Moments

for

Christmas

by

Robert Strand

First printing: August 1994

Fifth printing: October 1999

Copyright © 1993 by New Leaf Press. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. For information write: New Leaf Press, Inc., P.O. Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638.

ISBN: 0-89221-265-9

Library of Congress: 92-87690

Cover illustration by Maureen Scullin

All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.

Every effort has been made to locate the authors or originators of the stories contained in this book. Most are the result of conversations with pastors, while others were accumulated throughout the course of a 30-year radio and television broadcasting career.

Printed in the United States of America.

Please visit our website for other great titles:

www.newleafpress.net

Day 1

How about a Good Word for Santa?

At Christmas, when calling us to be manger-people, perhaps Jesus would say: CONSIDER IF YOU WILL MY SERVANT, NICHOLAS. Born of wealthy parents in A.D. 280 in a small town called Patara in Asia Minor, he lost his parents early by an epidemic but not before they had given him the gift of faith. And then little Nicholas went to Myra and lived there a life which people called “Bethlehem”. . . so full it was of self-offering and giving of himself, so full of sacrifice and love and the spirit of Jesus.

Nicholas lived in the mind of Christ so that when the town needed a bishop he was elected. He was later imprisoned for his faith by Emperor Diocletion and released later by Emperor Constantine.

Many stories of his generosity collected and spread — how he begged for food for the poor, of how he would give girls money so that they would have a dowry to get a husband. The story that was most often repeated told how he would don a disguise and go out and give gifts to poor children. He gave away everything he had. And everything he could gain from others.

And in A.D. 314 he died. His body was later moved to Italy. His remains are still there.

But the story of Nicholas has spread around the world.

Oh, people have done strange things to him. The poet, Clement Moore, gave him a red nose and eight tiny reindeer. And Thomas Nast, the illustrationist, made him big and fat and gave him a red suit trimmed by fur. Others have given him names . . . Belsnickle, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus.

But what’s important about him is that he lived in the mind and spirit of Jesus Christ. And because he lived like that in a gentle self-offering love, he touched the whole world!

He lived what Jesus Christ taught and modeled. He caught the purpose of life. He made a difference in the spirit of Christ. And what is so exciting is that the same mind of Christ can and should be in and with us, too. The Apostle wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

What a wonderful goal for this season: I will open my mind and heart and spirit so that the mind and spirit of Christ can be in me, reaching out to others to share his love![1]

Today’s Quote: It is not even the beginning of Christmas unless it is Christmas in the heart. — Richard Roberts, Contemporary Christ

Today’s Verse: 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 (Matt. 2:2).

Day 2

What Do You Have?

A surgical magazine tells the story of a hard-pressed, irritable, nervous, overworked surgeon in a busy New York City hospital. He was ready to perform another emergency operation. He was in a hurry, it was Christmas Eve, December 24, and it had been quite a day in the surgical suite.

The patient was a beautiful girl of 17 who had been seriously injured in an auto accident. The nurse, about to give the anesthetic, said kindly, “Relax — breathe deeply and the pain will be gone.”

The girl said, “Would you mind if I repeated the 23rd Psalm from the Bible, before you operate?”

The nurse looked at the surgeon and he nodded; the girl began:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. . . .”

The surgeon continued with his preparations, but everyone else stood still, listening. They had heard these beautiful words many times in church but they had never sounded so moving. Here in that surgical suite, they had another meaning, a deeper kind of meaning to them.

The girl went on, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me. . . .”

The nurse held the cone above her to begin with the anesthetic.

“Hold it,” said the doctor. “Let her finish.” Then he moved over and looked down at her and said, “Go on, honey, say it to the end and say it for me, too, won’t you?”

They all stood quietly and listened as her heart, full of faith, filled the operating room that Christmas Eve day. They heard some of the most moving words ever written:

“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” she paused, catching her breath, then went on to the finish, “and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The surgeon looked down at her. He was relaxed, his sense of irritation was gone. There was no feeling of other duties pressing in on him. He and his patient and the operating room crew were at peace and ready for the surgery.

Everybody in that room had been lifted by that girl’s faith. It’s soon Christmas, once more. What will you be giving this year, beyond the usual? Plan to give something of a spiritual value to others this Christmas!

Today’s Quote: God had only one Son, and He was a missionary and a physician. — David Livingstone

Today’s Verse: And Mary said: “My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46-47).

Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,

If he’s not born in thee thy soul is still forlorn.

Angelus Silesius (1024–1077)

Day 3

Unknown Beneficiary

One of my wealthier neighbors told me of the merriest Christmas he had ever experienced. He said, “One Christmas Eve I locked my office door and started home, feeling the spirit of Christmas had snubbed me that year. As I left the building on that bitterly cold day, I saw on the usual street corner the usual little paper boy shouting the headlines. I, slipping into my warm overcoat, noticed he had no overcoat. The dirty jacket he wore was much too large for his frail shoulders. It was also so thin he shivered with chill. On an impulse, I invited him to follow me into a nearby department store. To his surprised delight I had him fitted with a fur-lined leather coat. The shining eyes of a grinning boy excited me so I asked him if he owned a bicycle. Upon learning he did not, I accompanied him to the bicycle department and invited him to select the bicycle of his choice. Overcome with gladness, he could hardly decide, but finally settled on one of the shiniest ones. When he saw me paying for it, he jumped for joy saying, ‘Just what I’ve been wanting! Just what I’ve been wanting!’

“Forgetting about his papers, he rode off into the thinning Christmas crowd shouting over his shoulder, ‘Thanks! Thanks a lot! Thanks a lot, Mister.’ The smile I had seen wreathed upon his face filled my heart with the true Christmas spirit. I believe that was the little boy’s best Christmas. I know it was my best one,” my neighbor concluded.

“What was the boy’s name?” I asked.

The modest lawyer replied, “Come to think about it, I don’t believe I ever asked him his name.”2

Such a story is exactly what warms the heart. Why? It’s a capturing of some of the spirit of Christ . . . freely giving to someone who cannot possibly pay back with a like gift. When we give, it has a boomerang type of effect. You can’t get out of the way of the happiness which follows. Happiness is elusive . . . it cannot be captured if you set out to seek it . . . but it hits you like a surprise reaction when you give in an honest act of love! Yes, the boy was happy to be the recipient . . . but for my money, the lawyer got the better portion of happiness.

When looking at the Christmas story, think in terms of giving . . . Mary gave her body, Joseph gave a name and relationship, the shepherds came to give, the wise men came with gifts . . . but most of all, the Heavenly Father gave a Son to this world so desperately in need of the love, grace, mercy, and happiness this special Son provided.

Today’s Quote: Christmas is a gift of love wrapped in human flesh and tied securely with the strong promises of God.

Today’s Verse: Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away (Matt. 5:42).

Day 4

Trouble at the Inn

For years now, whenever Christmas pageants are talked about in a certain little town in the Midwest, someone is sure to mention the name of Wallace Purling. Wally’s performance in one annual production of the Nativity play has slipped into the realm of legend.

Wally was nine that year and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. Most people in town knew that he had difficulty in keeping up. He was big and clumsy, slow in movement and mind. Still, Wally was well liked by the other children in his class.

Wally fancied the idea of being a shepherd with a flute in the Christmas pageant that year, but the play’s director, Miss Lumbard, assigned him a more important role — that of the innkeeper.

