Preparing your heart, mind, and soul…

Something has gone terribly wrong

Genesis 3:1–15

1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “No! You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”

11 Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

12 The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.”

13 So the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”

And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:

Because you have done this,
you are cursed more than any livestock
and more than any wild animal.
You will move on your belly
and eat dust all the days of your life.
15 I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.

THOUGHTS

The Christmas story actually begins a long way from Bethlehem.

It begins in a garden.

Genesis 3 explains why the world we experience doesn’t match the world we instinctively feel we ought to have. We were made by God, for God, to live under God’s good rule. Yet the serpent’s basic suggestion was devastatingly simple: Maybe life would be better if you stopped trusting Him.

Adam and Eve believed the lie.

And so do we.

Sin is much more than occasionally doing bad things. Sin is the deep human determination to live without God as God. We want His world, His gifts, His relationships, His bodies, His oxygen—and then we’d quite like Him to stay out of the way.

And look what follows.

Shame. Hiding. Blaming. Broken relationships. Pain. Death.

Sound familiar?

Christmas makes very little sense unless Genesis 3 is true.

Jesus didn’t come just because humanity needed better moral teaching. We didn’t need inspiration.

We needed rescue.

But buried inside this heavy chapter is an extraordinary promise. God tells the serpent that one day a descendant of the woman will crush his head.

The Bible has barely begun, and already God is promising that evil will not win.

One day, someone will come.

Christmas is God keeping that promise.

QUESTIONS

1. Where are you most tempted to believe that life would be better if you—not God—were in charge?

2. What consequences of humanity’s rebellion do you see most painfully in the world around you?

3. How does Genesis 3 change the way you understand why Jesus came?

PRAY

Father, I confess that I so easily distrust Your goodness and want life on my terms. Thank You that You did not abandon humanity in our rebellion. Thank You for promising a Rescuer and for sending Jesus. Help me see my sin honestly and Your grace more clearly. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Irenaeus wrote that because of Christ’s “boundless love He became what we are”. (c. AD 180)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

John Piper puts the need starkly: “If God’s people…weren’t needy—desperately so—there would have been no Christmas.”

PRACTICAL

Notice one piece of brokenness today—something in you, someone hurting, something on the news—and instead of merely becoming cynical, quietly pray: “Thank You that Jesus came into this.”

GOD HAS NOT WALKED AWAY

Genesis 12:1-9

1 The Lord said to Abram:

Go from your land,
your relatives,
and your father’s house
to the land that I will show you.
2 I will make you into a great nation,
I will bless you,
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,
and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5 He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated, and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the site of Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. (At that time the Canaanites were in the land.) 7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. He built an altar to the Lord there, and he called on the name of the Lord. 9 Then Abram journeyed by stages to the Negev.

THOUGHTS

After Genesis 3, humanity doesn’t improve.

Things get worse.

By Genesis 11 the world is characterised by violence, pride, rebellion and self-exaltation.

Then Genesis 12 begins with God speaking to one ordinary guy.

Abram.

And God makes a crazy promise.

He will make Abram into a nation. He will bless him. He will give him a land. And through him, all the peoples on earth will be blessed.

That last part matters hugely.

God’s plan has never been just to rescue one little Middle Eastern family.

His plan is global.

God intends to reverse the curse.

And ultimately that blessing comes through one particular descendant of Abraham: Jesus.

Christmas therefore reveals something beautiful about God.

When humanity walks away from Him, God doesn’t simply wash His hands of humanity.

He pursues.

He promises.

He acts.

He saves.

Maybe you sometimes picture God as reluctant—arms folded, waiting for you to become spiritually impressive enough before He takes an interest.

The Bible gives us almost the opposite picture.

Long before Abraham went looking for God, God came looking for Abraham.

And long before any of us went looking for Jesus, God had already planned to send Him.

Christmas is grace before we even knew we needed grace.

QUESTIONS

1. What does God taking the initiative with Abraham teach you about grace?

2. Why is the promise to bless “all the peoples on earth” so important?

3. Where might you be treating God as reluctant rather than gracious?

PRAY

God of Abraham, thank You that salvation begins with Your initiative, not ours. Thank You that Your promise reaches beyond one family and one nation to people like us. Help me trust the God who pursues sinners and keeps His promises. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Augustine prayed of faith received “through the Incarnation of Thy Son”.  (c. AD 397–400)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

Dane Ortlund describes the incarnation as “a mercy that defies comprehension”. (2014)

TODAY

Think of one person you know who seems far from God. Pray for them by name, remembering that God specialises in taking the initiative.

WE CAN’T FIX OURSELVES

EXODUS 19:1–12

1 In the third month from the very day the Israelites left the land of Egypt, they came to the Sinai Wilderness. 2 They travelled from Rephidim, came to the Sinai Wilderness, and camped in the wilderness. Israel camped there in front of the mountain.

3 Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, 6 and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”

7 After Moses came back, he summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 Then all the people responded together, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.” So Moses brought the people’s words back to the Lord.

9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you and will always believe you.” Moses reported the people’s words to the Lord, 10 and the Lord told Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes 11 and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put boundaries for the people all around the mountain and say: Be careful that you don’t go up on the mountain or touch its base. Anyone who touches the mountain must be put to death

THOUGHTS

God rescues Israel from Egypt and brings them to Mount Sinai.

Then He gives them His law.

And sometimes we misunderstand what happens next.

God doesn’t say, “Keep these commandments really well, and perhaps I’ll rescue you.”

He has already rescued them.

Grace comes first.

Then obedience.

But the law also reveals something uncomfortable.

God is holy.

We are not.

At Sinai, the people can’t just wander casually into God’s presence. Boundaries are established. The mountain is set apart. God’s holiness is not something sinful people stroll into with a coffee in hand.

That creates a massive Bible-long question:

How can a holy God live with sinful people?

Religion often answers, “Try harder.”

Improve yourself.

Become sufficiently respectable.

Balance the spiritual scale.

But God’s law ultimately exposes how impossible that project is. We don’t Just need clearer instructions.

We need cleansing.

We need forgiveness.

We need a mediator.

Eventually the One before whom Sinai trembled would Himself enter our world.

The holy God would come near.

Not because holiness had stopped mattering.

