Click here for Saturday's Bible Reading.
The End of this year's Bible reading.
Malachi 1-2; Proverbs 30:21-33
Click here for Thursday's Bible Reading.
CHRISTMAS DAY
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
John 1:10-18
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
CHRISTMAS DAY
Bronna Butler, The New Light
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
John 1:10-18
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Zechariah 13-14; Proverbs 30:10-20
Click here for Wednesday's Bible Reading.
The present night is the night of reconciliation; therefore, let no one be wroth against his brother and offend him!
This night gave peace to the whole world, and so, let no one threaten.
This is the night of the Most Meek One; let no one be cruel!
This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud!
Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offences!
Now is the day of good will; let us not be harsh. On this day of tranquility, let us not become agitated by anger!
Today God came unto sinners; let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners!
Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table!
Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg!
The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness!
Today the Godhead placed upon Himself the seal of humanity, and humanity has been adorned with the seal of the Godhead!
St. Ephraim the Syrian, from Children of the Church Vol I, Is I.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Bulgarian Christmas stamp
The present night is the night of reconciliation; therefore, let no one be wroth against his brother and offend him!
This night gave peace to the whole world, and so, let no one threaten.
This is the night of the Most Meek One; let no one be cruel!
This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud!
Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offences!
Now is the day of good will; let us not be harsh. On this day of tranquility, let us not become agitated by anger!
Today God came unto sinners; let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners!
Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table!
Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg!
The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness!
Today the Godhead placed upon Himself the seal of humanity, and humanity has been adorned with the seal of the Godhead!
St. Ephraim the Syrian, from Children of the Church Vol I, Is I.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Zechariah 10-12; Proverbs 30:1-9
Click here for Tuesday's Bible Reading.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Luke 2:25-35
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Rembrandt, Simeon with the Christ Child in the Temple.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Luke 2:25-35
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Zechariah 7-9; Proverbs 29:21-27
Click here for Monday's Bible Reading.
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. … The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep."
Matthew 25:1, 5
We are human and finite, and thus cannot live perpetually in a sense of expectation, or in a continuous Advent.
It is here that we need to see why it was necessary for Christ to come to the earth. God has come to us because we, by our own power of soul, by our own emotions, even the noblest and most sublime, can never attain redemption, can never regain communion with God.
True expectancy, the waiting that is genuine and from the heart, is brought about by the coming of the Holy Spirit, by God coming to us, and not by our own devices. Spiritual depth, if it is true, is the working of God coming down and penetrating to the depths of our hearts, and not of our own soul's climbing. No ladder of mysticism can ever meet or find or possess God. Faith is a power given to us. It is never simply our ability or strength of will to believe. The spiritual experience that is truly genuine is given to us by God in the coming of his Spirit, and only as we surrender our whole lives to an active expression of his will.
To put it quite simply, spiritual experience, whether it be of faith, hope (or expectancy) or love, is something we cannot manufacture, but which we can only receive. If we direct our lives to seeking it for ourselves we shall lose it, but if we lose our lives by living out the daily way of Christ we shall find it.
Spiritual experience, if it is of God, will indeed lead to a life of activity. But the nature of the true activity is surrender and obedience. The most striking revelation of this is found in the conception and birth of Jesus.
Philip Britts, in an address from the Bruderhof Archives, published in Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow, detail from The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. … The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep."
Matthew 25:1, 5
We are human and finite, and thus cannot live perpetually in a sense of expectation, or in a continuous Advent.
It is here that we need to see why it was necessary for Christ to come to the earth. God has come to us because we, by our own power of soul, by our own emotions, even the noblest and most sublime, can never attain redemption, can never regain communion with God.
True expectancy, the waiting that is genuine and from the heart, is brought about by the coming of the Holy Spirit, by God coming to us, and not by our own devices. Spiritual depth, if it is true, is the working of God coming down and penetrating to the depths of our hearts, and not of our own soul's climbing. No ladder of mysticism can ever meet or find or possess God. Faith is a power given to us. It is never simply our ability or strength of will to believe. The spiritual experience that is truly genuine is given to us by God in the coming of his Spirit, and only as we surrender our whole lives to an active expression of his will.
To put it quite simply, spiritual experience, whether it be of faith, hope (or expectancy) or love, is something we cannot manufacture, but which we can only receive. If we direct our lives to seeking it for ourselves we shall lose it, but if we lose our lives by living out the daily way of Christ we shall find it.
Spiritual experience, if it is of God, will indeed lead to a life of activity. But the nature of the true activity is surrender and obedience. The most striking revelation of this is found in the conception and birth of Jesus.
Philip Britts, in an address from the Bruderhof Archives, published in Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Psalms 149-150
Click here for Sunday's Bible Reading.
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. We light the candle of Joy.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Christ is still knocking. It is not yet Christmas. But it is also not the great final Advent, the final coming of Christ. Through all the Advents of our life that we celebrate goes the longing for the final Advent, where it says: "Behold, I make all things new"
Rev. 21:5
Advent is a time of waiting. Our whole life, however, is Advent—that is, a time of waiting for the ultimate, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth, when all people are brothers and sisters and one rejoices in the words of the angels: "On earth peace to those on whom God's favor rests." Learn to wait, because he has promised to come. "I stand at the door?" We however call to him: "Yes, come soon, Lord Jesus!" Amen.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from A Testament to Freedom.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. We light the candle of Joy.