And so it happened, a large audience gathered for the town’s annual extravaganza. No one was more caught up in the magic of that night than Wallace. They said later that he stood in the wings and watched the performance with such fascination that Miss Lumbard had to make sure he didn’t wander on stage before his cue.

Then came the time . . . Joseph appeared slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the inn. Joseph knocked hard on the wooden door set in the painted back-drop. Wally the innkeeper was there, waiting.

“What do you want?” he asked brusquely.

“We seek lodging.”

“Seek it elsewhere.” Wally looked straight ahead but spoke vigorously, “The inn is filled!”

“Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest.” For the first time, the innkeeper relaxed his stance and looked at Mary. There was a long pause.

“No! Begone!” the prompter whispered from the wings.

“No!” Wally repeated automatically, “Begone!”

Joseph sadly put his arm around Mary and she laid her head on his shoulder and they started to move away. The innkeeper stood there watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, brow creased with concern, eyes filling with tears. Suddenly this Christmas pageant became different! “Don’t go, Joseph,” Wally called out. “Bring Mary back!” His face grew into a bright smile, “You can have MY room!”[3]

Today’s Quote: A good many people with houses half empty on Christmas Eve have blamed the little innkeeper of Bethlehem because his place was full. — Roy L. Smith

Today’s Verse: And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in strips of cloth and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Day 5

The Christmas Gift

It was Christmas Eve, 1935. The Depression was at its height. A young widow and her six-year-old son prepared to try to celebrate Christmas. Supper tonight would be very plain. And the gifts . . . well, they were very simple, too. The mother had knit a pair of mittens for her son and herself.

Then just as she was going to have her son sit down for supper, he raced to the bedroom and came back proudly holding out a gift. The small gift was wrapped in an old newspaper and done as well as any six year old could hope to do. “Open it, Mommy, open it!” he urged his mother. His eyes were dancing and sparkling with excitement.

The mother carefully removed the newspaper wrappings to find an old cigar box. She then opened the cover to the contents of the gift. Inside the box was a shining copper penny and a piece of paper on which was written in crayon and terribly mis-spelled, “i luv yu mome!”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she read those words over and over again. Hugging him she cried, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is the best gift I have ever received!”[4]

And so . . . a bleak, dismal Christmas Eve was transformed into a joyous celebration of love. It all happened because of a gift! A pretty humble gift you’ll agree but a gift which had been carefully prepared with love. A gift that was all he had to give. A gift that had been planned. A gift that was a sacrifice.

It’s so easy to miss it, to blow it. Late one Christmas Day, a resident of the posh community of Hillsborough, California, accompanied by his wife and kids, set out to sing carols for the neighbors. As they were tuning up outside their first stop the lady of the house came to the door, looking distraught. “Look fella,” she said, “I’m just too busy. The plumbing’s on the blink, I can’t get anybody to fix it, and there’s a mob coming for dinner. If you really feel like singing carols, sing them someplace else.”

“Yes, ma’am,” replied Bing Crosby respectfully, as he herded his troop elsewhere.[5]

This Christmas, let’s not any of us miss the opportunity of giving or of receiving by being too distracted. Christmas is His day!

Today’s Quote: Christmas is love . . . the love that wells up in our hearts and brings tears to our eyes as we thank God for His great love, His unspeakable gift. — Carol Bessent Hayman

Today’s Verse: They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh (Matt. 2:11).

Day 6

Missing Christmas

George Mason’s life centered on his business. He lived alone and on this Christmas had refused all invitations, even to his brother’s home. On Christmas Eve, after his employees had left, he went into the office vault to get a little extra cash. Soundlessly, on newly oiled hinges, the great door swung shut behind him.

Desperately he pounded on the door. Then he realized no one could hear him. Everyone was gone, even the cleaning woman. Surely he could make it overnight, he consoled himself. Then he remembered that the next day was not a working day, it was Christmas! His heart pounding with fear, he wondered if he would have enough air. It was a new vault. Hadn’t he heard something about a “safety air hole?” Feeling around in darkness he finally located it at the bottom of the wall; he could feel a gentle breeze coming in. Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day passed. He was alone as he had planned. But he was uncomfortable, hungry, and thirsty in darkness so dense he could almost feel it brushing his face. He tried to sleep . . . anything to pass the time. He thought of friends and family and how they must be enjoying Christmas. He wondered if they had missed him.

The day after Christmas the chief cashier arrived early and unlocked the vault but did not open the door. Without anyone seeing him, George Mason staggered out and tottered to the water cooler. Then he took a taxi to his lonely apartment to freshen up. Back at the office, no one suspected a thing.

Physically, he had missed Christmas, but friends and family hadn’t given him a thought, so in a way, he hadn’t missed anything. After that lonely experience, he wrote on a little card these words: “To love people, to be indispensable, somewhere, that is the purpose of life. That is the secret of happiness.” He then taped it to a wall high up in the vault to always remind himself of what had been missed.[6]

I really think that there are a lot of ways in which we can miss Christmas. It may take an extra special effort on your part to not miss the impact of this season. I for one, want to remember and be remembered on this upcoming holiday season. Let’s decide together that we will not miss this Christmas!

Today’s Quote: Christmas is remembering . . . other Christmases, friends that may be far away, loved ones far and near, those less fortunate, those in need. — Carol Bessent Hayman

Today’s Verse: Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ (Matt. 1:17).

Day 7

A Christmas Hymn Story

Phillip Brooks was a young minister of 30 when he visited the Holy Land in 1865. It was Christmas Eve when Brooks and several friends rode on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. It must have been exciting for that young minister to walk the streets of Bethlehem and think on those events which occurred so many years ago on the night when Christ was born.

Shortly before sundown, Brooks and his friends rode a short distance east of Bethlehem to the fields thought to be where the shepherds were keeping their flocks. And later that Christmas Eve, they attended services in the Church of the Nativity, built in A.D. 326 by Constantine over the place where it is believed Jesus was born.

Three years after this Christmas tour of Bethlehem, Phillip Brooks wrote this carol for the children in his church’s Sunday school:

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

the silent stars go by;

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

are met in thee tonight.

Familiar words and music which we have sung many, many times at Christmas. But have you really read them, grasped their meaning? Read with me the fourth verse of this song:

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell,

O come to us, abide with us,

Our Lord Emmanuel.[7]

Not only is this a beautiful poem, there’s some great theology in it. But that last verse is really a prayer . . . a prayer that is as contemporary today as it was when written.

Today’s Quote: Many merry Christmases, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections, affection on earth, and heaven at last for all of us. — Charles Dickens

Today’s Verse: The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you . . .” (Mark 1:1-2).

Christmas began in the heart of God.

It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

Day 8

Watch That Step

There was a small country church having the yearly Christmas cantata. Part of the ritual of their cantata was that they always marched in singing “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and then at the end they proceeded out singing, “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” This small country church had a large floor furnace that heated the building. The grating for that furnace was right in the center of the aisle.

As the choir began their processional, they marched precisely up the aisle, each person three pews behind the other. Just as the last alto got middle way up the aisle, she stepped on the grating of the floor furnace. Unfortunately, the pencil-thin heel of her shoe went through the grating and stuck there. Hardly breaking stride, she shook her foot hard several times, but, unfortunately, the shoe was stuck. The man in line behind her was getting close. She slipped her foot out of the shoe and went limping up the aisle with only one heel on.

