TITLE: Da Big Brudder
DATE: December 31, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: 1 John 4:16 – ESV - So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

On this New Year's Eve most of us know that 2020 probably won't be much different than 2019.

As that is so, let us find out why nothing will be able to separate us from the Lord of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 A new boy once moved into a new home. Normally, this would mean that he would spend a long time making friends and trying to fit in. Not so for this boy, because he was big and he was strong, and he was a bully.

After he thrashed a few of the other kids in the neighborhood all ran away from him and hid whenever he came around .... all except one little boy. The bully swaggered over to him and snarled,
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"What's da matter wit you? Ain't you afraid of me?"

The shrimp replied, "Course not. My big brudder's the boxin champeen, and if  you touch me, he'll take you to pieces."
So, too, you can be absolutely confident that the devil, the world and our own flesh will swagger up to us in 2020 and demand, "Ain't you afraid?" But like the little boy, we can reply, "My big brudder's the champeen, and if you don't dare touch me."

Martin Luther, I think, said it better: "For us fights the valiant One whom God Himself elected."

Luther's spirit was reflected by a Christian lady who was interviewed by reporters after she had survived an earthquake. "Weren't you afraid?" they asked. "Not really," she replied, "I was kind of glad to know I have a God who can shake the world."

No, with Christ as our friend we need not be afraid of being molested by our enemies.

Instead, we know we  have a God who can shake the world - who can rock Satan and death - who can conquer evil with good. That is why nothing can separate us from the love of God which is ours in Christ Jesus.

You see, you as Christians are privileged and partner to a power that the world can neither understand, possess or utilize.
You are protected by the love of Jesus Christ. You are washed by His innocent blood spilled for you on the cross. And you know that nothing can conquer you because the Holy Spirit has placed that Lord of life into your hearts. He has died so that you might live.

THE PRAYER: Lord, I give thanks for Your handiwork in 2019 and I rejoice that You will be there to assist and guide throughout this New Year. May I gladly place myself into Your hand.  In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Banners
DATE:  January 10, 2020
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Psalm 60:4-6 – ESV -  You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah  That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!

 In 312, at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantine said Jesus had appeared to Him and said he should fight under the symbol of the cross.

Constantine went into that battle under a new banner, the cross of the Savior.  Winning that battle he became the first Christian emperor of Rome. He ordered the citizens to be converted. To his dying day, Constantine believed that the banner carrying the cross gave him the empire that day. The banner of the cross said his empire belonged to the King.
Carrying standards and flags did not end with the emperor Constantine.

In the Civil War most regiments had a ten-man honor guard which carried the flags of country and unit into battle.

Carrying something as conspicuous as these colors made you an obvious target for the enemy.
 
One carrier of the flag, after another, could be shot. The colors would wobble, and the next member of the guard would grab it and continue on. It was an honor to carry those flags, if even for a very short time.

On occasion, all of the color guard would be killed or wounded, but records tell us no call had to go out for volunteers. It was an honor to carry the flag.

 Go to the bloodied battlefield of Gettysburg and see, placed in display cases of honor, the colors of these regiments, ripped and torn by shot and shell, baptized by the blood of those who carried them.  The flag said you were serving your country.

The passage above, taken from the book of Psalms, describes the Lord’s banner as being set up in a place where His people can rally. It’s a beautiful picture... one that points out the Lord’s ongoing care, protection and direction which leads us forward to proclaim the Christ Who gave His life so that all who believe on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
That’s the message some of our most familiar hymns want to convey in poetry and melody.
 
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,  With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.  Christ, the royal Master,  Leads against the Foe;
Forward into battle See His banners go!  Onward, Christian soldiers,  Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus  Going on before.
 
And then there is....
 
Stand up!--stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the Cross!
Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry His army shall He lead
Till ev'ry foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.
                                                          
And if you’re thinking, ‘”I’ve never seen one of the Lord’s banners”, please allow me to disagree.   Every baptismal cloth used, every Purificator wiping a communion chalice, every funeral pall that covers a Christian casket; is a reminder and symbol of what the Lord has done and is doing.

THE PRAYER: Lord, although I always wish to be close to you, during times of fear and weakness, keep me specially close to Your banner of salvation. In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE:  It Came To, Pass – Part #2
DATE: December 30, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 2 21 – ESV -   - 2 And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

When Caesar Augustus died, about 18 years after he called for his census, Jesus would have been a 19-year-old apprentice carpenter in Nazareth.

If Augustus had lived longer he would have been surprised to learn that it came to pass that this subject, born in Bethlehem, was crucified by permission of a Roman governor.

Well with the number of Roman crucifixions, that might have surprised him.

• But  Augustus would have been blown out of the water to learn the crucified Christ had come back from the grave. That was the kind of thing which simply didn’t happen.
• Augustus would have been surprised to learn that it came to pass that the roads he constructed to carry his legions of war across the empire would be used to carry God's message of forgiveness and salvation.
• Augustus would have been surprised to learn that it came to pass that the historical record would not be dated from the founding of the city of Rome, but from the birth of Jesus.
• Augustus would have been surprised to learn that future generations would wish each other a "blessed Christmas" rather than "lo Saturnalia", that pagan festival he had tried to preserve.
•  Augustus would have been surprised to find out that God, not he, was in control.

And it came to pass in those days. If this devotion is to mean anything at all, you must not see what God has done as  a bunch of trivia and disconnectedly facts. This devotion remembers that an emperor in Rome and a child in a manger were, and are,  tied together by the will and purpose of God.

As that Child breathed His first breath in Bethlehem, God's promise of salvation, so long awaited had come true. Over 300 other Old Testament prophecies, recorded by many different men over the centuries would be fulfilled.

It was not by accident. God was in control. God remains in control.

That is the message you need to know on this Christmas seasons. God is in control.

 In a world where religion is no longer fashionable, when countless books are being published to help people get control of their own lives, when we are not sure what the market will do, or interest rates, we need to remember God is in control.
We live in a world of superpowers as it was in Augustus' day, but God is in control. We have had difficulties, tragedies this year, but we have not had to travel 80 miles on foot in an advanced state of pregnancy as Mary did. But God watched over her.

He was in control for Mary, even as He is in control for you.

God is in control. We have had our hurts, but none so great as giving birth to a child in the foul and stench of a stable. But Mary did. And God was in control, even as He is this day.

God is in control.

THE PRAYER: Lord, I give thanks that IN EVERY AGE You have been in control. Grant that I may continue to believe it, even when I may not see it. In Your Name I pray.  Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE:  And It Came To Pass – Part #1
DATE: December 29, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 2 21 – ESV -   - 2 And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

The first person mentioned in Luke's familiar story of Christmas was not Jewish. He is not a shepherd or a wise man. It is not Mary or Joseph or Zacharias or Elizabeth. Indeed, at first glance, it would seem that he has nothing to do with the story.
The man is the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus.

Yet, it was his decision, 1,500 miles away in Rome, which started the train of events that finally led to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. You remember, “And it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed” Just a few days ago you heard the children say those words in their Christmas services. But most of the time those words are brushed aside so we can get to the good stuff.

Have you ever thought what those words mean? In time the ancient world was united under Rome. It came to pass that a Roman general, Pompey, 60 years before had conquered Palestine and brought that land under the sway of Roman rule. It came to pass that the country was now ruled by a local King, Herod the Great, who was a close personal friend of the Emperor. It came to pass that Anthony and Cleopatra had been destroyed and the civil wars had been put at an end.

 It came to pass that Augustus, nephew to Julius Caesar became the first emperor. It came to pass that Augustus was shocked at the morality of his people and spent fortunes in restoring Roman temples. It came to pass that he needed money to pay for those temples, so he had to raise taxes. It came to pass that to raise those taxes, he had to find out how many people lived in his empire.

And thus, it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
Any breakdown in any of these events would have led to a different ending. But it didn't happen that way. For we worship a God who uses emperors and shepherds alike to bring about His plan of salvation.

Under normal circumstances, Jesus would have been born in Nazareth, the home of Joseph and Mary. But, as Luke explains, it came to pass that Caesar ordered everybody to return to their ancestral towns. Since both Joseph and Mary were distant descendants of the much-married King David, they prepared to travel down to David's city of Bethlehem.