But because Jesus would deal with our guilt.

Christmas is not God lowering His standards.

Christmas is God providing the Saviour who can meet them.

QUESTIONS

1. Why is it significant that God rescued Israel before giving them His law?

2. What does Sinai teach you about God’s holiness?

3. Where are you tempted to approach God on the basis of your own performance?

PRAY

Holy God, forgive me for treating You casually and for imagining that I can make myself acceptable to You. Thank You that Jesus has done what I could never do. Teach me both to reverence Your holiness and rest in Your grace. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Anselm confessed Christ as “very God and very man, one person in two natures”. (c. 1098)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

Tim Keller observed that Christmas confronts our assumption “that you are not so bad that you need a Saviour”. (2016)

TODAY

When you become aware of failure today, resist both excuses and self-punishment. Confess it honestly to God, then deliberately thank Him for Jesust.

WE NEED A BETTER KING

JUDGES 2:10–19

10 That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors. After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel.

11 The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. They worshipped the Baals 12 and abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed other gods from the surrounding peoples and bowed down to them. They angered the Lord, 13 for they abandoned him and worshipped Baal and the Ashtoreths.

14 The Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and he handed them over to marauders who raided them. He sold them to the enemies around them, and they could no longer resist their enemies. 15 Whenever the Israelites went out, the Lord was against them and brought disaster on them, just as he had promised and sworn to them. So they suffered greatly.

16 The Lord raised up judges, who saved them from the power of their marauders, 17 but they did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods, bowing down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands. They did not do as their ancestors did. 18 Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for the Israelites, the Lord was with him and saved the people from the power of their enemies while the judge was still alive. The Lord was moved to pity whenever they groaned because of those who were oppressing and afflicting them. 19 Whenever the judge died, the Israelites would act even more corruptly than their ancestors, following other gods to serve them and bow in worship to them. They did not turn from their evil practices or their obstinate ways

THOUGHTS

Judges is exhausting.

Israel sins.

God disciplines them.

They cry out.

God raises a rescuer.

Things improve.

The rescuer dies.

Israel runs straight back into rebellion.

Again.

And again.

And again.

You reach the end thinking: Surely someone can lead these people properly.

That is part of the point.

Israel needs a faithful king.

But even when kings eventually arrive, most of them disappoint too.

Which sounds strangely familiar.

Human beings keep hoping the right leader, party, movement, boss, institution or cultural moment will finally sort everything out.

But our problem runs deeper.

Broken people can’t finally rescue broken people.

We need a King who isn’t corrupted by power.

A King who won’t fail.

A King who loves righteousness perfectly.

A King who can transform His people rather than merely manage them.

That longing runs all the way towards Bethlehem.

When the angel announces Jesus’ birth, he doesn’t just announce a spiritual adviser.

He announces a King.

Jesus didn’t come to offer helpful suggestions for improving your existing kingdom.

He came to establish His.

And perhaps one of the hardest questions Christmas asks is therefore:

Will I actually let Him rule me?

QUESTIONS

1. What pattern keeps repeating throughout Judges?

2. Why can no merely human leader solve humanity’s deepest problem?

3. Is there an area of life where you prefer Jesus as helper rather than King?

PRAY

Lord Jesus, I need more than advice. I need a righteous King. Forgive me for wanting Your help while resisting Your authority. Rule my thinking, desires, relationships, priorities and decisions. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“He could not do any better thing for us than to give us Jesus Christ to be our King.” (Charles Spurgeon - 1879)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“A true king, a righteous king, strong and brave enough to defeat their foes, and gentle and good to shepherd his people.” (David Mathis - 2022)

TODAY

Before one decision today, deliberately stop and ask: “Jesus, what would it look like to treat You as King here?”

EVEN EXILE COULDN’T CANCEL THE PROMISE

EZEKIEL 36:22–32

22 “Therefore, say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: It is not for your sake that I will act, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you profaned among the nations where you went. 23 I will honour the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am the Lord—this is the declaration of the Lord God—when I demonstrate my holiness through you in their sight.

24 “‘For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone[a] and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes and carefully observe my ordinances. 28 You will live in the land that I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and make it plentiful, and I will not bring famine on you. 30 I will also make the fruit of the trees and the produce of the field plentiful, so that you will no longer experience reproach among the nations on account of famine.

31 “‘You will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and detestable practices. 32 It is not for your sake that I will act—this is the declaration of the Lord God—let this be known to you. Be ashamed and humiliated because of your ways, house of Israel!

THOUGHTS

Israel’s story eventually ends in disaster.

The promised land is lost.

Jerusalem falls.

The people go into exile.

And it would be easy to conclude that God’s whole rescue plan has collapsed.

Except God keeps speaking.

Through Ezekiel, He promises something astonishing.

He will cleanse His people.

Give them a new heart.

Put His Spirit within them.

And enable them to walk in His ways.

Notice who does the work.

“I will.”

Again and again.

God’s people have demonstrated that external rules cannot produce internal transformation.

So God promises to change them from the inside.

That’s where the Christmas story is heading.

Jesus doesn’t come to give sinful people another opportunity to try harder.

He comes to establish the new covenant.

He comes to cleanse.

He comes so that His Spirit can be poured out.

He comes to make spiritually dead people alive.

Maybe that’s good news you need today.

You may know yourself well enough to realise willpower won’t save you.

Good.

Christianity was never built on willpower.

It’s built on God saying to helpless sinners:

“I will.”

QUESTIONS

1. Count the things God promises to do in this passage. What strikes you?

2. Why is a new heart necessary?

3. What are you currently trying to change through sheer willpower rather than dependence on God?

PRAY

Father, thank You that Your salvation does not depend on my ability to repair myself. Cleanse me. Keep changing my heart. Thank You for Jesus and for the gift of Your Spirit. Make me increasingly glad to obey You. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“He became man, that we who die as men might live again.” (Athanasius - AD 338)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

John Piper says Christmas marks the moment God sent His Son “to make foes into family” (2024)

TODAY

Identify one area where you badly need God to change your heart. Ask Him plainly rather than pretending you can manage it yourself

A KING WHOSE THRONE WILL LAST

2 SAMUEL 7:8–16

8 “So now this is what you are to say to my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of Armies says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, to be ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a great name for you like that of the greatest on the earth. 10 I will designate a place for my people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not continue to oppress them as they have done 11 ever since the day I ordered judges to be over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies.

“‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a rod of men and blows from mortals. 15 But my faithful love will never leave him as it did when I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’”

THOUGHTS

David wants to build God a house.

God responds by promising to build David a house—a dynasty.

One of David’s sons will reign.

His kingdom will endure.

His throne will be established forever.

Initially, Solomon partially fulfils that promise.

But Solomon dies.

So do all David’s other descendants.

The kingdom divides.

Eventually David’s royal line looks all but finished.

So what happened to God’s promise?

Christmas happened.

Matthew opens his Gospel by introducing Jesus as “the Son of David”.

Luke records Gabriel telling Mary that God will give Jesus David’s throne and that His kingdom will never end.

God didn’t forget.

He never does.

Centuries may pass.

Human circumstances may appear hopeless.

But God doesn’t lose control of His story.

Some of us live as though God’s faithfulness has a fairly short expiry date.

If He hasn’t done something quickly, we assume He won’t.

David’s story tells us otherwise.

God’s delays are not God’s forgetfulness.

Christmas arrives after generations of waiting.

And when the Son of David finally comes, He is far greater than anyone expected.

QUESTIONS

1. What exactly does God promise David?

2. How does Jesus fulfil that promise beyond what Solomon ever could?

3. Where are you struggling with God’s timing?

PRAY

Faithful God, You never forget what You promise. Forgive my impatience and short memory. Thank You that Jesus is the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Help me trust You when fulfilment seems slow. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“Born to reign in us for ever, Now thy gracious kingdom bring.” (Charles Wesley - 1744)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“God exerts all his omnipotence and all his omniscience to do good to his people.” (John Piper - 1983)

TODAY

Think of one promise of God you’re finding difficult to trust. Write the reference somewhere you’ll see it today.

THE NATIONS BELONG TO HIM

PSALM 2:1–12

1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand,
and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and his Anointed One:
3 “Let’s tear off their chains
and throw their ropes off of us.”

4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord ridicules them.
5 Then he speaks to them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath:
6 “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will declare the Lord’s decree.
He said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.
8 Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will shatter them like pottery.”

10 So now, kings, be wise;
receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with reverential awe
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry
and you will perish in your rebellion,
for his anger may ignite at any moment.
All who take refuge in him are happy.

THOUGHTS

Psalm 2 begins with a world in rebellion.

Nations rage.

Rulers resist God.

People want freedom from His authority.

God’s response?

He installs His King.

That matters at Christmas.

Jesus doesn’t arrive just as Israel’s private religious figure.

He is God’s King for the world.

The wise men understand something of this. They come asking where the “King of the Jews” has been born.

Herod understands something too—which is why he panics.

The arrival of Jesus is wonderful news, but it is not neutral news.

A King has come.

And if Jesus is King, then none of us gets to remain on the throne of our own life.

Psalm 2 finishes with both warning and invitation.

Take refuge in Him.

The King who has every right to judge rebels also offers Himself as their refuge.

That’s incredible!

The One we have resisted becomes the One who shelters us.

This Christmas, don’t simply admire Jesus.

Take refuge in Him.

QUESTIONS

1. Why do the nations resist God’s rule?

2. Why is Jesus’ kingship both confronting and comforting?

3. What would taking refuge in Jesus look like for you today?

PRAY

King Jesus, You have every right to rule me and all creation. Forgive my resistance. Thank You that You offer refuge to rebels. Teach me gladly to bow before You. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Martin Luther urged Christians to “remain by the manger and the swaddling clothes of Christ”.

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“Surrender to his Son who freely gave his life, bore his Father’s almighty wrath and your curse willingly.” (Greg Morse - 2024)

TODAY

Notice one moment when your plans are interrupted. Rather than instantly becoming irritated, use it as a reminder: I am not the king. Jesus is.

IMMANUEL

ISAIAH 7:10–17

10 Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.”

12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.”

13 Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? 14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. 15 By the time he learns to reject what is bad and choose what is good, he will be eating curds and honey. 16 For before the boy knows to reject what is bad and choose what is good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned. 17 The Lord will bring on you, your people, and your father’s house such a time as has never been since Ephraim separated from Judah: He will bring the king of Assyria.”

THOUGHTS

King Ahaz is terrified.

Judah is threatened.

God offers reassurance.

Ahaz refuses to trust Him.

And into that situation comes one of Scripture’s great Christmas promises:

Immanuel.

“God with us.”

Matthew later explicitly connects Isaiah’s words with Jesus’ conception and birth.

That name tells us something at the very heart of Christianity.

God’s answer to our deepest problem is not just info from heaven.

It is His presence.

He comes.

This doesn’t mean God simply turns up to make life comfortable. Ahaz’s situation remains serious. Immanuel is both salvation and judgement depending on how people respond to God.

And Jesus is the same.

Christmas is comforting—but never kept at just cosy.

God has come near.

The question is whether we will trust Him.

Maybe you feel God is distant.

Christmas says something objective before it says something emotional.

Whether you feel close to God today or not, God has acted decisively to bring sinners near through Christ.

Immanuel has come.

QUESTIONS

1. Why does Ahaz struggle to trust God?

2. What does the name “Immanuel” tell us about Jesus?

3. Where do feelings of God’s distance currently need to be corrected by what He has actually done?

PRAY

Immanuel, thank You that You did not remain distant. You came into our world to bring us back to God. When my feelings wobble, anchor me in what You have actually done. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Immanuel!.” (Charles Wesley - 1739)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

Tim Keller writes, “Christmas is both more wondrous and more threatening than we imagine.” (2016)

TODAY

When you feel alone today, say slowly: “Immanuel—God with us.” Then thank God for one concrete implication of that truth.

LIGHT HAS ENTERED THE DARKNESS

ISAIAH 9:1–7

1 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honour to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased its joy.
The people have rejoiced before you
as they rejoice at harvest time
and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke
and the rod on their shoulders,
the staff of their oppressor,
just as you did on the day of Midian.
5 For every trampling boot of battle
and the bloodied garments of war
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

THOUGHTS

Isaiah speaks into gloom.