The man coming behind looked down and realized what had happened. He knew if the shoe was left sticking there, it would break up the congregation. Thinking quickly, he reached down, grabbed the shoe and gave it a strong twist. To his amazement, the entire floor grate came up with the shoe. He went into a mild state of shock and dazedly marched up the aisle in time with the music, with the floor grate and shoe in hand.

You guessed it! The next man in line fell in the hole![8] I’ll be willing to wager that that was one Christmas program never forgotten, at least by those who participated and those who observed!

In the Christmas story, fear fills the hearts of the shepherds. Now and then something introduces a bit of fear into Christmas. Everyone present at the Newbiggin (England) Middle School Christmas Pageant, December 23, 1991, was engrossed in the presentation and enjoying their kids. Midway through, a field mouse popped out from a bale of straw, sat on its hind legs, and began grooming itself.

According to headmaster Alan Symmonds, “The 130 children on stage were fairly good . . . they were only in mild hysterics . . . but the people in the audience jumped out of their seats and screamed.”[9]

When we think about it . . . jumping and shrieking are more appropriate than yawns!

Today’s Quote: Time spent together is a Christmas gift any family can afford. — Hagar the Horrible, cartoon strip

Today’s Verse: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:9-10).

Day 9

The Night Christmas Arrived

Marge had been a member of our church study group for several years. Now she was terminally ill with cancer. The rest of our group gathered to go caroling. It was a cold night with snow in the air. We visited people who were house-bound and would sing two or three carols at each house. We all were looking forward to singing to Marge. She was feeling fairly well that evening and came to the door to hear us. We sang two or three carols and were about to leave when, on impulse, I asked if there was any particular carol she would like to hear.

“There is,” she said, “but I suppose it is too much to ask. During the Second World War, I was a nurse in a prison camp for German soldiers in Arizona. I remember on Christmas Eve when they sang ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ as one of the most moving experiences in my life. I would really enjoy hearing that sung in German again.”

My heart sank. There was no way we could do that. Suddenly, behind me, I heard a voice, “I can do that.” Ed, a member of our group who sang in our church choir, began to sing. The rest of us began to hum along with him.

I never knew what prompted Marge to ask for that particular carol. Perhaps she was reviewing her life experiences, trying to make sense of her life before she died. None of us knew that Ed had majored in languages and had been a German language teacher earlier in his life. All of us knew that, in the God-given serendipity of that moment, Christmas had arrived![10] Serendipity is the aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident . . . and God specializes in these moments, lots of them. Co-incidence has been described as an event in which God chooses to remain anonymous. Do you think that each of us could have a role in providing such a moment for someone else at this season?

Here’s another one of those special moments: To show the splendor of the newborn Saviour in the church Christmas pageant, an electric light bulb was hidden in the manger. All the stage lights were to be turned off so only the brightness of the manger could be seen, but the boy who controlled the lights got confused and all the lights went out.

It was a fairly tense moment broken by a little shepherd’s loud whisper, “Hey, you just turned off Jesus!”[11]

Be prepared, let it happen, and let’s share the moment!

Today’s Quote: He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. — Roy L. Smith

Today’s Verse: Anna . . . coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 1:38).

Day 10

Christ Is Here

It was during the war in Krakow, Poland. The basement of the cathedral in town had been turned into a hospital for the wounded. There in the very poor light lay hundreds of soldiers who were wounded, mangled, cold, and hungry. As they lay there, there was a steady stream of cursing and other epitaths from the men decrying their fate, anguished with pain.

There was only one doctor available to tend the wounded and he did his best. He moved as quickly as possible, attending to one after another of those whom he was able to help. The evening shadows lengthened as he was finishing his task. One more soldier lay in a corner, covered with some rags to keep him warm. As the doctor approached, even in the dimming light it was apparent that he was too late. The man was already dead. But as the doctor drew a little closer he noticed something different about his hands. He asked the nurse for a candle to examine the dead soldier. There were wounds on his palms, and then the doctor gave a start. . . . To protect some of the expensive statuary and other religious items in the cathedral above, many of those items had been moved to safer keeping. Before the doctor lay the form of Jesus Christ in a statue, covered by rags for protection.

Automatically he exclaimed, “Christ is here!”

As a pebble hits the water and its ripples extend, so this message passed from wounded to wounded, “Christ is here. Christ is here.”

Soon a hush enveloped the wounded, their nurses, and the lone doctor. The cursing ceased. Even in the midst of this horror and devastation of war, “Christ is here!”

“Christ is here!” What a wonderful expression of caring. Christ is here to share. Christ is here to make a difference.

What a comfort the knowledge of the presence of Jesus Christ can make. From the Bible we have the promises that He is always present, but our problem seems to be a lack of that recognition. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were so blinded to His presence by their own grief that they were unaware of His walking and talking with them. When you hurt, He’s there! When you are rejoicing, He’s there! When you need help, He’s there! Christ is here!

Today’s Quote: If Christians had ever been brave enough to make Christ alive, nobody would now be saying that Christianity is dead! — Winifred Kirkland

Today’s Verse: These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31;RSV).

Day 11

The Better Gift

During World War II, at the Christmas season, Miss Kathryn Drummond was passing through a small Minnesota town. She observed a Red Cross bloodmobile parked before the schoolhouse and stopped to contribute a pint of blood. Among the workers was a middle-aged handy-man who waited on the nurses by fetching supplies, washing utensils, and so forth. Meeting this man in the hall and assuming him to be the janitor, she commented upon the fine new school building. “No doubt you find it a great improvement over the old one,” she said.

He blushed like a freshman but smiled, too. “I’m a stranger here,” he said. “I live in Minneapolis and travel around with this unit. You see, I’m too old to fight and too unskilled to help these doctors and nurses in any other way than this. I have a great interest in collecting blood for Europe, as all my people are imperiled there.”

His light complexion and sensitive features suggested to her that he was Nordic. “Are you from Denmark?” she asked.

“Oh, no,” he replied, “I’m a Greek. You know, some Greeks are very fair complected.”

The following winter Miss Drummond was in Minneapolis. Friends took her to hear the renowned Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. And when its great conductor stepped to the podium she recognized him at once! He was the handy-man she had mistaken for a school janitor. He was the world-famous musician/conductor, Dimitri Mitropoulos!

This story has been shared with you in order to ask this question: What are you giving this year? There are a lot of things that are impossible for any of us to give . . . but by the same token there are a number of things we can give. None of us could give a blind child sight this Christmas, but how about giving a few minutes of companionship? We can’t give a father or mother back to a child who may have lost a parent, but we could give interest and a bit of time! It’s impossible to restore to health a person who may have lost the use of any of their limbs, but how about time spent with them to give purpose and meaning? Have you caught the concept? Let Jesus Christ so fill you with His birthday spirit this year that you will give something of real value, lasting value in His name!

Today’s Quote: It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. — W. T. Ellis

Today’s Verse: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn away from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14).

Day 12

He’s More Alive

A small country church had set up a Nativity scene on the front lawn of their church for the Christmas season. The pastor happened to be watching through his study window when a young family drove up to get a better look at the scene. Out of the car piled Mom and Dad and three little ones. They scurried about looking at the entire setting.