And it came to pass that the words of the ancient prophet were fulfilled, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as the ancient prophets had foretold. God was in control. If Jesus had been born on the way, in any other city, it would have done us no good.

He had to be born in Bethlehem, and the Lord brought that about. Caesar Augustus didn't care whether Mary and Joseph liked the trip? He didn't care whether Mary had to endure the rigors of an eighty mile journey on the back of a jogging donkey while in a state of very advanced pregnancy. Her discomfort was unimportant to him.
So the trip was made.

And Jesus birth was heralded by angels and worshipped by shepherds. And it came to pass it was time for her to be delivered and she brought forth her first born Son, God's Son, our Savior and Lord. On the Bethlehem census rolls went three names:
 
Joseph, Ben Iacob, carpenter;  Mary, Bath-Ioachim, his wife and Yeshua, or Jesus, their first-born son. God was in control.
He still is.

THE PRAYER: Lord, we hear of wars and rumors of wars. We see powerful men parade as if they were in control. Help everyone see that Your hand alone is all-powerful, and Your Son alone is strong enough to save us.  In His holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: A Poor Peace
DATE: December 28, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 2: 13-14  -- ESV - And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest,  and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d]
The angels sang about it over Bethlehem's fields, but peace hasn't come about.

ven the smallest of our children know that there isn't peace on earth. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out. Some time ago the Dallas Morning News shook its readers awake with 24 pages - 24 pages talking about the 19 wars which were going on right then

Most involve rulers killing their own people in disputes over land and religion, ethnic and tribal differences, political power and drugs. In those 19 wars, 3 million people had been killed, 90% of them civilians. Drug wars in Latin America feed the appetite for drugs in the United States.

The Dallas paper did not include the lesser number of people killing people in the name of religion  around the world., Nor did it include the gang and drug wars which piled up 22,000 dead Americans.

The angels sang about it over Bethlehem's fields, but peace hasn't come about. Even the smallest of our children here know that there isn't peace on earth.

True, it's almost been 75- years since the world's major powers last bombed and shelled each other, but on any day soldiers are firing in 30 to 40 nations. Wars of liberation. Territorial disputes. Religious principles "One man's freedom fighter is another's terrorist," the saying goes, but the common denominator is death.

The angels sang about it over Bethlehem's fields, but peace hasn't come about. Even the smallest of our children here know that there isn't peace on earth. If it were not so sad, it would be almost laughable.

It hasn’t been so long since Bethlehem cancelled Christmas. The Jewish government thought that was terrible, so the Israeli army had its own celebrations. In short the Jews celebrated Christmas, the Christians didn't.

I don’t argue when a Russian scholar says that in the last 3358 years of history there has been 227 years of peace. For every year of peace there has been 13 years of war. Over the last 3,000 years of history, more than 8000 peace treaties have been signed. Almost all have been broken.

Which is why this holiday season we need to remember we are blessed beyond imagining. We live in a country where we are reasonably, not perfectly, but reasonably secure. Still there is not peace in many homes; or neighborhoods. And it certainly hasn't arrived in many hearts who don't know Jesus.

But you know Jesus.

You know that God loved sinful humankind so very much that He was willing to send His perfect, beloved Son to take our place. You know that this Babe of Bethlehem fulfilled the law for us, lived for us, died for us, rose for us. You know, I pray, the peace of God which surpasses human understanding. Although some businessmen may say that this year could be the greatest Christmas ever, you know that the first one was

You know that peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in a believing heart. 

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, from almost the beginning of time humankind, has yearned for peace. Sadly, our sinful natures always do something to make peace an impossible dream. Thankfully we have A Savior Who not only destroyed sin, death and devil... He also brings true, lasting peace. For all this we praise His Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Behold
DATE: December 27, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: John 1:29 – ESV - 9 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Slogans, jingles, eye catching billboards.

Our children are bombarded with the latest in breakfast food cereals. They all know what toys are in because of advertisements. And now advertisers seem to be advertising things that shouldn't even be advertised. The hucksters have made many of our people believe that Betty Crocker and Aunt Jemima are real people. Most still have their doubts about the battery bunny that keeps on going and going and going. Colonel Sanders may be dead, but I have noticed his reincarnation on TV telling me to come on down.

Giant economy sizes boxes with eye-catching designs but which are only half full are the order of the day. Every soap cleans the whitest, every deodorant deodorizes the bestest, every mouthwash kills the germs the deadest, every dish detergent has more suds, every car runs the cheapest, longest and bestest. You can really get caught up in these words.

We know it's happening. We know we're being manipulated, but we still buy. We are carried away by advertising. And at no time is it worse than right now, when the Christian world remembers the coming of the Savior. At no time is it worse than when the commercial rolls out the heavy artillery  big guns like Santa.

Yes, it may be the season to be jolly, but it's also the season for advertisers to utilize their wildest imaginations. Now, at this point in time, most ministers launch into their yearly tirade against advertising, the commercialism of Christmas. But that's not what I'm gonna do. Nor did the Lord.

You see, God sent out His own advertising agency. He didn’t employ supermodels, famous athletes or movie stars. John uses no media campaigns or blitzes. He sent out one man, John, the Baptizer to advertise the Savior’s coming.

John made no outrageous claims for the Christ. He merely said: Jesus is the One and Only

 Son of God. The One and Only Who can baptize with the Spirit. Jesus is the One and Only Who can save the world from sin. John points to Jesus as the One and Only Redeemer and Lord of Life. John spends his entire life saying that he's unimportant, while Jesus is all important.

Now, I ask  you, have you ever heard of such an advertising campaign? Do you know of any other product which would do the same thing? But that’s John. He is God’s living commercial, the highway marker, the billboard that pointed to Jesus.

The question every advertiser wants to know is, "Does the campaign work? Was John successful?"

Well, John got recognition. People came from all over. Even from the big city to see and hear what John had to say. John had quite a number of disciples. John was relatively successful in getting people to repent. He did have quite a number of baptisms. In those terms, John was successful.

In God's eyes, I think He would say John was an unqualified success. Little wonder that Jesus proclaims John as the greatest man who ever lived.  Greatest because he never stopped saying, never stopped pointing to Jesus and saying, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the world's sins, that takes away our sins.”

The Baptizer’s voice is one we all should echo. In our time; in our place; in our lives.

THE PRAYER: Lord amplify our voices when we praise You, and minimize us when we do that which disgraces ourselves, Your Word and Your Son. In His Name we pray. Amen. 

TITLE: Decisions, Decisions
DATE: December 26, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: 1 Samuel 12:24  - ESV - Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

Most of us have to make decisions. Most of us don't want to make them.

The best example of that I have found comes from a Mississippi State Senator. In 1958, speaking to the Legislature he said: "You have asked me how I feel about whisky. All right, here is just how I stand on this question: "If when you say whisky, you mean the devil's brew, the poison scourge; the bloody monster that defiles innocence, yea, literally takes the bread from the mouths of little children; if you mean the evil drink that topples the Christian man and woman from the pinnacles of righteous, gracious living into the bottomless pit of degradation and despair, shame and helplessness and hopelessness, then certainly I am against it with all of my power.

"But, if when you say whisky, you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the stuff that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and laughter on their lips and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes, if you mean Christmas cheer; ... if you mean that drink, the sale of which pours into our treasuries untold millions of dollars, which are used to provide tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitiful aged and infirmed, to build highways, hospitals and schools, then certainly I am in favor of it." "This is my stand. I will not retreat  I will not compromise."

The Senator points out the truth, most of us have to make decisions. Most of us don't want to make them.

I say most of us, because Scripture says that there are exceptions to that rule. During the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the Baptist and he preached about repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

Most of us don't want to make decisions, but John the Baptist was different. He did what was right as he called people to faith in Jesus Christ. For this he was beheaded by an adulterous and drunken ruler.

In the Old Testament we have the prophet Malachi. His message was to assure the Children of Israel that God still loved them. His job was to remind them that God demanded honor, respect, and faithfulness from them. To that end, Malachi pointed out the people's sins and warned that judgment would come. Most of us have to make decisions. Most of us don't want to make decisiohns, but the prophet Malachi was different.