Messianic Predictions, Thomas Ingmire, Copyright 2006. From The Saint John's Bible. The Saint John's Bible and Saint John's University, United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Christ is still knocking. It is not yet Christmas. But it is also not the great final Advent, the final coming of Christ. Through all the Advents of our life that we celebrate goes the longing for the final Advent, where it says: "Behold, I make all things new"
Rev. 21:5
Advent is a time of waiting. Our whole life, however, is Advent—that is, a time of waiting for the ultimate, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth, when all people are brothers and sisters and one rejoices in the words of the angels: "On earth peace to those on whom God's favor rests." Learn to wait, because he has promised to come. "I stand at the door?" We however call to him: "Yes, come soon, Lord Jesus!" Amen.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from A Testament to Freedom.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Revelation 11-16; Proverbs 29:8-20
Click here for Saturday's Bible Reading.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
Matthew 2:1-4
Although the scribes could explain where the Messiah should be born, they remained quite unperturbed in Jerusalem. They did not accompany the Wise Men to seek him. Similarly we may know the whole of Christianity, yet make no movement. The power that moved heaven and earth leaves us completely unmoved.
What a difference! The three kings had only a rumor to go by. But it moved them to make that long journey. The scribes were much better informed, much better versed. They sat and studied the Scriptures like so many dons, but it did not make them move. Who had the more truth? The three kings who followed a rumor, or the scribes who remained sitting with all their knowledge?
What a vexation it must have been for the kings, that the scribes who gave them the news they wanted remained quiet in Jerusalem! We are being mocked, the kings might have thought. For indeed what an atrocious self-contradiction that the scribes should have the knowledge and yet remain still. This is as bad as if a person knows all about Christ and his teachings, and his own life expresses the opposite. We are tempted to suppose that such a person wishes to fool us, unless we admit that he is only fooling himself.
Søren Kierkegaard, from Meditations from Kierkegaard, James Nisbet and Co. Reprinted from Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
James Tissot, The Journey of the Magi
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
Matthew 2:1-4
Although the scribes could explain where the Messiah should be born, they remained quite unperturbed in Jerusalem. They did not accompany the Wise Men to seek him. Similarly we may know the whole of Christianity, yet make no movement. The power that moved heaven and earth leaves us completely unmoved.
What a difference! The three kings had only a rumor to go by. But it moved them to make that long journey. The scribes were much better informed, much better versed. They sat and studied the Scriptures like so many dons, but it did not make them move. Who had the more truth? The three kings who followed a rumor, or the scribes who remained sitting with all their knowledge?
What a vexation it must have been for the kings, that the scribes who gave them the news they wanted remained quiet in Jerusalem! We are being mocked, the kings might have thought. For indeed what an atrocious self-contradiction that the scribes should have the knowledge and yet remain still. This is as bad as if a person knows all about Christ and his teachings, and his own life expresses the opposite. We are tempted to suppose that such a person wishes to fool us, unless we admit that he is only fooling himself.
Søren Kierkegaard, from Meditations from Kierkegaard, James Nisbet and Co. Reprinted from Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Zechariah 4-6; Proverbs 29:1-7
Click here for Friday's Bible Reading.
"I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God."
Psalm 50:12, 23
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion,
Fragrance of Edom and offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would his favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
"Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning," by Reginald Heber
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Star V838 Monocerotis, which temporarily became brighter than the sun in 2002. Credit: NASA, ESA and H.E. Bond (STScI)
"I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God."
Psalm 50:12, 23
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion,
Fragrance of Edom and offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would his favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
"Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning," by Reginald Heber
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Zechariah 1-3; Proverbs 28:15-28
Click here for Thursday's Bible Reading.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:15-20
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
By Christina Jill Granberg. Fadil, an Israeli shepherd.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:15-20
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Haggai 1-2; Proverbs 28:1-14
Click here for Wednesday's Bible Reading.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
Luke 2:1-2
Mary lived at Nazareth in Galilee, and there seemed every probability that the birth would take place there; indeed, the period of her delivery was so near that, unless absolutely compelled, she would not be likely to undertake a long and tedious journey to the southern province of Judea. …
Can one turn of the wheel effect two purposes? It can be done! It shall be done! The official stamp of the Roman empire shall be affixed to the pedigree of the coming Son of David, and Bethlehem shall behold his nativity.
A little tyrant, Herod, by some show of independent spirit, offends the greater tyrant, Augustus. Augustus informs him that he shall no longer treat him as a friend, but as a vassal; and albeit Herod makes the most abject submission, and his friends at the Roman court intercede for him, yet Augustus, to show his displeasure, orders a census to be taken of all the Jewish people, in readiness for a contemplated taxation, which, however, was not carried out till some ten years after.
Even the winds and waves are not more fickle than a tyrant's will; but the Ruler of tempests knoweth how to rule the perverse spirits of princes. The Lord our God has a bit for the wildest war horse, and a hook for the most terrible leviathan. Autocratical Caesars are but puppets moved with invisible strings, mere drudges to the King of kings.
