Daily Devotion for December 17

INTRO

Less than a week away is what we have all been preparing for, Christmas.

SCRIPTURE

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

OBSERVATIONS

The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God is with us (Emmanuel). It is God’s way to identify with the human race, to be one of us. The most exalted figure in history born in the most humble of conditions, a stable, a manger. Because room was not made for him. The accouterments of royalty were not laid out for him. Not only do we witness humility; but we experience that the most important aspect of life is not accolades; but relationship. We do not need great wealth or recognition. We need each other and a God who forgives us when we fail in this most imperative of endeavors, relationships.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Luke 2:10a “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy...” Christmas is coming!

PRAYER

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Children’s Christmas Mart at North Valley Caring Services (in the gym of Sepuleveda United Methodist Church) from 8 am until early afternoon. Helpers are needed to experience grace and compassion of Christmas.

Daily Devotion for December 16

INTRO

Jesus is not important just because of the setting of His birth. Jesus is important not because his parents were Mary and Joseph. Jesus is not important because people came to see Him.

QUESTION

Then why is the birth of Jesus so important?

SCRIPTURE

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

SAVIOR

Jesus was sent for us.

SCRIPTURE

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.

QUESTION

Who or what is this “Word”?

SCRIPTURE

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

ANSWER

Jesus is the word who was with God and was God and then came and dwelt among us as He became flesh.

Question

What else do we know about the Word (Jesus) prior to taking on flesh and becoming one of us?

SCRIPTURE

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

NOTES

This “psalm/hymn” is perhaps the oldest verse in the New Testament. This passage was recited in the early church. When Paul placed this passage in his letter to Philippi it would be analogous to writing a letter and placing within the letter a familiar song. This familiar song is a clear statement of the Incarnation of Christ. The Incarnation (a theological word meaning taking on flesh or becoming flesh) is a “cornerstone” in ancient (early) Christianity, as seen in the Nicene Creed.

POINT

This is why the news of the angel is so good, it is God with us (Emmanuel)

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

"For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son,

John 3:16

QUESTION TO PONDER

How did God give us His “one and only Son”?

Daily Devotion for December 16

INTRO

The most important person in the Roman Empire at the time of the birth of Jesus is Caesar. But little does he know, “theres a new kid on the block.” Yes, a little baby born in a manger and not in a palace, is to be the King of Kings. Lord of Lords. The only problem, Caesar has no clue.

TODAY

Is Caesar alone? Are there others who do not have a clue? Even today, in the midst of the battle “Merry Christmas” vs “Happy Holidays” are there people who have no clue? Where do we come in? Do we have a responsibility? And if so, why is it important to convey such a message?

FIRST CHRISTMAS: Luke 2: 8 - 15

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

ANGEL

When the angels, who come from the word in the Greek “aggelos” which means messenger (one who is sent to announce or proclaim), proclaim their message; the shepherds responded by saying “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened...”

QUESTION TO PONDER

What message are we conveying this Christmas and are people responding like the shepherds responding to the angels by saying, “let’s go ..and see...”

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Luke 2:10a “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy...” Christmas is coming!

Daily Devotion for December 15

INTRO

This Sunday, is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 1 - 7

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a CENSUS should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of NAZARETH in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

CENSUS

A census was taken by the Roman Empire, typically every 14 years (after the birth of Christ), so it is assumed that possibly it was previous as well. The purpose was for taxation and compulsory military service (except for Judea, only taxes). At this time, Judea was part of the province of Syria.

NAZARETH

Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 80 miles. It was a difficult trip. Travelers brought their own food. the inn keepers provided a fire to cook the food and fodder for the animals.

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

The Jewish mindset (like all others within the Roman Empire) to “give unto Caesar

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER: Matthew 22: 15 - 21

15Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"

21"Caesar's," they replied.

Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

22When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

QUESTION TO PONDER

What does it mean to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God during the Christmas season?

Daily Devotion for December 14

INTRO

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

OBSERVATION

The Angel said in Luke 2:10; “Behold! I bring you good news of a great joy....” Christmas is coming! Days from now, ready or not, it will happen. NO matter how much we are prepared or not prepared Christmas will happen. The first Christmas came, prepared or not prepared. Hence, “there was no room for them in the inn.”

In other ways, the first Christmas was not fully prepared; it was not only a stable, but a manger and not a cradle. There were animals at the birthing scene and not midwives. One may even wonder if the straw was sterilized before the birth like in modern birthing rooms.

Then there was the baby shower and all those gifts....

If they were that unprepared for the first Christmas, then how shall we prepare? Got the cards in the mail? Gifts for all family, friends, acquaintances purchased? Cookies baked? Christmas tree decorated? Lights and other outdoor Christmas decorations properly displayed? I can see, that once again, I am not prepared. And like every Christmas: ready or not, here it comes!

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

First Corinthians 13, Christmas Version (submitted by Catharine Philips)

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Daily Devotion for December 11

INTRO

This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent. Historically, our Scripture is a Scripture read on January 6 (Epiphany). As you read the following passage, highlight the important words/events.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2: 1 - 11

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east[b] and have come to worship him."