In the New Testament we see Paul, a  persecutor of Christianity, made a decision on the Damascus road. After his encounter with the Christ, no matter what the cost, Paul would do what was right. He would tell those who had rejected the Savior they were wrong. He would tell the followers of other gods, they were misdirected.

Paul was different. He did what was right as he called people to faith in Jesus Christ. For this he was stoned, shipwrecked, beaten and left for dead.

Most of us don’t like to make decisions. But everyday they must be made. Having seen the decision of the Lord to send His Son to earth for us, our choice to serve and praise Him ought to be easier.

THE PRAYER: Lord, what a choice You made to send Your Son to be our Sacrifice. May our lives reflect our appreciation for all He has done.  In Jesus’ holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Midst of the Mess
​DATE: December 25, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT:  2 Corinthians 13:11 -  ESV - Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Some people might be surprised that the shepherds didn't ask further directions from the angel.

There may have many babies in the crowded city. How could the shepherds know which one was the right one? They should have needed further directions to mark the Christ child.

But obviously, further directions were unnecessary.

After all, how many children would be put in a manger? Nobody in their wildest imagination would look for a baby in an animal manger. Animals and human beings might live in the same house in rural Palestine, but there were limits. One of those limits was that the manger was the private possession of the animals. And it was there that the shepherds came.

One of my finest memories from life in the farming community is that of an elderly lady of eighty, and her sister, who lived on the family homestead at the edge of town.

The farm had seen better days. The ladies, as well. They were surrounded by chickens and pigs running between the house and the fence with their one, lone cow complicating their lives. She and her sister were all that was left of the family and they were independently trying to keep things going without the help of anyone else. But they were always falling over chickens and bruising themselves badly.

It was after one of those spills, right around Christmas time, that I was asked to call on her.

During the course of the visit, I commented that it was a shame she wouldn't make it to church this Christmas. The black and blue sister, with a smile, waved her hands at the cluttered room in which we were sitting and looked out at the broken and unpainted fence and said, "Pastor, don't worry, our Lord comes to us, even in the midst of our mess."

Those words have stuck with me over the years. The Lord comes to us in the midst of our mess.

 That's how He's coming to the Klaus Haus. He's coming in the midst of the mess. It was only a week ago that we were decorating the house and it was found that someone, whose name shall remain unmentioned, had not packed away the nativity figures in a proper way. The result was one shepherd was beheaded and a Wiseman had been separated from his camel. This simply would not do. The house had to look its best for Christmas. I understand Pam's concern. But it occurred to me, as I was holding the shepherd's head and body, waiting for the glue to set, that Jesus still comes in the midst of the mess.

We shouldn't be surprised. God promised it would be that way when He told  it to Mary who said, “He has put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he sends away empty." Every passage tells us that Jesus will come in the midst of the mess

Jesus comes in the midst of the mess of sin and washes it away with His blood. Jesus comes to a world at war, and in His Name brings peace. Jesus comes to the mess of prejudice and hatred and brings understanding. Jesus comes to the mess of hurt and pain and brings comfort and solace. Jesus comes to the mess of drunkenness and brings sobriety. Jesus comes to the mess of drugs and cleans confused and clouded minds and hearts. Jesus comes to the mess of the sick and the dying and brings release. Jesus comes in the midst of our mess.

And He comes to the midst of our mess and makes it right.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I lift my eyes up from my mess and see You Who have been born to save us from the messes of sin. In Your Name I give thanks. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: The Real Redeemer
DATE: December 24, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: john 11: 25-27 – ESV - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[d] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Even as a grown Man, Jesus knew nothing of art...yet He has awakened the genius in the world's greatest artists and has inspired more works of art, hung in more famous galleries, than any other man.

He knew nothing of medicine...was never trained as a surgeon....yet He healed the sick of every type of disease, caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak and even the dead to be brought back to life.

He never heard an oratorio or a grand opera...but His life has prompted the writing of the greatest hymns, songs of joy and oratorios that have ever been heard. The Hallelujahs sung to praise Him are beyond number.

He never owned any of this world's goods...but wealth has multiplied wherever He has become known.

His own nation rejected Him and crucified Him...but today the people of every nation on earth have praised and acknowledged Him. His priests despised and disowned Him, yet, hundreds of thousands of priests and pastors have given their all to follow Him. Every other man has had his faults ...but the judge who condemned Him to an ignominious death publicly declared at the time: "I find no fault in this man."

He was born in a manger and put to death as a malefactor...yet, after more than 1,900 years He lives in men's hearts with respect like no other man.

He was a Jew...but He is the only Personality this world has ever produced Who is universal and international. Only He has managed to rise above all national and geographical lines and yes, even racial prejudice.

Great teachers, religious leaders, political persons speak only for their day and to their generation...but His words, spoken in a remote colony of an ancient empire have rung  clearly for all times, conditions and to all peoples; and His truth has anticipated every change the world has ever known.

Conquerors come, rise and fall, live and die, but this man has lived through the centuries, and every year, increasing millions sing the triumph of His life and teachings.

Thousands of new laws are made and many old laws are revised each year, but the eternal truth He taught, like His unchanging character, is the same, 'Yesterday, today and forever."

His one recorded sermon, delivered in the open air, has become the supreme message of grace for all people for all ages.

He never headed a government, nor did He ever have any armed forces at His command. yet countless millions bow at every mention of His name and sing anthems of praise and thanksgiving for His life. He associated freely with publicans, prostitutes and sinners, and His personal appearance was neither striking nor unusual...yet the world would give millions of dollars for an actual picture of this humble carpenter's Son, Who devoted Himself to unselfish ministry for others.

Great men live and die and their influence becomes less and less as the years go by, until their names are forgotten - this is the way of humankind - but this one-of-a-kind Man continues to live and influence more lives in a larger way with every passing year.

THE PRAYER: Lord, the world loves to reinvent and redefine you. Help me see You with eyes of faith. In Your Name. Amen. 

TITLE: What Do You Want?
DATE: December 23, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Mark 11:24  -(ESV - 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received[a] it, and it will be yours.

What do you want for Christmas? Well...., some people don't get what they want.

Listen to this: "Dear Santa Claus, last year I asked for a bike. Instead you brought me a sister. Maybe some other boy wanted a sister and got my bike. We have kept the sister, but I would still like a bike." That was just one of the estimated 200,000 letters and cards dropped into the post office letter boxes last year, addressed to Santa at Toyland, North Pole, Alaska, Reindeer Land and various other places. Thousands more are received by "Santas" in department stores up and down the country.

 Some of them are the funniest letters ever written - full of the innocent and unintentional humor children create. Almost all of them tell what those children want for Christmas.

Take for example, this gem: "Dear Santa, since last year I have changed bedrooms. My grandma and her cat are in my old room now. Don't leave my presents there because the cat will play with them. Maybe grandma, too."

What do you want for Christmas? There was the understanding child who wrote: "Santa, You don't have to give me anything for Christmas; just leave me something for the other days." There is the concerned child: "Santa, please do not come down the chimney. We have a gas fireplace."

According to some letters, Santa makes a lot of mistakes at Christmas. One summarizes: "I did not get what I wanted last time. My name is Penny and I am still living in the same house. There is a big number "40" on the door. Santa, let's get it straight" And a young child named Morris said simply, "Dear Santa Claus, I want one of everything you've got."

Dear Santa, me and my brother are not very happy this Christmas. Our daddy left home in the summer and has not sent any money. Plus my mom is sick and can't get out to work much. We don't have a tree this year and I am afraid we won't have any presents at all. Will you please send just a small box of candy to my brother David to make him feel good? Thank you. From your friend, Sammy."

What do adults want? Some cards I've received look back to the sedate and calm days of yesteryears showing snow swept landscapes and the whole family out for a sleigh ride. For some people those times were better, but they don't know how to turn back the clock. At Christmas the world hopes that we might stumble across a secret formula to make us happy. It's a great idea, but it just doesn't happen. The world can't give us what we really need.