Charles Spurgeon, from a sermon (No. 485) delivered December 21st, 1862
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Pieter Brueghel, The Numbering at Bethlehem
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
Luke 2:1-2
Mary lived at Nazareth in Galilee, and there seemed every probability that the birth would take place there; indeed, the period of her delivery was so near that, unless absolutely compelled, she would not be likely to undertake a long and tedious journey to the southern province of Judea. …
Can one turn of the wheel effect two purposes? It can be done! It shall be done! The official stamp of the Roman empire shall be affixed to the pedigree of the coming Son of David, and Bethlehem shall behold his nativity.
A little tyrant, Herod, by some show of independent spirit, offends the greater tyrant, Augustus. Augustus informs him that he shall no longer treat him as a friend, but as a vassal; and albeit Herod makes the most abject submission, and his friends at the Roman court intercede for him, yet Augustus, to show his displeasure, orders a census to be taken of all the Jewish people, in readiness for a contemplated taxation, which, however, was not carried out till some ten years after.
Even the winds and waves are not more fickle than a tyrant's will; but the Ruler of tempests knoweth how to rule the perverse spirits of princes. The Lord our God has a bit for the wildest war horse, and a hook for the most terrible leviathan. Autocratical Caesars are but puppets moved with invisible strings, mere drudges to the King of kings.
Charles Spurgeon, from a sermon (No. 485) delivered December 21st, 1862
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Zephaniah 1-3; Proverbs 27:15-27
Click here for Tuesday's Bible Reading.
When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it.
Now the house of David was told, "Aram has allied itself with Ephraim"; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.
Then the Lord said to Isaiah, "Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman's Field. Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. … Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
"'It will not take place,
it will not happen,
for the head of Aram is Damascus,
and the head of Damascus is only Rezin.
Within sixty-five years
Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people.
The head of Ephraim is Samaria,
and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son.
If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.'"
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."
But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test."
Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.
Isaiah 7:1-4, 7-15
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Nyomane Darsane, The Chosen One
When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it.
Now the house of David was told, "Aram has allied itself with Ephraim"; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.
Then the Lord said to Isaiah, "Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman's Field. Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. … Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
"'It will not take place,
it will not happen,
for the head of Aram is Damascus,
and the head of Damascus is only Rezin.
Within sixty-five years
Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people.
The head of Ephraim is Samaria,
and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son.
If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.'"
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."
But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test."
Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.
Isaiah 7:1-4, 7-15
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Habakkuk 1-3; Proverbs 27:1-14
Click here for Tuesday's Bible Reading.
This is one of many traditional Christmas angels hanging over the Nuremberg Christmas Market.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11
When He came the angels sang
"Glory be to God on high,"
Lord, unloose my stammering tongue,
Who should louder sing than I.
John Newton, "Sweeter Sounds Than Music Knows"
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
By Gary M. Kostrivas
This is one of many traditional Christmas angels hanging over the Nuremberg Christmas Market.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11
When He came the angels sang
"Glory be to God on high,"
Lord, unloose my stammering tongue,
Who should louder sing than I.
John Newton, "Sweeter Sounds Than Music Knows"
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Psalm 146-148
Click here for Sunday's Bible Reading.
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him —
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:1-9
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Henri Lindegaard, Prince of Peace
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him —
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:1-9
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Revelation 6-10; Proverbs 26:17-28
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On December 13, Croatians plant wheat seeds in a shallow bowl. The wheat sprouts — several inches tall by Christmas — symbolize rebirth in Christ and are often the central decoration at the holiday dinner table.
Our salvation comes from something small, tender, and vulnerable, something hardly noticeable. God, who is the Creator of the Universe, comes to us in smallness, weakness, and hiddenness. I find this a hopeful message. Somehow, I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power; but over and over again I am reminded that spectacles, power plays, and big events are the ways of the world. Our temptation is to be distracted by them and made blind to the "shoot that shall sprout from the stump" [Isa. 11:1].
Henri J. Nouwen, Gracias! A Latin American Journal.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
By Kristina Marenic
On December 13, Croatians plant wheat seeds in a shallow bowl. The wheat sprouts — several inches tall by Christmas — symbolize rebirth in Christ and are often the central decoration at the holiday dinner table.
Our salvation comes from something small, tender, and vulnerable, something hardly noticeable. God, who is the Creator of the Universe, comes to us in smallness, weakness, and hiddenness. I find this a hopeful message. Somehow, I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power; but over and over again I am reminded that spectacles, power plays, and big events are the ways of the world. Our temptation is to be distracted by them and made blind to the "shoot that shall sprout from the stump" [Isa. 11:1].
Henri J. Nouwen, Gracias! A Latin American Journal.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Nahum 1-3; Proverbs 26:1-16
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Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16
Was there a moment, known only to God, when all the stars held their breath, when the galaxies paused in their dance for a fraction of a second, and the Word, who had called it all into being, went with all his love into the womb of a young girl, and the universe started to breathe again, and the ancient harmonies resumed their song, and the angels clapped their hands for joy?
Power. Greater power than we can imagine, abandoned, as the Word knew the powerlessness of the unborn child, still unformed, taking up almost no space in the great ocean of amniotic fluid, unseeing, unhearing, unknowing. Slowly growing, as any human embryo grows, arms and legs and a head, eyes, mouth, nose, slowly swimming into life until the ocean in the womb is no longer large enough, and it is time for birth.