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ[c] was to be born. 5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'[d]"

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east[e] went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

QUESTION:

What do YOU see in this passage?

What do YOU consider the biggest point of this passages?

EXAMPLES (not an exhausted list)

1. Birth of Jesus
2. Prophecy fulfilled
3. Magi (pagans)
4. Herod sees Jesus as a threat
5. and the list goes on...

HISTORICALLY

a lot of emphasis was placed on the Magi. Who were they? How did they know? Why did they come?

In the first service, the choir will sing (from Handel’s Messiah) “For Unto Us” One of the powerful messages of this piece as well as the above passage is a reminder that Jesus is for US. Not just for our Jewish brothers and sisters, but for everyone (us).

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER: Romans 11: 17 & 18b

If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches.

Daily Devotion for December 10

THIS SUNDAY: Continuing C.S. Lewis “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (Narnia) and wrestling with Matthew 2

2 (Magi) asked (King Herod), "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

KING HEROD

Represents the resistance of the world. He sees the advent of the Messiah (Christ) as a personal threat. Some folks today are like King Herod, they resist Jesus because they see Jesus as a threat. Sometimes the conflict of the “king/lord” in our lives is a threat on how we choose to live our lives.

STAR

The wise men followed the star (comet, jupiter and Saturn, UFO, etc.)

Whatever it was, it was spectacular enough for them to follow a great distance. They were willing to “give-up” to follow the star and where it will take them.

QUESTION: Do you know anybody who is willing to “give-up” and follow a “star” no matter where it will take them?

OBSERVATION: lots of folks follow a “star” be it a movie star, fad, or some kind of thing that promises them a “new life” and identity.

HAVE COME TO WORSHIP HIM

This is their goal. They know their goal at “christmas.”

QUESTION: What is our goal this Christmas?

SONG TO PONDER “Angels From the Realm of Glor”

“Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Take time this Christmas and prepare to “Come and worship.”

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 9

INTRO

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent and using the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis) let us wrestle with Matthew 2 and the gifts of the wise men.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2: 10 -

10a When they (Magi/wise men/Kings) saw the STAR,

STAR

The wise men were obedient to a star.

10b they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the HOUSE,

HOUSE not stable

Herod will order not infants, but under 2 to be killed.

b they SAW THE CHILD with his mother MARY,

SAW THE CHILD

There eyes perceived a child; their minds perceived a king

MARY

QUESTION: Where’s Joseph?

c and they BOWED DOWN and worshiped him.

BOWED DOWN

Eastern custom of obeisance (signifying homage/submission/worship)

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

GIFTS (several places in OT - the King shall receive gifts from representatives of other countries)

POINT: The king is the king of all the world (gentiles included)

Blessing for all nations and not just Israel

Psalm 72: 10 - 11

May the king of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.

GOLD and of INCENSE and of MYRRH

I sometimes wonder what I would have brought to the baby Jesus?

QUESTION: What gift would you have brought then and today?

CHRISTMAS HYMN: WE THREE KINGS (traditional symbols)

(V2) GOLD (king)

(V3) (FRANK)INCENSE (deity)

(V4) MYYRPH (suffering)

What is Myrrh?

It is an herb that is used for medicinal purposes as well as for embalming purposes.

This is why the 4th verse says:

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

QUESTION: What do you think of when you sing this verse?

Myrrh in the 4th verse represents the impending death of Christ and the placement of the body into the tomb.

Interesting baby gift for the Holy Family?

Let me give you a bit of advice, the next time you go to a baby shower and you’re wondering what to get the happy couple for their baby, don’t bring emablimb fluid. Even i know that’s not an approriate gift. Yet, the "wise men" brought myrrh. How wise is that? If they indeed are wise, then why bring it?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.....

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 8

DAILY DEVOTION #2

INTRO

This Sunday, during the first worship service, the choir will sing from Handel’s Messiah “For Unto Us All”. This wonderful piece is taken from ISAIAH 9:6

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

REFLECTION

Luke 2: reminds us that a child is born

John 3:16 reminds us that God “gave us his only begotten son”

But what about the “government shall be upon his shoulder”?

During the first coming of Christ, what “government” was placed upon his shoulder? Was it the message of the Kingdom of God? Or is this passage not of his first coming; but about his second coming?

Nevertheless, this wonderful verse used as lyrics by Handel continues to inspire us about the miraculous birth of Christ. This Christmas let us continue to wrestle with “why do we really need Christmas?”

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his own did not receive him (John 1:11) except for a few (some shepherds, etc.). Ironically, magi from the east traveled great distances to bring forth gifts. These gentiles remind us of the sacrifice to worship the Lord.

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 7

INTRO

On this day of Infamy, perhaps we should ponder how two countries, who were once bitter enemies (60 years ago), are now allies.

How relationships of hatred can be brought together and made new as a relationship of friends.

This reconciliation took time and something more.

