THE OTHER SIDE OF CHRISTMAS

Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalms 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6;
John 1:1-18

"The word was made flesh, He lived among us"
(John 1:14).

You may have heard that the giant, online retailer Amazon
is experimenting with the idea of delivering packages in
certain areas using drones -- you know those strange,
remote controlled aircraft that are deployed these days for
everything from aerial travel photography, to police work,
even pizza delivery! Addressing this lofty topic, a recent
New Yorker Cartoon depicts a mother encouraging her
reluctant little boy who is waiting in line to have his
Christmas picture taken. Instead of the jolly old department
store Santa, we see a strange looking contraption seated
on Santa's throne, beckoning the little boy to come forward.
The caption reads, "Don't you want to sit on the Amazon
drone's lap?" Who knows, maybe next year we'll have
drones helping the real Santa!

The popularity of Santa Claus is astonishing. In one form
or another he is almost universally loved around the world,
even in places where the Christian religion is completely
without followers. In Japan, for example, only one percent
of the people identify themselves as Christian. But the spirit
of Santa Claus and gift-giving has made Christmas a time
for Japanese children to look forward to. Everywhere, the
spirit of Santa Claus seems to play a larger role than the
Incarnation -- in the sense of the excitement, and the joy
surrounding Christmas. Like clockwork, every year around
Christmas, Santa Claus receives some hard criticism from
persons who feel strongly that the season has become
under-spiritualized, and over-commercialized. Like
clockwork, every year at this time, the slogan "Put Christ
back in Christmas,"  reappears. Of course, the true meaning
of Christmas has been taken out of context in this sense.

For Christians, the main emphasis in our celebration is that
we have received something beautiful from God. This God,
who is the Sovereign Creator, Sustainer and Lord of Life
has taken the initiative to reveal His love for us. He has done
this not in some abstract, general way, but in a very concrete,
specific human way. He has revealed the fullness of His love
through Jesus the Christ. We celebrate this event because
God's love for us in Jesus Christ is the source of our hope,
our joy and our peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
GOD BLESS US EVERYONE

WE LOVE YOU

Verse

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver
her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger,
because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7

Voice

He is born of a poor Virgin, in a cave, wrapped in poor
swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. Riches, honours,
glory of this world! Fall down, fall down in humility, tearful
devotion, and deep gratitude before the Saviour of men,
and share your riches with the poor and needy. Do not
pride yourselves on your visionary, fleeting distinctions,
for true distinction can only be found in virtue. Glory of this
world! Learn here, before the manger, your vanity. Thus,
let us all humble ourselves; let us all fall down in the dust
before the boundless humility and exhaustion of the
Sovereign of all, of God, Who has come to heal our
infirmities, to save us from pride, vanity, corruption, and
every sinful impurity.
St. John of Kronstadt

Prayer

Lord God of Hosts, as a helpless and homeless infant
you conquered the earth and overthrew our souls — we
love you!

Sojourners (sojo.net)

NOT THE WAY I WOULD HAVE DONE IT

NOT THE WAY I WOULD HAVE DONE IT

Christmas Day: December 25, 2015

Read John 1:1-5; 9-14. TEXT: ... and wrapped Him in
swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:7b).

Advent        It wasn't the ideal time or place for Mary's
Child--God's Son--to be born into this world. Joseph
hadn't had time to establish his carpenter's trade in their
new town of Bethlehem; he couldn't even find suitable
lodging for his wife and her Child, just a shelter for
animals. There was no time even to build a handsome
cradle. Jesus would be laid in a manger--a feeding
trough for animals.

That hardly seems like a fitting way for God's Son to
come into our world. But God's thoughts are not our
thoughts, neither are our ways His ways
(see Isaiah 55:8). His Son didn't come to a perfect
paradise. He came to fix our broken world and mend
our broken lives. He came to a world of suffering, loss,
hurt and death--and He came to share that suffering,
loss, hurt and death.

This Christmas Day may find you in a place you never
dreamed you'd be. You may be alone and afraid. Perhaps
you're suffering from unemployment or underemployment.
Maybe you're sick, dying or grieving the death of a dear
loved one.

But Jesus came to share all the worst this life has to bring.
He has experienced all the hurt and heartaches we will
ever face--and much more. He paid the price for our sins
as He hung on the cross. This Christmas Day He's ready
and able to handle all your doubts and fears.

THE PRAYER:

 Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself to leave
Your throne in heaven and to become one of us. You lived
among us, experiencing all the worst things of life that You
might cheer and comfort us in all our sufferings. Be with us
this special day and fill us with Your joy and peace. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE FACE OF GOD

Read Luke 2:6-7. TEXT: And she gave birth to her firstborn
 Son .... (Luke 2:7a).

Advent      Christmas Eve. I can't hear those words without
being filled with a childhood wonder and thrill. Tonight is
always a magical time with all the dazzling lights, the brisk
air, and the joyous music in church. What a night to sit
around the tree with family and recall fond memories of
Christmases past.

But my Christmas Eve experiences pale in comparison to
what Mary and Joseph experienced that first Christmas
night. Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son, and together
with Joseph she looked into the eyes of God. She stroked
His baby-soft skin, and felt His tiny fingers wrap around
her finger. Wonder of wonders, indeed.

