Tuesday (Day 17)

VERSES:  Matthew 1:1-17 & Hebrews 4:15-16

You are a part of a family tree. Your experience may be very positive or your experience may have been rocky. For good or for bad, we are still connected to and marked by our lineage.  Personally, it bears great meaning to each of us.

However, there are some people whose family trees are not just PERSONALLY interesting  but have implications that impact the world. Think about members of the British Royal Family. Their blood lines bring with them responsibility and authority that impacts the society around them.

In Matthew 1:1-17, we see the family tree of Jesus Christ. This family tree lets us know at least two things:

1. It shows us that Jesus (the Son of God) became fully human at His earthly birth. He did not just become “human-like,” He PERSONALLY took on flesh and dwelt among us. Therefore, we do not have a Savior who cannot relate to us, but we have One who knows what it means to live in this world. His lineage is a reminder of that.

2. It shows us that Jesus’ genealogy sets Him up for a WORLD-WIDE impact. He is a descendant of Abraham, reminding us that He is ethnically a Jew, thus continuing the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people long ago. Also, we see that Jesus’ great, great, great, great, great grandpa was David – a reminder that Jesus would be the promised descendant of David to sit on the throne of God and reign forever. His family tree supports and qualifies Him for not just personal influence.

At Christmastime, we sometimes skip the beginning verses of Matthew 1:1-17 and begin our Scripture reading when the angels show up in 1:18ff. When we do that, we miss the blessing of generations . . . reminding us of the PERSONAL and WORLD shaping reality of Jesus’ life. He really did take on flesh and dwell among us, so He can relate to us and provide the help we require in times of need.  Scan over the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 and see how many names you recognize.

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Monday (Day 16)

VERSES:  Philippians 2:1-11

There is a fundamental problem with humanity today.  This problem is not the economy or immigration or national defense or disease or whatever other issue makes the evening news.  The fundamental problem with humanity is sin. 

The word sin means to miss the mark, to err.  Ultimately humanity has a condition that has sinned against God and wandered away from His direction and design.  While the effects of our sin show up in the issues we see on the news each night, the root cause lies within the hearts of us all.  In fact, we even bring it to church.

Churches all over the world for the past 2000 years are made up of sinners.  Did you know that?  Of course those who have turned to Christ are forgiven sinners, and have a declared new identity before God as “saint” or “one made holy,” but even the “saints” inside the church sin in what they think, do, and say.  It is a real problem.

At its core, sin compels people to act in selfish ways, looking out for only themselves, to the neglect of the needs of those around them.  When a person places themselves and their desires above everything else, including God and the needs of others, they are moving in the direction of sin. 

So how can humanity escape this vicious loop?  Well, in today’s verses, the Apostle Paul describes a path out … by following the pattern and thinking of Jesus Christ.  As we saw yesterday, Jesus is God, and has resided forever in heaven above, yet He did not cling to the luxury of heaven, but instead chose to come to this earth to serve our needs.  He informed our ignorance, healed our diseases, identified with our existence, and ultimately died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.  He did all of this for us.  He looked “not only to His interests but also to the interests of others.”

The birth, life, and death of Jesus create a beautiful model for Christians to serve one another, and not always look out for number one.  How can you serve others and consider them as more important than yourself this week?

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

WEEK 3:  Welcome to His humble abode

Sunday (Day 15)

VERSES:  John 1:1, Isaiah 6:1-3, Revelation 4:1-11, Galatians 4:4-7

In the first 7 days of this study, we looked at the hometown of Jesus’ birth, the little town of Bethlehem.  In the next 7 days, we saw the interactions that occurred in and around the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth.  These next 7 days, we will move on to discuss where Jesus was placed after His birth, in a manger.  This feeding trough was the humble home of the Savior that first Christmas morning. 

To fully appreciate where Jesus was born, however, we must remember where He came FROM.  Most immediately, of course, He came from Mary’s womb, but before that He came from heaven.  Jesus has existed eternally.  In the words of John 1:1, in the time that we know of as the beginning, the Word (Jesus) already was.  He has always existed as the Son of God because He is God Himself, and God is eternal, knowing no beginning or ending.

That means that before He came to the earth in Mary’s womb and eventually to Bethlehem, Jesus was in heaven.  So, the descriptions we see in the Bible of heaven in Isaiah 6:1-3 and Revelation 4:1-11 are descriptions of where Jesus resided before humbly taking His place in the manger.

Heaven is a place of opulence and splendor, inhabited by angelic beings worshipping God Himself.  What a place!  Imagine the most beautiful home you can imagine set in the most spectacular location on the earth, and it would look shabby compared to the glory of heaven.

Jesus has always been, and came forth at just the right time to make it possible that you and I might be adopted by God and invited to join Him in His heavenly home.  Take a moment today to thank Him for gift of His coming to earth to rescue and redeem us.