The pastor reached for his coat to walk outside to greet the family. As the pastor made his way toward the family, he noticed the smallest of the children, a little girl standing and looking a long time at the manger scene. She looked at the figures of the shepherds, then at Mary and Joseph, but particularly she was drawn to the face of the doll that had been laid in the straw to represent the Baby Jesus. The pastor spoke with the parents and greeted the children. All the while the little girl stood glued at the manger scene. When the family was finished, she was still standing at the manger scene. The mother called, “Come on, honey, we must go.”

Then in a voice of finality and quite loudly to the others who were in the snow getting ready to leave, she turned and said, “HE’S A LOT MORE ALIVE THAN THAT!”

Smart little girl. She said it for me! She saw what I wish all of this world could see in the great Christmas story — that Bethlehem is now and that He is here just as much as He was in the stable of the inn that night, waiting for us to come . . . to give of ourselves . . . to acknowledge Him and to receive Him.

The angels made the birth announcement to the shepherds on the hillsides, “Peace, good will. . . .” And again, this year, the worldwide prospects for peace seem a bit remote. But that still doesn’t take away from the purpose of His coming . . . to bring peace into the living and lifestyle of all people and nations.

Will standing armies be reduced this year? Will people start to live in harmony with each other? We want to capture this feeling of peace at Christmas. So then, why does it wear off about two days following the celebration of His birth? Will this year be any different? Christmas is in step with some of the deepest longings of humanity. Christmas says we can change! This year, let’s allow the benefits of this season to be ours all year through.

Today’s Quote: This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ! — Frank McKibben

Today’s Verse: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14).

Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts: the

gift of God to man — His Son; and the gift of man to God — when we first give ourselves to God.

Vance Havner

Day 13

Childlike

As Christmas approached, each student was asked to create a Christmas banner. The best creations were to be selected for the “Children’s Mass” on Christmas Eve. The day the selections were made, Vivian came home from school in tears. Her heart was breaking. Not only had the teacher rejected her banner but she told her she didn’t have the proper respect for the project. And certainly she didn’t know what Christmas was all about. To make matters worse, the rest of the kids had laughed at her.

“Viv, dear,” her mother asked, “what did your banner say?”

Through her tears, Vivian, managed to blurt out, “My banner said, ‘Mary had a little lamb. His name was Jesus.’ ”

Her mother paused for a moment or two. Then, with tears welling up in her own eyes, she took her daughter in her arms and gave her a long, tight hug. “I think you made a lovely banner, Viv. Bring it home. We’ll put it up right over our family creche.”

Vivian’s banner became a prominent part of the family creche every year thereafter, proclaiming to all visitors their love for Jesus.[12]

Joseph Ng tells it like this: On Christmas Eve of 1986 a package was found stuck between the gates of my rented house. When my wife asked me to check the package, I was hesitatant for there had been bombings in Manila. I managed to open the package and found two toys for our two sons (ages three and five). According to our maid, her daughter had no money to buy toys, so she had gone caroling, singing Christmas songs from door to door. People in Manila sometimes give money to kids in such circumstances. In this way she was able to gather a few coins for presents.

End of a beautiful story of love expressed. There is so much about Christmas that we fail to capture in a few sentences on a page like this. My prayer for you this year is that this season will bring you new insights into God’s fantastic love for us. It really makes no difference as to how that insight may come . . . be it through a child, from the Word of God, as expressed by loved ones, or a new pattern of thinking. Maybe the best approach is to read and re-read the biblical account as though we had never read it before. Take a fresh look, perhaps reading it from a different translation. Whatever it takes, let it come alive again.

Today’s Quote: Selfishness makes Christmas a burden; Love makes it a delight!

Today’s Verse: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18).

Day 14

Christmas Eve 1915

It was cold and it was Christmas Eve 1915, and World War I raged. Please come with me to the Western Front in Europe. The men on both sides of the line, Germans on the one side and British on the other, were in their trenches trying their best to keep warm against the bitter cold. There was snow on the ground, a moon in the sky, and stars were shining down on that particularly icy night. Great guns were rumbling up and down the line . . . tracer shells leaped across the trenches. You must remember, at this time warfare was in the trenches.

Even though Christmas Day was coming, the war went on. Then along about the very special time of midnight on Christmas Eve an incredible thing happened. Gradually the noise of guns and cannons grew less and less. Deep silence lay over that Western Front. It was almost mystic, the noise of battle had given way to peace.

In the silence, suddenly, there came from the trenches the sound of voices singing, German voices. It grew in volume until it was all up and down the line, an old song of Christmas: “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Alles schlaft, einsam wacht. . . .” Then it died away.

Soon the sound of English voices singing the same song: “Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. . . .” The antiphonal singing was taken up by the Germans, again, this time: “Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. . . .” and the Scotch and English soldiers sang it back.

Finally, some of the Germans became so excited that they burst from their trenches. Their officers tried to restrain them but nothing could stop them as they came running across “no-man’s-land,” reaching out their hands to the British in greetings. This lasted for two or three hours as they fraternized. No longer were they soldiers. They were Germans from the Rhineland and Bavaria. Allies were from the Scottish Highlands, from London, and the English countryside.

“Let the war stop,” they were saying, “it is Christmas Eve!” It continued the next day in celebration, playing soccer, and sharing rations. On the 26th, when fighting was to re-commence, no one wanted to and no one did. Fighting on the Western Front didn’t continue until new troops were sent to that front.

Today’s Quote: Thus we can always know that men could live with goodwill and understanding for each other, because one day in each year the little Divine Prince of Peace still compels them to do it. — Charles J. Wells

Today’s Verse: She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).

Day 15

That First U.S. Christmas

It was December 25, 1776, and destiny was in the making. We were at war for our freedom from the British. The cities were in the hands of the British . . . only the woods, the snow, and cold were ours.

On that night, the town of Trenton, New Jersey, was ablaze with light. Houses were filled with German troops. Who cared about the ragged, tattered, starving, and dying roustabouts under George Washington’s command? To these professional soldiers, Washington’s soldiers were simply a “rabble-in-arms.”

There hadn’t been much to change these professional military minds. They had seen these Yankees run at Long Island when the Hessians had come out of the fog. General Sullivan and his men had been chased and caught, with bayonets driven into the backs of the Yanks. There was drinking and boasting about how they would catch that rebel, Washington, and take his head back to England!

On this Christmas Day, Colonel Rall lay at Trenton with three Hessian regiments, 50 Jagers, 20 British dragoons, and a detachment of artillery. At midnight, Rall gathered his officers about him and shouted, “Noch einmal! Glory to Gott and to the Foxhunter, freezing in the hills across the river!” It was a night of revelry.

But the despised Foxhunter was on the move. Drawing his coat tighter, Washington peered ahead into the darkness. He sat there thinking. It was the “fulness of time” for him, the enlistments of 2,400 men still left to him were up on New Year’s Day. It was now or never!

At 6:00 p.m. on December 25 his men assembled at the river and somehow they got horses, cannon, and men into the barges. Just after midnight, with nothing but chunks of frozen soup to gnaw on for rations, they pushed across the river. It was a good clean plan for dedicated men.

Suddenly Washington struck! He could have chosen no better moment! They wiped out the defeats of the past. Washington drove Ralls and his 1,400 men out into the cold. It was the turn of the war — every post along the Delaware River had been cleared of the enemy! Christmas Day meant war, good against evil, just as it did on the very first Christmas Day!

Today’s Quote: Christmas is not just a day, an event to be observed and speedily forgotten. It is a spirit which should permeate every part of our lives. — William Parks

Today’s Verse: 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 . . .” (Luke 2:34).