Oppression.

War.

Darkness.

Then suddenly:

A light dawns.

A child is born.

A Son is given.

And this child carries extraordinary names.

Wonderful Counsellor.

Mighty God.

Eternal Father.

Prince of Peace.

His government and peace will never end.

We sometimes reduce Christmas hope to a vague feeling that December might make everyone a little kinder.

Isaiah offers something vastly stronger.

The hope is a person.

Darkness will not finally be defeated by human optimism.

It’s defeated because the King comes.

That matters because some Christmases don’t feel bright.

Grief doesn’t take December off.

Cancer still arrives.

Families still fracture.

Loneliness can actually become sharper when everyone else appears cheerful.

Christian hope never asks us to pretend darkness isn’t dark.

Isaiah looks darkness straight in the face.

Then says:

A light has dawned.

The radical truth is that Jesus doesn’t only help us cope with darkness.

He will eventually end it.

QUESTIONS

1. What kinds of darkness surround Isaiah’s promise?

2. Which title given to the child most encourages you today?

3. How is Christian hope stronger than seasonal optimism?

PRAY

Lord Jesus, You are light in our darkness. Thank You that suffering and evil will not have the final word. Help those who find Christmas painful, and help me hope in You rather than in circumstances. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Spurgeon marvelled that “in the manger lay an Infant who was also Infinite!” (1876)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“When the darkness falls, trust in the Lord’s promises, and not in the way things appear.” (John Bloom - 2016)

TODAY

Contact someone for whom Christmas may be difficult. Don’t try to fix them. Simply let them know you’re thinking of them.

THE KING WHO GETS IT RIGHT

ISAIAH 11:1–10

1 Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
a Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight will be in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge
by what he sees with his eyes,
he will not execute justice
by what he hears with his ears,
4 but he will judge the poor righteously
and execute justice for the oppressed of the land.
He will strike the land
with a scepter from his mouth,
and he will kill the wicked
with a command from his lips.
5 Righteousness will be a belt around his hips;
faithfulness will be a belt around his waist.

6 The wolf will dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the goat.
The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf will be together,
and a child will lead them.
7 The cow and the bear will graze,
their young ones will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like cattle.
8 An infant will play beside the cobra’s pit,
and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den.
9 They will not harm or destroy each other
on my entire holy mountain,
for the land will be as full
of the knowledge of the Lord
as the sea is filled with water.

10 On that day the root of Jesse
will stand as a banner for the peoples.
The nations will look to him for guidance,
and his resting place will be glorious.

THOUGHTS

By Isaiah 11, David’s royal family looks like a tree that has been chopped down.

Only a stump remains.

Then Isaiah sees something growing.

A shoot.

A branch.

Life emerging where everything looked dead.

This coming King will possess God’s Spirit.

He will judge with righteousness.

He will defend the vulnerable.

His reign will ultimately bring astonishing peace to creation itself.

This is the King humanity has always wanted and never managed to produce.

Every human ruler has limitations.

Even our best leaders are sinful, finite and temporary.

Jesus is none of those things.

He doesn’t judge by appearances.

He is never manipulated.

Never uninformed.

Never selfish.

Never exhausted.

Never corrupt.

Never voted out.

Christmas announces that God’s King has entered history.

And one day the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.

That means the future of the world does not rest on humanity’s ability to finally get its act together.

It rests with Christ.

Which is exceptionally sweet news.

QUESTIONS

1. What qualities distinguish Isaiah’s promised King?

2. Which aspect of His future kingdom most makes you long for His return?

3. How might Jesus’ rule challenge where you currently place your hope?

PRAY

Jesus, righteous King, thank You that You never misuse Your authority. Rule me now, and hasten the day when Your righteous reign fills the earth. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.” (Isaac Watts - 1719)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“He will not be deceived by appearances and personal preferences.” (David Mathis - 2024)

TODAY

When today’s news gives you reason for anxiety, let it become a prompt to pray: “Your kingdom come.”

BETHLEHEM WAS NEVER RANDOM

MICAH 5:1–9

Now, daughter who is under attack,
you slash yourself in grief;
a siege is set against us!
They are striking the judge of Israel
on the cheek with a rod.
2 Bethlehem Ephrathah,
you are small among the clans of Judah;
one will come from you
to be ruler over Israel for me.
His origin is from antiquity,
from ancient times.
3 Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of the ruler’s brothers will return
to the people of Israel.
4 He will stand and shepherd them
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majestic name of the Lord his God.
They will live securely,
for then his greatness will extend
to the ends of the earth.
5 He will be their peace.
When Assyria invades our land,
when it marches against our fortresses,
we will raise against it seven shepherds,
even eight leaders of men.
6 They will shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword,
the land of Nimrod with a drawn blade.
So he will rescue us from Assyria
when it invades our land,
when it marches against our territory.

7 Then the remnant of Jacob
will be among many peoples
like dew from the Lord,
like showers on the grass,
which do not wait for anyone
or linger for mankind.
8 Then the remnant of Jacob
will be among the nations, among many peoples,
like a lion among animals of the forest,
like a young lion among flocks of sheep,
which tramples and tears as it passes through,
and there is no one to rescue them.
9 Your hand will be lifted up against your adversaries,
and all your enemies will be destroyed.

THOUGHTS

Bethlehem was small.

Unimpressive.

Hardly the place you’d expect world-changing events to begin.

But Micah names it.

From tiny Bethlehem will come a ruler for Israel.

Centuries later, when the magi arrive in Jerusalem asking where the Messiah is to be born, the religious leaders know exactly which prophecy to quote.

Bethlehem.

God had been preparing for Christmas long before Mary and Joseph made the journey.

That should steady us.

So much of life feels accidental.

Wrong timing.

Unexpected circumstances.

Detours we wouldn’t choose.

Yet the Christmas story repeatedly shows God working through ordinary decisions, political events, inconvenient journeys and obscure places to accomplish exactly what He promised.

Bethlehem reminds us that God doesn’t require impressive circumstances to do extraordinary things.

In fact, He often seems to delight in the opposite.

The Messiah comes not from Rome.

Not Athens.

Not even Jerusalem.

Bethlehem.

Never confuse smallness with insignificance when God is involved.

