Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Observation: This entire chapter of Psalms praises the Lord for who He is and what He has done. From His enduring mercy to His salvation to His goodness to us!

Application: Looking back over the year, I can see so many ways that God has worked in my life and the lives of those whom I hold dear. From the small things to the big, God has been in every one!

Here are a few truths about God in the Scriptures in which you can rejoice daily!

• God has plans for each one of us, and He will bring those plans to fruition.
  • “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
• God is always thinking about us.
  • “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17
• God is always with us.
  • “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9
• God directs us in the way He desires for us to go.
  • “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” – Proverbs 3:6
• God will always help us when we call on Him.
  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
• God comforts us in our times of need.
  • “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” – 2 Corinthians 1:3

These are just a few of the wonderful ways God has been involved in my life this past year. There are so many more ways that the Creator of the universe, the Author of my Salvation, and the Sustainer of my life has been a part of my life since before I was even born! Jeremiah 1:5 records God’s words to the prophet, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;”. He knew me and had a plan for me that He has been working faithfully in me since I accepted Christ as my Saviour.

With God in my heart and by my side 24/7, I am assured of an amazing new year! If you know Christ as your Saviour, you have that very same assurance! If you aren’t saved, why not ask Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Lord and Saviour right now? This way, you can have a wonderfully blessed 2026 as well!

Prayer: O Heavenly Father, when I look back on this past year, I am so grateful for Your presence in my life every moment of every day! There has been no place I have gone, that You have not been with me. There has been no problem or struggle in which You have not helped me. There has been no sorrow that You have not given me Your comfort. I am so blessed! I praise Your faithfulness, O God, and I rest in the knowledge that You will do the same for me in this next year. Thank You for the assurance of Your love, Your presence, Your strength… You are my hope for tomorrow! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
By his own hand he leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be,
For by his hand he leadeth me.

(from “He Leadeth Me” by Joseph H. Gilmore)

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“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4

Scripture: “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” – Acts 5:31

Observation: In the first chapters of Acts, Peter and John are beginning their ministry in Jerusalem. After being ordered to cease their preaching, they continued more boldly and ended up in prison. When God’s angel miraculously freed them, they immediately resumed preaching in the temple. Peter’s determination to proclaim Jesus to the Jewish leaders in attendance regardless of the repercussions is the message in today’s verse.

Application: Peter resolved to preach Jesus regardless of the consequences. He had a godly single-mindedness to do the will of God, trusting in the Lord to take care of him in the process. Acts 4:13 states, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Both Peter and John were common fishermen, but Jesus changed their lives forever! The apostles had repeatedly been commanded to stop, but they refused, and this led to beatings and imprisonments on various occasions. They had resolved to follow Christ, and nothing was going to stop them.

New Year’s resolutions are promises we often make to ourselves, and they rarely make it into the next month. Breaking a resolution is done without much thought at all. Common excuses demonstrate the low level of commitment. “It’s too hard to stick to a diet.” “It’s too inconvenient to make it to the gym faithfully.” “It’s too hard to find time to do…” whatever we’ve resolved to do. Not so with Peter and John.

These two apostles made resolutions to do God’s work, and they kept them. The cost to follow their resolutions cost them dearly, but their commitment was 100% and then some. There was no turning back for any of the apostles. When they made their resolutions to accept Jesus’ charge in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”, they were all in!

When we make our resolutions this January 1st, what can we resolve to do for God this year? Here are a few suggestions:

• Resolve to read the Bible regularly
• Resolve to pray daily
• Resolve to go to church and fellowship with other believers
• Resolve to share Jesus with others
• Resolve to make one change in your life that will help you grow in your faith and draw nearer to Jesus

Like Peter, our resolutions require sacrifice, but unlike him, our sacrifices do not involve physical beatings, jail time or execution. Our sacrifice simply requires spending quality time with God. Let us all resolve to be all in for Jesus in 2026 and make it our best year ever!

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, please draw me closer to You in 2026. Help me make time for You each day by sharing my heart with You through prayer and listening to You speak to me through Your Word. Please increase my faith and trust in You as I do these things. Forgive me when I put myself above You. May I grow to love You more and more. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.

(from “Draw Me Nearer” by Fanny Crosby)

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 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” – Acts 5:42

Scripture: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” – 1 John 5:11

Observation: John is explaining the relationship believers have with God and how that relationship impacts our lives, both now and eternally.