Day 16

Is That All?

In a little Florida town there was a plain home for small, unwanted boys. The kindly matron didn’t have much in the way of luxuries, but she made it up to the boys . . . she loved them, mothered them, spanked them, fed them, taught them to love God, to read their Bibles, to pray, and to become good citizens.

One day a well-to-do lady came from a distant city to see about adopting one of the boys. Everyone was so pleased and happy for the fortunate boy who would be going to live in such a fine placement home — a successful father, a beautifully dressed and coifed lady for a mother.

After going through the selection process, one particular little boy was chosen. Then the prospective mother began talking to him and asked, “Do you have a bicycle?”

Back the answer came, “No, ma’am.”

She went on, “Do you have your own radio?”

The reply was “No, ma’am.”

And the questioning continued . . . dress suit of clothes, personal TV set, and so on. To all of these questions about his possessions he was answering, “no.”

Finally, this little boy studied her, then blurted out, “Please, ma’am, if that’s all you’re going to give me, I’d rather stay here!”

Yes, this is the Christmas season. For weeks and maybe longer, many of us have been planning, shopping, and preparing for the big day. Before the final rush takes place, let’s pause and hear again the small boy’s question, “Is that ALL you’re going to give?”

Are material things worth more to you than the greater gifts? Where will you place Christ in all of this celebration, this season? Let’s not miss Him like the Jewish nation missed Him when He came the first time. God had promised a Messiah for His people . . . but they weren’t ready to receive Him. How about you, this Christmas?

Today’s Quote: The Christmas tree has taken the place of the altar in too much of our modern Christmas observance. — Earl Riney

Today’s Verse: He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty (Luke 1:53).

Day 17

One Solitary Life

How does one explain the greatness of the Man whose birthday we celebrate each year on December 25? Let’s make a humble attempt:

He was born in a stable, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in an obscure village; worked as a carpenter until He was 30; and then became an itinerant preacher for three years.

He never went to college;

He never wrote a book;

He never held an office;

He never owned a home;

He never had a family;

He never had a lot of money;

He never traveled farther than 200 miles from His place of birth;

He never accomplished any of the things that usually mark greatness;

He had no credentials but himself.

Although He spoke with great authority; taught with unusual wisdom; and was widely accepted by the people, the religious leaders of His day opposed Him. While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He was betrayed by a friend; abandoned by His associates; and turned over to His enemies. He was falsely accused; endured the mockery of a trial; and was unjustly condemned to die.

He was crucified between two thieves, and while He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth, and that was His clothing. When He was dead, He was buried in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race, and the cornerstone of world progress.

And all the armies that ever marched;

And all the navies that ever sailed;

And all the parliaments that ever sat;

And all the kings that ever reigned, put together. . . .

Have not affected the life of man upon this earth as has that ONE SOLITARY LIFE![13]

Today’s Quote: The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable. — Ralph W. Sockman

Today’s Verse: Therefore, let all . . . be assured of this: God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

Christmas is a day that holds time together.

Alexander Smith (1830–1867)

Day 18

Free Gifts to Give for Christmas

Are you having a problem with what to give special people this season? It can be a challenge, especially when you want to give something fitting and needed and meaningful. Well here’s a suggested list . . . in fact, you don’t even have to go shopping for these!

1. The gift of LISTENING. . . . Why not give this valuable gift to someone who lives alone? And you must really listen! No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses. Just be there and just listen.

2. The gift of SIGNS OF AFFECTION. . . . Be generous with your hugs, kisses, and gentle squeezes of the hand. Let these tiny actions demonstrate the love inside of you.

3. The gift of a NOTE. . . . It can be as simple as “I love you” or as creative as a sonnet. Put your notes where they will surprise your loved ones.

4. The gift of LAUGHTER. . . . Just cut out a cartoon, save a clever article. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

5. The gift of a COMPLIMENT. . . . A simple “You look good in blue,” or “I like your hair,” or “Good supper, honey,” can be of greatest value to those who may feel they are being taken for granted.

6. The gift of a FAVOR. . . . Help with the dishes, clean out the basement, mow the yard, shovel the walks, clean out the garage, fix the light, etc.

7. The gift of LEAVING ALONE. . . . There are times in our lives when we may want nothing better than to be left alone. Become more sensitive to those times and give solitude without interruptions.

8. The gift of a CHEERFUL DISPOSITION. . . . Try to be cheerful around those you love and don’t add to the burden of the day.

9. The gift of a GAME. . . . Offer to play your loved one’s favorite game. Even if you lose you will be a winner.

10. The gift of PRAYER. . . . Pray for those on your Christmas list and let them know that you pray for them. Praying for someone is a way of saying, “You are so special to me that I talk to God about you.”[14]

There you have them — 10 free gifts you can easily give this Christmas. This list is by no means exhaustive. You could add more of these free gifts. In fact, this list may well come in handy on any day of the year. Think of the difference we could make in relationships if we were all in the giving mode on a daily basis!

Today’s Quote: Many a parent sighs for the “good-old-days” when a stocking could hold what a child wanted for Christmas.

Today’s Verse: Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you . . .” (Acts 3:6).

Day 19

Fourth Wise Man

The story is told of the “Fourth Wiseman” named Artaban. He, too, set out to follow the star and he took with him a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl beyond price as his gifts for the newborn King. He was riding hard to meet his three friends, Jasper, Melchior, and Balthasar at the agreed upon place. Time was running out when he came upon a traveler stricken with fever.

If he stayed to help he would miss his friends. He stayed, he helped, and nursed the man back to health. But now he was alone. He needed camels and bearers and a guide to help him cross the desert. Because of his act he had missed the caravan of his friends. He had to sell the sapphire to get the needed supplies and camels and bearers, and he was saddened because the King would never have this special gem.

He finally reached Bethlehem only to find Joseph and Mary and the Baby gone. While at the home where they had been staying, soldiers from Herod’s army came by to kill all the boy babies in the house. The mother wept behind Artaban as he stood in the doorway. To save the child from certain death he paid the captain with the ruby so he would not so much as enter the home. One boy child was saved and the ruby was gone — now one less gift for the King.

For years he wandered, looking in vain for the King until some 30 years later he found Him in Jerusalem during His crucifixion. He thought just maybe he could use the pearl to buy His freedom. On the way to the hill a girl came running from a band of soldiers who were chasing her. She cried out, “My father is in debt and they are taking me to sell me as a slave to pay the debt. Please . . . help me, save me!”

Artaban hesitated . . . then, sadly, he took out his pearl, offered it to the soldiers, and bought the girl’s freedom and cleared the debt.

The sky went dark and . . . the King died.

Now . . . think . . . did not the wiseman, Artaban, give his gifts to the King because he had cared for those who needed his gifts?

Christmas is soon upon us. Have you given any thought about your gift giving this year? Will it be exchange time . . . giving to people who are able to give back to you? Or will it be an honest act of real giving? How about giving to people who can’t give back? I know of a family who pool their “gift” giving money every other year, and give it to a needy family as their Christmas. Just a thought.

Today’s Quote: The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another in honest acts of giving.

Today’s Verse: The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me” (Matt. 25:40).