QUESTIONS

1. Why is Bethlehem’s smallness significant?

2. What does fulfilled promise teach us about God’s control of history?

3. Where might you be assuming God can only work through impressive circumstances?

PRAY

Sovereign Lord, thank You that nothing is outside Your rule. Help me trust You with the ordinary, inconvenient and unimpressive parts of life. Thank You that You keep every promise. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“The summer dust moves in its orbit, guided by the same hand which rolls the stars along.” (Charles Spurgeon - 1855)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“We will see just how small were all the world’s big things, and just how big was the day of small things.” (Scott Hubbard - 2021)

TODAY

Do one ordinary responsibility faithfully today. No fanfare. No need to make it impressive. Serve Jesus in the small thing.

PREPARE THE WAY

MALACHI 3:1–12

“See, I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple, the Messenger of the covenant you delight in—see, he is coming,” says the Lord of Armies. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will be able to stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s bleach. 3 He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. 4 And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by.

5 “I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless; and against those who deny justice to the resident alien. They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies. 6 “Because I, the Lord, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

7 “Since the days of your ancestors, you have turned from my statutes; you have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Armies.

Yet you ask, “How can we return?”

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!”

“How do we rob you?” you ask.

“By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions. 9 You are suffering under a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing me. 10 Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the Lord of Armies. 12 “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of Armies.

THOUGHTS

The Old Testament closes with expectation.

A messenger will come.

Then the Lord Himself will come.

But Malachi makes clear that His arrival will not simply be pleasant.

He will purify.

Refine.

Expose.

Judge.

We often imagine preparing for Christmas means getting everything organised.

Presents bought.

Food planned.

House cleaned.

Calendar managed.

Malachi asks whether we are ready.

When Jesus comes, He does not wnt to decorate our existing life.

He confronts it.

He exposes sin because He loves us too much to leave us enslaved by it.

John the Baptist will eventually arrive as the messenger preparing the Lord’s way, calling people to repentance.

And repentance remains one of God’s gifts to us.

It is not spiritual humiliation for humiliation’s sake.

It is turning away from what destroys us and returning to the God who gives life.

Maybe this year preparing for Christmas should involve less frantic activity and more honest repentance.

QUESTIONS

1. Why is the Lord’s coming both good and confronting?

2. What does the picture of refining communicate?

3. Is there something you already know you need to repent of?

PRAY

Lord, prepare my heart. Show me where I have grown comfortable with sin. Give me genuine repentance and fresh joy in Your grace. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” (Robert Robinson - 1758)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“We do not need to bring our mere promises to do better next time; we bring bended knees and lowly hearts.” (Greg Morse - 2021)

TODAY

Is there something you've been putting off putting right? An apology you need to make? A sin you need to confess? A conversation you've been avoiding? Don't just think about repentance today. Take the first step.

GOD HEARS FORGOTTEN PRAYERS

LUKE 1:5–17

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

THOUGHTS

Zechariah and Elizabeth have carried disappointment for years.

They are godly.

They have prayed.

And Elizabeth is still childless.

Then, in the middle of an ordinary priestly duty, an angel appears.

“Your prayer has been heard.”

That sentence must have landed with big time weight.

John will be born.

And even more importantly, John will prepare people for the Lord.

Their private sorrow becomes caught up in God’s crazy rescue plan.

That doesn’t mean every unanswered prayer eventually receives the exact outcome we want.

The Bible never promises that.

But Luke reminds us that apparent silence is not divine absence.

God has not lost your address.

He has not forgotten His people.

And often His timetable is much larger than ours.

Zechariah and Elizabeth thought they were waiting for a child.

God was preparing the messenger who would announce the Messiah.

Sometimes we have no idea what God is doing in our waiting.

But Christmas tells us we can trust the One who is doing it.

QUESTIONS

1. What do you learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth before their prayer is answered?

2. Why might God’s silence be difficult to distinguish from His inactivity?

3. What long-standing prayer do you need to entrust again to Him?

PRAY

Father, You see every disappointment and hear every prayer. Help me trust You when I cannot see what You are doing. Thank You that Your plans are wiser and larger than mine. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” (William Cowper - 1774)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“Our joy and gladness come from the Lord more than from specific answers to our prayers.” (Bob Kauflin - 2020)

TODAY

Bring one old prayer back to God today—without pretending, demanding or giving up.

NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

LUKE 1:26–38

 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”

35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

THOUGHTS

Mary’s world changes in a convo.

Gabriel announces that she will bear a son.

His name will be Jesus.

He will be great.

He will reign forever.

And He will be called the Son of God.

Mary asks the obvious question:

How?

The answer takes us straight into the mystery of the incarnation.

This child will not come about through ordinary conception. The Holy Spirit will act.

The Word of God truly becomes human without ceasing to be God.

Christianity stands or falls on claims this big.

The Christmas story isn’t saying, “Try to find a little magic in ordinary life.”

It announces an act of God.

Mary can’t make it happen.

Neither can Joseph.

Neither can Israel.

God does what only God can do.

That is salvation in miniature.

We can’t engineer our own rescue either.

God must act.

And He has.

QUESTIONS

1. What does Gabriel tell Mary about Jesus’ identity?

2. Why does the miraculous conception matter?

3. Where do you most need to remember that salvation is God’s work before it is yours?

PRAY

God Almighty, nothing is impossible for You. Thank You that Jesus is truly God and truly man. Thank You for accomplishing the rescue we could never achieve ourselves. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“Our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man.” (Charles Wesley - 1745)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“But now learn the most important lesson in the universe: reckon with the reality of God!” (John Piper - 1985)

TODAY

When you encounter something today that feels impossible, let it remind you of the God who accomplished the incarnation. Pray before you panic.

MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD

LUKE 1:46–56

And Mary said:

My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 because he has looked with favor
on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations
will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One
has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
50 His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he spoke to our ancestors.

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.

THOUGHTS

Mary sings.

And her song tells us what she thinks Christmas means.

God has looked on the humble.

He has done great things.

He scatters the proud.

Brings down the powerful.

Lifts up the lowly.

Feeds the hungry.

Remembers His mercy.

This is not sentimental Christmas-card spirituality.

Mary understands that the arrival of Jesus turns the world’s values upside down.