Only God can do that. Only God can give us what we need. That's why the words of the angel are important. "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord." I know you are well aware of those words. But let's make them real. What do you really want?

You want love. Then look in the manger and see God's love. His is a love that sacrifices. It is a love that gives its best. It is a love that cannot be turned away by something you do wrong. It is not destroyed because you are less than perfect. His is a love that keeps coming back again and again. It is a love that waits for you to talk, that wants to hear no matter what you say. It is a love which is yours for as long as you live.

What else do you want? I know. You want security.. Look in the manger. Jesus had a secure position in heaven. Yet He gave it up to be Your Savior, so that all who follow Him might be secure. Don't  you feel it? Don't you feel Him reaching out to you. He wants you to be secure. That's why He says, "Cast your troubles on me. I care for you." He wants you to be secure.

That's why He says, "Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Do you want security? He, the newborn Savior provides eternal security as He promises that all who believe on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

THE PRAYER: Lord  I give thanks that You have given me all I need in Jesus. May my life be a proof of my appreciation for my salvation. In the Savior’s holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Master
DATE: December 22, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Isaiah 40:31 – ESV  - 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;     they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;  they shall walk and not faint.

 "I am master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul." That sounds good doesn't it? "

The Air Force Officer who had been keeping the peace by flying over Saddam Hussein's territory, may never have heard those words before, but he agreed with them. He had shown he agreed that man is in control by the message which was on the back of his flight suit.  This is what was written:.

Yea, though I fly through the sandy valleys of Iraq,
I will fear no evil, for my rapid fire cannons are with me.
My electronics and laser controlled missiles, they comfort me,
And my radar will never lead me astray - I hope.

No, that pilot may never have heard of William Henley. William Henley was the poet, who wrote the poem, INVICTUS. "I am master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

If that is true, why are there wars, battles police actions, skirmishes, and holocausts throughout the world.?

If we are masters of our fate, why don't governments stop war? In the years of recorded history, nations have made no less than 8,000 peace treaties. Each one of those treaties was supposed to bring about permanent harmony.

On the average, those treaties lasted two years. Wars continue because we are not masters of our fate.

"I am master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." If that is so, then why are our nation's streets filled with gangs bent on killing each other? Why are our nation’s homes torn with discord and disharmony? If we are in control, why hasn't the war on drugs been won long ago? Why haven't our young people been able to say, "No." Why haven't people learned from the drug deaths of the past? Drugs and abuse are unabated because we are not masters of our soul.

"I am master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." If we are captains, then why are people more discouraged now than ever before? Why do they have less confidence in the future? Why are suicide rates climbing? Why has alcoholism not been beaten? Why are ulcers and depressions so commonplace? If we are masters of our fate, why are more folks living in poverty, on food stamps, without homes, than at any  other time in our nation's history? These things continue on because we are not masters of our fate.

I could go on. Let me state for the record: it ought to be clear, we are not "masters of our fates, we are not the captains of our souls." And it ought to be equally clear someone IS. Someone is at the tiller of the affairs of this world. It is not fashionable to say it, but all of the things that I have mentioned show us that on this planet Satan's hand has not left the tiller of world history.

Satan is there...but so is the Lord. He offers us a better way; a way of hope and light. A way of faith. It is shown to us in the simple words of God given to Isaiah: "See, the sovereign Lord comes with power."

The Lord has come. He came as a small Child, rejected in His birth and born with the animals in a stable. He came as a Child, ready to change things. Would the world would recognize Him. Would the world would listen to Him.

When God becomes the Leader in our lives there are changes, good changes, miraculous, wonderful, powerful changes. Changes for this world and the next. .

THE PRAYER: Lord, I humbly pray that You will always be Master of my fate and the only Captain of my soul.  In Jesus holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Wrong Again
DATE: December 21, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: John 10:10 -  (ESV) - 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

Did you ever have one of those days when everything went wrong? I mean from the time you woke up to the time you went to bed every decision you made was wrong.

Pontius Pilate would have understand, for at the trial of Jesus he had that kind of day.

• He had tried to talk the Jews out of their blood-lust for Jesus' death. Wrong decision #1.
• A number of times he declared Jesus innocent. Wrong decision #2. The people didn't listen.
• He shifted the trial to Herod's court. Wrong decision #3.
• He decided to have his soldiers tear Jesus' back to ribbons with a whip, hoping thereby to create sympathy. Wrong decision #4. Seeing Jesus bleeding only made them want more.

So many wrong decisions and he hadn't even had breakfast. Because so many decisions had gone wrong, Pilate was ready to pass the buck and let someone else decide Jesus' fate. Let somebody else see how hard it is', he thought to himself. I'm going to let the crowd  decide Jesus' fate.'

Of course, there would be nothing wrong in stacking the deck so the people would make the right choice.

To do that Pilate brings out two men. The first is Jesus, an innocent soul.. He is a sight which would move the most hardened of hearts. In contrast, Pilate presents a criminal, a man whose name is despised in every household, a rabble-rouser, a murderer.

Pilate must have been pleased with his stroke of genius. Let the people decide. So Pilate asks our question from the Passion, "Which of these two do you want? Jesus or Barabbas?"

But, as we said, it was not Pilate's day. The crowd shouts with one voice: "Away with Jesus! Release Barabbas to us!" You could have knocked Pilate over with a shovel. No, it wasn't his day. He had made wrong decision #5. Jesus would have to die. Now, understand, Pilate was not a fan of Jesus. He was not a follower. He didn't believe everything Jesus had told him, but as Pilate washed his hands, he knew in his heart that it was not a good day.

But Pilate never could have known JUST how bad a day it had been. He had no idea that he would become, because of this morning's activities, the most famous Roman of all time. His name would be better known over the centuries than Julius Caesar or Romulus and Remus, or Caesar Augustus. He would be more famous than Marc Anthony or Cicero. Because of this really bad morning, Pilate's name would be confessed by millions of tongues, over 20 centuries, "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried." No, it was a bad day for Pilate.

And for the Jews, their decision was even worse. They had been persecuted and conquered before, but now they would find their temple, their homes, their country obliterated for a thousand years and more. They would be hounded from country to country and confronted by hating faces wherever they would go. It was a bad day with bad decisions all around.

Except for God.

It wasn't a bad day for God. Yes, it's true, God's Son was going to die. But that had been the idea all along. God took that bad day, took those bad decisions and changed the world. He used the hatred of the Jews to send His Son along the Via Dolorossa, the way of sorrows. He used their wrong decisions to send His Son outside the city walls of Jerusalem to the summit of a skull-looking hill to be crucified. He used a weak Roman governor to show the strength of His love. It was a good day for God because He reclaimed humanity from eternal destruction. 

Yes, that Friday was a bad day for everybody. Except for God, and for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

THE PRAYER: Lord, because of the cross and empty tomb, my life is transformed. Forgiven, my bad days are no longer going to stretch into eternity. For Your suffering which is my escape from eternal suffering, I offer my thanks and praise.  In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Peace Beyond Understanding
DATE: December 20, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: John 14; 1- ESV - “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 

Most people would like to know what the secret is to stop their troubles from ruining them and bringing them  to the cliff of collapse.

So many suicides, so many desperate individuals out there, so many drugs being taken for escape, so much alcohol being consumed to dull the terror of trouble. They are all just paths which promise to provide assistance for any individual who is searching for someone, or something which has the ability to provide some sort of salvation.  

Scripture maintains that Jesus also provides an answer, a solution, a suggestion. And what is that spiritual pathway we need to hear, understand and believe in? What is the solution? Jesus supplies the answer when He says "
“You believe in God, you believe in me." It's as simple as that.

The Lord Jesus Christ, who beat Herod at his own game, Who confused the Roman governor, Who made fools out of the Jewish priests, Who left the Pharisees and Sadducees standing there with their mouths open, Jesus Christ, who conquered Satan, who defeated the grave, can, if we allow Him, also beat our troubles.

I didn't say inconsequential, meaningless troubles. For to us, they are important difficulties. But Jesus who has done so much can also do much for us. He who has conquered the major difficulties of this world, can also conquer our difficulties as well.

If we trust and believe in Him.