Day 20

Christmas Eve Tears

Christmas Eve, late afternoon, I believe I was seven and Mother, bless her, was making something special instead of the traditional jello, whipped cream, and bananas. She was baking a towering pie. I stood at her elbow, as small boys always will, as she peaked for a moment through the partially opened oven door.

“Perfect, perfect. The meringue is just right!”

In color and consistency, the moment had arrived. Carefully, so cautiously, she drew it out, when suddenly a slip of those sure hands and the capsized tower slithered across the floor, never to be a pie again! And Mother, not a weeper (I can count the times), covered her face with her apron and cried.

She was disappointed that God would let it happen! No one, but no one, cries on Christmas Eve. Why did she do it, prepare this gift for hungry little gluttons . . . jello was enough. I know! It was her language for telling us we were special.

More than 60 years have come and gone, 60 Christmases, and I remember that one the best and its gift of tears.[15]

Memories of family are wrapped around this season for many of us. I can clearly recall some of my childhood Christmas celebrations without too much effort. And it’s so easy to lose the impact and import of the season.

A military “expert” was asked to deliver a speech in St. Louis, Missouri. It was during World War II and he had a difficult time getting a seat on the plane. However, he secured it and departed from his home town of Boston. Enroute he was “bumped” in Washington, DC by an army general who had a higher priority. Disgruntled and frustrated the lecturer cooled his heels while his plane left for Missouri.

His disappointment was nothing, however, compared to the general’s disgust when he arrived in St. Louis only to discover that the speaker had to cancel out. The general’s dismay was complete when he was told that the speaker was the man whose plane seat he had pre-empted in Washington!

We’ve worked around this theme before in this book . . . but here it is again. Are our presents to each other crowding out His presence? Where are the top priorities this season? Just for this year . . . let’s get it right! Right? Right!

Today’s Quote: Christmas is the gift that keeps on giving.

Today’s Verse: The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it (John 1:5).

Day 21

The Letter

Dear Innkeeper:

I was a guest at your inn a few weeks ago. My visit to your city was most unpleasant. The Romans were enrolling me for another of their miserable taxes. And the stay in your hostel did not improve matters.

I am a patient man, innkeeper. One must be if he is to be a merchant. I can forgive you for many inconveniences. I can overlook the fact that your wine was poor and your bread stale.

But, innkeeper, there are several things I cannot forgive. For my private room, you charged an unreasonable price. And it was about as private as the market place. The stench from the stable was unbearable.

No sooner had I fallen asleep when I was awakened by shouts of “Hallelujah, the King is born!” I saw a group of shepherds in front of the stable. I could see them by the light of bright stars. I ordered them to be quiet, but they paid me no mind. At long last, they disappeared into the stable and it became relatively quiet again.

Five minutes later, I was awakened again, this time by the crying of an infant. Strangely enough, the cries came from the stable. I looked out again and, through the open stable doors, could see the infant and its mother. I yelled down to keep the baby quiet but apparently they didn’t hear me. I could not sleep for the rest of the night. It was the most miserable night of my life . . . and all because of those people in the stable.

If you are going to permit your high-paying guests to be disturbed by those who pay less and are less, then I hope you are prepared to suffer great financial loss. You will never get anything from shepherds and a family which had to be housed in a stable.

With great displeasure, I remain,

SILAS OF JERUSALEM[16]

That must have been some kind of a night! Awesome! Let’s just think a moment . . . the Son of God takes the form of a human baby and is born in the most humble of circumstances! My hope is that heaven has a video of this entire scene!

Today’s Quote: The challenge of simplicity is a magnet to the human spirit. Much of the beauty of Christmas lies in its challenge to look further, deeper, until we find its secret in the heart of God. — Dale Evans Rogers

Today’s Verse: Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

Day 22

The Second Chance

On New Year’s Day 1929, Georgia Tech played the University of California in the Rose Bowl. In that game, a man named Roy Riegels recovered a fumble for California. Somehow, he became confused and started running in the wrong direction with the ball. One of his teammates, Benny Lom, overtook and tackled him 65 yards away, just before he was to score a touchdown for the opposing team. When Cal attempted to punt on the next series of downs, Tech blocked the kick and scored a safety which was to be the margin of victory.

That strange play came in the first half of the game and everyone who was watching was asking the same question: “What will Coach Nibbs Price do with Roy Riegels in the second half?”

The men filed off the field and went into their dressing rooms at the end of the first half. They sat down on the benches and on the floor, all except Riegels. He put his blanket around his shoulders, sat down in a corner, put his face in his hands, and cried like a baby.

If you have played football, you know that a coach usually has a great deal to say to his team during halftime. That day, Coach Price was quiet. No doubt he was trying to decide what to do with Roy Riegels.

The announcement came — three minutes before the second half was to begin. Coach Price looked at his team and said simply, “Men, the same team that played the first half will start the second.”

The players got up and started out, all but Riegels. He did not budge. The Coach looked back and called to him. Still he didn’t move. Coach Price went over to where Riegels sat and said, “Roy, didn’t you hear me? The same team that played the first half will start the second.”

Then Roy Riegels looked up and his cheeks were wet with tears. “Coach,” he said, “I can’t do it to save my life. I’ve ruined you. I’ve ruined the University of California. I’ve ruined myself. I couldn’t face that crowd in the stadium to save my life.”

Then Coach Price reached out and put his hand on Reigel’s shoulder and said, “Roy, get up and go back, the game is only half over!” And Roy Riegels went back and those Tech men will tell you they had never seen a man play inspired football as he played that second half!

My friend . . . life’s not over, yet! This New Year brings a new chance, a new beginning, another opportunity to start again! Let’s get up one more time! God is the God of the second chance!

Today’s Quote: The love of God is no mere sentimental feeling; it is redemptive power! — Charles Clayton Morrison

Today’s Verse: He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son (Rev. 21:7).

The simple shepherds heard the voice of an angel and

found their Lamb; the wise men saw the light of a star and found their Wisdom.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979)

Day 23

Courage

It was a few weeks before Christmas 1917. The beautiful snowy landscapes of Europe were blackened by war.

The trenches on one side held the Germans and on the other side the trenches were filled with Americans. It was World War I. The exchange of gunshots was intense. Separating them was a very narrow strip of no-man’s-land. A young German soldier attempting to cross that no-man’s-land had been shot and had become entangled in the barbed wire. He cried out in anguish, then in pain he continued to whimper.

Between the shells all the Americans in that sector could hear him scream. When one American soldier could stand it no longer, he crawled out of the American trenches and on his stomach crawled to that German soldier. When the Americans realized what he was doing they stopped firing, but the Germans continued. Then a German officer realized what the young American was doing and he ordered his men to cease firing. Now there was a weird silence across the no-man’s-land. On his stomach, the American made his way to that German soldier and disentangled him. He then stood up with the German in his arms, walked straight to the German trenches and placed him in the waiting arms of his comrades. Having done so, he turned and started back to the American trenches.

Suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder that spun him around. There stood a German officer who had won the Iron Cross, the highest German honor for bravery. He jerked it from his own uniform and placed it on the American, who walked back to the American trenches. When he was safely in the trenches, they resumed the insanity of war!

Courage takes many forms. It’s a human trait that we all recognize when we see it in action.

The example of Mary and Joseph is perhaps history’s most important moment of courage. In a hostile time (it was King Herod’s territory, don’t forget!), this young couple saw a pregnancy through and helped bring the King of kings into the world. What a marvelous display of courage and love for a world that is oftentimes lacking.

