Christmas . . . A God Who Defies Expectations

walking in the truth at Christmas

Today's Truth from Scripture

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."  Isaiah 9:2

Luke 2:1-20 . . . Please pick up a Bible & read this familiar account of the first Christmas.

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men . . . while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."  Titus 2:11-, 13-14

Today's devotional thoughts

Our God is a God who defies expectations. His light appears to people "walking in darkness" . . . to people living in the "land of the shadow of death." He doesn't shine His glorious light into the lives of the self-righteous who see no need for forgiveness & salvation.

He chooses a poor, humble virgin--not a queen or princess--to bear the Son of God . . . And He chooses to be born in lowly Bethlehem, not the capital city of Jerusalem, located just a few miles down the road. Furthermore, His angels first announced the news to outcasts--to shepherds--not the ruling class . . . not the elite.

Finally, He uses these same lowly shepherds, not mighty prophets in the image of Isaiah, to be the first to "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." Luke 2:17b-18

• Even so He chooses us--chooses us to "redeem us from all wickedness & to purify us to be "a people that are His very own . . . 
• . . . "Eager to do what is good . . . 
• . . . "Eager to deliver His grace & mercy to others "walking in darkness . . . "
• . . . Eager to deliver His grace & mercy to "others living in lands where His light must dawn."

How's that for Christ's--NOT Paul's--Christmas message? 

Alleluia!

Prayer Thoughts for Christmas *

Let our gladness Banish sadness All throughout creation!
God, whose favor Sent our Savior, Praise with adoration!
He is born in a stall, Now He lies, infant small,
In a manger, Heav'nly stranger, Lord of all,
In a manger, Heav'nly stranger, Lord of all.

Whom the sages And the ages Eagerly awaited,
Angels proudly Herald loudly In their songs elated.
Let us, too, in these days, Thankful hearts gladly raise; 
To the tender Infant render All our praise,
To the tender Infant render All our praise.

Child appealing, Light revealing, Jesus Christ, our pleasure;
God, yet very Son of Mary, Heaven's gift and treasure.
Mighty king, gentle friend, as Our Lord to us bend
With Your blessing Us caressing. Now descend,
With Your blessing Us caressing. Now descend.

* SOURCE:  "Let Our Gladness Banish Sadness," Lutheran Service Book, #371.

Disclaimer:  This is a devotional that I adapted from one that I wrote for The Headliner, a weekly e-newsletter, published by Orphan Grain Train.

Missionary News **

** Some major revisions have been made since the original post.

Pastor Stuart & Debra Freese are the two missionaries that Lois & I have adopted. They are preparing to serve in West Africa; it looks like they are on track to begin their mission & ministry over there soon after the 1st of the year. They are spending their time now getting ready for this assignment, which includes traveling to spread the word about the mission work in Africa & raising support with the help of Gary Thies. Some of you know Gary from his work via Mission Central. [http://missioncentral.us/missioncentral/welcome] I have Stu & Deb's permission to share the following information with you.

"Change of plans--serving in Burkina Faso, West Africa. God has changed our plans. We will no longer be serving in Ghana, West Africa, but in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Through prayer & careful consideration it has been determined that God is leading us to this mission calling . . . God will continue to bless the work in Ghana through the capable hands of the missionaries & national pastors living there.
Specific prayer requests:  That we are able to learn the French & Moore' languages . . . For our transition from the Ghana mission call to the Burkina Faso mission call . . . For the mission work in West Africa . . . For the people of Burkina Faso so they are willing to hear & share God's Word . . . That God would provide men who want to be trained as leaders in Burkina Faso.

• Email: debra.freese@lcmsintl.org
• Email:  stuart.freese@lcmsintl.org
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/FreesesinAfrica/ (NOTE:  You don't need a Facebook account to view this page.)
• Website:  http://debrafreese.wix.com/freesesinafrica
• Giving Page:  http://www.lcms.org/freese