Tag: Christmas-Holidays-Commemorations

Advent Tree Family Devotions – December 10

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Wheat

John 6:31‑58; Matthew 26:26‑29

Since antiquity, wheat has been the most important grain in the world.  China, traditionally considered a rice-eating country, annually consumes 190 lbs per capita of wheat, mostly in noodles.  Each person in the US consumes about 144 lbs per year.  Wheat is even more important in the Middle East, with annual per capita consumption in Israel of 294 lbs and Egypt of 384 lbs.  Wheat is mentioned 52 times in the Bible, and Palestine was a major exporter in ancient times.  Grains such as wheat and rice contain carbohydrates which comprise about 55% percent of a healthy diet.

Jesus taught that man cannot live by (physical) bread alone and said “I am the bread of life”.   Just as physical bread is required for physical life, so spiritual bread, Jesus Christ, is required for eternal life.  In a powerful but frightening statement, He said that unless people eat His flesh and drink His blood, they cannot have eternal life.  Unless we take Jesus’ teachings into our hearts and minds, accept His sacrifice for our sins, and welcome His Holy Spirit into our lives, we cannot have eternal life. 

During the last meal of Jesus’ life, He broke bread and gave it to His disciples to eat, representing His body to be broken by the Crucifixion, just a few hours away.  He then gave them wine, representing His blood to be poured out for their sins.   Earlier in His ministry Jesus taught these men that they needed to let His Spirit reign in them, and in this final hour, He symbolically helped them do so. 

During the Holy Communion, the remembrance of this night, Christians take bread and wine to remember the Lord, and His great sacrifice for us.  Whatever our specific tradition in the Christian faith, this remembrance is a chance to reconnect with His Spirit, and be made more like Him.  But every day, whether Communion or Advent or not, we can thank God for His bountiful blessings.  

As with the other decorations, wheat is a common element in our lives.  Whether we are enjoying bread, noodles, pastries, cereals, or thousands of other food products using wheat, let us remember how Christ is the Bread of Life.  If we eat heartily of His body, our joy in Christmas will be renewed.  If we drink deeply of His blood, our peace in this busy time will be restored.  If we pause and remember vividly His sacrifice, our wonder at the mystery of salvation will grow, and our awe and delight and His unfailing grace will abound. 

Let us slow down and take time to come to Jesus for the bread and wine which sustains us through every trial and tribulation, gives us sustenance and encourages us to grow for Him. 

Enjoy a light-hearted Christian Christmas romance, A Cup of Crisp at Christmas.

Advent Tree Family Devotions – December 9

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Dove

Genesis 8:6-12; Leviticus 1:14-17; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:15‑25

The dove is mentioned often in the Bible, from helping Noah know when the waters had receded, to serving as a sacrifice for the poor.  The dove is also the most common image of the Holy Spirit.  Do you recall the scripture passages which tell of the Holy Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove? (Matthew 3:16) 

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead.  He is the Comforter of Jesus’ followers, and the Giver of the gifts of the Spirit and the Fruits of the Spirit. 

The Gifts of the Spirit are God-given abilities.  Every believer has at least one, a few have several, and they are all to be used for the building up of the church and the glory of God.  These are not the natural talents, inherent in nonbelievers and believers alike.  Preachers and evangelists often display speaking gifts (prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, teaching and exhortation) and while serving gifts (leadership, helps, giving, mercy, faith and discernment) are frequently found in other groups.  Prophecy is the speaking forth of God’s Word, knowledge is the understanding of His truth, and wisdom is the practical application of that truth.  Teaching is the ability to help others understand a concept fully, and exhortation is the power to effectively encourage.  Of the nonverbal gifts mercy is the ability to empathize and sympathize, faith is an unusual depth of trust in God, and discernment helps the individual distinguish truth and falsehood.

The Fruits of the Spirit are character traits planted by the Holy Spirit and growing in everyone who knows and loves the Lord.  Their presence proves that a man is a Christian, and their absence proves that he is not.   Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all within our reach. God develops these fruits within us as we read and obey His word, and as we step out in faith. 

The incessant demands of life, especially during this season, can prevent us from developing our spiritual gifts, and slow our growth in spiritual fruit.  The Spirit of God rarely shouts through an earthquake or a storm, but usually whispers to us during our quiet moments.  Lives that overflow with frenzied activity and mountains of material goods will never overflow with the Spirit of love and power.  The dove is not a prince among birds, but in its simplicity and ordinariness it was chosen above all other birds to represent the Holy Spirit. 

Will you develop your Gift of the Spirit this Advent season?  Will you cultivate your soul in trust and obedience so that the Fruits of the Spirit can grow in you?  This Advent season, and any time you see a dove, remember the Holy Spirit of God, and thank him for the gifts He has given you, and in the Fruits of the Spirit available to all.

What Child is This?