Over the centuries since that first Christmas we have
layered many traditions, decorations and activities into the
fabric of our celebrations, but underlying it all remains the
one thing that truly transforms our Christmas celebration:
that tiny newborn Baby.

This is the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince
of Peace. On His shoulders rests the government of the
entire creation. Yet He comes to us in a familiar form, a
Baby, One who drives away our fears and melts our
hearts of stone. Whatever fears weigh on your heart this
night, be sure to stop and look upon this precious Child,
take Him in your arms, and wonder at the God who came
to save you and drive away your fears.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming one of us. By Your
birth, life, death and resurrection, You have won eternal
life for each of us. Drive away from my heart all fears and
concerns, and fill me with Your heavenly peace. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A STRANGE NEW PATH

Read Luke 2:1-5. TEXT: In those days a decree went out
from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered
(Luke 2:1).

Advent     When we last saw Mary in our story, she was
returning to her home in Nazareth, since Elizabeth was ready
to give birth. Luke moves us a few months forward to the
circumstances of Jesus' birth.

The prophet Micah announced that Jesus was to be born in
the southern town of Bethlehem, not in Mary's northern town
of Nazareth. To get her in the right place at the right time, God
works through an edict of the Roman Emperor Caesar
Augustus to bring her to Bethlehem to fulfill Micah's prophecy.

It must have been strange and a little scary for Mary and
Joseph to leave their familiar haunts to travel to Bethlehem.
But move they did, and from the events that followed Jesus'
birth, it seems probable they planned to stay in Bethlehem to
raise Jesus. In fact, they only left when warned in a dream to
flee (see Matthew 2:1-13). Even after the death of King Herod
who sought Jesus' life, Joseph may well have returned to
Bethlehem, until the Lord directed them to return to Nazareth
(see Matthew 2:22).

The paths of our lives can take some strange and frightening
turns. But no matter what doubts, fears and uncertainties may
be in your path, you don't travel it alone. The Christ Child came
into this world to assure us we will never be alone; He will be
with us wherever we go.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding the course of Jesus'
life--and ours. Give us confidence that You will never leave us
nor forsake us, that we may live in peace and confidence. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE PEACE OF THE KING

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Reflection:

One common refrain in the Christmas holiday season
is a call for peace. And yet is there is a more chaotic
time of year?  We rush about to get to the stores in
time "while supplies last" battling for parking, and
hoping to stay within the budget by getting the
"best deal". Some of us fall into depression and
despair.  All this does not seem peaceful at all.
     In this passage, Paul had every reason to be
stressed out.  He was in prison,not knowing what his
fate might be.  And yet he encouraged the Philippians
to find joy again and again and again (v.4).  He had
a deep sense of the nearness of his King to his
condition (v.5).  He understood the power of prayer
and praise to overcome anxiety and stress (v.6).  He
found a peace that defied the chaos and pain of his
surroundings, transcending conventional understanding
(v. 7)

Prayer:

Dear Lord my gracious King.  I pause right now from
whatever I am doing to thank you for your provision,
your presence and your peace. AMEN

(Covenant Home Altar author,Quaime Lee)

JOHN'S MISSION

Read Luke 1:76-80. TEXT: (Zechariah said) "And you, child,
will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go
before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of
salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins"
(Luke 1:76-77).

Advent     Now Zechariah turns to his little son John. In
excited tones he sets out God's grand purpose for his young
life. John's mission is to teach people why they need the
Savior to come for them. He will teach what they need to be
saved from. As chapter one of Luke's Gospel concludes,
John is growing, preparing for the day when his ministry will
begin.

It's hard to enjoy the full celebration of Christmas and the
coming of the Christ Child if you have no idea why you need
Him to come. John made that clear years later when he
began preaching in the wilderness around the Jordan River.

"... 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
wrath to come? ... Even now the axe is laid to the root of the
trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut
down and thrown into the fire'" (Luke 3:7b, 9).

All the evils that happen in the world clearly show mankind
has failed God's perfect plan. And our own sins and the hurts
we have inflicted on others shout out to God for vengeance.
But the Christ Child has come to step into the breach and
take the full impact of that wrath in our place.

That's why His earthly life, which begins in a lowly feeding
trough, will end on a rough wooden cross. But as John points
out--there is salvation from that wrath in the forgiveness of
sins Jesus wins by that sad suffering and death.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us sufficient warning
of the wrath to come. We flee to Your Son Jesus for
protection and salvation. Thank You that for His sake we
need fear no evil. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A SONG OF PRAISE

Read Luke 1:64-75. TEXT: And immediately his (Zechariah's)
mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke,
blessing God (Luke 1:64).

Advent       The long months of silence are over. Without a
word, Zechariah has had to watch everything transpire--
especially those wondrous three months when Mary came
to visit with the promised Christ growing in her womb. Now
the silence is over. The last time Zechariah spoke, words
of unbelief came from his lips. Now they are words of profound
praise to God--inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself.

Zechariah chiefly says two things about the Child of Mary--the
Christmas Child. He has been raised up as a horn of salvation
for us from our enemies. In the Old Testament the horn was a
symbol of strength and power. God has raised up Jesus to be
our strength and power. He saves us from great and terrible
enemies: Satan, sin, death and hell.

