Suffering. Whether we see the word in the Bible or somewhere else in printed form, just the mere sight of the word can cause a slight increase in our blood pressure. Suffering can take on many different forms, and it will not stop because you are a Christian—remember, we do have an enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 shows us one job description of the devil, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I like to use the word attack.
So let me ask you, has the devil ever caused suffering in your life by attacking your health, character, peace, patience, family, ministry…? This list could go on and on. Maybe he is attacking you right now. Yes, we have all come under attack and we all experience suffering, but there is good news, his attacks have an expiration date. I know there are times when it seems like the suffering (or attack) will not end, but there is a spiritual clock counting down, and the devil’s time is running out.
The birth of Jesus was God’s promise of restoration for humanity, so when the clock stops, and we cross over into eternal glory, ALL SUFFERING COMES TO AN END! As a teacher, I use countdown timers a lot in my classroom, and my students often beg me for more time when the buzzer sounds to signal THE END. Well, the devil can ask God for more time, but he is not going to get it.
The Lord of restoration was born, and God will keep His promise of restoring us, making us strong, firm, and steadfast when we cross over into eternal glory (vs. 10). So, until that day comes, use 1 Peter 5:7-9 as one form of ammunition, and keep in mind, the spiritual clock is counting down, and soon the time of this life will be over.
For reflection:
- Are you currently suffering (or being attacked) in some area of your life or do you know someone who is? How does remembering the birth of Jesus bring comfort and hope in these moments? Make a list of scriptures you can read out loud or use in prayer to strengthen you faith in the God Who Restores.
Nativity Building: Place the Baby Jesus figure in the stable. In the middle of the night, in this little barn, Jesus was born! “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son . . .” (John 3:16).
by Candace Carlisle
Christmas Eve Family Talk
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” Matthew 1:22-23
Maybe you know what it’s like to wait for a younger brother, sister, or cousin to be born. You’re so excited to play together and to teach this new little person all the things you already know! But then, the baby is born. And, pretty soon, you realize that he or she isn’t quite the little buddy you had in mind! Babies sleep and cry. They eat, and they fill up diapers! A lot of diapers!
Here tonight, on Christmas Eve, you’re thinking about Jesus as a tiny baby—just like the babies you have known. How could this baby do all of the things that Isaiah promised?
If you’ve been reading each week of this devotional throughout Advent, you remember that Isaiah gave clues about what the Servant, Jesus, would be like. (And he didn’t say anything about mangers or diapers!) Isaiah said that the Servant would:
- Rule over us
- Bring a message of comfort
- Bring justice to the nations
- Restore God’s people and be a light to the nations
When Jesus grew up, He gathered followers and invited them into God’s Kingdom. Then, He trained them to go seek others to invite into the Kingdom. Jesus went to the cross to pay for our sin and win over death! He will come back to make everything in the world right again.
But for now, Jesus in the manger—this is what set everything in motion! This is the answer to all of Isaiah’s promises. This Baby named “Immanuel”, God with us, would change everything, for all time!
Let’s Talk!
- Did you ever wonder why Jesus came as a baby instead of appearing on the scene as a grown-up man?
- Did you ever wonder what Mary and Joseph were thinking about as they looked down at Baby Jesus?
- Did you ever wonder what the angels were feeling as they announced the good news to the shepherds? (See Luke 2:8-14)
by Pastor Laure Herlinger
Reflect & Respond: Christmas Eve
OPEN IN PRAYER
Prayerfully look back through this week’s readings and devotionals. Ask God to speak to you freshly as you consider them again.
KEY VERSES
Review the key verse for the week, Isaiah 49:6. What hope does it give you as you live your life for God this week?
WEEKLY THEME
As you think of the theme for this week, The One Who Restores, where do you most need to apply this in your relationships, your work or how you live for and think about God? Write out a one or two sentence response that you can apply this week!
SHARE
Who needs to hear this message today? Who could you share your thoughts with?
Completing Your Nativity
- December 25: Place the shepherds near the stable. The angel told them that the Savior had been born! They believed, and there were the first to see Jesus and to tell others about Him!
- January 6 (also known as “Epiphany”):Place the 3 figures of the magi at the stable. The Magi have followed the star to Bethlehem and find Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! They bow before Jesus and present Him with gifts of gold (showing Jesus’ kingliness), frankincense (showing Jesus’ divinity) and myrrh (showing Jesus’ humanity).
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