Madeleine L'Engle, from Bright Evening Star.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16
Was there a moment, known only to God, when all the stars held their breath, when the galaxies paused in their dance for a fraction of a second, and the Word, who had called it all into being, went with all his love into the womb of a young girl, and the universe started to breathe again, and the ancient harmonies resumed their song, and the angels clapped their hands for joy?
Power. Greater power than we can imagine, abandoned, as the Word knew the powerlessness of the unborn child, still unformed, taking up almost no space in the great ocean of amniotic fluid, unseeing, unhearing, unknowing. Slowly growing, as any human embryo grows, arms and legs and a head, eyes, mouth, nose, slowly swimming into life until the ocean in the womb is no longer large enough, and it is time for birth.
Madeleine L'Engle, from Bright Evening Star.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Micah 6-7; Proverbs 25:15-28
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But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
Luke 1:13
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
Luke 1:30
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:20
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
Luke 2:10
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Fra Angelico, Annunciatory Angel
But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
Luke 1:13
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
Luke 1:30
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:20
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
Luke 2:10
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Micah 4-5; Proverbs 25:1-14
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"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:14
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan WunderinkC
By James Gagen
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:14
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan WunderinkC
Micah 1-3; Proverbs 24:23-34
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O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God! O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, Arise, shine, for thy Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Messiah libretto, from Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 60:1
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Transcript of Handel's Messiah, with notations by Beethoven
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God! O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, Arise, shine, for thy Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Messiah libretto, from Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 60:1
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Jonah 3-4; Proverbs 24:13-22
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"Of the two gospels that tell us anything about the birth of Christ, Matthew alone tells us Joseph's part in all this transaction. As we read the evangelist's account of that time, we see clearly that Joseph's cross was scarcely, if any, less heavy than Mary's … Gabriel had come in the name of God, to reassure the despairing heart of the bridegroom, to demand of him the consummation of the broken-off marriage, and to announce the Incarnation of the Son of God; he had even told Joseph the Heaven-given name of the divine Child who was thus committed to his fatherly care."
Alexander Whyte, A Classic Nativity Devotional
[Joseph's Dream]
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Jakob Acker, Joseph's Dream, photo by Joachim Köhler
"Of the two gospels that tell us anything about the birth of Christ, Matthew alone tells us Joseph's part in all this transaction. As we read the evangelist's account of that time, we see clearly that Joseph's cross was scarcely, if any, less heavy than Mary's … Gabriel had come in the name of God, to reassure the despairing heart of the bridegroom, to demand of him the consummation of the broken-off marriage, and to announce the Incarnation of the Son of God; he had even told Joseph the Heaven-given name of the divine Child who was thus committed to his fatherly care."
Alexander Whyte, A Classic Nativity Devotional
[Joseph's Dream]
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Psalms 143-145
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Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.
"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," Gerard Moultrie's translation of the 4th-century Liturgy of St. James.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.
"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," Gerard Moultrie's translation of the 4th-century Liturgy of St. James.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Revelation 1-5; Proverbs 24:1-12
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Margaret Adams Parker, Mary and Elizabeth
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Luke 1:39-45
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Margaret Adams Parker, Mary and Elizabeth
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Luke 1:39-45
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Jonah 1-2; Proverbs 23:29-35
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Kim Heung Jong, Christmas Scene
Gloria In Profundis
There has fallen on earth for a token
A god too great for the sky.
He has burst out of all things and broken
The bounds of eternity:
Into time and the terminal land
He has strayed like a thief or a lover,
For the wine of the world brims over,
Its splendour is spilt on the sand.
Who is proud when the heavens are humble,
Who mounts if the mountains fall,
If the fixed stars topple and tumble
And a deluge of love drowns all—
Who rears up his head for a crown,
Who holds up his will for a warrant,
Who strives with the starry torrent,
When all that is good goes down?
For in dread of such falling and failing
The fallen angels fell
Inverted in insolence, scaling
The hanging mountain of hell:
But unmeasured of plummet and rod
Too deep for their sight to scan,
Outrushing the fall of man
Is the height of the fall of God.
Glory to God in the Lowest
The spout of the stars in spate—
Where thunderbolt thinks to be slowest
And the lightning fears to be late:
As men dive for sunken gem
Pursuing, we hunt and hound it,
The fallen star has found it
In the cavern of Bethlehem.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Kim Heung Jong, Christmas Scene
Gloria In Profundis
There has fallen on earth for a token
A god too great for the sky.
He has burst out of all things and broken
The bounds of eternity:
Into time and the terminal land
He has strayed like a thief or a lover,
For the wine of the world brims over,
Its splendour is spilt on the sand.
Who is proud when the heavens are humble,
Who mounts if the mountains fall,
If the fixed stars topple and tumble
And a deluge of love drowns all—
Who rears up his head for a crown,
Who holds up his will for a warrant,
Who strives with the starry torrent,
When all that is good goes down?
For in dread of such falling and failing
The fallen angels fell
Inverted in insolence, scaling
The hanging mountain of hell:
But unmeasured of plummet and rod
Too deep for their sight to scan,
Outrushing the fall of man
Is the height of the fall of God.