There once was an Oriental philosopher was a slave. He was given by his master a bitter melon. Lokman, for that was the slave’s name, took up the melon split it open and ate it all.

Amazed, the master asked, “How was it possible, for you to eat so terrible a fruit."

 Lokman replied, "I have received so many favors from you, I was not surprised to receive such a bitter fruit. I knew it does not happen often and I also know for You to do this, you would have had a reason.”

The master was impressed by the slave’s answer he set the man free.

So it is for us. If bitter fruit comes to us, can we doubt God's love? I think not.

God the Father Who gave His only Son to die for us, so that all who accept Him as Lord of life, still cares. Jesus still cares. Jesus is still with us. Jesus still helps us win over our troubles or deals with them as the case might be.

The fruit of life may be bitter, but God is still with His people. Let not your hearts be troubled. Amen.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, being a Christian does not make me immune from life’ bitter fruits. On the other hand, with You as my Savior, I know that life will be composed of that which will allow me to believe in You there is forgiveness, joy and a peace which passes human understanding. For all You have done, and will continue to do I praise Your Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Nobody Knows The Trouble…
DATE: December 19, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: 1 Peter5: 6-7 – ESV - -6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

• The Christmas story, as we know it, has been painted by artists in beautiful and peaceful strokes of calming blues and subtle golds.
• The Christmas story, as we know it has been recorded by poets with silent sounds and calming consonants. "Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright." "O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie." Not a harsh guttural sound in the bunch.
• The Christmas cards we send are filled with messages of peace on earth and thoughts of love.
• We reminisce, think back, meditate and feel just a little bit more kindly, even to our mortal enemies, during this time of harmony.

But if you sweep away the cobwebs of emotional schmaltz, you will find that very few people in our Christmas story escape the realities of life. Very few individuals in the story are free from the same worries and troubles which afflict us. Can you doubt that these people had troubles? If so, consider:

Zacharias, the father of John, the priest of God who doubted the angel Gabriel's message of a future son. So much so that he was struck dumb for a period of over nine months. Zachariah has his troubles as he left the incense place and had to motion to the people to go away with sign language, he had to write the name of his son on a tablet. We would call him handicapped.

Or think of Elizabeth, his wife. She was no stranger to trouble. Had not people of her village and community laughed at her for many years. And not just laughed, but since childlessness was considered a mark of disfavor from God, a punishment for  a sin of the past, she perhaps had been the object of many a judgmental eye. No, Elizabeth had her troubles.

Or how about Joseph, betrothed to a girl that was now pregnant, and the child was not his own. Cuckolded by his intended even before the marriage was finalized. Joseph had his troubles, too.

Or Mary. Wagging tongues about her condition, traveling by donkey across a rough and rock strewn country at a time of advanced pregnancy is  uncomfortable to say the least, and life threatening at the worst. No finding a place to stay and give birth in the most filthy of barns has never been an ideal labor. Yes, Mary had her troubles on that trip

Of course, there were the shepherds. Those souls to whom the angels announce the good news of great joy which shall be to all people, the shepherds who are first to hear that a Savior has been born to them, a Savior, Christ the Lord. We admire them when we hear they say, "Let us go and see this thing which has come to pass." But we forget they are leaving their jobs, their livelihood.

And the Wise men. Sages from Persia, unknown in number, who have traveled a long time, covering many miles. They have their troubles, too. Bandits who would separate them from their generous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And then the curious welcome in Jerusalem when they ask Herod where is the new king of the Jews and are told that no such person exists. Has their trip been in vain?

That, dear friends, is the picture of the first Christmas. Problems of pregnancy and family. Problems of social status and peer pressure. Troubles of travel and misplaced hopes. Troubles of finances and troubles of government. Official murder and gossip. There are few troubles that we have today that the Christmas story cannot match or beat. The Christmas story has them all. And that makes me feel good. It makes me feel good because I know that Jesus knew what He was talking about over 30 years later when He said to His disciples and to us: "Let not  your hearts be troubled.” That is His message to you today "Do not let your hearts be troubled."

Understand,, Jesus is not saying, "You don't have troubles.' He was a man afflicted, beaten, misunderstood, denied, deserted, betrayed, crucified. he was tempted more ways than we can understand. Nor will Jesus say, "Don't think about your troubles. What He does say is, "Don't let your hearts be troubled." That's not the same as pretending that your troubles will disappear. That's not the same as not thinking about your problems. What Jesus is saying is that when troubles do come, like they did for every person in the Christmas Gospel, don't let them run your life, don't let them dominate  you. He can handle it.

THE PRAYER: Lord grant that I may see through my troubles and realize You are the solution to all of life’s woes. In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Just Who
DATE: December 18, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Matthew 16: 15-16 – ESV -  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

The decorations are up, the presents are wrapped. The rushing is drawing to a close. Now I would like you to take a few moments out of your busy Christmas preparations and relax. Think about the Reason for this festive season. Think about Jesus. Think about Him in your mind’s eye and meet the most unusual Man Who ever lived. See Him as He was. And as you think about Him, realize He never celebrated a Christmas, but if He had not come to earth, there never would have been a Christmas for anyone of us.

Although He was an apprentice, He never owned His own business, yet the best business, in all of our stores comes at this time of the year in remembrance of Him.

He may never have had a toy, He certainly never had a toy like so many children do today, but He has caused more toys to be made, and they have given more joy to more children, and more employment to more people than any other man who ever lived.
He rarely received any gifts, never any wrapped with bows and brightly colored paper - but every year, for more than 1,000 years He has inspired the giving of more gifts than any other person in history.
He never hung up His stocking at Christmas...indeed He probably never owned a stocking or a mantle over a fireplace to hang a stocking - yet he has caused more stockings to be hung up at Christmas than all the other men who have ever lived.
When He was only a small Child, His parents were forced to escape a mad ruler and flee to a foreign country to save His life ... but He has given more joy to millions of children, and a more stable family life to men and women alike than any other man in all the world.
He was often hungry and He never had food in great supply ... but at Christmas and Easter, He brings more sweets into more homes and puts more bounty on more tables, brings more laughter and song everywhere than any other man at any time.
As far as we know He never participated in any kind of higher education, but in His Name thousands of schools, colleges and universities have been founded all over the world. That Name has been responsible for more acts of charity than any other.
He never personally penned a single written line. All that is known of what He said could be put on two pages of a newspaper. But He has shed more light on things human and Divine than all the educators and philosophers of ancient and modern times. He has given more good news than all the newspapers, Television and radio broadcasts that have ever been made.
He never heard an oratorio or a grand opera...but His life has prompted the writing of the greatest hymns, songs of joy and oratorios that have ever been heard. The Hallelujahs sung to praise Him are beyond number.

He never traveled more than 100 miles from His birthplace after His infancy, but His fame for nearly 20 centuries has spread into every part of the world. That Name has sent men and women into jungles, frozen tundra and discovered continents.

He was once offered all the kingdoms of the world, a prize every other Ruler in this world desires...but He declined, preferring the humble life and a spiritual kingdom and doing the will of His Father.

He was the perfect Love and by His use of this weapon, His one and only weapon: love, He has overthrown some of the greatest empires the world has ever known. His love has brought emperors to their knees and sinners to their feet in thanksgiving.

He was born in a manger and put to death as a malefactor...yet, after more than 1,900 years He lives in men's hearts with respect like no other man.

His life on this earth spanned only 33 years...from Bethlehem to Calvary, but the story of that life has been translated into thousands of languages and is acknowledged as the greatest story that has ever been told. It is He Who has transformed our lives, so that they, too, are salvation stories worth telling.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are all things to all men… if they can see You with eyes of faith. Give me a vision which sees You better each day.  In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Moving
DATE: December 17, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: James 1:17 - ESV - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

I truly love going to Anniversary celebrations.

I especially love attending those  which are remembering an event which took place more than 50-years ago, I like these anniversary celebrations because you just never know what is going to be said by the principals or their families.

I can remember a party where the couple with a half-century of experiences were talking about the changes they had seen The wife reminisced: “When we first got married, when we went driving we always sat right next to each other.”