Secondly, having been saved from these fearful enemies, we
are now able to serve God without fear, in holiness and
righteousness all our days.

That means because of Jesus' coming at Christmas we can live
without fear. No more do we have to worry about upsetting God
or receiving His wrath because we didn't do something exactly
right. Freed from our fear of God and confident in His provision
for our needs on earth, we are free to focus on other people--and
how we can serve them. And we can serve them best by sharing
the freedom and fearlessness Christ has brought us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, in Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have liberated
us from the fear of life, death and hell itself. Enable me now to
serve You with joy and share the salvation story of my Lord Jesus
Christ. In His Name I pray. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

SOMETHING NEW

Read Luke 1:57-63. TEXT: Now the time came for Elizabeth
to give birth, and she bore a son (Luke 1:57).

Advent    Finally Zechariah and Elizabeth's prayers are
answered, and John is born. Their neighbors and relatives are
especially joyful, coming together on the eighth day for their
son's naming and circumcision. As the ceremony begins, they
are about to name the child after his father. Unless Elizabeth
speaks up, it will prove difficult for Zechariah to intervene.

But immediately Elizabeth breaks with tradition. She
emphatically declines to name the child Zechariah, "No; he
shall be called John." The people are puzzled. Why would she
want to go against the tradition of naming the child after
someone in the family? No one among their relatives is named
John.

They aren't ready to accept her answer. Instead, they turn to
Zechariah and make signs to ask what he wants to name the
child. I always find it amusing to recall that the aged priest
doesn't need them to make signs to him--he can hear just fine.
He simply can't speak.

If Zechariah had any fear of peer pressure, he didn't show it.
Still unable to talk because of his unbelief nine months before,
Zechariah asks for a writing tablet. And as everyone looks on
expectantly, Zechariah writes, "His name is John."

God chose a new name for Zechariah and Elizabeth's son
because He was doing a new thing, sending His own Son to
save the world. He likewise had wonderful plans for John. He
would be Jesus' forerunner, preparing the way for the new
covenant or testament that Jesus Christ would bring.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for doing something new, for
sending Your Son to save us from our sins. Bless us this
Christmas season to receive Him who makes us new. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.
( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

ENJOY IT BEFORE IT ENDS

Read Psalm 122. TEXT: And Mary remained with her about
three months and returned to her home (Luke 1:56).

Advent       Three delightful months. Mary and Elizabeth had
three months together to speak about God's gracious work
In their lives. They could talk about the future when their
sons would step forward and proclaim the grace of God. It
was a wonderful time of comfort, support and spiritual growth
for Mary.

But all good things must come to an end. Three months went
by and Elizabeth reached full term. With the birth of John due
any day, it was time for Mary to leave that sanctuary and return
home--to her betrothed husband Joseph, who will consider
divorcing her when he learns she is pregnant
(see Matthew 1:18-25), where neighbors might well gossip
and falsely judge her.

Christmas is drawing close, and we should take time to pause
and relish the wonders of this season. Though our neighbors
may not realize it, their Christmas lights point us to Jesus
Christ, the Light of the world. Their decorations remind us that
Jesus Christ has beautified us with His own holiness and purity.

Soon enough church decorations will go back into storage and
our lives will return to normal. Now is the time to bask in the
glory and wonder, especially as we approach the soft, warm,
wonder of Christmas Eve, and the joyous celebration of our
Savior's birth Christmas morning. Why not plan to spend those
special hours with your family in Christ, coming to His house
to remember and celebrate His birth for you?

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, help me treasure these days and moments
when we celebrate Your unfathomable love and grace in
sending Your Son. Gather us together into Your house this
Christmas Eve and Morning so that together--as Your family-
-we might fill each other with joy, love and peace, through
Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come ye,
O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born
the King of angels.

O come, let us adore Him

    Christ, the Lord!

John Francis Wade made his living copying manuscripts
by hand.  Wade become famous for his artistic callgraphy,
and he had a knack for copying music as well.  Scholars
have debated whether Wade merely copied this Christmas
hymn, or whether he actually wrote it.  But recent
scholarship indicates that he did, in fact, write the hymn.

    It was originally written in Latin as "Adeste Fidelus." 
Wade was a Roman Catholic, and all services in the church
were conducted were in Latin.  In 1750 he slipped the hymn
into a manuscript he was copying for the English Catholic
College in Lisbon, Portugal.  Over thirty years later in 1785,
it was sent to the Portuguese chaped in London.  The Duke
of Leeds heard it sung there and included it in the repetoire
of his own singing group.  It soon become known around
the world.
(Read Luke 2:15-18)

BRINGING US LOW TO RAISE US HIGH

Read Luke 1:51-55. TEXT: (Mary said) "He has brought down
the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble
estate" (Luke 1:52).

Advent   Mary continues her song of praise to God. She points
out something her Son Jesus will frequently speak about in His
ministry: God humbles those who exalt themselves, and He
raises up those who bow themselves low.

Many people are proud of themselves and their accomplishments.
They brag and puff themselves up, always trying to impress people.
They think God is the same way. But God is completely different.

He gives His Law to make us honest with ourselves, to humble us
with the realization that we fail to live the lives He demands of His
creatures. None of us can stand in confidence before God. It is the
purpose of His Law to break our hearts, and put us on our knees.