Today’s Quote: Early missionaries proclaimed to attentive ears that: “Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Hunter’ who lays down His life for the world!” — Robert C. Berthold

Today’s Verse: He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47).

Day 24

What Did You See?

A midwestern family was struggling to make ends meet in the early days of the Depression. They were unable to afford any of the so-called luxuries of life. The father simply made enough to keep bread on the table and pay the rent on his house.

One day the news came to the community that a circus was coming to town and a ticket would cost $1.00. The little boy came running home from school excited and eager to get the money from his dad. His father, unable to provide that luxury, regretfully told his son that it would be impossible for him to attend the circus. However, he told the boy that if he went out and worked on odd jobs he might make enough money so that he could purchase a ticket on his own. His father agreed that for every nickel he earned he would match it with a nickel. Having never been to the circus before, the little boy worked feverishly and hard to earn the money to buy a ticket.

A few days before the circus came to town the boy emptied his bank and found that he had raised enough money to pay for half of the ticket price. His father gave him the other 50 cents and the boy ran off downtown to buy his very own ticket to the first circus of his life.

Excitedly, he waited for a couple of days until the circus came to town, and eagerly clutching his ticket in hand, he rushed down to the main street and stood on the curb as the circus parade went by. The clowns, the elephants, all of the performers in the circus thrilled him as he watched them go by. A clown came dancing over to him and the boy put his ticket in the clown’s hand. He eagerly stood there on the curb as the rest of the parade went by on its way to the circus tent.

The little boy rushed home after the parade was over and told his father that he had been to the circus and how much fun it was. The father, surprised that he was home already, asked the boy to describe the circus to him. The boy told him of the parade that went by the main street of town.

The father, with pity and loving care, lifted his son into his arms and said, “Son, you didn’t see the circus, all you saw was the parade.”

This boy is typical of so many people. It’s so easy to miss the real meaning of life. From the time when the first Christmas catalog arrives, all many will see is the parade of the coming season and miss the real meaning of this celebration.

Today’s Quote: It is the wounded oyster that mends its shell with pearl! — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s Verse: For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Ps. 107:9;KJV).

Day 25

Not In the Play

The early part of December is the time of year when Christmas plays and pageants are being planned and practiced and prepared. It’s such a big time of the year for little ones. Well, it seems that a small boy in his Sunday school was bitterly disappointed at not being given the role of “Joseph” in their upcoming Nativity play. Instead he was given the minor role of playing the innkeeper. All during the weeks of preparation and rehearsal, he brooded and planned how he could get some kind of revenge on his more successful rival. Finally, the day of the performance came. The play was moving on quite nicely.

Then it was time for the Joseph and the Mary to make their entrance. They moved across the stage setting and knocked on the door of the inn. The innkeeper opened it a fraction, as he had been told to do, and eyed them coldly, for it was now his big scene.

“Can you give us board and lodging for the night?” pleaded Joseph. He then stepped back for the awaited rebuff and rejection.

But the innkeeper had not planned for all those weeks and practices for nothing. He flung the door wide open, beamed genially and in a loud, happy voice said, “Come on in . . . come right in! You shall have the very best meal and the best room in this hotel! It’s yours! I’m pleased and delighted to welcome you to our inn. It’s my privilege! Please step in and be my guests!”

There was a pause . . . the audience caught their collective breath. This was certainly a change in plot and definitely not in the script!

Then with great presence of mind, the youthful Joseph turned and said to Mary, loud enough so all could hear, “Hold on. I’ll take a look inside first.” He walked in past the innkeeper, who still stood with door flung open, looked all around at the inn, and came back out. He shook his head firmly at the innkeeper who was grinning broadly and announced: “No. I’m not taking my wife into a lousy place like that. Come on, Mary, tonight we’ll be sleeping in the stable out in back!”

And the plot and play was back on course. It’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas and how it will be celebrated this year. It’s become an overly-commercialized holiday and gotten off track too often. Let’s take a moment or two to make plans to get back on track. Give thought to the significance of His coming.

Today’s Quote: What matters today is not the difference between those who believe and those who do not believe, but the difference between those who care and those who don’t! — Abbe Pire

Today’s Verse: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12;KJV).

Day 26

The Fog Lifted

One of the most famous battles in history took place on June 18, 1815, and is known as the Battle of Waterloo. As we look back from our viewpoint in history, it’s one of those on which destinies of nations rested.

The French army was fighting under the command of Napoleon. The armies of the “Allies,” which were made up of the British, Dutch, and Germans, were fighting under the command of Lord Wellington.

Communications were not the sophisticated instant science they are today, and so the people of England were dependent upon a system of semaphore signals to find out how the battle was going. It was primitive and not too reliable, being subject to human error. One of these signal stations was located on the tower of the Winchester Cathedral in London.

Quite late in the day, while still light, this signal was flashed from the tower to the people who were waiting for news: “W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N—D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D—.” Just at that moment, one of those sudden and thick London fogs made it impossible to read the rest of the message. The news of the defeat quickly spread through London. Then from London, it spread to the surrounding countryside. The whole country was sad and gloomy when they heard the news that their country had lost this crucial war.

In the morning, the fog lifted and the complete message could be read. The message had four words . . . not just two. The complete message was this: “W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N—D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D—

T-H-E—E-N-E-M-Y!”

It took a few minutes for the good news to sink in and to spread as far as the bad news. Sorrow was turned into joy! Defeat was turned into victory!

And defeat became victory when Christ rose from the grave, giving us the ultimate gift through His love for us.

The true spirit of the holiday season began that day, and the challenge to Christians is to keep on giving love in the midst of any and all circumstances.

Today’s Quote: Some things have to be believed to be seen! — Unknown

Today’s Verse: Then the angel spoke to the women, “Don’t be frightened!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified, but He isn’t here! For He has come back to life again (Matt. 28:5-6;LB).

Day 27

Count Your Blessings at Christmas

We recently heard a story, the true account of a child born with more birth defects than you can imagine: only one lung, one kidney, mis-shapen nose and ears, a cleft palate so deep that speech was incredibly difficult, almost totally deaf, and destined to become blind!

Cruelly teased by other children and depressed by parental neglect, Helen became so desperate about her situation that a friend took her to church where she learned to pray, to have faith in a God whose loving arms would hold her safe in spite of everything.

Her church friends found doctors to perform surgery on her eyes and ears. But the operations failed. So she went to a school for the blind to prepare for a life of total darkness.

Years passed and communication steadily became more difficult for Helen. One Christmas Eve at the midnight service back in Helen’s friendly church the minister was offering communion. A young woman approached the table. There was a pause as she did not seem to hear the invitation to accept the bread and wine.

Then, with a gasp of astonishment, the minister recognized Helen, noticed her white cane and understood why she did not see the Christ gift in front of her, and had not heard the minister’s voice offering it. Deeply moved, he leaned forward to kiss her and a tear fell on her cheek. But it was not Helen’s tear. You see, she was born without tear ducts. Even the comfort of having a good cry had been denied her!