The groom got a good laugh from the gathered family and friends when, with well-rehearsed shock at his wife’s comment,  he replied, “That may be so, my dear, but I’d like to point out, in my defense, I’m not the one who has moved.”

I would like to point out that the Lord can say the same thing. No matter what sins we commit; no matter how wrongful we may have lived, the Lord doesn’t move.

That the Lord doesn’t move is one of those great truths of Scripture which took me a long time to figure out. Even so it is true.

When Adam and Eve sinned, the Lord Who had loved them, continued to do so and promised a means to escape damnation in the Person of His Son.

The rest of the Old Testament is a broken record of history repeating itself.  God loves His people; His people forget Him and believe they are better off on their own. The Lord still loves them and through various reminders and punishments, calls them back to a proper relationship with Him. The people repent and peace reigns until they start the whole process again.

From start to finish, you will note, the Lord hasn’t changed. He still loves His people; He still wants to save them and He still wants their thanks, worship and repentant hearts.

The Lord doesn’t change. It is a lesson I hope we learn more easily than the Children of Israel.

I remember one of my families who learned. One Sunday, years ago, they came to church. That Sunday was exactly one year after their  young daughter had been killed in an auto accident. They confessed their loss was great.

But they also said, “How much greater would be our loss without Jesus.

They told me and others that Jesus provides a comfort no one else can. It was a conclusion they came to the day they received that tragic news. They said they had a choice. Either they could believe God had changed and suddenly had become cruel, vindictive, hurtful and monstrous…. Or else He remained the Lord they had known; the loving Lord Who had just rescued their daughter and given her a home in heaven where they would soon see her.  

The choice was not a hard one to make.

My friends. do you mourn, Jesus will comfort. Do  you grieve? Jesus will provide peace. Do you feel that everyone and everything is dumping on you and there is no way out. Relax. Jesus will unbury  you. Do you despair about future, friends or getting ahead? Jesus can improve your self- image in a way that no battery of support groups can.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I rejoice that You are the same Lord of love You have always been. On days when I think You have may have changed, may I first look at where I am. In Jesus precious Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Every Season
DATE: December 16, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Eccl 3: 1-2 – ESV - Vanity[a] of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.3 What does man gain by all the toil under the sun? 4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Money isn't everything, but it sure beats whatever else is in second place.”

But most of us have also noticed that wealthy people aren't always the most content folks on the block.

They work for money, they strive for money, and when they have it, they don't go dancing in the streets. Instead, they worry about how to keep it, how to increase it, how to keep others from getting it.
Take for example, Charles Meynard of Bordeaux, France.

Charles was, in his day, the richest landowner of that country. Yet, three times a day, for over 60 years, he ate all of his meals from an open drawer. The reason? So that if company came, he could slam it shut and not share of the bounty. It’s just not the poor people who need to hear the good news of salvation.

Rich people need to hear the good news, too.

Do you think Mr. Meynard is alone? Hardly. In 1915 John G. Wendel died. To keep the family fortune that he and his six sisters had inherited, Wendel remained a bachelor and managed to keep five of his sisters unmarried and virtual prisoners in the house.

This he did for 50 years.

Naturally you would think there would be a revolt against such financial tyranny.

If that’s what you thought you would be wrong. John’s cheapness was contagious. When the last sister died in 1931, her estate amounted to over $100,000,000. But she never had a telephone, electricity or an automobile. The only dress she owned was one she had made for herself, one she had worn for over 25-years. Yes, it would seem that rich people need the good news, too.

And preaching the good news is something God is good at.

The Good News was first preached to Adam and Eve immediately after their fall into sin. Nobody had been richer than they. Since they had been made they had enjoyed the benefits of singular health. Work was not a burden and the most powerful of animals caused them no fear. The weather didn’t surprise them and their Creator was a frequent and friendly Visitor,

Even so, they were not content with their lot.

That’s why, when Satan came slithering in with his suggestions to sin, they were easy to tempt.  

Which is why,  rich or poor we need to hear God’s Good News.

First God gave them clothing and then He told them they would not have to die forever, they only needed to believe in the coming Savior.

That message of Good News was picked up over the centuries by both prophet and priest. The Good News they repeated again and again was that God cares, that God loves and God gives and through His Son He forgives both poor and rich alike.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, with the forgiveness and grace which is given to us only through faith in the risen Redeemer we give thanks. Through rich times and poor; through all the changing seasons of life may we rejoice that we remain in Your care: In Jesus’ Name., Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Really, Really Poor
DATE: December 15, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 4:18-19 – ESV - “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,  to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”


Our text tells us that Jesus will come to preach to the poor.

But in this land of plenty there are those who find themselves asking, ‘Are there poor people around? I mean really, genuinely poor people?”  

Surprisingly enough the answer comes from Detroit, Michigan. In “Motortown” there was man who found himself in need of a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, he was unable to find a donor.

In order to speed things up, he advertised in the newspaper for a donor.

He didn’t know that it was illegal to buy organs. Apparently the 100+ callers who phoned him didn’t know it either. Amazingly, all 100 callers said they would be willing to sell him a kidney for the advertised price of $3,000.

It occurs to me an individual might be willing to give a kidney. But how poor does a person need to be to start selling body parts? So there’s your answer. Even when we are surrounded by riches, poverty still is present.

Our text tells us that Jesus will come to preach to the poor. Are there poor people around? Some time ago the Hinton Daily News in West Virginia carried the story of a 66-year-old widow who slept in the city's theatres and public restrooms because she couldn't afford to pay rent.

She appeared in Court on a charge of stealing a $1.00 head scarf from a department store.

The widow's husband had died 20 years ago leaving her nothing. Social Security went for food. She sold nameplates for doors, but that didn't bring in much. Without money for a room, she slept in downtown theatres. Her Golden Age card admitted her to theaters at reduced prices. She told the judge she had been living in this manner for the last two years.
There is a need to preach good news to the poor.

The Good News we are talking about, however, may not be the good news that poor people want to hear.

Many poor folks prefer hearing about a governmental godsend which will make for a fairer distribution of wealth. If you polled the poor and asked them what would be the best news that they could receive, most of them would say 'food, shelter, money and the like.'

At this point, many a preacher might suggest that people really don't need those things. Poor people should yearn for the spiritual alone. But that's not true. Jesus realized that people have earthly needs when He spoke about judgment day.
"Did  you clothe me when I was naked, feed me when I was hungry; visit me in prison." No, we dare not make light of these physical needs. That is why it pleases me greatly to see so many congregations doing what they can to help the poor in  the Savior’ Name.

It is, after all, what He would want.

THE PRAYER: Lord in this season of repentance help me do what I can to help the unfortunate. In Jesus’ holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Doing
DATE: December 14, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: James 1:22-27 – ESV - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. ...

As far as I can tell, there are three unchangeable laws which are applicable to every home:

• LAW #1 – If you have a home with children, you probably have a home filled with people who “want a puppy.
• LAW #2 – In order for children to receive said puppy, they are willing to promise anything, including “I promise I will feed the puppy, walk the puppy, and, without being asked, take the puppy out for ”rest” breaks.” Further, I will make sure the back yard is picked up weekly and returned to its Eden-like, pristine condition.
• LAW #3-Three weeks after the new puppy has  been brought home Mother begins to question her sanity It seems that she was the only one who can remember any of those promises. And when she asks ,“Whose turn is it to let out the dog, pick up the yard, feed and water the dog, the replies are always the same: “It’s not my turn.”  

There is a church in Strasbourg whose leadership would disagree.

During the Second World War, the church in Strasbourg was bombed and then burned.

Nothing remained but a heap of rubble and broken glass. At least that’s what the congregation’s membership thought. But, when they began clearing away the masonry, they found a still standing statue of the Savior, Jesus. In spite of all the bombing, and the burning  the statue was unharmed except that both hands were missing.
Eventually, the church was rebuilt.

One day, a sculptor saw the damaged figure of Christ and offered to carve new hands. The church officials met and considered the kindly offer. Their reply said this: "With gratitude for the gesture, we are forced to reject it. Our broken Lord touches the spirits of men. Our broken statue reminds us that Jesus had no hands to minister to the needy or feed the hungry or enrich the poor except ours."