But that isn't where God wants to leave us. The good news of
Christmas is that in His love our Heavenly Father sent His dear
Son Jesus Christ to lift us to our feet. Jesus forgives our sins and
takes the punishment for our disobedience upon Himself.

Mary's wonderful song of God's goodness and salvation has been
picked up by the church and incorporated into its order of worship
or liturgy for centuries. You may well sing it during midweek Advent
services.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for humbling our pride through Your
Law so that You may lift us up by Your grace in Jesus Christ, Your
Son. Open my heart to the wonder of Your mercy shown so clearly
as You sent Your Son Jesus to be one of us. In His Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

FEARING GOD

Read Luke 1:46-50. TEXT: (Mary said) "And His mercy is for
those who fear Him from generation to generation" (Luke 1:50).

Advent    Mary is overwhelmed by all God has done for her. For
the visit of the angel Gabriel, for the Christ Child growing in her
womb, for Elizabeth's Spirit-led greeting. Now she can't keep
her gratitude and praise inside.

She begins, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior." That word "magnifies" is interesting. It
means that Mary's perception of who God is has grown
significantly. She speaks about her former "humble estate."
Perhaps she felt as we do at times--lost in the shuffle of life,
unnoticed by God. But in an amazing way God has noticed
and done great things for her, choosing her to be the mother
of His own Son.

Mary testifies that God has mercy on those who fear Him.
What exactly does it mean to fear the Lord? Is it to fear Him
as a tyrannical, impulsive ruler? Is it to think of Him as an
abusive father? Mary is talking more about the kind of fear
we feel toward a good-hearted father we love and respect.
We fear to stir his anger by breaking his rules, even more,
we fear disappointing him, letting him down.

Those who don't love and fear God treat His holiness and
laws indifferently, treading His works and ways underfoot.
But for us who love and fear Him, who humble ourselves
before Him, God is merciful. He knows our weakness and
failings, but He sends His Son to save us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, give me Your Holy Spirit that I may love,
fear and trust in You for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His Name. Amen

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

HOLIDAY TRAVELS

Read Luke 1:39-45. TEXT: In those days Mary arose and
went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted
Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-40).

Advent    One of the greatest blessings of the Christmas
season is the chance to visit with friends and family. These
are excellent times to renew old friendships, and bask in
the presence of our loved ones. But we often face an
awkward time when we first meet. Our lives naturally drift
in different directions, and we may find we share less in
common now. Sometimes it's hard to find anything to talk
about. It can all be a little daunting.

Mary may have felt that fear and intimidation standing
before the door of Zechariah's house. Mary knew her
pregnancy was innocent and pure, but would the priest
and his wife believe it? Would they scold her, perhaps,
even reject her?

If she was afraid, God quickly removed that fear. The
instant Mary's greeting reached Elizabeth's ears two things
happened. The Holy Spirit-filled baby growing in Elizabeth's
womb leapt for joy--and the Holy Spirit rushed into
Elizabeth. Instantly, she knew Mary was pregnant, and with
Whom.

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of
your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother
of my Lord should come to me?"

All awkwardness was gone, and Elizabeth's warm and
enthusiastic greeting was an assurance to Mary.

Do you have travel plans this Christmas? Do you have friends
or family to visit? The thing that made Mary's visit to Zechariah
and Elizabeth so special was the presence of the Christ Child.
Likewise, the thing that will make your Christmas visits so
special is the presence of the Christ Child with you. Be sure
to keep your focus on Him. After all, He is the Reason for the
season!

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, make my Christmas visits joyful and
meaningful as I bring along the Christ who offers us peace, joy
and eternal hope. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

LETTING GO

Read Psalm 65. TEXT: "Behold, I am the servant of the
Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Advent   When Mary awoke this morning, she undoubtedly
expected things to go as they always had. Her betrothal
to Joseph would continue; her wedding day would be a day
closer. Things would be as they were yesterday, and
tomorrow will bring more of the same.

She didn't awake thinking an angel would suddenly appear
and that God's plans would shake up her life drastically.
Yet for all that, in simple faith, she willingly casts aside
her plans, eager to serve God's good pleasure.

Sometimes life seems like it's going according to schedule,
cruising along the way we expect. We may have a precise
timeline with all our steps carefully laid out, but suddenly
things change. Health problems arise, jobs are lost, and
friends disappear. It can be frustrating, frightening or
exhilarating. For Mary, this news is life-changing. But the
Holy Spirit has given her faith and confidence to accept
God's changes. He gives us that same trust to believe
that whatever God is doing, He is still working to make
all these things turn for our benefit.

That is precisely what God promises you and me. In
Romans 8:28a He assures us, "We know that for those
who love God all things work together for good ...."

This Christmas is a reminder that God doesn't stand back
and let things go by themselves. We aren't victims of
chance and circumstance; rather, God is carefully
arranging everything for good. This is just as He arranged
everything to send His Son into this world by the
Virgin Mary.

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, forgive me for questioning and
doubting the wisdom of Your will. Still my heart when
change comes, and give me humble, quiet faith so that I
may serve You in awe and watch Your mighty deliverance.
Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, I pray. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A QUESTION OF FAITH

Read Luke 1:34-37. TEXT: And Mary said to the angel,
"How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34).