Glory to God in the Lowest
The spout of the stars in spate—
Where thunderbolt thinks to be slowest
And the lightning fears to be late:
As men dive for sunken gem
Pursuing, we hunt and hound it,
The fallen star has found it
In the cavern of Bethlehem.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Obadiah; Proverbs 23:12-28
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Gil Levy, Circles In the Sky. Dead sea desert, Israel, 2005.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
John 1:1-9
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Gil Levy, Circles In the Sky. Dead sea desert, Israel, 2005.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
John 1:1-9
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Amos 7-9; Proverbs 23:1-11
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Macha Chmakoff, Annonciation, passage de l'ange jaune
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Luke 1:26-33
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Macha Chmakoff, Annonciation, passage de l'ange jaune
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Luke 1:26-33
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Amos 4-6; Proverbs 22:17-29
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Advent Calendar from Christianity Today
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Advent Calendar from Christianity Today
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Sawai Chinnawong, Old Testament and New Testament The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:17-20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
Amos 1-3; Proverbs 22:9-16
Click here for Monday's Bible Reading.
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
 Donald Jackson, Birth of Christ. From The Saint John's Bible ©2002. The Saint John's Bible and Saint John's University, United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. | ||
| I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:5-6 God is coming! God is coming! All the element we swim in, this existence, Echoes ahead the advent. God is coming! Can't you feel it? Walter Wangerin Jr., "The Signs of the Times" in The Manger Is Empty | ||
Christianity Today Advent Calendar compiled by Susan Wunderink
2, 3 John, Jude; Proverbs 22:1-8
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C.S. Lewis was born on this day 110 years ago. Lewis is the author of two of the most influential books in my life: Mere Christianity and Screwtape Letters. Max McLean, dramatist and narrator of the NIV Bible on BibleGateway.com, has adapted Screwtape Letters for the stage. He is performing it at the Mercury Theater in Chicago from November 30 through January 4. Click here to watch a preview.
C.S. Lewis was born on this day 110 years ago. Lewis is the author of two of the most influential books in my life: Mere Christianity and Screwtape Letters. Max McLean, dramatist and narrator of the NIV Bible on BibleGateway.com, has adapted Screwtape Letters for the stage. He is performing it at the Mercury Theater in Chicago from November 30 through January 4. Click here to watch a preview.
Daniel 10-12; Proverbs 19:1-15
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Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Many today seek stardom by trying to get into the media spotlight. But a young Jewish captive achieved “stardom” in a better way.
When Daniel and his friends were taken captive by a ruthless invading nation, it was unlikely that they would be heard from again. But the godly young men soon distinguished themselves as intelligent and trustworthy.
When the king had a dream that his wise men could not repeat nor interpret, he condemned them to death. After a night of prayer with his friends, Daniel received from God the content of the dream and its interpretation. As a result, the king promoted Daniel to be his chief advisor (see Dan. 2).
If the story ended there, it would be remarkable enough. But some scholars believe that Daniel’s influence in Babylon made people aware of messianic prophecies about a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Daniel’s teaching may have been the reason that 500 years later wise men from the East followed a star to a remote and unfamiliar part of the world to find an infant King, worship Him, and return to their country with the good news of God’s incredible journey to earth (Matt. 2:1-12).
By turning others to righteousness, we too become stars that will shine forever. — Julie Ackerman Link
Ezekiel 43-45; Proverbs 16:12-21
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How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)
And if you can find wisdom in chocolate, how can it get any better?!
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)
And if you can find wisdom in chocolate, how can it get any better?!
Wisdom In Hot Chocolate
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Ezekiel 34-36; Proverbs 15:12-21
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Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. (Ezekiel 34:2-4)
If Starbucks marketed like a church . . .
Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. (Ezekiel 34:2-4)
If Starbucks marketed like a church . . .
Psalms 131-133
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From today's Bible reading . . .
How good and pleasant it is
when God's people live together in peace! (Psalm 133:1)
From today's news . . .
Click here to read the story from your favorite news source.
From today's Bible reading . . .
How good and pleasant it is
when God's people live together in peace! (Psalm 133:1)
From today's news . . .
Click here to read the story from your favorite news source.
1 Peter 1-5; Proverbs 15:1-11
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Truth for Life is featuring a sermon series by Alistair Begg on the book of First Peter. Click here for more information and to listen.
Truth for Life is featuring a sermon series by Alistair Begg on the book of First Peter. Click here for more information and to listen.
Ezekiel 22-24; Proverbs 13:13-25
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Election Day 2008.
Finally. After the longest, most expensive campaign season in the history of our nation, probably any nation, we will elect a new president today.
He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
Today's Bible reading has many pertinent and sobering reminders as to what God expects from leaders.
Election Day 2008.
Finally. After the longest, most expensive campaign season in the history of our nation, probably any nation, we will elect a new president today.
He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
Today's Bible reading has many pertinent and sobering reminders as to what God expects from leaders.
James 1-5; Proverbs 12:15-28
Click here for Saturday's Bible Reading.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! —James 2:12-13
From Shakespeare . . .
All Saints Day
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! —James 2:12-13
From Shakespeare . . .
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,Sadly, mercy was not shown to many Christian martyrs.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'T is mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway,
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's,
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. —William Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice"
All Saints Day
Ezekiel 4-6; Proverbs 10:22-32
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What the wicked dreads will overtake him;
what the righteous desire will be granted. —Proverbs 10:24
What the wicked dreads will overtake him;
what the righteous desire will be granted. —Proverbs 10:24
Psalms 125-127
Click here for Sunday's Bible Reading.
Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves. —Psalm 127:1-2
Click here to listen to a clip of Marty Goetz singing "Unless It Is the Lord."
Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves. —Psalm 127:1-2
Click here to listen to a clip of Marty Goetz singing "Unless It Is the Lord."
Psalms 122-124
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Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels." —Psalm 122:6-7
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels." —Psalm 122:6-7
Hebrews 6-9; Proverbs 8:1-11
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God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. —Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. —Hebrews 6:10
Jeremiah 19-21; Proverbs 3:11-26
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But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot. —Jeremiah 20:9
But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot. —Jeremiah 20:9
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. —Proverbs 3:11-12
Psalm 119
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May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word. —Psalm 119:41-42
The earth is filled with your love, O LORD;
teach me your decrees. —Psalm 119:64
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant. —Psalm 119:76
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name. —Psalm 119:132
Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble. —Psalm 119:165
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word. —Psalm 119:41-42
The earth is filled with your love, O LORD;
teach me your decrees. —Psalm 119:64
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant. —Psalm 119:76
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name. —Psalm 119:132
Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble. —Psalm 119:165
Isaiah 13-15; Proverbs 22:17-29
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Today's verses from Proverbs are fitting for the day after Labor Day and the first day of the Republican National Convention:
Today's verses from Proverbs are fitting for the day after Labor Day and the first day of the Republican National Convention:
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you true and reliable words,
so that you can give sound answers
to him who sent you?
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared.
26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men. —Proverbs 22:17-29
Isaiah 10-12; Proverbs 22:9-16
Click here for Monday's Bible Reading.
Labor Day.
Today's reading in Isaiah is fitting for the occasion . . .
And this from Proverbs . . .
Labor Day.
Today's reading in Isaiah is fitting for the occasion . . .
1 Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
2 to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.
3 What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?
4 Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised. —Isaiah 10:1-4
And this from Proverbs . . .
9 A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. . . .
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty. —Proverbs 29:9, 16
Song of Songs 7-8; Proverbs 20:21-30
Click here for Tuesday's Bible Reading.
6 Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned. —Song of Solomon 8:6-7
6 Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned. —Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Song of Songs 4-6; Proverbs 20:11-20
Click here for Monday's Bible Reading.
Donald Miller gives the benediction at the Democratic National Convention.
Donald Miller gives the benediction at the Democratic National Convention.
Psalms 102-104
Click here for Sunday's Bible Reading.
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Ezra 9-10; Proverbs 6:12-19
Click here for Tuesday's Bible Reading.
SILENT HELPER
SILENT HELPER
The discovery of penicillin revolutionized health care. Prior to the 1940s, bacterial infections were often fatal. Since then, penicillin has saved countless lives by killing harmful bacteria. The men who recognized its potential and developed it for widespread use won a Nobel Prize in 1945.
Long before the discovery of penicillin, other silent killers were at work saving lives by destroying bacteria. These silent killers are white blood cells. These hard workers are God’s way of protecting us from disease. No one knows how many invasions they have stopped or how many lives they have saved. They receive little recognition for all the good they do.
The Lord gets similar treatment. He often gets blamed when something goes wrong, but He seldom gets credit for all the things that go right. Every day people get up, get dressed, drive to work or school or the grocery store, and return safely to their families. No one knows how many times God has protected us from harm. But when there is a tragedy, we ask, “Where was God?”
When I consider all the wonderful things that God does silently on my behalf each day (Isa. 25:1), I realize that my list of praises should be much longer than my list of petitions. — Julie Ackerman Link
2 Chronicles 28-30; Proverbs 3:11-26
Click here for Monday's Bible Reading.
I ran across this Oswald Chambers quotation today:
I ran across this Oswald Chambers quotation today:
Habits of ecstasy, that is, the tendency to live a spiritual life before God apart from the rational life of our soul and the physical life of our body. In many a life the idea that creeps in slowly is that we must develop a spiritual life altogether apart from the rational and the physical life. God is never in that type of teaching. There are people we call naturally spiritual people who devote all their time to developing the spirit, forgetting altogether the rational life and the physical life. When we look at them or read about them they seem all right, spiritual and fine, but they lack the one marvellous stamp of the religion of Jesus Christ which keeps spirit, soul and body going on together. God never develops one part of our being at the expense of the other; spirit, soul and body are kept in harmony. Remember, our spirit does not go further than we bring our body. The Spirit of God always drives us out of the visionary, out of the excitable, out of the ecstasy stages, if we are inclined that way. This blind life of the spirit, a life that delights to live in the dim regions of the spirit, refusing to bring the leadings of the Holy Spirit into the rational life, gives occasion to supernatural forces that are not of God. It is impossible to guard our spirit, the only One Who can guard all its entrances is God. Never give way to spiritual ecstasy unless there is a chance of working it out rationally, check it every time. Nights and days of prayer and waiting on God may be a curse to our souls and an occasion for Satan. So always remember that the times we have in communion with God must be worked out in the soul and in the body. —Oswald Chambers, If Thou Wilt Be Perfect : Talks on Spiritual Philosophy (London: Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1996, c1941).
Psalms 81-83
Click here for Sunday's Bible Reading.