Application: Mary Poppins described certain promises as being “pie crust promises.” They were easily made and easily broken. When you’re on the receiving end of one of those broken promises, it can be devastating! It is so comforting to know that when God makes a promise, He keeps it! There are no promises in the Bible in which God has broken; He makes no pie crust promises!

In Genesis, God promised us a Saviour, when He spoke to the enemy, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (3:15). He kept that promise.

In Genesis 9, God promised this to Noah, “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.” (9:11). He kept that promise.

In Exodus, God promised to deliver His people from Egyptian slavery, “And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey;” (3:8). He kept that promise.

In Deuteronomy, God promised a land to His people, “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.” (31:7). He kept that promise.

With the knowledge that God has always kept His Word, we have the assurance that He will keep every other promise that is yet to be fulfilled. Here are a few promises whose fulfillment we can anticipate.

God has promised us eternity with Him when we place our faith and trust in Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) He WILL keep this promise.

Jesus has promised to forgive us of our sins, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) He WILL keep this promise.

Jesus promised He would come again for those who have placed their faith and trust in Him. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3) He WILL keep this promise.

These promises… resolutions, if you will… that God has recorded in His Word will be kept. There is no doubt to that, however, the timing for their fulfillment is for God to determine. Psalm 27:14 reminds us, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

2026 could be the year that all of God’s promises are fulfilled for our lives! Let’s be ready!

Prayer: O Father in heaven, what an amazing God You are! Thank You that You are faithful to Your Word, and Your promises are sure! What a comfort to my heart and soul to know that I can stand upon Your Word, knowing there is no error in it! My hope is found in Your Word. Thank You so much that I live in a place where I can have a Bible in my hand and can worship You freely, go to church and hear Your Word preached without fear of persecution. What a sweet, holy, merciful God You are! Thank You for my life in You! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Standing on the promises of Christ, my King!
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
"Glory in the highest!" I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail!
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God. 

(from “Standing on the Promises” by Russell Kelso Carter)

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 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” – Acts 2:38-39

Scripture: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

Observation: James is explaining that true faith will yield good works, not the other way around. Our salvation is not dependent upon what we do, but is solely dependent upon God. It is a gift from the Lord, and once we accept that gift, we will desire to do works that will please God and share His love and message with others.

Application: One wonderful truth about God is that He is the same “yesterday, today and forever” as it is written in Hebrews 13:8. If we read something about God in the Bible, we can know without doubt that it is true. In our verse today, James reminds us of that. Additionally, he makes the statement that every good and perfect gift is given to us from our Father in heaven.

As we head into the new year, we will undoubtedly face challenges and struggles, but God will see us through each one. When our faith begins to weaken, He will strengthen us; when we are no longer sure of which path to walk, He will lead us; when we are brokenhearted, He will heal us. God is faithful to His children, and Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  

Sometimes it is very hard to see any good coming from the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the betrayal of a trusted friend, etc., but God sees the bigger picture, and He knows the eventual outcome. Since we know that all of God’s promises are true, we can know… even when we don’t feel it or see how… that God will ultimately make all things good.

James reminds us that there is “no variableness” with God. He doesn’t change His character mid-stream. Who He was when He created the world is the same that He is today and will be tomorrow! God says this about Himself in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not;”

Sorrow and hopelessness darken our perspective, but James also reminds us that God is the Father of lights. It is His faithfulness and love that will brighten our hearts and souls as we go through this life on earth. We can have hope and peace knowing God continues to be in control, and His will for us is always the best. As the new year approaches, we can have confidence that no matter what lies ahead, God is with us and will see us through every challenge or struggle. Our hope is secure in the promises of God and the knowledge that “…with God all things are possible.” (Mark 1-:27).

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word and its truths. I know that no matter what happens in my life or in this world, Your Word remains true, and I can depend on it always. As this new year approaches, I can rest in the truth that You have me securely in Your hand, and nothing will happen to me that You are not aware of. I trust that You will always make all things work out in my life to be in accordance with Your perfect will for me. That gives me such comfort, and I thank You for that. Help me to trust You more each day. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

God picked up a sparrow that could no longer fly
He brushed off his wounds and then watched it soar into the sky
If He's mindful of creation on this I can depend
I am His child and I can place all my trust in Him

I can trust Jesus, I can trust Jesus
He never once has failed to meet my needs
He is my strong tow'r, the strength in my weakest hour
I can trust Jesus, He takes care of me

(from “I Can Trust Jesus” by Gerald Douglas Crabb)

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“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5

Scripture: “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:7

Observation: Paul wrote this book to Titus, one of his disciples. In it, he is explaining how the practice of our faith is a reflection of what we truly believe.