Advent    When Zechariah received the amazing message
from the angel, he doubted. At first glance, Mary's
response seems to show the same unbelief. But look
closer. She says "How will this be?" In other words,
"How is this going to take place?" She doesn't doubt God
is able to do whatever He wants; she is simply asking
how she will conceive. After all, she is an unmarried virgin.

There can be a fine line between outright unbelief and
honest questions prompted by faith. Zechariah didn't
believe God could do it. Mary trusted He could, but she
simply wanted to know if she should do anything,
perhaps go ahead and marry Joseph early.

We run into similar situations in our lives. There are times
when our resources of time, money, talent or strength
seem far too meager to accomplish the things God has
set before us. Doubt and unbelief make us think God will
fail to accomplish those things in and through us. Faith,
however, believes, and eagerly watches to see how God
will make it all work out.

The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come and
miraculously work the conception inside her--without a
human father.

That is why the Child will be holy, and called the Son of
God. Then, to give her further reassurance, the angel points
to her relative Elizabeth, who is now in the sixth month of
her impossible pregnancy. He asserts, "For nothing will be
impossible with God."

That's true for you and me as well. Nothing God wants to
do for us will prove too difficult. Nothing is beyond God's
ability to act, to save, to deliver us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for all Your promises,
especially that in Jesus Christ, Your Son, You have saved
us from all our sins. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

Read Luke 1:31-33. TEXT: "And behold, you will conceive
in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name
Jesus" (Luke 1:31).

Advent devos 2015In a few short brushstrokes, the angel
tells Mary what God is about to do. She will conceive and
bear a Son. She is to name Him Jesus. This is a very
common name in Mary's time. It means "The Lord saves.
" Whenever you met someone named Jesus, their name
was pointing you to the Lord who saves.

But for this Child the Name will mean so much more. The
angel adds, "He will be great and will be called the Son of
the Most High." Since the Son of God Himself is becoming
human for us, His Name Jesus is different from all the others.
It points out that this is the Lord Himself; He has come to
save us. This is literally the Lord who saves.

That's staggering by itself. But the angel isn't quite finished.
God will give her Son the throne of His father David. David
was Israel's greatest king in the Old Testament. He won
many great victories for Israel over its enemies and, in so
doing, established a strong and peaceful kingdom, secure
from all its enemies.

God told David He would build him a house, raising up for
him a descendant who would reign over an eternal kingdom
forever. And now that famous promise is being kept.

Whereas earthly kings come and go, this King will not.
Though He dies on the cross, within three days He will rise
again and reign over His Kingdom forever. This Christmas
He calls you and me to be subjects of that never-ending
Kingdom--free and safe from all our enemies--Satan, sin,
 fear, death and the gates of hell.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for fulfilling
Your promise to King David through his descendant Jesus
Christ. I praise You that He rules in mercy, faithfulness and
righteousness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A SPECIAL FAVOR

Read Luke 1:28-30. TEXT: And he (the angel) came to her
and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!"
But she (Mary) was greatly troubled at the saying, and
tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be"
(Luke 1:28-29).

Advent     Like Zechariah before, Mary is greatly troubled
at this angel's unexpected appearance. She struggles to
understand what kind of message he has come to bring:
will it be good news or bad?

Immediately, the angel assures Mary that she is favored,
and the Lord is with her. In fact, very shortly, the Lord will
be with her in a unique and special way. The Son of God
Himself will become human and dwell within her womb.

But God's favor is not just for Mary, it is for you and me
this Christmas as well. Jesus promised, "If anyone loves
Me, he will keep My Word, and My Father will love him,
and We will come to him and make Our home with him"
(John 14:23b).

But who is worthy of such a favor? Have we done enough,
lived a good enough life to be favored by God? The
answer is no, just as it was for Mary. But notice, the
angel doesn't say, "You have earned favor with God," he
says, "You have found favor with God." Just as God has
shown undeserved kindness and favor to Mary, He shows
it to you and me.

That's what Christmas is all about--God looking on us,
and deciding to send His Son to make everything right
between Him and us. There is absolutely nothing we need
to do--nothing we can do. In His life, death and
resurrection, Jesus has done everything necessary to
remove God's displeasure and win His eternal favor.

THE PRAYER:

Holy Father, it is humbling to think that Your favor rests
upon us in Your Son Jesus. He makes us bold to call upon
You. Help us share His marvelous news with others. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

THINGS ARE STARTING TO STIR

Read Luke 1:21-23. TEXT: And the people were waiting
for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in
the temple (Luke 1:21).

Advent Each morning and evening a priest offered the
burnt offering on the altar that stood outside the temple
building. Then a second priest entered the temple to burn
incense. Normally, this incense offering was very brief.
After burning the incense upon the altar of incense, the
priest stepped back through the doors to pronounce the
blessing upon the gathered worshippers standing outside.

But this afternoon Zechariah is delayed. Everyone
standing outside begins to wonder why. Of course, we
know it took time for the angel Gabriel to make his
announcement, for Zechariah to voice his doubts, and
for Gabriel to answer them.

Finally, Zechariah steps out through the doors, but he
can't give the benediction. He stands silent, making signs
to them. Soon the people realize something has
happened. From his signs they gather the priest has seen
a vision in the temple.

This is remarkable, for more than 400 years since the
close of the Old Testament writings, God has remained
silent. He has raised no prophet to speak to His people.
Could it be that God is now ready to beginning stirring
things up again?