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Saturday (Day 14)

VERSES:  Luke 1:67-80

Christmas is truly a musical holiday. I love the “soundtrack” that plays in the background of December every year. Whether you are in church, driving in the car, or even shopping at the local mall, songs of our Savior fill the air from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Sometimes, we think that our love for music at Christmas time is a part of the commercialization of the holiday, but a closer look at the biblical account of Christmas reveals that the first Advent was also a musical. From Mary’s “Magnificat” to angels singing, music/poetry was a key way heaven and earth welcomed the newborn king.

As you look at the albums first recorded around the birth of Christ, however, you will notice that both famous AND more obscure songs were recorded around the time of the manger. Right after Mary’s hit song, Zechariah records what some may see as the “B side” to her 45. You may have skipped this track in the past, but today, I want you to “press play” and read its beautiful lyrics found in Luke 1:67-79.

Zechariah sings a song at the circumcision ceremony on the 8th day of his son John’s life.  After waiting a lifetime for the joy of fatherhood, it is striking that Zechariah spends most of the time at his son’s circumcision singing about Jesus, not John. Zechariah “got it” . . . he understood that the real joy in his AND John’s life would be their connection to Jesus. Zechariah waited a lifetime to be a father, but God’s people had waited a few millennia for Messiah’s birth. Therefore, the song centers around Jesus and His work.

At the end of the song, is one of the most poetic and beautiful statements about the work of Jesus in all of Scripture. “Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

I am so thankful that in Christ we have a hope that one day all death will be replaced with life eternal, and all darkness will be illuminated with His light. This is the reason Zechariah sings . . . and the reason we sing as well.

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Friday (Day 13)

VERSES:  Luke 1:13, 1:31 & 1:57-66

Why were you given the name you were given?  My parents named me with a combination of a family name and a name that they liked.  We did something similar with my son.  Sometimes families will adopt the surname of the wife’s family and use it as a first or middle name of their child to honor their family legacy.  Sometimes we name our children after someone famous that has had an impact on our lives.  Our culture and family traditions influence what we name our children. 

In the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we see that the names for both John and Jesus came from heaven (not earth).  The angel directed Zechariah to name his son John, and the same angel directed Mary to name her son Jesus.  So what is in these names?

The name John means “The LORD is gracious” and the name Jesus means “God saves.”  Interestingly enough, the titles of these two men help us understand more of their role in God’s plan.  “The Baptist” (John’s descriptive title) talks of the role he played in calling people to be cleansed before God and turn to Him.  “Christ” is a Greek rendering of the Hebrew “Messiah,” the promised One who would come and be the savior of the world.

The names of both John and Jesus are important.  That is why when John is eventually born, in Luke 1:57-66, his mom and dad insist on his being named John.  They were faithful to be obedient to the naming of their child, even if it went against the expectations of their neighbors.

God is honored always when we obey Him.  But when we obey Him even though it might be seen as odd by the watching world around us, I think God is extra honored.  That is why Zechariah is rewarded with the return of his speaking ability after he follows through with faithfully obeying God in the naming of his son. 

Are you honoring God by being obedient to His direction in His Word today?  Most of us have not been given a name for our children by God Himself, but God in His Word is calling all of us to obedience in many areas of life.  Will you obey Him even if it means looking odd to those around you?

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Thursday (Day 12)

VERSES:  Luke 1:46-56 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

All too often, Christmas is a season when we compare ourselves to others.  As kids, we compared our presents to those of our siblings or friends.  As adults, we compare the decorations we place on the outside of our homes with our neighbors.  As workers, we may compare end of year bonuses with other employees.  Sadly, the Christmas season can be a time of comparison.

All comparisons must have a point of reference.  If a gift is said to be inexpensive, we must ask, Inexpensive compared to what?”  If we say our house is plainly decorated, we must ask, “Plain compared to what other home?”  Our point of reference matters.

In today’s reading, we see Mary’s response to the news that she is pregnant with Jesus.  This is not her initial reaction … we got that in Luke 1:38, which we read two days ago, when she said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”  In today’s reading, we get her reaction after reflection … several weeks later as the baby is growing her womb.  Her response is called the “Magnificat” (Latin for “magnify”) which is what Mary is doing as she responds to her circumstances.  But what is Mary magnifying?

Was she magnifying the challenges that she and Joseph had to work through as she was pregnant with Jesus?  Was she magnifying the sideways looks she must have been receiving at the marketplace as a pregnant woman not yet married?  Was she magnifying the discomfort that comes from carrying a child?  No, Mary was not magnifying any of those things.  Instead, Mary was magnifying the Lord.

Mary’s point of reference was God Himself.  And compared to the greatness of God, Mary’s problems were relatively small.  By magnifying the Lord, Mary found joy and mercy in the midst of trying circumstances. 

Will we also follow Mary’s example?  May we find in the Lord our God a reference point on which to assess all circumstances?  God has done great things for us in Jesus. THAT is a big gift!  Spend some time magnifying the Lord today regardless of what circumstances you are facing.