Human beings are impressed by power, wealth, visibility and status.

God chooses an obscure young woman from Nazareth.

Human beings boast.

God shows mercy.

Human beings build kingdoms.

God establishes His.

Mary’s response is worship.

“My soul magnifies the Lord.”

That is perhaps the most appropriate Advent response imaginable.

Not just understanding more.

Not just learning interesting theology.

Seeing God more clearly—and praising Him.

QUESTIONS

1. What does Mary celebrate about God?

2. Which human values does her song overturn?

3. Has your Advent reflection actually been producing worship?

PRAY

My soul magnifies You, Lord. Thank You for Your mercy, Your faithfulness and Your strength. Guard me from pride. Give me Mary’s wonder at what You have done. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Spurgeon once said, “Who can be astonished at anything when he has once been astonished at the manger and the cross?” (1865)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“God is magnified in his weak people when we, like Mary, rejoice in him.” (David Mathis - 2021)

TODAY

Put on a Christ-centred Christmas song and actually listen to the words. Turn the song into prayer rather than background noise.

GOD KEEPS EVERY WORD

LUKE 1:67–79

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited
and provided redemption for his people.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
70 just as he spoke by the mouth
of his holy prophets in ancient times;
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of those who hate us.
72 He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors
and remembered his holy covenant—
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham,
to grant that we,
74 having been rescued
from the hand of our enemies,
would serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness
in his presence all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called
a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare his ways,
77 to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion,
the dawn from on high will visit us
79 to shine on those who live in darkness
and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.

THOUGHTS

Zechariah can finally speak.

And the first thing Luke records is praise.

His son John has just been born, yet much of Zechariah’s song is actually about someone else.

Jesus.

God has visited His people.

Raised up salvation.

Remembered His covenant.

Shown mercy.

Fulfilled what He spoke through the prophets.

Zechariah sees the birth of John as evidence that centuries of divine promises are reaching fulfilment.

God has not improvised Christmas.

He promised it.

Prepared it.

Then accomplished it.

That means biblical faith is not vague optimism.

We trust God because He has demonstrated His faithfulness in history.

The sunrise from on high really has visited us.

QUESTIONS

1. How many promises or past acts of God can you identify in Zechariah’s song?

2. Why does remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthen present faith?

3. What do you most need to remember about God today?

PRAY

Faithful Lord, thank You that You remember Your covenant and keep Your word. Help me build my confidence not on circumstances but on Your proven faithfulness. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Calvin said the law was given to “keep alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ until His Advent”. (1559)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

John Piper says “Christmas was the decisive inbreaking of this plan into history. Nothing has been the same since.” (2018)

TODAY

Think back over a difficult season God has brought you through. What did you learn about His faithfulness? Write down a few sentences about it, then share them with someone who's currently doing it tough. Your experience might be exactly the encouragement they need.

HE WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE

MATTHEW 1:18–25

18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,

which is translated “God is with us.”

24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.

THOUGHTS

Joseph discovers Mary is preggas.

Everything appears obvious.

Except it isn’t.

An angel explains what God is doing.

The child is conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Joseph is to name Him Jesus.

Why?

“Because he will save his people from their sins.”

There is Christmas in one sentence.

Jesus’ name tells us His mission.

He didn’t come primarily to make the world nicer.

He came to save sinners.

That means the biggest danger facing you is not financial pressure, bad health, political instability, family dysfunction or an uncertain future.

Those things matter.

But our deepest problem is sin.

Sin makes us guilty before God.

Sin corrupts our desires.

Sin fractures relationships.

Sin leads to death.

And Jesus came for that.

If our diagnosis is shallow, Christmas will seem shallow.

But once we see the seriousness of sin, the name “Jesus” becomes unbelievably good news.

QUESTIONS

1. According to the angel, why did Jesus come?

2. Why do we naturally underestimate sin?

3. What difference does it make that salvation is something Jesus accomplishes?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You for coming to save Your people from their sins. Save me from both sin’s guilt and its ongoing power. Help me hate what destroys me and love the Saviour who rescues me. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

William Cowper said of the blood and grace of Jesus, “And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains.” (1772)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“I need the disease to be taken away, not just a rescue from the consequences of its death and wrath.” (John Piper - 2018)

TODAY

Maybe today you could think of one sin you've become a little too comfortable with. Something you've started excusing or simply accepting. Confess it honestly to God, then do something practical to stop feeding it. Remove a temptation, make an apology, or ask a trusted Christian to help you fight it. Jesus came to save us from our sins—not leave us comfortable in them.

NO ROOM, YET EXACTLY WHERE HE CHOSE TO BE

LUKE 2:1–12

 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

THOUGHTS

Luke begins with Caesar Augustus.

The most powerful guy in the world issues a decree.

People move because Caesar speaks.

And yet Luke quietly shows us that above Caesar stands another King.

Caesar’s decree ultimately moves Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem—exactly where God had promised the Messiah would come.

Then the King is born.

And where does He sleep?

A feeding trough.

The contrast is crazy.

The One who possesses all authority enters the world in weakness.

The Creator becomes a baby who must be carried.

Fed.

Wrapped.

Protected.

This is not evidence that Jesus lacks glory.

This is what His glory looks like.

Humility.

Condescension.

Grace.

God does not save from a safe distance.

He comes down.

QUESTIONS

1. How does Luke contrast earthly power with God’s hidden rule?

2. What does the manger reveal about Jesus?

3. How should Christ’s humility reshape the way you think about greatness?

PRAY

Lord Jesus, I am amazed that You willingly came so low. Forgive my obsession with recognition, comfort and status. Make Your humility beautiful to me. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Spurgeon said, “The humility of the manger and the sacrifice of the cross fit perfectly together. Both show us just how far Jesus was willing to go to save us.” (1862)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“The extent of his people’s rebellion was matched, and surpassed, only by the extent of his final sacrifice.” (David Mathis - 2021)

TODAY

Jesus willingly took the lowest place. So today, take on a job that nobody particularly wants to do. Clean the bathroom. Wash the dishes. Tackle the mess someone else made. Something genuinely helpful. And here's the challenge: don't announce it or look for credit afterwards.

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

LUKE 2:8–20

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.

THOUGHTS

Who receives heaven’s birth announcement?