If there was any doubt as to the theme for this weekend, today's reading in the psalms should remove it. After a lengthy recitation in Psalm 81 about God's deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery, Asaph reminds the people of their obligation to do the same for others:
If there was any doubt as to the theme for this weekend, today's reading in the psalms should remove it. After a lengthy recitation in Psalm 81 about God's deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery, Asaph reminds the people of their obligation to do the same for others:
"How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Selah
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 81:2-4)
1 Corinthians 7-11; Proverbs 3:1-10
Click here for Saturday's Bible Reading.
The Scripture reading used with today's Our Daily Bread is different from today's Bible reading. However, once again my motto proves true: All Scripture is relevant, and all Scripture is related.
The theme of freedom and slavery show up throughout First Corinthians, and that is a sub-theme of today's ODB. Also, yesterday's holiday commemorating our national freedom continues today and throughout the weekend.
I attribute this to God's sense of timing, which, as usual, is remarkable.
The Scripture reading used with today's Our Daily Bread is different from today's Bible reading. However, once again my motto proves true: All Scripture is relevant, and all Scripture is related.
The theme of freedom and slavery show up throughout First Corinthians, and that is a sub-theme of today's ODB. Also, yesterday's holiday commemorating our national freedom continues today and throughout the weekend.
I attribute this to God's sense of timing, which, as usual, is remarkable.
READ: Matthew 25:31-40
Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. —Matthew 25:40
In addition to those you know personally, you might also want to help those you don't know by making a contribution to International Justice Mission.
People who find something of value are generally eager to keep it. In such cases, the notion of “finders keepers” seems like a good thing. But what if the thing we find is a problem? In that case, we’re eager to give it up.
While working for the US Justice Department, Gary Haugen discovered a big problem. Someone needs to do something about this, he thought. He looked around for someone who could take on the injustice and abuse of authority he had uncovered. But then he realized that God was looking at him. In 1997, Haugen founded International Justice Mission to rescue victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery, and oppression.
Just as Moses was God’s answer for the slavery of His people in Egypt (Ex. 3:9-10), so too Haugen and his team are becoming God’s answer for those in slavery today. As Haugen says, “God doesn’t have a Plan B. His plan is you. You are the answer.”
God places us in unique circumstances where our abilities match the problem He wants to fix. Jesus said that what we do for those in need, we do for Him (Matt. 25:35-40).
Have you found a problem? How might you be God’s solution? God may want you to be an answer to someone’s prayer. — Julie Ackerman Link
Another good question to ask ourselves today would be, "Who do I know who is enslaved by sin—either their own or someone else's?" How might God use me to be the solution?In addition to those you know personally, you might also want to help those you don't know by making a contribution to International Justice Mission.
2 Chronicles 25-27; Proverbs 2:12-22
Click here for Friday's Bible Reading.
Happy Independence Day.
Keep in mind that I was much younger then, and the seeds of my husband's peacemaking skills had not yet taken root, much less produced any fruit.
..................................................................................................
The Most Frightening Freedom
AFTER a patriotic musical program at our church in the early 1980s, I noticed that my pastor, a World War II veteran, was fighting a losing battle to hold back tears. His face was red and puffy, and he was dabbing at his damp eyes with a handkerchief. Pastor Gardiner had been deeply moved by the presentation.
I too had been affected, but mentally, not emotionally. While the choir belted out songs about banners making tyranny tremble and bombs bursting in air, one question roared through my mind like a bomb ready to burst in my brain. Unable to come up with an adequate defense to shield myself from the attack, I deflected the question in Pastor Gardiner’s direction as I exited.
“That was a good program,” I said, “but why do we go to so much work to celebrate political freedom and to honor those who fought for it but we never do anything to celebrate spiritual freedom and the martyrs who have died spreading the news about freedom in Christ?”
He responded graciously, as he always did, even though I had ruined the moment for him. But he didn’t answer my question. Perhaps he couldn’t.
Since then, I’ve tried off and on to answer it for myself because the question still attacks me from time to time.
One of those times came in June 1994.
Jay and I were in a Chicago hotel room watching the fiftieth anniversary celebration of D-Day when a sudden wave of emotion caught me off guard. I had not expected to feel anything. I was watching simply because the event held great historical significance. I was expecting information, not emotion.
That day the old question returned in a more personal form: Why do I feel more emotion about political freedom than spiritual freedom? Why do I feel more passion for people who risk their lives defending democracy than for those who risk their lives proclaiming freedom in Christ? And further, why am I more concerned about preserving the freedom from tyranny I enjoy in this earthly kingdom called America than I am in promoting the freedom from sin in the spiritual kingdom God is building within human hearts?
One month later, the conflict in my soul was reflected in the decor of our church. As we prepared to present yet another patriotic program for The Fourth of July, our church sanctuary was dressed up for the occasion in red, white, and blue bunting stretched from north to south and east to west, and draped from aisles to altar and from balcony to baptistry. The place looked as if was soon to be the scene of a political convention. Except for one thing. In a small space not covered by red, white, and blue, a gold and white banner hung. On it were three words: Above all, Christ.
It was impossible to escape the irony.
I'm concerned that the message of those conflicting symbols is a sadly accurate picture of today’s church. And if the message confuses those of us inside the church, is it any wonder that people outside the church often misunderstand the messages we send?