Application: Christmastime is sometimes referred to as “the season of giving”. Many people exchange gifts as a token of their affection for one another. People also tend to give more to charities during this time of year as well. When we think about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, our thoughts often go to the wise men who came to the young child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They gave the best they could give as an act of worship. However, the best example we have of gift-giving is God Himself. From the depths of His heart to a lost and dying world, He gave the most precious gift of all… His beloved Son, Jesus. But like any gift, it only becomes yours when you accept it.

When there is a personal relationship between an individual and Jesus, there are so many gifts that come from the Lord. Here are just a few of the gifts that the heavenly Father gives to those who accept His Son as their Lord and Saviour.

1. Forgiveness – All of our sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven & forgotten!

• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

2. Holy Spirit – The Spirit of God dwells within every believer 24/7 and will be with us forever!

• “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38

3. Peace – In a world of chaos, God’s peace is within every believer.

• “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” – Romans 5:1

4. Adoption – Becoming a part of God’s family and a joint-heir with Jesus happens when a person accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour.

• “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” – Romans 8:15-16

5. Eternal Life – Everlasting life in heaven is promised and begins immediately upon salvation!

• “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through   Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Jesus is the Father’s Christmas gift that keeps on giving! That is certainly a reason to rejoice!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Christmas gift so many years ago! Thank You for all You’ve given me! I am so grateful and humbled that You would choose to come into my life and save me. Thank You that I am a joint-heir with You, and one day, I will see You face to face, when my faith becomes sight! I believe in my heart that it will not be long until You come and call Your children home! Thank You for Your peace that reigns in my heart and the hope I have in my soul! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls o’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Peace, peace! wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away while the years of eternity roll.

Peace, peace! wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

(from “Wonderful Peace” by W.D. Cornell)

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“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” – Titus 3:5-6

Scripture: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 5:21

Observation: This chapter of Romans explains the reason for Jesus coming to mankind. It details the sinful state in which we exist and the hope that we gain through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Application: As the Christmas season moves toward its conclusion, it is important to remember that the birth of Jesus is just the beginning of the story of God’s amazing grace. This first chapter of this divine story details the circumstances surrounding the virgin birth and the glorious revelation by the angels of the coming of humanity’s Saviour.

The second part of this story provides many incredible highlights of the life and ministry of Jesus. In the Scriptures, we read of how He lived without sin, how He revealed Himself through His miracles and teachings, how He loved everyone unconditionally regardless of social status, religious affiliations, personal wealth, intellect or power. He was the personification of God… the Word made flesh as it states in John 1:14. “And the Word was made 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.”

The third part of the story focuses on the death, burial, and glorious resurrection of Jesus! This is the gospel, and it is wherein our hope lies! Paul summarizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

Jesus was born to die as 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.” The destiny of God’s precious Son took Him from the manger to the cross to the empty tomb and provided the gift of salvation to anyone who chooses to believe and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour! He made a way for you and me to be saved from our sins… to be “born again” into His family! Accepting Christ as one’s Saviour is the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

As you reflect on Christmas, remember it’s not just history, but it is the first chapter of HIS story, and the rest is yet to come! By the way, I’ve read the last chapter, and the ending is absolutely amazing!

Prayer: O Father in heaven, Almighty God, Creator of the universe and all that is therein, Sustainer of all life, I praise Your name! Your mercy truly endures forever, and Your love is everlasting! I love Your Word and its promises! You are my hope, and I rejoice in God, my Saviour! Thank You for Christmas and what it means to me, my family, and so many others! You came to redeem Your people and save us all from our sins! Such love is unfathomable! Thank You so very much for Your goodness to me, Your mercy to me, and Your gift of salvation through Your precious Son. I know I am so unworthy… simply a sinner saved by Your amazing grace, and for that, I am eternally thankful, now and forever. In Jesus’ most holy precious name, I pray. Amen.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we first begun.