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Chorus

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Chorus

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
the King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Chorus

Enjoy a light-hearted Christian Christmas romance, A Cup of Crisp at Christmas.

Advent Tree Family Devotions – December 8

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Circle

Ecclesiastes 1; Psalm 90:1‑2; Psalm 93:1‑2

“Will the circle be unbroken by and by, Lord, by and by? There’s a better home awaiting in the sky.”

Man lives, and his life and glory are played out in a few short years, a mixture of gladness and pain. He weakens, dies, and sinks into the dust from whence he came. Another takes his place, and within a few generations even his memory is lost forever. Consider those things for which men struggle and die: power, glory, and wealth. It all crumbles. The universe itself had a beginning, and will one day perish in fire and darkness. Whether peasant, king …or galaxy, everything faces the grave.

To the man who says there is no god, this seems like the end of the story. But to the man who knows the Risen Lord, this is just the beginning. God, who created time, is not bound by time. He exists independently of past, present and future. Before anything else existed, God was, and if everything else passed away, He would still be. The circle is a fitting symbol for God, with no beginning and no end.

Our lives seem like a segment of a line, bounded by our birth and our death. But Jesus rose again, proving that man will also rise again. For 40 days after His death, Jesus walked this world. After that, He ascended into the next. Our lives will not end, and death is more like a change of address. Those who love and follow Christ will rise again to eternal life with the Lord, the source of everything good. Those who do not follow Christ will rise again to eternal life without Him, and suffer for all time without light, without love, without beauty, and without peace.

The circle or ring is the symbol used in Christian marriage to signify love that goes on forever. It reminds us of the love we will share with one another and with the Lord in Paradise.

Like the triangle, the circle is everywhere about us. Tires and tools, pots and pans, cakes and cookies, hats and faces, and thousands of everyday sights remind us that God is eternal. In His wise providence, He has provided many ways for us to remember His attributes, His character, and His goodness towards us, if we open our eyes to see.

As we celebrate Advent, let us thank God for His eternity, and for the eternity that we will share with Him. Knowing that God is there and always will be in spite of our failings or spiritual blindness brings us comfort beyond measure. We know that He hears, that He acts, that He is for each of us. The next time you are doodling away and draw the inevitable circle, think of the God you serve and His majesty and power. Thank Him for His strength and comfort each day.

Enjoy a light-hearted Christian Christmas romance, A Cup of Crisp at Christmas.

Advent Tree Family Devotions – December 7

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Twelve Pointed Star

Luke 6:12‑16; Philippians 2:12‑18

The twelve pointed star represents the twelve apostles of Jesus.

Simon Peter was married, owned a house in Capernaum, and ran a fishing business with his brother Andrew on the Sea of Galilee. He, along with his business partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were the disciples closest to Jesus. Peter is mentioned more times than any other of the twelve, wrote the Gospel of Mark (with John Mark) and first and second Peter, and is generally considered the leader of the apostles.

James and John, who Jesus nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” for their zeal, were with Peter at the Transfiguration and close to Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane on His final night. James became the first disciple to be martyred, and John, the “one who Jesus loved”, led the church at Ephesus, was exiled to Patmos, and wrote the books of John, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, and Revelation.

Philip of Bethsaida was a disciple of John who came to Jesus and brought Nathaniel (possibly also called Bartholomew), whom Jesus identified as meditating under a fig tree, as well. Matthew was a tax collector from Capernaum who wrote the first gospel. Thomas followed Jesus with intensity and loyalty, but refused to believe in the Resurrection until he saw for himself. Less is known of James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot*, and Judas the son of James. Judas Iscariot, another Zealot, and one who never grasped Jesus’ nature or mission, was His betrayer.

Jesus personally picked these twelve ordinary men to deliver His message throughout the world. Each failed miserably at times to obey in faith, as when Peter denied the Lord and when they all fled at Jesus’ arrest. Each failed miserably at times to even understand Jesus’ message, as when James and John wanted to call fire to consume the Samaritans (Luke 9:54), and Philip said “show us the Father…”, even though he should have known that seeing Jesus was seeing the Father (John 14:8). Yet on the whole, with the power of the Spirit working in the hearts of men to reveal the Gospel message, they prevailed. Christianity, which started out as 120 people in 30 AD (Acts 1:15), grew to over 100,000 in the Roman empire by AD 100, only 70 years later. Today, about 2 billion people worldwide proclaim the name of Christ. No other religion touches so many lives.

As Christians, we can remember the men represented in the 12 pointed star. We can take comfort because if God can accomplish His perfect will through them, He can do the same in us, no matter our background and past. Just as the moon reflects light, we have been chosen by Jesus to shine in a corrupt and broken world, reflecting His light to those around us.

In the hustle and bustle of this special time of year, don’t neglect the feeding of your light which enables it to shine forth with the story of our Savior. Let these times of devotion provide discipline and strength for the times in which it is most difficult to shine for Him.