Shepherds.

Not Caesar.

Not Herod.

Not Jerusalem’s elite.

Ordinary workers on a night shift.

And the angel’s message contains three incredible titles.

Saviour.

Messiah.

Lord.

Then heaven erupts in praise.

The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem.

They see the child.

They tell others.

And they return glorifying God.

That is a golden pattern.

Hear.

Come.

See.

Tell.

Worship.

Christian joy isn’t manufactured by forcing ourselves into a festive mood.

Joy has an object.

A Saviour has been born.

Maybe you don’t feel especially joyful today.

That doesn’t disqualify you.

The angel doesn’t say, “I bring good news because you’ve managed to create the right mood.”

The news is good whether the shepherds had a good shift or a terrible one.

And the news remains good whether your December is brilliant or brutal.

Christ has come.

QUESTIONS

1. What do the three titles given to Jesus tell us about Him?

2. What progression do you see in the shepherds’ response?

3. How is gospel joy different from simply feeling cheerful?

PRAY

Saviour, Messiah and Lord, thank You for good news of great joy. Give me joy that rests in what You have done rather than in how my day happens to feel. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“There is more of God, let us say, to be seen in the manger and the cross, than in the sparkling stars above.” (Spurgeon again… - 1865)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

Alistair Begg says, “At the centre of the Christmas story is not a cradle but a cross.” (2024)

TODAY

The shepherds heard the good news and couldn't keep it to themselves. Is there someone you could invite to our Christmas Eve services this year? Don't just vaguely suggest it. Ask them personally, offer to go together, and make it easy for them to come.

COME AND WORSHIP THE KING

MATTHEW 2:1–12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.

5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:

6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah:
Because out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”

7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

THOUGHTS

The magi arrive from the east searching for the newborn King.

Matthew doesn’t tell us there were three of them.

He doesn’t call them kings.

And by the time they arrive, Matthew describes Jesus as a child in a house.

A few of our nativity-scene details come from tradition rather than the biblical text; careful scholarship on the infancy narratives regularly warns against letting familiar artistic conventions replace what Matthew and Luke actually say.

What Matthew does emphasise is awesome.

Foreigners come to worship Jesus.

Meanwhile Herod, Jerusalem’s king, wants Him dead.

And religious leaders can quote the correct prophecy without apparently walking the few kilometres to Bethlehem.

Three reactions.

Worship.

Hostility.

Indifference.

Those responses still exist.

Being familiar with Jesus is not the same as worshipping Him.

Knowing Bible facts is not the same as bowing before the King.

The magi travel an enormous distance.

The experts barely move.

So which are you?

QUESTIONS

1. Compare the reactions of the magi, Herod and the religious leaders.

2. Why is biblical knowledge without worship dangerous?

3. Has familiarity with Christmas dulled your wonder at Jesus?

PRAY

King Jesus, protect me from knowing about You without truly worshipping You. Give me the glad-hearted response of the magi. You are worth seeking, trusting and honouring. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.” (William Chatterton Dix - 1865)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

Piper says that life is, “Submission to Jesus as your supreme King. Worshipping Jesus as your supreme Treasure.” (2023)

TODAY

The magi didn't simply admire Jesus. They bowed before Him and gave Him gifts.

Can you choose a gospel ministry or someone in genuine need, and give something generous today. Something that actually costs you a little. Not to earn God's favour, but because Jesus is worthy of far more than our leftovers.

THE WORD BECAME FLESH

JOHN 1:1–14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son[i] from the Father, full of grace and truth.

THOUGHTS

John doesn’t give us a stable.

No shepherds.

No magi.

Instead, he takes us behind Bethlehem into eternity.

“In the beginning was the Word.”

Jesus didn’t begin existing when Mary became pregnant.

The Son is eternal.

He was with God.

He was God.

Everything was created through Him.

Then John writes words so familiar we can miss how staggering they are:

The Word became flesh.

Not appeared to be human.

Not temporarily disguised Himself.

God’s actual Word became genuinely human.

Without ceasing to be genuinely God.

The Bible has always taught Jesus as one person possessing true divine and true human natures.

The One who made human skin took human skin.

The One who created lungs breathed with lungs.

The One who made Mary became Mary’s son.

Why?

So that God’s glory, grace and truth might come right into our darkness.

If Christmas no longer blows us away, John 1 invites us to look again.

QUESTIONS

1. What does John tell us about Jesus before verse 14?

2. Why does His full divinity and full humanity matter?

3. What part of the incarnation most stretches your mind?

PRAY

Eternal Word, You made all things, yet You became flesh and lived among us. Give me fresh wonder. Keep me from reducing You to something manageable. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Luther urged: “Everyday remain by the manger…in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

A VOICE FROM TODAY

David Mathis says, “The Creator himself came as a creature, the Author entered into his Story as a character.” (2021)

TODAY

God didn't love us from a distance. He came near. So think of someone who could really use some company today. Rather than simply sending a quick message, maybe make time for a proper phone call, coffee, or visit. Ask how they're actually going, and give them your attention.

HE CAME DOWN

PHILIPPIANS 2:5–11

5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
9 For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

THOUGHTS

Jesus’ story moves downward before it moves upward.

Existing in the form of God.

Taking the form of a servant.

Becoming human.

Humbling Himself.

Obeying to the point of death.

Even death on a cross.

Then God exalts Him.

Christmas therefore reveals the character of Christ.

He is not grasping.

Self-protective.

Status-hungry.

He gives Himself.

And Paul’s reason for telling us this is super practical:

“Adopt the same attitude.”

In other words, the incarnation doesn’t just give us doctrine to believe.

It gives us a Saviour to imitate.

Our world tells us to promote ourselves.

Defend our status.

Get credit.

Win.

Jesus takes the opposite road.

Downward.

Towards service.

Towards sacrifice.

Towards obedience.

And ultimately glory.

