Christmas Devotions – December 9th

Scripture: “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:79

Observation: Upon the restoration of his voice, Zacharias immediately begins to praise the Lord. He did not praise Him for the birth of his son, John, but instead, he praises God for who He is and for His faithfulness.

Application: A few days ago, I attended the memorial service for my cousin, Pam. She and I were of the same age, and for a short time, I lived with her and her family. I was very young, perhaps 5 or 6 years old, and during that time, Pam was not only my cousin, but my sister. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:28 that “… all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” As a little girl, it was a very scary time for me, but God knew that during this time, Pam would become the friend and the sister that would help ease my heartache and fears. He truly worked out this situation for good in my life!

Her nephew, Grayson, officiated at her service, and he shared a lot about Pam, but most importantly, he spoke of Pam’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ’s forgiveness of sins and becoming a child of God is much more than just an assurance of going to heaven; it’s the ability to praise God in all circumstances, good or bad. It’s the assurance of knowing that you’ll never walk alone as Jesus promised to always be with us.

Grayson mentioned about facing death… walking in its shadows… and how David wrote that he had no fear about that. Why? Psalm 23:4 has the answer. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” From the moment Pam accepted Christ as her Saviour, she never walked alone. Even when her passing was imminent, Jesus was right there with her, guiding her feet to the next chapter of her life… eternity in His presence! There was no fear as her Saviour was at her side as He had been ever since she called on Him to save her from her sins.

Pam had placed her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ a long time ago, and as His child, He gave her the light of His sweet salvation and the promise of eternal life. When her time on earth was nearing an end, and she was in the shadows of death, it was the Son of God who guided her feet along the way of peace into her heavenly home just as Zacharias had praised the Lord for centuries ago.

Like Zacharias, I am able to praise the Lord simply for Who He is and for the saving grace He has shown me! The Christmas season focuses on the birth of Jesus. However, His miraculous birth began His own personal walk on the road to Calvary where He would die on an old rugged cross. Matthew 20:28 states, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” So while it may seem strange to think about death during the holiday season, it is the very death of Jesus that gave Pam eternal life. Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection illuminated the path to everlasting life for all of us. This is what we celebrate at Christmas… a love that is incomprehensible from God, who is unfathomable, to save a people so unworthy, yet Jesus came!

So today, while reflecting on my cousin and her impact on my life, I will rejoice in God my Saviour, who gives “… light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Pam has taken that journey ahead of me, but one day, should the Lord tarry, I will walk that same path to peace alongside my Jesus.

Take time to rejoice in all that God is and all that He has done! He is the light of the world and the Prince of peace who came to save all of mankind from their sins.

• “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” – John 8:12
• “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Again, I say, rejoice!

Prayer: O heavenly Father, how I praise Your holy name! You, who created all things, sustains all things, know each star by name… You know ME by name too! What an amazing thought to think you are mindful of me! Thank You! Thank You for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus to be the Saviour of the world! Thank You for loving me as You do and for loving my sweet cousin, Pam. I rejoice that she is with You now, and her faith has become sight! Praise the Lord! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray with thanksgiving! Amen!

Wonderful, merciful Savior, Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb could rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

You are the One that we praise, You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace, our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for.

(from “Wonderful, Merciful Saviour” by Dawn Rodgers & Eric Wyse )

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“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” – John 11:25