Later, in the minister’s office, struggling to express her emotions through her cleft palate, Helen’s words tumbled out. She told her pastor that although what little vision she’d had was gone, her faith was stronger than ever before. She said that she was the luckiest one in her class for the blind. In her halting words: “I’m so blessed to have had what I had, because I’m the ONLY one in the class who REMEMBERS what it was like to SEE!”[17]

I don’t know what a story like that does to you. It makes me want to pause and count the many blessings of life that are enjoyed. There are many. There are blessings which we don’t even know about. If any kind of an attitude should mark our celebration . . . it should be one of gratitude. Let it begin with an expression of gratitude for this season, for the fact that God did send His only Son to this world that so desperately needs Him.

Today’s Quote: Thou hast given so much to me. . . . Give one thing more — a grateful heart. — George Herbert

Today’s Verse: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ.

Wilda English

Day 28

Unselfish Giving

One afternoon three children entered a flower shop, two boys and a girl. They were about nine or ten years old, raggedly dressed, but at this moment well-scrubbed. One of the boys took off his cap, then came up to the person who owned the store and said, “Sir, we’d like something in yellow flowers.”

There was something in their tense nervous manner that made the man think that this was a very special occasion. He showed them some inexpensive yellow spring flowers. The boy who was the spokesman for the group shook his head no. “I think we’d like something better than that.”

The man asked, “Do they have to be yellow?”

The boy answered, “Yes, sir. You see, mister, Mickey would like ’em better if they were yellow. He had a yellow sweater. I guess he liked yellow better than any other color.”

The man asked, “Are they for his funeral?”

The boy nodded, suddenly choking up. The little girl was desperately struggling to keep back the tears. “She’s his sister,” the boy said. “He was a swell kid. A truck hit him while he was playing in the street.” His lips were trembling now.

The other boy entered the conversation. “Us kids in his block took up a collection and we got 18 cents. Would roses cost an awful lot, sir . . . yellow roses, I mean?”

The man smiled. “It just happens that I have some nice yellow roses here that I’m offering on special today for 18 cents a dozen.” The man pointed to the flower case.

“Those sure would be swell! Yes, Mickey’d sure like those.”

The florist said, “I’ll make up a nice spray with ferns and ribbons. Where do you want me to send them?”

One of the boys responded, “Would it be all right, mister, if we took them with us? We’d kind of like to . . . you know . . . give ’em to Mickey ourselves. He’d like it better that way.”

The florist fixed the spray of flowers and accepted the 18 cents gravely and watched the youngsters trudge out of the store. What kind of a feeling do you imagine that florist had at this moment? I believe he and all who give unselfishly will feel a heart warm with the glow of God’s presence!

Today’s Quote: The greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His other children! — Henry Drummond

Today’s Verse: . . . The flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever (Isa. 40:8).

Day 29

Tree of White

Warden J. Scudder tells of a friend riding on a train next to an obviously troubled and anxious young man. Finally the boy blurted out the story that he was a convict returning from prison. His crimes had brought shame on his poor but proud family, and they had never visited or written him during the years he was away. He had hoped this was only because they were too poor to travel the long distance and too uneducated to write. However, he could not be sure they had forgiven him.

The youth went on to explain he had wanted to make it easy for them. He had written them a letter asking them to put up a signal when the train passed their little farm near the outskirts of town. If they had forgiven and wanted him to return home they were to tie a white ribbon in the big apple tree near the tracks. If they did not want him back they were to do nothing and he would stay on the train, go West, and lose himself forever.

Nearing his home town, the youth’s suspense and discomfort grew to the point where he could not look. His new-found friend offered to watch for him so they traded places. A few minutes later he put his hand on the young former convict’s shoulder and whispered in a broken voice, “Look, it’s all right . . . the whole tree is white with ribbons!”

Later, this friend told Warden Scudder, “I felt as though I had witnessed a miracle!”

There is something exciting and miraculous about a forgiving kind of love. This is the love that somehow manages to bridge over the troubled waters of a broken past. It’s always amazing.

My understanding is that this story was also the inspiration for a very popular song of a few years back. Perhaps you also remember the words and melody of the song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree.”

There is a tremendous cry from humanity for a forgiving kind of love. You seem to hear this wistful cry coming from all kinds of sources. The question may not be articulated, but the unspoken refrain goes like this: “Does anyone care enough about me to love me with an unconditional kind of love? Can I be forgiven?” I’m most delighted to tell you that that kind of love is yours for the taking from Jesus Christ! Just ask Him. So, this holiday season, forgive someone you should have forgiven long ago.

Today’s Quote: Love defined is the first step of your life . . . but love applied must be the next step! — Anonymous

Today’s Verse: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 13:13).

Day 30

The Great Decision

A small boy was told by the family doctor that he could save his sister’s life by giving her some of his blood. The six-year-old sister was near death, a victim of disease from which the boy had made a marvelous recovery two years earlier. Her only chance for restoration was a blood transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the illness. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor. “Johnny, would you like to give your blood for Mary?” the doctor asked.

The boy hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble, then he smiled and said, “Sure, Doctor. I’ll give my blood for Mary.”

Soon the two children were wheeled into the operating room — Mary, pale and thin, and Johnny, robust and the picture of health. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned.

As the blood was siphoned into Mary’s veins, one could almost see new life come into her tired body. The ordeal was almost over when Johnny’s brave little voice broke the silence. “Say, Doctor, when do I die?”

It was only then that the doctor realized what the moment of hesitation, the trembling of the lip, had meant earlier. Nine-year-old Johnny thought that in giving his blood to his sister he was giving up his own life! And in that brief moment he had made his great decision!

The doctor was caught up in the drama and the total commitment of that young man. He was choked up with the impact of the realization of the moment. He paused a bit for his throat to clear before he answered, “Johnny, you will not die, but through your sacrifice your little sister will now live.”

Now that is a touching story and it illustrates the much greater truth we find from God’s Word. The Bible tells us that without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin. Think with me for a moment. Jesus Christ gladly went to the Cross, and there He willingly gave up His life that all who believe in Him shall never perish but shall have eternal life. He made a supreme sacrifice for all of us who might believe in Him and His sacrifice. What a gift!

Today’s Quote: Why should men pay such a high price for damnation when salvation is free? — Unknown

Today’s Verse: Jesus Christ is the one who came; He came with the water of His baptism and the blood of His death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6;TEV).

1 Bruce Thieleman, Chaplain, Grove City College.

2 Guideposts fundraising letter, approx. 1980.

3 Dina Donohue, The Guideposts Christmas Treasury (Carmel, NY: Guideposts Magazine, 1972), adapted and condensed.

4 Vernal Anderson, St. Matthews-Bethany Lutheran Church, Evan, MN.

5 Herb Caen, Personal Glimpses.

6 Moody Monthly, adapted.

7 Phillip Brooks, Hymns of Glorious Praise (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969).

8 Billy D. Strayhorn, The Pastor’s Story File, December 1992.

9 LaGrange Daily News, LaGrange, GA, December 24, 1991.

10 J. Stuart Wells, The Pastor’s Story File, December 1992.

11 Donald O. Maddox, The Pastor’s Story File, December 1992.

12 Perry Tanksley, I Call You Friend (Jackson, MS: Allgood Books).

13 Myles Colgan.

14 Phillip Brooks as adapted by George Clarke Peck.

15 Impression Printing.

16 Gerhardt Frost, Blessed Is the Ordinary, Reflections of Gerhardt Frost, from a Charles Swindoll sermon, 12/9/84.

17 Michael Daves, “Letter to an Innkeeper,” Together.

Table of Contents

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Day 25

Day 26

Day 27

Day 28

Day 29

Day 30