QUESTIONS

1. Trace Jesus’ downward movement in verses 6–8.

2. What does His humility teach you about God’s character?

3. Where could you choose service over status this week?

PRAY

Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself for me. Expose my pride and self-importance. Give me Your attitude—gladly serving because I already belong to You. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.” (Isaac Watts - 1707)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“The arithmetic is simple: God loved us sacrificially in Christ; therefore, we love others sacrificially.” (Alex Duke - 2017)

TODAY

Jesus didn't cling to His rights or His status. He humbled Himself. Is there a relationship where pride has got the better of you? Perhaps you've been defensive, stubborn, or desperate to have the last word. Be the first to apologise. And try doing it without adding a single “but…”

BORN SO SLAVES COULD BECOME CHILDREN

GALATIANS 4:1–11

Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world. 4 When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.

8 But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods. 9 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? 10 You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

THOUGHTS

“When the time came to completion…”

Paul compresses Christmas into a few lines.

God sent His Son.

Born of a woman.

Born under the law.

To redeem those under the law.

Why?

“So that we might receive adoption as sons.”

Christmas doesn’t just mean forgiveness.

It means family.

Jesus takes our humanity so that we might receive His status.

He bears our obligations.

Pays our debt.

And brings us home to His Father.

Then God sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.”

Christianity is therefore not fundamentally about trying to convince a reluctant deity to accept you.

If you are in Christ, God has adopted you.

You belong.

Some people find Christmas intensifies complicated feelings about family.

Galatians 4 doesn’t make those wounds disappear.

But it tells believers something deeper than any human family experience.

Through Christ, you have been welcomed into God’s household.

And nobody can revoke the adoption.

QUESTIONS

1. According to verses 4–5, why was the Son sent?

2. What is the difference between being a slave and a son or daughter?

3. How would your prayer life change if you deeply believed God welcomes you as His child?

PRAY

Abba, Father, thank You for sending Your Son to redeem me and bring me into Your family. Help me live not like a frightened slave but like a deeply loved child. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

“No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!” (Charles Wesley - 1738)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

John Piper says Christmas is when God sent His Son “to make foes into family”. (2024)

TODAY

Through Jesus, God welcomes us into His family. Think of someone who might feel a little on the outside this Christmas. Could you invite them for a meal, include them in something you're doing, or make room for them at your table? Don't leave it as a nice idea. Extend an actual invitation.

HE TOOK FLESH SO HE COULD DIE

HEBREWS 2:10–18

For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God—for whom and through whom all things exist—should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying:

I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
I will sing hymns to you in the congregation.

13 Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me.

14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

THOUGHTS

Christmas Eve. The best of eves….

The manger is almost impossible to separate from warmth, lights and celebration.

Hebrews introduces a more sobering thought.

Jesus took flesh and blood so that through death He might destroy the one holding the power of death and free those enslaved by fear.

He was born so He could die.

God, in His divine nature, does not die.

So the eternal Son took a true human nature.

He became like us.

He entered mortality.

He experienced temptation.

Suffering.

Weakness.

And eventually death.

Not accidentally.

For us.

This is why Christmas and Easter belong together.

Bethlehem is heading towards Calvary.

The hands Mary wrapped in cloth would one day be pierced.

The baby laid in the manger had come to become our merciful and faithful High Priest.

So tomorrow, celebrate.

Eat.

Laugh.

Give gifts.

Enjoy people you love.

But underneath all of it, remember the cost.

The Son of God came all the way into our humanity because He intended to carry our sin all the way to the cross.

QUESTIONS

1. Why does Hebrews say Jesus shared our flesh and blood?

2. How does His humanity make Him a merciful High Priest?

3. What fear does Jesus’ victory over death address in you?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You for taking flesh and blood for me. Thank You that the manger leads to the cross and the cross leads to resurrection. Free me from slavery to the fear of death. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

John Donne preached that Christ’s “Christmas-Day and his Good Friday” belong to “one and the same day”. 1626)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

“The incarnation was God’s locking himself into death row. Christ did not risk death. He embraced it”. (John Piper - 1982)

TODAY

Before bed tonight, thank Jesus specifically for one thing His death has freed you from.

GOD HAS COME NEAR

1 JOHN 4:7–16

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

THOUGHTS

Christmas Day! Heck yeah!

And perhaps the simplest question to ask today is:

Why?

Why would God do this?

Why send the Son?

Why Bethlehem?

Why incarnation?

Why cross?

John’s answer is one word.

Love.

“This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him.”

Notice carefully.

God doesn’t love us because Jesus persuaded Him to become loving.

The Father sends the Son because He loves.

Nor is biblical love vague sentiment.

God’s love takes action.

He sends.

Christ comes.

Sin is dealt with.

Life is given.

That means Christmas gives us an objective demonstration of God’s love.

You may have seasons when you feel deeply loved by God.

And seasons when you don’t.

But the incarnation stands in history saying:

Look.

God sent His Son.

The Christian life begins not with our love for God but His love for us.

And then that love reshapes how we love others.

So enjoy Christmas.

Really enjoy it.

But beneath every good gift, remember the Gift.

God didn’t just send any kind of help.

He sent His precious Son.

QUESTIONS

1. How does John define and demonstrate God’s love?

2. Why is it important that God’s love comes before ours?

3. Who could experience something of Christ’s love through you today?

PRAY

Father, thank You for loving us and sending Your Son. Lord Jesus, thank You for coming. Holy Spirit, help me grasp more deeply the love of God and make that love visible in the way I treat others today. Amen.

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

Spurgeon said, “To redeem you…God gave Himself to be your Savior, so relish in your redemption.” (1890)

A VOICE FROM TODAY

R.C. Sproul wrote that the giving of gifts ultimately rests on “the supreme gift God has given the world.”

TODAY

Enjoy the day. Receive good things with gratitude. Then find one concrete way to give yourself—not merely something you bought—to somebody else.

And sometime before the day finishes, quietly say:

Thank You, Jesus, for coming.

Because Advent is about coming.

For centuries God’s people waited.

The promised Son came.

The King entered His world.

The Saviour dealt with our sin.

And now the people who celebrate His first advent live waiting for another world-shaping moment.

Jesus will come again.

Advent has historically held those two comings together: Christ came once in humility and will come again in glory.

So Christmas doesn’t just teach us to look backwards towards Bethlehem.

It teaches us to look forwards.

The baby became the crucified Saviour.

The crucified Saviour became the risen Lord.

The risen Lord ascended.

And the ascended King will return.

So the final Christian Advent prayer is wonderfully simple:

Come, Lord Jesus.