(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)

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“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:10

Scripture: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:14

Observation: In the quiet of the night, on a hillside just outside of the village of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds heard an announcement from heaven regarding the birth of the Saviour.

Application: The fulfillment of God’s plan for mankind’s redemption was set in motion by the birth of His only Son, Jesus. So incredible was this event that the angels rejoiced in the heavens! The shepherds watched in stunned silence as the angelic choir sang praises in the night sky!

It is impossible to ignore the truth that God truly loves us so much that He sent His only precious beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Saviour of the world! We have been given the best Christmas gift we could ever receive, but like any gift, it only becomes ours when we accept it.

The Bible explains so clearly why we should welcome the Saviour into our hearts.

1. We are all sinners and we need a Saviour!

• “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – Romans 3:23

2. Our sin must be dealt with.

• “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

3. God loved us so much, He paid the debt we owed, but couldn’t pay.

• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

4. God made a way for us to be forgiven and saved from our sins.

• “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9

5. God made His plan of salvation simple so anyone can be saved.

• “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

God loves each one of us and wants a personal relationship with us. He sent His Son to be the One to reconcile us to Himself. It undeniably was, and continues to be, the very best Christmas gift you will ever be given!  

Today, we celebrate that glorious birth of long ago when the angel declared, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”(Luke 2:10-11) If you have never trusted in Christ as your Saviour, why not do so today? It will be the best Christmas you’ll ever have, and then you will be able to say from your heart, “Rejoice! The Saviour has come! Emmanuel! God with us!”

Merry Christmas!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, I celebrate You today! My heart rejoices in the truth that You loved Your creation so much You left heaven to become the Saviour of the world! Christmas is so much more when You are in the center of it! What unspeakable joy fills my soul to know that I am Yours, and You are mine! Thank You so much! Happy birthday! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen!

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing.
Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo.

(from “Angels We Have Heard on High” by James Chadwick)

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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

Scripture: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

Observation: In this chapter, Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, comes to visit Jesus under the cover of darkness. He seeks to understand who Jesus is and the meaning of His words.

Application: John 3:16 is perhaps the most familiar verse of the New Testament, and Christmas is its actualization. At the moment that God’s heart was broken in Eden, when Adam and Eve chose to disobey Him and brought sin into the world, God set in motion His plan to redeem all mankind.

Christmas Eve is a time to remember that plan. A young couple on their own sought a place of refuge to bring a baby into this world. Think of Mary and Joseph as they grasped the truth that this would be the night God’s Son would be born. They had no comfortable room in which to labor and deliver the baby, no one to help them through the birthing process, no one to calm their fears of how to care for a newborn. But they had their faith in God, and they trusted Him completely.

A few hours later, a baby’s soft cry would fill the night sky, and angels would be rejoicing in the shepherd’s fields. Joseph would prepare a manger to serve as a crib, filling it with fresh hay as Mary swaddled her newborn Son. Then, as baby Jesus slept in her arms, Mary would see Joseph welcome their first visitors.

A small group of excited shepherds would gather around the baby in awe, and with hushed whispers, they would tell their amazing story to the new parents. They would explain that their fears turned to astonishment upon hearing the angelic proclamation from heaven stating, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). Imagine how Mary and Joseph must have felt hearing this confirmation from the shepherds. Perhaps they cast a knowing look at one another and simply smiled. Perhaps, to the shepherds’ delight, Mary quietly asked if they would like to hold the baby for a moment! Imagine the unspeakable joy of holding the newborn Saviour! Imagine that glorious night!

Christmas Eve ushered in a new dawn for humanity. It brought hope into the world. That hope was the Light of the World… Emmanuel… God with us!

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, thank You for Christmas Eve! Your precious Son left heaven to come to our world to save us! Your only Son would become the sacrifice for our sins so we could be reconciled with You forever! Thank You for the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph, whose faith reminds me that You are truly the faithful One. You are our Protector, our Deliverer, our Saviour! My heart sings with joy as I celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus… my Redeemer and Saviour! Hallelujah! Christ is born! In His precious name, I pray. Amen!

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, darkness flies, all is light;
Shepherds hear the angels sing, "Alleluia! hail the King!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born."

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

(from “Silent Night” by Joseph Mohr & Franz Gruber)

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“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7

Scripture: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” – Philippians 2:9

Observation: This chapter in Philippians describes the Lord Jesus Christ’s humble spirit as He willingly left the glory of heaven to become God’s servant and walk the road to the cross to save His creation.

