Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Christmas Season


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Ugly Christmas Sweater

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:22 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;”

It’s that season again of outdated, ugly and outrageous Christmas sweaters.  My daughter just attended a function where this was the theme.  Thankfully, she did not come to me to borrow what I would normally wear!  It seems unbelievable that these loud colorful sweaters use to be the “in” style.  It makes me wonder what will be considered ugly in twenty years that we now wear with pride!

Our verse today is about putting off our old self.  Like a piece of outdated clothing we are to take it off.  The old self or old nature is who we were before Christ changed us and gave us a new nature, resembling Him.  The old self is characterized by lies, sinful anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander and all malice.  How much better to put on the new self, created to be like the Lord in true righteousness and holiness (verse 24).

If you are like me, some of these outdated items are still hanging out in your closet!  Like a ratty comfortable robe, I slip back into habits that should not be a part of my wardrobe any longer.  I am often unaware of what I am wearing.  But those old clothes are NOT pretty.

I do have a choice.  Nothing obligates me to put my hand on that old worn out sin and wear it again today.  Because of Christ, I can be new.  I can have a whole new look, a look that resembles Him.

Lord, help me to recognize the old and throw it out!

 


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Bûche de Noël

Scripture for Today: John 6:35 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.'”

The Bûche de Noël was always a fitting end to our Christmas meals in France.  This rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream was made to look like the traditional log burnt on Christmas Eve in times past.  They are often decorated with little figures made of marzipan and meringue  We always enjoyed the ones with ice cream fillings.  Having such a rich dessert after a heavy meal can sometimes be too much of a good thing!

In today’s verse, Jesus declared Himself the bread of life.  Bread is the perfect symbol of what is needed for daily sustenance.  He did not use the symbol of a rich gooey dessert as He provides just what is needed.  Often after too much dessert there is regret, but one can never have too much of Him!  He satisfies our hunger perfectly.  We are full without discomfort.  But there is a condition according to this verse.  We are simply to come to Him.

I often do not recognize my hunger.  There are days when I am soul sick because I am feeding on what does not satisfy.  That fancy pastry the world offers can be a big distraction.  But instead of feeling full and satisfied, I am left feeling a little queasy.  But when I go to Jesus, He more than satisfies what my soul really craves.  He offers Himself: His love, His peace, His joy.  Everything else is a poor substitute.

“Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.”  Thank you Lord, for being everything I need today.


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Nutcrackers

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:8 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”

For years I have enjoyed seeing the nutcracker in Europe, but now I am seeing more and more making their appearance in America for Christmas.  They have long been a symbol of good luck in Germany where they originated.  The early ones were in the shape of animals, birds and people in the 15th century.  By the 1800’s they were fashioned to represent and vilify unpopular leaders of the day.  Now, the most popular ones are the soldiers who benignly stand guard.   Their function as nutcrackers is almost forgotten!  But their purpose is to press that hard nut until it is crushed.

There is hard pressing in today’s verse but not crushing.  Paul goes on to say that there is persecution but not abandonment.   He is struck down but never destroyed.  Paul experienced tremendous pressure but his spirit was not crushed.  He did not crack.  He did not lose heart as he was convinced that the One who raised Jesus from the dead would also raise him (verse 14).  Despair does not have a chance as Paul is filled with hope, fixing his eyes on the unseen and eternal (verse 18).

This Christmas season has been unique for me.  I have found myself buying several condolence cards for friends instead of Christmas cards.  The pressure of sadness can feel overwhelming in the face of loss.  But for the believer there is hope instead of despair.  There is God’s comfort and presence instead of abandonment.  He is especially close to those who are brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).  What is unseen and eternal keeps me from feeling utterly crushed.

Thank you Lord, that Your birth at Christmas brings hope.  I pray You will especially comfort those who are hard pressed today.


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Daddy

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I love watching my son-in-law learning to be a father to our newest grandson.  Every day he picks up that sweet eight-pound bundle with more confidence.  He is learning to distinguish the different cries right alongside of my daughter.  It is so sweet to see all the cuddling and to watch the nurturing side of this macho man emerge.  I wonder what their future relationship will be like.  One thing is certain; once a Father, always a Father.  My grandson cannot be “unborn” out of the family.  The father-child relationship is forever.

Our verse today prophesies the birth of Jesus, giving us several names for Him.  Normally, when thinking of Jesus, the Son of God, we do not think of the title, “Everlasting Father.”  However, Jesus being God Himself, shares all His attributes even though His role is different.  Jesus is everlasting with no beginning and no end.  He is also loving and nurturing like a Father to His children.

I love the image of an attentive caring father.  A loving father understands the vulnerability and weaknesses of his child.  Jesus is the best kind of Father because He has lived the life He asks us to live.  Because He Himself entered our world as a baby, He is in a position of a special understanding.  And unlike earthly well-meaning fathers, the love of our Everlasting Father is a love that is unconditional and unending.

Thank you Lord, for being my understanding, perfect, and loving Everlasting Father.

 


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Wonderful Counselor

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

There was a wonderful counselor at my high school growing up.  He had a great rapport with young people and was very good at pinpointing one’s strength and weaknesses.  He gave good advice to those seeking his counsel.  It was not until much later that I learned He was a believer.  He truly cared about others and one felt that.  I remember my perfunctory visit with him but I do not remember asking many questions.  I was full of myself and did not feel I needed anyone’s advice.  I knew what I wanted and that was that.

It takes some humility to seek the advice of any counselor, and it is important to ask the right questions.  But perhaps the biggest question is to whom are we addressing our concerns!  Our verse for today talks about a Counselor who is wonderful; Jesus Christ.  He is wonderful because He knows our questions before we even voice them.  He understands our confusion and He has all the answers.

There is no counselor on earth who can completely relate to our experiences, to our circumstances and to our feelings.  But this little baby we celebrate this Christmas, grew up to experience everything we do.  He understands our confusion and He empathizes with our weaknesses because He lived it all Himself (Hebrews 4:15).

This Wonderful Counselor is worthy of my confidence.  He is such a good listener and He is always available.  And best of all, He lets me know what I need to know.

Thank you Lord, for being my wonderful counselor!