Perhaps the challenge for us is to reflect on how we have been bitter enemies with someone or God; and grace has healed the wounds and reconciled us.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2: 1 & 2

1 AFTER Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

AFTER

Thus say Scrooge, “Humbug.” That’s how I feel every Christmas when i remind us that the Wisemen did not appear at the stable on the night of the birth of Jesus. Oh well. I still like the imagery.

BETHLEHEM

a small village south of Jerusalem

Anticipated birth place of the Messiah

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."

John 7:42 others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"

1b during the time of King Herod, MAGI from the east came to Jerusalem

MAGI

Not Kings or wise men, but magi.

Not three (3 gifts), an unknown number.

What is a magi?

Magi is the root for magi(cian). Astrologers? Zoroastrian? Persian?

Even though this event did not take place at the birth of Christ, the imagery is helpful for us today as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

NOTE

This is a story of not Jewish Kings, or Jewish Wisemen, or Jewish Magi traveling long distances to pay respect to Jesus; it’s gentiles, It’s most likely Persians, and they are not part of the faith, they are magi (kind of like new agers, or some other unconventional faith group). These folks were not the first sought out for advice from a Jewish audience.

QUESTION

What lesson can we learn from this moment?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Christ died for the ungodly

Romans 5:6b

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 7

INTRO

On this day of Infamy, perhaps we should ponder how two countries, who were once bitter enemies (60 years ago), are now allies.

How relationships of hatred can be brought together and made new as a relationship of friends.

This reconciliation took time and something more.

Perhaps the challenge for us is to reflect on how we have been bitter enemies with someone or God; and grace has healed the wounds and reconciled us.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2: 1 & 2

1 AFTER Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

AFTER

Thus say Scrooge, “Humbug.” That’s how I feel every Christmas when i remind us that the Wisemen did not appear at the stable on the night of the birth of Jesus. Oh well. I still like the imagery.

BETHLEHEM

a small village south of Jerusalem

Anticipated birth place of the Messiah

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."

John 7:42 others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"

1b during the time of King Herod, MAGI from the east came to Jerusalem

MAGI

Not Kings or wise men, but magi.

Not three (3 gifts), an unknown number.

What is a magi?

Magi is the root for magi(cian). Astrologers? Zoroastrian? Persian?

Even though this event did not take place at the birth of Christ, the imagery is helpful for us today as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

NOTE

This is a story of not Jewish Kings, or Jewish Wisemen, or Jewish Magi traveling long distances to pay respect to Jesus; it’s gentiles, It’s most likely Persians, and they are not part of the faith, they are magi (kind of like new agers, or some other unconventional faith group). These folks were not the first sought out for advice from a Jewish audience.

QUESTION

What lesson can we learn from this moment?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Christ died for the ungodly

Romans 5:6b

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 4

I don’t watch Survivor. I saw it once, in it’s first season. I am such a wimp that I was horrified to watch this reality show and how people were back stabbing and voting people off the island. Like I said, I am a wimp. I was verging on tears hearing how mean people could be. Like I said, I am a wimp. Could people be that mean? They were creating these “evil” alliances. Planning the downfall of their fellow person. What would cause someone to act like this?

Question: Do these contestants act like this normally?

Or, are they acting out of character?

If they are acting out of character, what causes someone to do that?

Do we have the stuff to survive Survivor?

What would cause us to act out of character?

Why would someone who subscribes to a set of values and then discard them when the “ante” is raised?

Are our politicians confronted with this question daily?

As we climb into this concept we become aware of Edmund's dilemma with the Turkish Delight with his first encounter with the witch of Narnia

QUESTION TO PONDER

Can you be bought?

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 2

DAILY DEVOTION #3 (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe)

When the witch tempts Edmund with Turkish Delight, she knows his weak point (Achilles’ heel). She knows he can’t say “no.” It’s his favorite thing in the whole world. Notice that there is nothing wrong with Turkish Delight. It tastes good. It’s fun to eat. There is nothing sinful about Turkish Delight. What is sinful is how the Turkish Delight is used. It is the beginning of Edmund’s betrayal of his brother and sisters. The Turkish delight is used by the witch to help Edmund to make a bad choice.

In our own lives, there are Turkish Delights, that are not sinful, but the temptation is how it can be used to make a bad choice.

SCRIPTURE: 7: 15 & 16B

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do,

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 1

INTRO

This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent. The theme is: Turkish Delight (from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.s. Lewis).

Edmund, the youngest brother, is tempted to betray his brothers and sisters when the witch offers him temptation, beginning with Turkish Delight and concluding with the possibility to rule a kingdom.

Intro to Scripture:

Paul in Romans 7, reminds us that we know what is good and what is not good, but sometimes we get caught doing the not good and refraining from doing the good, all because of temptation.

SCRIPTURE: 7: 15 & 16B

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do,

QUESTIONS

1. Edmund was confronted with the temptation of Turkish Delight, what is your Turkish Delight?

1. Does Turkish Delight confront you daily?
2. What is your best line of defense against Turkish Delight?

Thought to Ponder

True or False: Because of Turkish Delight we need Christmas?