpose of the events in Bethlehem was the sacrificial death at Calvary.

In I Peter 3:18 we have four features of His death:

1. A SINLESS DEATH—JUST ONE 2. A SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH—FOR THE UNJUST 3. A SACRIFICIAL DEATH—SUFFERED FOR SINS 4. A SUFFICIENT DEATH—ONCE

Now, as a result of His death, we have the privilege of experiencing the fruit of His death—that He might bring us to God. The only One who can take the hand of a Holy God and the hand of a guilty sinner in reconciliation is Jesus. He did it at the cross! However, we need to note the grave could not hold Him—He was made alive by the Spirit. He is alive! You can know Him personally by accepting Him and His payment for your sin. I call this decision the AAA PLAN:

1. ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER 2. ACKNOWLEDGE JESUS AS THE ONLY SAVIOR FROM SIN 3. ACCEPT HIM PERSONALLY INTO YOUR LIFE

*“I Should Have Been Crucified” by The Oak Ridge Boys

DECEMBER 23 BORN TO LIVE By John Adair Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. (Psalm 16:10)

Births provoke hope. At a child’s birth, we can begin to imagine the promise of a life well-lived. What will she contribute to the world? Whose life will he change for the better? Such questions of expectation are natural as we encounter newborns, and even more so when it comes to the birth of Jesus—as we encounter this newborn, we look forward to the great things He will accomplish. Sometimes, we root our hope in death. One old Christmas carol—“Ring the Bells”—proclaims that Jesus was “born to die that man may live.” Hebrews 2:9 echoes this sentiment when it says that God, the Son, became human so that “He might taste death for everyone.” However, death is not our hope. If our Christmas story is only that Jesus was born to die, we’re missing something essential. Sure, we can testify with Scripture and hymns that say Jesus was born to die. But we need to follow that up with the equally important truth that Jesus was born to live. The affirmation of Psalm 16:10, looking ahead as it does to that most famous descendant of David, is that Jesus was destined to live. This means everything to the hope and expectation we invest in this newborn at Christmastime. It means we don’t just affirm His death, but His resurrection as well. And it means something even more pointed for us here and now: we, too, were born to live. As you consider the newborn Jesus this Christmas, remember that His birth leads us to our ultimate hope—our own resurrection and life eternal with Him.

DECEMBER 24 JESUS MOVED INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD By Ray Pritchard President, Keep Believing Ministries

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

“Dwelt” is an unusual word. It means “to live among.” One version uses the phrase “moved into the neighborhood.”

Perhaps an illustration would help. Let’s suppose that I owned an ant farm, and for reasons known only to myself, I loved those ants more than anything in the world. How could I communicate my love to them? I could shout, “I love you,” but because I speak English and they speak ant, they wouldn’t understand. I could write them a letter, but they couldn’t read it. I could shrink down to ant size, but they wouldn’t recognize me. But if I had supernatural powers, there is one thing I could do: I could take on the form of an ant, be born as an ant, live as an ant, and communicate as they do. Then I could find a way to say, “I love you.” That is what God did. He didn’t mail a letter or shout from heaven. He did the one thing we could understand. God Himself came down and entered the human race. He moved into the neighborhood and became just like us so we would hear Him saying, “I love you.”

It’s so simple that you know it must be true. Only God would have done it that way.

One of the verses of a famous Christmas carol says it very well:

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb: Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark, the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Here is some really good news: Jesus moved into our neighborhood. Have you met your new neighbor yet?

DECEMBER 25 CELEBRATING MY SAVIOR! By Don Lough, Jr. President & CEO, Word of Life Fellowship

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46-47)

In Luke 1:46-47, Mary responded to the startling news that God selected her to give birth to the Messiah with the song,“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Instead of Mary’s heart bursting with pride and self-righteousness, her first reaction was to praise and magnify God for His greatness and grace. But does Mary deserve a sliver of credit for giving birth to God’s Son? While a humble, honest, and God-fearing young woman, she never dreamed in a million years that she would receive any special favors from heaven. Mary knew well that she was an undeserving sinner and needed a Savior just like everyone else. In Romans 5:12, the Apostle Paul confirmed that sin, like a deadly virus, infects every single person on planet earth. No one is exempt, including Mary. I love that Mary made it quite personal with the words, “my Savior.” It did not matter how religious she was or how many good works she offered, Mary recognized her inability to save herself from her sins. The truth is, we are all in the same place. It is personal... we all desperately need a Savior! The fact that God provided His perfect and sinless Son, Jesus, to save us is a cause for celebration. As the old hymn proclaims, Guilty, helpless, lost were we; blameless Lamb of God was He, sacrificed to set us free: Hallelujah, what a Savior!

GOD’S WORD CHANGES LIVES A young man on the edge of ending his life; A police chaplain desperately sharing the freedom he found in Christ; And a bridge that was notorious for death, now a symbol of victory and hope.

Scan the QR code to watch Chase's story, and find out how God used Word of life, and friends like you, to impact his life for change.

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