Scripture for Today: Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

It was amazing to see Jupiter and Saturn lining up, something that has not occurred at such proximity since 1623! The fact that it happened near Christmas gave it special meaning for believers. It brought to mind the miraculous Christmas star guiding the Magi to the Savior’s birth. However, the reaction of some was much different as this photo shows, taken on Balboa Island. There seems to be a religious observance going on but I am not sure it has anything to do with the star’s Creator.

Today’s verse reminds us of what we instinctively know when we look up. The heavens declare loud and clear that they have a Creator! More important than Jupiter and Saturn lining up is mankind’s lining up their thinking to this incredible truth! God’s eternal power and divinity are clearly seen and understood from what has been created. (Romans 1:20) The skies proclaim that this magnificent awesome beauty is the work of His hands! How incredible it is that the Creator of this star and the entire universe is the same One who wants to create a personal relationship with each of us through His Son.

How is it that we can discount and minimize the wonder of the skies! I am dumbfounded by those who take gorgeous pictures of our world but do not give recognition to its Maker. The more science reveals the amazing details of nature, the more my heart sings in praise to the creative genius of Christ! It is through the Son that all things are created and are held together. (Col.1:16-17) And He continues to create in me the praise that is due Him!

Thank you Lord, that our world reveals You!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 27:4 “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord, to seek Him in His temple.”

The Christmas tree stripped of its presents can seem a little forlorn.  The leftovers in foil and plastic wrap don’t look quite as inviting as they did the day before.  The Christmas Carols suddenly sound a bit worn out and “tinny.”  There is definitely something missing.  The anticipation is gone.  And one wonders what happened to that warm fuzzy feeling.  In its place there seems to be not only exhaustion but a certain let-down.  If we could just hang on to that feeling of beauty and contentment!

Today’s verse speaks of a place where we can constantly dwell.  There is no day after.  One never needs to leave.  There is beauty in this place.    To be in the Lord’s presence and gaze upon His beauty is an experience that never gets old and never has to end.  The warmth and comfort of His love rivals any warm and fuzzy feeling from holidays, music and decorations.

There are many things I could have requested for Christmas.  But I have lived long enough to know that any item will eventually lose its shine and luster.  But the beauty of the Lord is forever and He invites me to continually gaze on Him!  In His presence I can sing and make music to Him (verse 6).  He will always receive me (verse 10) and I never have to worry about Him rejecting or forsaking me (verse 9).  Regardless of what is happening around me, it is there that I want to stay!

Lord, keep me seeking You above all else.

Scripture for Today: II Peter 1:19 “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”

This star of Bethlehem is called a Moravian star. It began as a simple craft project by a geometry teacher in Germany back in the 1830’s. He was teaching a polyhedron design to his students and illustrated it with this paper and glue star. It was eventually adopted by the Moravian Church to represent the star of Bethlehem. The first documented Christmas tree at Williamsburg, Virginia used this star to decorate its branches in 1842.

Today’s verse speaks of a star that far outshines any other. It is the “morning star” and appears when the day is dawning. It signals to all that the dark night is finished. This is a star that arises, not in the heavens but in hearts. God’s prophetic Word is the shining lamp that points us to the coming dawn and to this life-giving Star. Jesus himself is identified as this morning star. (Rev. 22:16) How appropriate it was then, that Christ’s birth was heralded by a guiding star.

Until the dawn arrives, I continue to live in a dark world. But this Star gives me hope in an increasingly somber world where evil seems to have the upper hand. However, the darkness cannot overwhelm this “Light of the world.” (John 8:12) His light and presence warms my heart and assures me of the coming dawn. And one day, there will be no need for stars (or sun and moon) as His presence will be all the Light I need! (Rev. 21:23)

Thank you Lord, that soon there will be no more night.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 1:18 “‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'”

The holly and the ivy with their bright red berries say Christmas to me. But decorating with it can be a challenge with their prickly unforgiving leaves! The carol, “The Holly and the Ivy.” has been around at least since the 15th century and is full of references to Christ through its images. The white flower represents His purity, the red berry pictures His blood, and the prickly leaves bring to mind the crown of thorns Jesus wore.

Today’s verse tells us that something is settled. We can be as white as snow and as wool, even though our sins are a bright scarlet red. The matter being settled was the meaningless offerings (verse 13) and the hypocritical prayers being offered. (verse 15) The people’s attempts at pleasing God had no effect as they continued doing what they knew was wrong. What was important to the Lord, then as it is now, is a washed and clean heart. (verse 16)

How amazed I am that the Lord has settled the matter of sin for those who in faith trust His incredible sacrifice! I can understand these Israelites wanting to avoid the hard step of uncomfortable confession. It is much easier for me as well to let traditions and religious routine take its place. But there is only one way to approach God for forgiveness and that is through His Son (John 14:6) And when I do, the matter is settled forever! What an indescribable gift God has given through the birth of His Son!

Thank you Lord, for making me as white as snow!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 44:23 “Wake Yourself up, why do You sleep, Lord? Awake, do not reject us forever.”

I love hearing the bells here in San Juan Capistrano everyday. They toll longer on December 8, marking the day of the 1812 earthquake. Unfortunately, that quake brought down the great stone church. The remaining ruins remind folks of the forty Native Americans who died that day during mass. The Christmas carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, declares,”Then pealed the bells more loud and deep; ‘God is not dead nor doth He sleep.’ The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth goodwill to men.”

Today’s verse is a honest heartfelt cry by the psalmist. He feels God is asleep and is unaware of the affliction and oppression the people are experiencing. (verse 24) With God’s silence the psalmist feels ignored and rejected. The reality is that God never sleeps or slumbers. (Psalm 121:4) But this psalm is full of accusations and bitterness. At the close, he acknowledges that any help from God would not be because of their faithfulness, but because of His mercy. God shows favor by not giving to us what we deserve!

God will right all wrongs because He is just and because He has promised. But at no time do I deserve His justice. If I feel like He is late acting on my behalf, I am being as demanding as the psalmist. But He has revealed that His justice is perfect and perfectly timed. I can trust not only His justice but His mercy and grace. Without it I would stand condemned. But because of Christ’s birth, merciful love and sacrifice I am not rejected. We see baby Jesus sleeping in the manger at Christmas, but the reality is that our God is awake and in control!

Thank you Lord, for Your perfect justice.