As Christmas draws nearer, God is ready to start shaking
things up. But first He wants to work in your heart to
prepare you to receive the Messiah who is coming to take
away your sin, doubt, fear and death.

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, make my heart, mind and spirit ready to
celebrate with joy the birth of Your dear Son Jesus so that
I may boldly and gladly share His joyous salvation wherever
I go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

SCHOCKING UNBELIEF

Read Luke 1:19-20. TEXT: (Gabriel said) "And behold, you
will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these
things take place, because you did not believe my words
(Luke 1:20a).

Advent 2015 What could possibly cause Zechariah to
challenge the angel's wonderful promise? Is he trying to
protect himself from further disappointment? Is he nursing
his grief or shielding his shattered dreams?

Our heartaches and bitter grief can close our ears to the
good news that in the Christ Child born in Bethlehem God
Himself has come to forgive us and heal the brokenness of
our lives. Our fears can steal our hope, dim our confidence,
and blind us to the joyous light of our Lord's presence
among us. They can smother the joy of Christmas.

The angel quickly silences the doubts of the aged priest.
"I am Gabriel." Surely, hearing that name must have made
a deep impression on Zechariah. Gabriel first appeared in
the Bible between 550 and 600 years before, bringing
several divine messages to the great prophet Daniel (see
Daniel 8:15-26; 9:20-27).

But the angel goes beyond his famous name Gabriel. He
adds, "I stand in the presence of God." Gabriel didn't make
up this gracious message. It came straight from the mouth
of God Himself. "I was sent to speak to you and to bring
you this good news."

The punishment for Zechariah's unbelief will be difficult--to
watch all these wonderful things unfold before him--but to
remain speechless.

This Christmas we again hear the good tidings of great joy--
God's own Son has been born for you, for me, for all. Don't
cling to past doubts, anger or disappointment like Zechariah,
but take God at His Word and amazing wonders will unfold
before your eyes.

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, break through my disbelief and fear and
open my eyes to the wonder of Your Son, Jesus Christ, my
Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

STUBBORN DISBELIEF

Read Genesis 18:1-2, 9-15. TEXT: And Zechariah said to
the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man,
and my wife is advanced in years" (Luke 1:18).

The angel has given Zechariah tremendous news. He
should be overjoyed, unable to contain his delighted
laughter. Instead, filled with disbelief and skepticism he
mutters, "How shall I know this?"

Surely the priest remembers--or at least he ought to
remember--that this isn't the first time God promised a
baby to a childless, elderly couple. Abraham and Sarah--
the father and mother of the Jewish people--had received
a similar promise when he was 75 (see Genesis 12:4),
and she was 65. They had to wait another 25 years before
God's promise was fulfilled--but in time it was fulfilled. In
fact, the baby's name Isaac meant "laughter" because
Sarah had laughed with disbelief at God's promise
(see Genesis 18:12).

The pages of the Old Testament boldly testified to
Zechariah of God's mighty power to bring life from a dead
womb. Numerous couples--previously childless--
miraculously became parents of special children who
played extremely important roles for God's people: Jacob
and Rachel had Joseph; Elkanah and Hannah had Samuel;
Manoah and his unnamed wife had Samson. Zechariah
and Elizabeth's son would play an even more important
role--ushering in the ministry of God's very own Son.

And still, with all the history of God's miraculous
interventions before him, Zechariah can't believe it. In fact,
he refuses to believe it.

Have life experiences battered you down and lowered
your expectations of what God can do in your world? This
Christmas season is all about miracles--God stepping
into our circumstances and doing things we could never
expect--like taking our place under His wrath and opening
heaven to us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, forgive my disbelief when Your promises
seem too good to be true. This Christmas remove my
doubt and increase my faith--and my joy. In Jesus'
Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A REMARKABLE TIME

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Read Luke 1:14-17. TEXT: "And he will turn many of the children
of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before Him....
" (Luke 1:16-17a).

The news Zechariah has heard from the angel is enough to make
his head spin. Not only will he finally become a father, his
miracle child will be a great prophet, bringing many of God's
people back to Him. But the angel is not finished yet. His son
John will "go before the Lord."

The reality behind these words is staggering. The time has finally
come. At last God is fulfilling His ancient promise to send the
Savior. The mighty, eternal Son of God is coming to His creation.
What a wondrous and amazing time to be alive! How much more
incredible to think their son, John, is God's hand-chosen prophet
to prepare the Jewish people for the Savior's coming. In fact, he
will point out the Messiah when He comes.

You and I also live in a remarkable time. In three weeks we will
remember and celebrate the wondrous birth of God's own Son.
In the upcoming months we will retrace His great works on our
behalf--including His suffering, death and resurrection, which
restored us to God, our Heavenly Father, and guaranteed
eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Christmas transforms you and me. Like John, the Holy Spirit
fills us, turning us back to God, and preparing us to share the
story of Jesus' salvation with the people in our lives. When we
tell others about Jesus, the Spirit prepares their hearts for His
coming as well.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for turning my heart back to You
through Your Son Jesus. Please send me to share the story
of Jesus' life so that Your Spirit may turn others to Him,
through me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 5, 2015


Read Luke 1:13-15. TEXT: "... Your wife Elizabeth will bear
you a son, and you shall call his name John" (Luke 1:13b).