Over the year there have been times when I thought that replicas of that statue ought to be placed n all our congregations. That is especially true where there is a preponderance of members who believe when the Holy Spirit brought them to Jesus their responsibilities were at an end.

Like the family with the puppy, it is always someone else’ s responsibility to do the jobs which need to be done.  Quite frankly, I see nowhere in Scripture which describes such an uncommitted form of discipleship.

The truth is those of us who call Jesus, "Lord” dare not think we are done making decisions.

We can decide to let other hands do Christ's work. We can decide to let other men's feet lead people to Jesus. We can decide to let other men's tongues speak of the joy we have in the Savior. Yet, I cannot believe that those who have seen Jesus crucified, our hearts will not let us make such poor decisions. When we see His defeat of Sin, Satan and death for us with His love that has no equal, we will respond to Him.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, let me hear and respond to Your calls to action  In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: God’s Gift
DATE: December 13, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Isaiah 9:6 – ESV - 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

This week we are talking about Christmas. It is coming you know. But what kind of Christmas comes is a question which needs answering.

You know, people want religious broadmindedness when it comes to raising children. How often have you not heard somebody say, "I don't believe in giving little children any religious instruction. I believe in letting them decide for themselves."

The idea is that a child should not be prejudiced until he or she arrives at that point in time where he can choose for himself his religious opinions. It sounds so noble, so wise. And it is so stupid. Would that parent, seeing their child taking a drink of bleach say, "I don't believe in taking poison away from children. I believe in letting them decide for themselves." If that parent sees a child try to put his finger in the electric socket, does he say, "I don't believe in slapping a hand, the child must learn for himself."

Of course, the argument can be made, religion and poison are different things entirely.

 I can't argue with that. They are. A child drinks bleach, he is in pain for a few hours, and he dies. But when a child doesn't know Jesus, he dies and is in pain for eternity. Yes, they're different. So different I maintain that for every hour a parent spends teaching his child to not drink poison, he ought to spend a month telling him of the love of Jesus. That child needs to be enlightened.

Enlightening the minds of people for God is an idea that another Pastor I knew believed in.

Of course, he was criticized for his belief. People thought he was too old fashioned, too simplistic. On the day he retired, he answered his critics this way: "Some have found fault with me. They say I am old-fashioned and out of date; I am always quoting the Bible. They would rather have me be more scientific." Then he brought up a poor widow.

"This poor lady", he continued, " has lost her only son. She wants to know if she will ever see him again. Ask Science for an answer.  "Will this woman see her son again? Where is he? Does death end all? Those who are scientific, what do you say?" There was a long pause. "We are waiting for an answer, the woman is anxious."

Another long pause. "The woman's heart is breaking. Science must speak. Mathematics, trig, biology, what do you say? Nothing? Then we must once again pick up the Bible." The pastor picked up his Bible and said, "The dead shall arise...that which is corrupted must become incorruptible, this mortal will put on immortality....Give thanks to Jesus Christ, who takes away death's sting." Then, closing the Book, and patting it affectionately, he said, "I will stick to the Book."

Hopefully the people who heard him that day were enlightened. I don't know. But I hope they were. Because a great deal depends on our being enlightened. Eternal life depends on whether you are enlightened and accept what God says. He says, "believe on Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." God says, "If you don't believe you are damned." It is very simple. Acknowledge you are a sinner and God will save you through His Son Who took your place on the cross. If you don't do that you are free to try to save yourself.

And although that is what other religions teach, you don’t want to do that. Instead, look in the manger and give thanks for the Christ. Who is the best Christmas Gift you will ever have.

THE PRAYER: Lord, I give thanks that in the cradle of Bethlehem we were given our Savior Who answers the really big and  important questions of life. May we always worship and give thanks for Him. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: A Celebration Fit For A King
DATE: December 12, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.
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TEXT: Luke 2: 30-32 – ESV _ my eyes have seen your salvation  that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Christmas is coming.

Christmas is coming, but many don’t understand it is the birthday of Christ our King, our Savior. They don’t understand and because they don’t, they have no problem making Him a “bit-part player” rather than the Star of His very special day. This story helps explain how such a thing can happen:

It begins, appropriately enough:  Once upon a time there was a great king. His love for His people knew no limits. Although the kingdom was very large, the King knew every person by name and everything they had was from His hand.

Which is why, to show their appreciation to the King for all He had done, the people decided to have a great celebration to honor His birthday. Everyone agreed it was a simply marvelous idea. Preparations for the celebration were very elaborate. No expense was spared. They adorned their homes with lights, decorations and ornaments. As the King’s birthday approached there were parties, dinners and celebrations.

All the people brought gifts for their friends and family. Many of the gifts they were giving each other were quite expensive, involving considerable indebtedness. In fact, the people spent more on the King's birthday than they did any other time of the year.

Amazingly, folks who were not citizens of the kingdom and who did not even know the King, joined in.

Their celebration of the King's birth was marked by excessive drinking. Since they did not know the King, they invented a good-natured, fat fellow in a red suit. He laughed a lot, but never said anything more than “Ho, ho, ho.” . But that didn't matter because they were too busy celebrating to notice anything.

The day for the King's birthday drew near.

The gifts which the people had brought for each other were piled high. The decorations were beautiful. Huge amounts of food were prepared in all the homes and banquet halls. The king watched eagerly during all the preparation. A number of people did mention Him and spoke of what a great King He was.

The great day of celebrating His birth finally arrived, and some of His people did come bringing gifts and thanking Him for His goodness to them. But to His dismay, most of the citizens never came to His house at all for the celebration..For the most part the people said they were "so busy with all the celebrations and personal plans that they had no time for the King. A few were known to be quite put out when it was suggested going to the King's house or remembering Him with a gift was important.

Those people who did come to His house and who brought their loving gifts were welcomed and blessed by the King. he told them again of His great love for each of them. And each received from the King a priceless gift and lived happily ever after. They knew what the King's birthday was all about. but when they had gone and He was alone again, the King fell to thinking of the feast and the vast numbers of His people who had celebrated His birthday and at the same time forgotten and forsaken Him.

And for them, quite sadly, “Christmas never came.”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, may Christmas with its celebration of Your life sacrificed to save sinners be welcomed by me. May my presents given to those dear to me be a reflection of Your great Gift to me.  In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html
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TITLE: What God Looks Like
DATE: December 11, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.
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TEXT: John 3:16 – ESV - 16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
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What does God look like? It's an interesting question.

On Christmas Eve a woman visited the home of a little girl who had a most excellent doll collection.

"Which one is your favorite doll?" the woman asked, trying to make conversation. "Promise you won't laugh if I tell you?" "I won't laugh." The little girl brought out a doll that was the most tattered and pathetic doll she had ever seen. The nose was broken off, an arm was cracked, one arm was missing and its face was disfigured. "Why do you love this one the most?" the woman asked.

The little girl replied, "Because she needs it most. If I didn't love her nobody would."

Now, as a Pastor I've seen human love. I've seen it at weddings. Oh, not between the bride and groom. If you want to see real love at a wedding, you have to look at the grandmothers who are remembering their wedding day many years ago and thinking upon all the good and bad this young couple cannot anticipate. They would share their memories of that day, but nobody asks them, so all they do is love.

Yes, I've seen love. I've seen it in the eyes of my wife who takes the first spring dandelions that Kurt has been bringing her for over 40 years. ( I'm proud of him for that) and she puts them in a cut glass vase. I've seen it as she has preserved the crayon colored cards with backward letters that her daughters have given her.

I've seen love in the smile of a father who watches his eight year old retarded son button his shirt for the first time. I've seen love in the eyes of an 83 year old widow who was going to the nursing home. As she shut the door of the house where she had lived in happy marriage for 51 years, where she had raised her four children, love was there. I've seen love in the face of the young adult in our congregation who has tears in her eyes every time she takes Communion. I've seen love in the eyes of a mother when her son got off the plane, returning from a stint in Afghanistan.

Yes, I've seen love, but it's not sustained. Human beings can't do it. It is there, but it is only a flash, only fleeting. And then it's gone. Things get in the way, they bump it to the side.

But God’s love is different. Do you remember what the little girl said about her doll? “I love this one because she’s so bad nobody else would.. or could..”

