Yeah. I know it’s early. Early for what? “I know Bill does these devotions at 0-dark-30. Is that what he means?”
In all honesty. No. As soon as I write what is to follow you will understand.
In one sense, the whole of Scripture is both a lesson in history and a promise for the future, in order that we may become like Jesus and glorify Him in the present. It’s often been said that in the Old Testament Jesus is predicted, in the Gospels He is revealed, in Acts He is preached, in the Epistles He is explained, and in the book of Revelation He is expected. (p.159)
Okay, so may that wasn’t so revealing. 🙂 This will be:
Christmas isn’t only a celebration of what our newborn King came down to earth to save us from; it’s a celebration of what He came to save us for-eternal life with Him in His perfected kingdom. (p.163)
Now you get my drift? This whole month of September I’ve been reading a new book by Alistair Begg entitled Let Earth Receive Her King. Yes. Christmas devotions. 24 of them to be exact. The preceding two excerpts were from #23, which I read this morning. “Seems awful early to be reading Christmas devotions,” you might be thinking. Really? Have you seen the Hallmark Channel? Christmas in July…August…September…October…you get my drift. 🙂
Putting all kidding aside, as I read #23 today-and particularly highlighted those two excerpts as I read-it struck me how the Scripture all comes together. It is like one big woven story. I once heard someone say, “There is a scarlet thread that weaves its way from Genesis to Revelation.” I’ll add to that: the thread makes its way from the heart of the Garden and Adam’s sin through the sacrifices directly through the heart of the cross all the way through to the return of Jesus.
See the Bible as a whole-not as random pieces slung together. It tells a story-a redemptive story-one woven through the fabric of every scene, specifically designed for us to see and know and learn.
Don’t neglect the Book. And don’t slough off the story of Christmas…even though it is only September. In this one way the Hallmark Channel can teach us that the Christmas story-the real Christmas story-is timeless and to remembered all year long.
{Selections excerpted from Let Earth Receive Her King by Alistair Begg- The Good Book Company- Copyright 2024}
I have to confess. I am one of those guys that gets a little irritated at Christmas decor and displays that find themselves on the store shelves and homes prior to Thanksgiving. I don’t know why, I need to get over it really…
I think what bothers me is the pushed commercialization and how it seems to distract from the real meaning… which is where you take us.
The history of Christmas, the Birth of our Savior is not a story for just December. It isn’t a tale simply to be told around the fireplace while drinking cocoa and eating roasted chestnuts.
This is a story for all time, anytime, all the time.
Thanks for the reminder this morning.
I joke with Jo about Hallmark but it is just that. however, I too have gotten upset with the hype and commercialization and “way too soon” mentality that stores and others have. But like you said, the story if for all time, anytime, and all the time.
Amen, Bill! May we celebrate Christmas every day in our hearts, knowing the Jesus was and is and will be the greatest gift we could ever receive.
Blessings!
Was, is, and will be. Amen Martha!
Great point Bill. Father, may we never forget any single detail of how great the love story is in the Bible. Only You Father could weave the all of the stories together with such divine purpose. Reading through the Bible from beginning to end, Your overwhelming love for us, is always on display. Father help us to look at You with the same love, You look at us with. May we see You are everything we need, and send honor and glory to You forever.
I can only say AMEN to your prayer. May that love story never die from my lips.