The time has finally come. At long last Zechariah's wife will
conceive and bear him a son--his own son, from his own
body. The angel even passes along the name God has
personally chosen for this child.

The name John means "The Lord is gracious." It reflects
several things. First would be God's personal grace for
Zechariah and Elizabeth. This child will be a daily reminder
of His grace to the aged couple--enlivening their home and
filling their hearts with joy and gladness.

But God won't restrict His grace to just this little family of
three. He wants to extend it far beyond. Through this child,
God will pour out His grace upon the whole people of Israel
and still further beyond. For this child will be the messenger
who prepares the way for God's own Son. Through John's
baptism, Jesus Christ will step forward and reveal God's
amazing grace in His life and ministry, in His suffering,
death and resurrection.

Similarly, God personally showers His grace upon you by
forgiving your sins and promising to be with you always as
He leads you to the eternal pleasures of heaven.

But He doesn't want to restrict His grace to you alone.
Through you, He wants to enrich the lives of your family,
friends, neighbors, fellow students, teachers, co-workers--
even strangers. As you treat the people in your life with
kindness, respect, love, concern and dignity, you show
God's grace to a hurting world. And like John, when you
tell them about Jesus, you prepare the way for Him to
come into their lives.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, as You worked through John to prepare
the way for Jesus, work through my words and actions
so that my friends, family, and even the strangers I meet
may live in Jesus. I pray this in His Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 5, 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries)

UNANSWERED PRAYERS

Read Psalm 113. TEXT: ..."Your prayer has been heard"
 (Luke 1:13b).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, about six percent of married women
between 15 and 44 years of age are unable to get
pregnant. Infertility is extremely frustrating. Your
hopes rise, only to be dashed month after month,
year after year. What happens to a couple's dreams
and prayers when they watch months, years,
sometimes even decades pass with no child, no
pregnancy? Time has a way of silencing those
prayers, but it does not diminish the hurt and grief.

By the time Zechariah stands before the angel in
the temple, his prayers are a distant memory. But
decades before, when Zechariah and Elizabeth were
pouring out their heartfelt prayers, God's answer to
them was "Yes--but not yet." God was waiting until
His time was right. He knew a certain young girl had
yet to be born. Only when she would grow old enough
to become the virgin mother of His Son could this
couple conceive and give birth to their precious son.

Of course, Zechariah and Elizabeth never knew that
answer. All they had were the cold, hard facts that
convinced them God's answer had been "No."
Sometimes reality is so hard, so dark, uncaring, and
cold. Our prayers seem to go unanswered, and we
become disillusioned with God.

God's timing for our lives doesn't always work out the
way we would like. Sometimes our prayers seem to
go unanswered. But we need to remember that our
God is wise and loving, and has plans to prosper our
 lives--not ruin them. For Zechariah and Elizabeth, the
long anticipated wait will definitely prove to have been
worth it. And the incredible honor God will bestow on
their son will be indescribable.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, forgive me for questioning Your love
when You answer my prayers with "no" or "wait.
" Strengthen my faith that I may so trust Your fatherly l
ove that I pray "not my will, but Yours be done." In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries
December 4, 2015)

PRAY, YES, BUT THEN ACT

Yesterday, two people armed in military-style gear
shot and killed 14 people and injured 17 others at
a holiday party in California. You've no doubt been
watching the headlines and reading about people's
"thoughts and prayers," but what is stunning is that
it wasn't even the only mass shooting yesterday.
Four others were shot, one killed, in Savannah, Ga.
Add it to the list of more than 350 mass shootings
this calendar year.

The epidemic of gun violence in America hasbecome
the new normal. We can't just blame it on the
brokenness of the world, pray for peace, and move
on, worried that anything more will be seen as
politicizing tragedy. What is tragic is that those who
have the ability to DO something about this crisis
refuse to offer more than simplistic sentiments on
Twitter before getting caught in a circular argument
about our rights as Americans. It's time for people of
faith to respond out of their faith and work to stop
senseless violence. As Nicholas Kristoff wrote in the
New York Times today: "It's not clear what policy, if
any, could have prevented the killings in San
Bernardino. Not every shooting is preventable. But
we're not even trying." Common sense measures like
universal background checks — which is supported
by 85 percent of Americans — would be a good start.

Tell your elected officials that while the NRA may give
them a positive rating — and bankroll their campaigns
— they're failing the American people by refusing to
offer any semblance of common sense measures that
could save lives.

"Thoughts and prayers" are not solutions for the
30,000 people who will be killed by a gun this year –
we need sensible gun safety legislation NOW.

Join thousands of others calling for action.

(by Jim Wallis)

LET'S REMEMBER THIS TIME

Scripture;

"But the angel of the Lord said to Them, Do not be afraid,
I bring you good news that will cause great foy for all the
people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been
born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord."
(Luke 2:10-11) NIV

Reflection:

Well the "Christmas" celebration starts earlier and earlier
every year.  I'm sure that's not a revelation to you.  We all
know it and feel it every year. This year is no different. 
The "Christmas" begins.

I would like to make a suggestion this year, it's one that I
have made before.  I would like to suggest that this year
you remember what you are celebrating.  That you search
your soul and follow your heart and celebrate the birth of
the Messiah.  I mean really celebrate His birth.  I'm not
saying to stop celebrating the spirit of giving, but celebrate
the One who gave, Jesus Christ. 