The American church, having enjoyed for more than two hundred years a relatively peaceful coexistence with a democratic government, seems to have accepted the notion that freedom is a gift from our government and guaranteed by political documents. It’s not. The freedom we have is one that the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights can neither give nor take away. Yet in recent years, Christians have focused so much energy on preserving religious freedom through political means that it’s as if we have come to believe that freedom is a gift from government rather than from God.
The whole idea of freedom is watered down when we think of it primarily in terms of governments. Freedom is bigger, so much bigger. And infinitely richer and deeper and absolutely mind-boggling to explore. Freedom is also dangerous, as Jesus himself has shown us. But it’s important to remember that religious leaders, not Roman authorities, were the first to feel threatened by his message of freedom (Matthew 27).
..................................................................................................
The complete essay is three and a half pages, so I didn't want to post the entire thing here. The last part is the best (if I may say so) for it summarizes my thoughts on why God allows evil. (Hint: it has to do with love.) I'll send it to anyone interested in reading it.
Happy Independence Day.
2 Chronicles 25:7-8AS WE CELEBRATE our nation's independence, these verses from today's Bible reading remind us that whatever freedom we have is not due to our own zeal or passion (heart), proud national identity (soul), brilliant political strategies (mind), or superior military might (strength). It is due to God's actions on our behalf. Our freedom comes from God, not a government document. The Declaration of Independence simply acknowledges the fact.
A man of God came to [Amaziah] and said, "O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the people of Ephraim. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow."
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.And the first of ten amendments to the Constitution (i.e., Bill of Rights) guarantees it . . .
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
From both the Old and New Testaments we learn that God does not always side with those who claim to be his people; he sides with those who uphold his values. As one great president said: "I do not boast that God is on my side, I humbly pray that I am on God's side" (Abraham Lincoln).
I'm giving a lot of thought to this today because our church is sorting through issues related to patriotism and the church. One recent discussion called to mind an essay that I've been working on for more than 20 years. Today seems like the right time to post it here . . . well, at least part of it.Keep in mind that I was much younger then, and the seeds of my husband's peacemaking skills had not yet taken root, much less produced any fruit.
..................................................................................................
The Most Frightening Freedom
AFTER a patriotic musical program at our church in the early 1980s, I noticed that my pastor, a World War II veteran, was fighting a losing battle to hold back tears. His face was red and puffy, and he was dabbing at his damp eyes with a handkerchief. Pastor Gardiner had been deeply moved by the presentation.
I too had been affected, but mentally, not emotionally. While the choir belted out songs about banners making tyranny tremble and bombs bursting in air, one question roared through my mind like a bomb ready to burst in my brain. Unable to come up with an adequate defense to shield myself from the attack, I deflected the question in Pastor Gardiner’s direction as I exited.
“That was a good program,” I said, “but why do we go to so much work to celebrate political freedom and to honor those who fought for it but we never do anything to celebrate spiritual freedom and the martyrs who have died spreading the news about freedom in Christ?”
He responded graciously, as he always did, even though I had ruined the moment for him. But he didn’t answer my question. Perhaps he couldn’t.
Since then, I’ve tried off and on to answer it for myself because the question still attacks me from time to time.
One of those times came in June 1994.
Jay and I were in a Chicago hotel room watching the fiftieth anniversary celebration of D-Day when a sudden wave of emotion caught me off guard. I had not expected to feel anything. I was watching simply because the event held great historical significance. I was expecting information, not emotion.
That day the old question returned in a more personal form: Why do I feel more emotion about political freedom than spiritual freedom? Why do I feel more passion for people who risk their lives defending democracy than for those who risk their lives proclaiming freedom in Christ? And further, why am I more concerned about preserving the freedom from tyranny I enjoy in this earthly kingdom called America than I am in promoting the freedom from sin in the spiritual kingdom God is building within human hearts?
One month later, the conflict in my soul was reflected in the decor of our church. As we prepared to present yet another patriotic program for The Fourth of July, our church sanctuary was dressed up for the occasion in red, white, and blue bunting stretched from north to south and east to west, and draped from aisles to altar and from balcony to baptistry. The place looked as if was soon to be the scene of a political convention. Except for one thing. In a small space not covered by red, white, and blue, a gold and white banner hung. On it were three words: Above all, Christ.
It was impossible to escape the irony.
I'm concerned that the message of those conflicting symbols is a sadly accurate picture of today’s church. And if the message confuses those of us inside the church, is it any wonder that people outside the church often misunderstand the messages we send?
The American church, having enjoyed for more than two hundred years a relatively peaceful coexistence with a democratic government, seems to have accepted the notion that freedom is a gift from our government and guaranteed by political documents. It’s not. The freedom we have is one that the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights can neither give nor take away. Yet in recent years, Christians have focused so much energy on preserving religious freedom through political means that it’s as if we have come to believe that freedom is a gift from government rather than from God.
The whole idea of freedom is watered down when we think of it primarily in terms of governments. Freedom is bigger, so much bigger. And infinitely richer and deeper and absolutely mind-boggling to explore. Freedom is also dangerous, as Jesus himself has shown us. But it’s important to remember that religious leaders, not Roman authorities, were the first to feel threatened by his message of freedom (Matthew 27).
..................................................................................................
The complete essay is three and a half pages, so I didn't want to post the entire thing here. The last part is the best (if I may say so) for it summarizes my thoughts on why God allows evil. (Hint: it has to do with love.) I'll send it to anyone interested in reading it.
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