That little girl correctly echoed the words of the angels on Christmas Eve. God loved us when nobody else would. To the government we are a number to be processed, polled and tallied. To business we are consumers with wallets to be emptied. But to God, we are objects of pity, mercy and grace.

 God loved us when nobody else would. He tells us that in the words of the angels. They are clear words. Everyone can understand them. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, Which is Christ the Lord." As they spoke, the angels tell us exactly and in no uncertain terms what God looks like. God looks like love. He looked like love in a Bethlehem manger; He looked like love on a Roman cross and He most definitely looked like love when the risen Redeemer declared to the world salvation and forgiveness had been won.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for Your ongoing love; Your blood—bought forgiveness; Your free gift of heaven, I offer my thanks and praise.  In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Which Christmas
DATE: December 10, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Matthew 21:9 – ESV - 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

People know  Christmas is coming.

Many of the TV shows which bear the word "Christmas" in their title do not reveal the significance of the heavenly event,  nor do they speak of the mission of God’s Son to save sinful humanity.

 I encourage you, examine in detail the "Grinch That Stole Christmas." Search as you will in this beloved story and you will not find any explanation of the real heart and center of the Christ-child’s coming.  Perhaps that is why a survey which questioned 1,000 Protestant and Catholic children in 21 American cities revealed:

• that 32% did not know the town where Jesus was born;
• 33% didn't know the country; and
• 55% did not know whose Son Christ is and
• 76% did not know Caesar Augustus ruled Rome and Palestine when our Savior was born.
• Remember we are talking about Christian children here.

People know Christmas is coming.

Although I don’t have any official statistics, it seems to me that Frank Capra’s magnificent film, "It's A Wonderful Life" has played on TV over 210 times. Now don’t get all mad at me... I like the film, too. Show it to me once, twice, three times in a season... but do it three times in one day and I can become a dangerous man, hiding all the television remotes and burying the TV schedules in the back yard.

People know Christmas is coming.

You may have noticed radio stations have been trying to capture the true meaning of the season by playing songs about Grandma’s altercation with a reindeer, the child who wants a hippopotamus for Christmas

and Jeff Foxworthy’s Redneck 12 Days of Christmas.

Christmas is coming, but which Christmas is going to show up?
There is the Christmas which the world has camouflaged and twisted beyond recognition. . There is the Christmas which centers around earthly wants and not spiritual needs. There is the Christmas which is already overflowing with potential for disaster.

Let me ask, “What Christmas is coming to you?”

• Do you dread Christmas because you will have to associate with family with whom you really don't get along?
• Are you afraid of Christmas because it is accompanied  by memories which are dark and sad?
• Do you enter Christmas alone and feeling there is no point in having a big meal for just one person?
•  Is Christmas a time which fills you with dread because of the bills;?
• or guilt because you couldn't afford to get your children what everybody wanted; or is it just a another boring day you have to spend at home with family? You may know it's Christmas, but you are doing your best to forget.

If that is the case then I encourage you to look into this manger. See the Baby, certainly, but know that animated brow will someday be crowned with thorns. Those hands which brought sight to the blind and healing to lepers will be ripped by nails upon a Roman crows. Look again, realize that all this Jesus has done for you. Realize, and  give thanks for the love of the Lord Who has brought us the real Christmas.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, may I see Your birth for what it is: the God created plan which has saved me. Gratefully in Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: A Lot of Things
DATE: December 9, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 19:10 - ESV -  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

What is Christmas?

 A professor of Psychology asked that question to his class of 40 undergraduate students. "Write down the word, "Christmas", he said. They wrote down "Christmas."

“ Now”, he said “write down behind that word the first thing that comes to your mind. They did that too. 40 students wrote things like,
 "Christmas carols",              "Christmas gifts",                   "Christmas tree",
 "Christmas holly"                , "Christmas mistletoe",          "Christmas presents",
 "Christmas turkey",                         "Christmas holiday", and         "Santa Claus."
 But not one of them had written, not one of the 40 had written, "the birthday of Christ."

What is Christmas?

1. To the world's Jews, Christmas is a contradiction of their faith as they continue to wait for a Savior that they will have problems recognizing.
2. To the people of Islam it is trying to respect a prophet, without making Him a deity.
3. For the person who trusts his own intellect, Christmas is a time to laugh at silly superstitions and scoff at senselessness customs from centuries ago.
4. . To the atheist it is a time of confrontation as he denies the Lord of life, the Savior of the sinner.
5. To the heathen, it is a source of misunderstood mystery.
6. To the shopper it is a time to seriously seek out savings and sales.
7. To the alcoholic, it is another excuse to get into the holiday mood.
8.  To the average man, Christmas is repeating endlessly a  powerful lot of moronic and sentimental drivel such as "Christmas is love; and peace on earth; and friendship and home and hearth."
9. To the average woman it can be the Christmas movie countdown on the Hallmark Channel.

Yes, Christmas really is all those things to millions of individuals. But the question really is: “What is Christmas to you? Remember what Christmas is.

It is heaven's love lying in the manger. For you. See it. He loves you with such a desire to save that for you He is willing to experience hunger and thirst, loneliness and grief. For you He was slandered and falsely accused, forsaken even by His Father and made to feel the terror of divine wrath for sin.

For you He was in darkness and agony; for you He wore the crown of thorns and bore the cross of shame and - O heavenly love beyond our deserving understanding or describing - He cherished you more than His own life.

Remember what Christmas is.

My brothers and sisters, this is the real Christmas message: The Father sent the Son for you. Open His Christmas card which reads: "The Son of Man is come to seek and save the lost." Are you angry, Jesus can soothe that anger. Are you rushed, Jesus slows you down. Are you in pain, Jesus has the medicine which can soothe you. Stop and look at the manger. This is God's Son, for you.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I remember what Christmas really is... that is,  what You have told me it should be.  In Jesus’ holy Name I pray it. Amen.


The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TITLE: Facades
DATE: December 8, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 2: 13-14 – ESV - Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,  and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

What is Christmas?

In answer to that question someone wrote what is intended to be a humorous paraphrase of Luke 2. This is what it said:
. "And there were in the same country children keeping watch over their stockings by the fireplace. And, lo, Santa Claus came upon them; and they were sore afraid.

And Santa said unto them: "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people who can afford them. For unto you will be given great feasts of turkey, dressing and cake; and many presents.

And this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the presents wrapped in bright paper, lying beneath a tree adorned with tinsel, colored balls and lights.
And suddenly there will be with you, a multitude of relatives and friends praising you and saying, "Thank you so much, it was just what I wanted." And it shall come to pass as the friends and relatives have gone away into their own homes, the parents shall say one to another, "I’m tired. Let's go to bed and pick it up tomorrow.' Thank goodness Christmas only comes once a  year!

And they go with haste to their cold bed and find their rest."

As I said, it was intended to be humorous.

Unfortunately, there is too much truth in those lines to be a parody. Far too many people may see big parts of their holiday festivities in those paragraphs. Too many folks may read those lines, shake their heads and say, “I don’t get it. What’s supposed to be so funny?”

Truth is, I really don’t have many problems with those paragraphs. They do address many of the outward trappings of an American Christmas. In and of themselves there is nothing wrong with them. The difficulty comes about when the externals are the beginning and ending of the family’s festivities.

What needs to be present not just in our Christmases, but also In our hearts and lives is the Savior. There is truth to the old adage, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Praise God that He sent His Son.

 If He had not there would be no presents, only pain.

There would be no tree, only terror. There would be no tinsel, only trash.

There would be no cross or comfort, only depression, doubt and despair from cradle to grave.

 For those who mourn there would be no message of peace and the Bible would end with Malachi.

Praise God that He sent His Son. That is what Christmas is. It is simple. But in the rush of the holidays, it is necessary for us to hear it. To paraphrase Matthew, this is why Jesus Christ was born. That is what Christmas is.

THE PRAYER: Lord , every night on TV I get news. I give thanks that in this season of the year Your angels remind us that Jesus is the good news of great joy. May I share this  Christ with all those whose holidays are made up of externals. In Your holy Name I pray it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html