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Wednesday (Day 11)

VERSES:  Luke 1:39-45 & Galatians 6:2

There is power in community.  When we share an experience with someone else, we receive a type of encouragement that is like an oasis in the desert, water for our thirsty soul.  At our church, we host groups for widows and for those grieving the loss of a loved one.  All the members of these groups are dealing with similar issues and find comfort in fellowship with others walking the same road.  Like a heavy piece of furniture that needs to be moved, the task is easier if more people are grabbing and helping share the load.

Maybe you have experienced something like this in your life …

At the end of yesterday’s reading, the angel Gabriel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was pregnant, even though she was well past child-bearing days (Luke 1:36).  This was shared to encourage Mary that God can do impossible things (Luke 1:37).  Now, what was more impossible: Elizabeth conceiving through natural means yet as an old woman, or Mary conceiving through supernatural means as a young virgin?  While both are miraculous, Mary’s situation was even more improbable, but Gabriel still used Elizabeth’s example to encourage Mary of what God can do.

In today’s verses, we see Mary head to Elizabeth’s house to spend time with Elizabeth and Zechariah while their babies were still in utero.  The interaction was super encouraging for both, and that should not surprise us.  These two women were the only two women in the world who understood what it meant to have a miraculous pregnancy! 

Mary did not have daily dialogues with Gabriel … he visited once.  I am guessing that somewhere along the way, Mary might have wondered, “Did I hear the angel correctly?”  How did God minister to her during the time of her pregnancy?  It seems God cared for Mary the same way He cares for many of us … through the warm embrace of a friend who is going through something similar.

Do you need care today?  Like Mary, move in the direction of Christian community and help bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Tuesday (Day 10)

VERSES:  Luke 1:26-38, & Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8

In life there are times when we earn an outcome.  We work all week in order to get a paycheck on Friday.  We save every month so that we have a downpayment for our home.  Some things come in response to our efforts.

Still, other things in life come to us as a gift we did not earn.  We were fed by our parents when we were babies.  Friends give us gifts for our birthdays.  Sometimes we are simply surprised and/or blessed by the generosity and care of others. 

In today’s reading, we see Gabriel (the same angel who visited Zechariah in the Temple) call on Mary at her home in Nazareth.  Mary was a virgin who was engaged to Joseph.  Gabriel tells Mary that she is “favored” by God.  In the original language, the word used is “graced.”  Gabriel basically says to Mary, “Greetings ‘graced’ one!  The Lord is with you!  Do not be afraid, for you have been graced by God.” 

“Grace” means gift, something given not earned.  Mary did not earn the right to be the mother of Jesus, she simply was “graced” by God.  God would do for Mary the impossible.

Transitioning now to our lives, many world religions imagine salvation as something we earn.  Work all lifelong and do more good than bad and earn eternal life.  Biblical Christianity is different.  Instead of salvation coming as a wage we earn, it is a gift God gives.  Jesus came and died for our sins while we were still sinners.  What we “earn” is judgment and death, but what God gives (to those who trust in Jesus Christ) is forgiveness and life. 

Such generosity may sound improbable to us, but let us not forget, what is impossible for us is possible for God.  The virgin was with child … and that child would ultimately die on the cross for our sins so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.  It is by grace we have been saved!  God comes to us with a message of hope and life at Christmas … like Mary, will we receive it?

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org

Monday (Day 9)

VERSES:  Luke 1:5-25

All people have a birth story.  We all have parents.  We were all born at a particular time and into a particular context.  The details of birth stories are something that get recorded in baby books and told over Thanksgiving dinners so that individual families continue to remember the tribe that they are a part of. 

Certain births, however, are even more significant.  Not only is their story shared at their Thanksgiving table, but it is widely known among all within a society.  The birth and childhood of George Washington is taught in elementary schools, and the early life of Martin Luther King Jr. is a part of all his biographies. 

Given this dynamic, when we see a detailed account of the birth of a child in the Bible, we should ask ourselves, “Who is this, and why is their birth so significant?”  In today’s reading, we read about the conception of John the Baptist.  This conception was natural (he had a mom and a dad after all), but it was also supernatural (John’s folks, Zechariah and Elizabeth) were old at the time John was conceived.  To top it off, the angel Gabriel foretold John’s birth while Zechariah was at work in the Temple.  This is one birth story we all need to know!

The significance of this birth, of course, was the role that John was born to play.  Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son would be the one who would go forth “in the spirit and power of Elijah” to pave the way for the Messiah’s entrance into history.  As we saw yesterday, this was to make good on the promise of God to have a forerunner to the entrance of the King of Kings.

John’s role was unique, but his mission is also our mission.  John was to call hearts back to God and prepare them for Christ.  In a similar way, we are to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all we come into contact with and invite men and women to believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  You have a “re-birth” story … born again in Jesus for an important role and to invite others to follow Him as well.  Who can you invite to follow Christ this Christmas season?

You can find the full devotional in pdf here.

You can find more information about our church and Christmas programs by visiting wildwoodchurch.org