Application: The Bible has many different names for Jesus. Some of them are very familiar, while others not so much. Here is a short list of some of the names of the One whom I call Lord.

• Messiah – One who is the promised Deliverer of Israel
  • “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:” – Romans 11:26
• Emmanuel – God with us
  • “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” -Matthew 1:23
• Christ – Anointed One
  • “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” – Acts 10:38
• Son of God – One who is of divine origin
  • “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” – 1 John 5:20
• Redeemer – One who pays a price (a ransom) to buy back or set free someone from bondage, debt, or oppression
  • “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7
• Saviour – One who delivers from spiritual death
  • “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11
• The Word – One who reveals Himself through the written Word of God
  • “And the Word was made 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 1:14
• Lamb of God – One who is the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind
  • “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” – John 1:36
• Light of the World – One who is the source of all spiritual truth
  • “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
• The Way, the Truth, and the Life – One who is the sole path to God and eternal life
  • “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
• Good Shepherd – One who cares for His people
  • “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
• Lord – One who has supreme authority, divine power, and sovereignty
  • “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” – 2 Corinthians 4:5
• Jesus – The Lord is salvation
  • “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:23

This Christmas season, remember the sweet little baby, the precious Lamb of God, that came from heaven to become our Saviour, and rejoice with great thanksgiving for Jesus!

Prayer: O gracious Lord Jesus, Blessed Redeemer, my Prince of Peace and Saviour! How I love You and offer You my words of worship! Creator of all things, Master of the universe, I exalt You, O God! May Your name be lifted high and praised forever! I bow before You, O Lord, as humbly as I know how, and thank You for Your love and mercy that endureth forever! In Your name and with eternal gratitude, I pray. Amen and amen!

Master, Redeemer, Savior of the world
Wonderful, Counselor, Bright Morning Star
Lilly of the valley, Provider and Friend
He was yesterday, He'll be tomorrow
The Beginning and the End

But the Angel called Him Jesus
Born of a virgin
Mary called Him Jesus
But I call Him Lord!

(from “I Call Him Lord” by Mark Lowry)

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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

Scripture: “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” – 1 John 4:14

Observation: John is writing as an eyewitness to all the events in which he was a part in Jesus’ ministry. Here he is proclaiming Jesus as our Saviour!

Application: During the Christmas season, much of the world focuses on the religious aspects of the holiday. There are many nativity scenes on display where we see Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the manger. Some include shepherds and wise men worshiping in the stable area with the new family. We hear many beloved Christmas hymns playing throughout the month of December wherever we go, and of course, there are endearing Christmas plays performed in many schools and churches that bring the joy of season close to home. But there is much more about Christmas that we must consider and cherish in our hearts always.

John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Christmas happened for a very specific reason. That reason was to provide redemption for the sins of humanity. God’s plan of redemption for His creation necessitated His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be born as a baby, live His life without sin, and ultimately sacrifice Himself on a cruel Roman cross. There is nothing we could do ourselves to purchase our salvation. It is only the precious sinless blood of Jesus shed on that cross that could settle the sin-debt mankind owed. Hebrews 9:22 explains, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” In order for us to be saved from the eternal punishment we deserved for our sins, Jesus had to be born… to die.

This Christmas as you gather with family and friends, opening presents and enjoying time together, take a moment to remember that the manger was merely the first step on a long road that would culminate at Calvary, and rejoice! Why? Because without Christmas, there would be no Calvary. And without Calvary, we would never have the opportunity be forgiven of our sins and live eternally with the Saviour that John so boldly proclaimed!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for sending Your Son, Jesus, to us! Thank You for Christmas, when I can celebrate His birth, and the great love You have for me and all people. You sent Jesus to become our Saviour. You sent Him knowing He would die on the cross one day to shed His precious blood to redeem us all. I haven’t enough words to express my gratitude for all You have done, but I lift my voice and my heart to You in worship and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ precious, sweet, holy name, I pray. Amen.

On the night Christ was born, just before break of morn,
As the stars in the sky were fading,
O’er the place where He lay, fell a shadow cold and gray
Of a cross that would humble a King.

Born to die upon Calv’ry,
Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;
Born to die upon Calv’ry,
He was wounded that I might live.

(from “Born to Die” by Ron Hamilton)

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“Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:” – Acts 13:23