*the Zealots were a nationalistic political group wishing to overthrow Roman rule

O Holy Night

O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope – the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the Wise Men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need – to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Enjoy a light-hearted Christian Christmas romance, A Cup of Crisp at Christmas.

Advent Tree Family Devotions – December 6

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Fish

Matthew 4:19; 14:13‑21; Matthew 15:32-39; Luke 24:42-43; John 21:12-14

Since antiquity fish have been a major food source for people, and in ancient times fish were also an object of worship.  Coins picturing a woman with a fish tail honoring Atargatis, the Syrian “Fish Goddess”, were found at Ashkelon. Deuteronomy 4:18 specifically prohibits the Hebrews from creating images of fish to worship. 

God demonstrated His provision for His people when Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000, seven loaves and “a few fish” to feed 4,000, and fish and bread to feed His disciples after the Resurrection.  He also provided proof of His bodily resurrection when he ate.  Christ’s early and great promise to his disciples, seven of whom were fishermen, was that He would make them “Fishers of Men”. 

The Greek word for fish (ἰχθύς ichthys) is formed by using the first letter of each of the words in Greek which stand for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”  As such, it was used as a symbol for Christ in the early church.  Early Christians would identify themselves to each other by drawing this symbol and thus avoiding the attention of foes.  The fish was also used as a direction symbol to places of worship.

Just as Jesus, early Christians often lost it all; family, friends, possessions, loved ones, and even their lives, for their faith.  Within only a few years of the Resurrection, Stephen the deacon was stoned by a Jerusalem mob (Acts 7) and James the apostle murdered by Herod Agrippa 1 (Acts 12).  In the succeeding centuries, Christians have been beheaded, crucified, thrown to the lions, and burned.  Even in modern times, Christians have found themselves in Nazi concentration camps, Soviet gulags, and Maoist prisons.  Believers in Christ are sometimes beaten, imprisoned, tortured and murdered for their faith in the Muslim and Hindu worlds, and throughout the earth. 

Western Culture, dominant on the globe for nearly 500 years, is built on a Judeo-Christian foundation.  But many at home and abroad want to crush this bedrock, and followers of Christ are more and more feeling the blows.  

Children of the King need never be afraid.  Since the dawn of time, the people and Church of our Lord have survived and grown despite the furious hate of Emperors, Secularists, Skeptics, Dictators, Monarchs, Bigots, and Fools.  The Word of God is the most powerful force in the universe, and Psalms 2 reminds us that nothing can stand against the works of the Almighty. The Church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.  

During this Advent season, let us remember that one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  The gates of Hell will not prevail against His people (Matthew 16:18).  Each time we see a fish, let us give thanks for those who were not afraid to suffer for their faith. Let us speak boldly for Christ, sharing the blessings He has given us yesterday, today and forever. 

The First Noel

The first Noel, the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

For all to see there was a star
Shining in the East beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
The wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Who hath made Heaven and earth of naught
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Enjoy a light-hearted Christian Christmas romance, A Cup of Crisp at Christmas.

Advent Tree Family Devotions – December 5

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Triangle

Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 3:16, 17; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:31-34

December 5 – Triangle

Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 3:16, 17; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:31-34

A preacher once remarked “A God who is small enough for our brains would not be big enough for our needs.”  The Bible is truly the word to man from the infinite, almighty, eternal God.  Just as we cannot grasp “infinite”, “almighty”, and “eternal”, so we also cannot fully grasp many other teachings in God’s word.  The Trinity is one of these teachings.  How can God be one, and also three?

Reason tells us that there can be only one God, for how can more than one infinite being exist?  Divine revelation lets us see that the one God eternally exists and reveals Himself as three persons.   

The Bible is clear that God is one, and also that God is three; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Christians use symbols such as the three leaf clover, the egg (white, yolk and shell), and even the composition of man (body, soul and spirit) to help wrap our minds around this profound mystery. 

The triangle is another such symbol.  With its equal sides representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the triangle communicates the equality of the persons, their teamwork, and because the triangle is inherently the strongest geometric shape, their strength. 

The passage in Deuteronomy reminds us not only that God is one, but also that we need to place reminders of His love and His teachings everywhere in our world.  We should also remember that God Himself placed such symbols as the triangle throughout His creation to help us remember Him. 

Knowing that such common symbols as the triangle represent important truths in our Christian faith gives special meaning to our lives. If we get in the habit of looking for these symbols, we will discover that they are abundant in our world. Look around as you move through your day and see how many triangles you can discover. Bridge struts, the letter “A”, road signs, mountains and often plants have many triangle shapes. These symbols are a constant reminder of His presence and His caring. Look for them during this special time of year and throughout the New Year to come. Be reminded of our Savior and His love.

Enjoy a light-hearted Christian Christmas romance, A Cup of Crisp at Christmas.