On Christmas, Christ was born into this world for one
specific purpose, to give His life for us.  That's right, He
was born to die on the cross, so that we could live an
eternity to be free from the burden of our sins, and our
guilt, that's right to be guilt free forever. All we have to do
is "Believe" and to have "Faith" in the one we are
celebrating, Jesus Christ.

During this whole season, every time you buy that
"Christmas" gift remember that in a very small way that
gift is given as a reminder of the gift that Jesus gave to
us, the gift of love, and of freedom.

Give your gift in that spirit, in the spirit of love, in the
spirit of Christmas.

Prayer:

Lord our Savior, may I give each one of my gifts, in the
spirit of Your love.  Through each present may I remember
Your spirit of love and sacrifice.  In Your Holy Name, AMEN  

FEAR NOT

Read Psalm 130. TEXT: But the angel said to him,
"Do not be afraid Zechariah ...." (Luke 1:13a).

Zechariah stands trembling in terror. His good intentions
and his blameless life mean nothing now. The angel's
holiness fills him with a painful awareness of his impure
heart, mind and soul. With rising dread he waits to hear
the angel explain the reason for this startling appearance.

The angel does not keep Zechariah waiting in suspense.
Immediately, he says, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah."
Because of Zechariah's trust in God's salvation, the Lord
was pleased to accept his offering of incense. He did not
send His angel to punish him, but to bring him amazing
good news.

When you experience good times in life are you waiting
on pins and needles for the other shoe to drop? Do you
live in fear, carrying an enduring dread of what is coming
on the horizon? God has come to remove that fear and
dread once and for all.

The whole theme of this Christmas season is "Do not be
afraid." In the coming days as we retrace the story of our
Savior's birth, we will see other angel visitations, and
each time hear those same words: "Do not be afraid."

God is not out to get you. He sent His Son to save you, to
fill your earthly life with peace, hope and joy. When this
life ends, He will remove your impurity forever. You will
experience eternal joy in His presence--all because of
Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection.

THE PRAYER:
Lord God, thank You that You do not come to me in
great power and wrath, but in a Baby filled with tender
love and mercy--Your dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries
December 3, 2015)

A TERRIFYING SIGHT

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 2, 2015

Read Leviticus 10:1-2. TEXT: And there appeared to him
(Zechariah) an angel of the Lord standing on the right
side of the altar of incense (Luke 1:11).

Advent devos 2015Zechariah is on cloud nine as he steps
into the temple. Yet as awesome and splendid as the
temple itself is, Zechariah sees something few priests
before him ever saw when they stood inside the temple.
Beside the altar of incense is a glorious angel of the Lord.
Standing in the presence of the holy angel he feels his
deep guilt and uncleanness. Terror fills his heart.

Maybe you have had a moment like that--a moment of
incredible guilt and remorse, exposed to your friends and
family. Zechariah is trembling in terror, wondering if this
moment will be his last. The shepherds will have this
exact same reaction on Christmas night when another
angel bursts through the darkness of night to announce
the birth of God's Son, the Christ.

In the same way, the thought of stepping through the
door into God's presence in heaven at the end of our life
is exhilarating--exhilarating, that is, until we stop and
realize our sinful guilt. Not a single one of us is worthy
on our own account to stand before our holy God.

But that is precisely why God sent His Son that first
Christmas: to take away our sin and make us worthy to
stand before Him throughout eternity.

THE PRAYER:

Lord God, it is a frightening thing for a sinner to come
into the presence of a holy angel--even more to stand
before You. Thank You for sending Jesus to take away
the sin of the world. Grant me faith that I may stand
before You in righteousness and holiness all my days--
and especially on that great day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 2, 2015)

PLAYING CHURCH

Read Revelation 4:1-11. TEXT: And the whole multitude of
the people were praying outside at the hour of
incense (Luke 1:10).

Advent devos 2015When I was a boy, my brothers and I
were mesmerized by the pomp and ceremony of church.
We memorized each step of the acolyte, dreaming of the
day we would wear those robes and carry that burning taper.
We'd pause and make a deep, solemn bow in reverence
before God's altar, then step up into the chancel to light the
gleaming candelabra, standing on either side of the altar.

After the service we rushed home to play "church." We put
on our housecoats and scarves and set up a little table as
the altar. One brother played organist on our little chord
organ, and my other brother and I played acolyte and pastor.

I wonder if Zechariah did the same when he was a little boy.
Did he go up to the temple with his family and stand at the
gate, watching the priests dressed in their fancy robes,
walking around with great somber steps, offering the
sacrifices? Did he watch the priest step through the temple
doors with great pomp and ceremony? Did he pretend he
was that priest, gazing around in awe and amazement at
the glories of God's holy temple?

Finally, the day has come for Zechariah to step into that
holy place. What a wondrous sight awaits him!

One day, you and I will leave this world. Because of Jesus'
birth that first Christmas and the life He lived afterwards--
because of His suffering, death and resurrection--He has
made it possible for us to step into His majestic throne room
and stand in His splendid presence forever.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me worthy to come into
Your presence. Come among Your people today, and
cleanse us from all sin. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 1, 2015)