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Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Colossians 2:12-14

Buried with Christ

The butterfly has served as a Christian symbol for many years. Why? Because the caterpillar goes into the cocoon and seems dead to the world. But later, something seemingly new appears—a butterfly that has a new way of living. Whereas the caterpillar crawls, the butterfly flies.

Christians have seen this as a metaphor for what happens to us because of Christ’s death and resurrection, and this transformation happens in baptism.

When Jesus died on the cross and was buried for three days, he took all the sins of all people with him. In other words, our sins were “buried with Christ.”

Then, when Jesus was raised from the dead, he left our sins in the grave and gave us the victory that he had earned. Christ has “canceled the charge” that Satan might bring against us. Jesus has credited us with his perfection. So, if Jesus has forgiven us, what charge can Satan bring against us?

Baptism is what connects you to the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. You went into baptism as a dead sinner, but you came out of baptism as something new. Not a butterfly, but a forgiven, living child of God.
And now that you have been raised to life, what kind of life are you going to live? Do you want to crawl back to sinful habits and desires?

Of course not! We want to live the new life that God has given us. We study his word to soar above temptation and sin. We surround ourselves with those that share our faith. We serve others with the energy, zeal, and compassion that our Savior has given to us.

We can live that new life because we know that not even death and the devil have power over us. We have already been raised to life through baptism. So, even if our bodies are buried in the ground, just as butterflies come out of the cocoon and Jesus came out of the grave, we, too, will be raised glorious and live with Christ.

Prayer:

Jesus, all our ransom paid,
All your Father’s will obeyed,
By your suff’rings perfect made;
Hear us, holy Jesus!
Jesus, all your labor vast,
All your woe and conflict past,
Yielding up your soul at last:
Hear us, holy Jesus!

Christian Worship 435:6,7

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After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

Where is the King?

My dad and I used to go deer hunting in Mason County, Texas. We stayed on a ranch far away from any city. I remember getting up in the middle of the night to look at the stars, and I thought, “Aha! This is where they wrote the song that says, ‘The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!” The stars were brilliant and countless as the sky stretched on for miles above the ranch.

I wonder what the night sky looked like to the Magi (sometimes called “the wise men”) when they traveled to find Jesus. How long had they been studying the sky and stars? Were they waiting long for a special sign? We don’t know how God allowed the Magi to know that the star was the key to finding our Savior, but they knew that the star was special and that it would lead them to the Savior. So, they wanted to go and worship the King.

What king do we worship? Do we worship our spouse and children and make family a higher priority than God? Do we worship ourselves and chase money or status in order to think that we are in control? When we act like we or our families are more important than Jesus, we are not worshiping the one who is really King.

The Magi show us some godly ways to worship Jesus as the King. To show their love and respect, they brought exquisite gifts to Jesus, such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

We don’t bring Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but we can offer the best of ourselves to our Savior. We give our gift of time when we volunteer for efforts in our church and school that will help reach others with God’s Word. We give our talents when we share a hobby in a classroom or at an event, or a talent that can beautify our worship services. And we give our money to support ministry in our church, school, and world.

The next time you look up at the stars, remember that special star long ago. Remember our King, and the promises he fulfilled. God saved us from our biggest problem of all when he sent that tiny baby in a manger. We thank God for this gift!

Prayer:

Dear God,
Thank you for the beautiful stars that you made, including the special star that you made to show the Magi to the Savior. As we remember the birth of Jesus, we also remember our need for a Savior and how you provided for our greatest need by sending him to die in our place. Help us to worship our true King by living lives of service to him. Amen.

Listen to Devotion

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

A Light in the Dark

We made it! We just made it through the shortest day of the year! From this day until mid-June, the amount of daylight will be increasing.

Even still, this time of year can be hard for some people because the darkness seems to cover the earth for much of the day. Add in the extreme cold in some areas, and it can be downright gloomy!
And that’s just the weather. It is gloomy in society, too.

When we turn on the news or scroll through social media, we are reminded of the dark days that we live in. Everywhere we look and everywhere we click, around the corner or over the next hill—we see a dark, sinful world. We see the news about another murder, an attack on a person or group of people, and people in power serving unjustly.

But we don’t even have to go that far to see the darkness. We can see it in our own thoughts, in the words that come out of our mouth, and in the things that our hands do. This is a dark, sinful world, and we contribute to that darkness.

Jesus entered our dark, sinful world to be a light for the world. Jesus was fully human; he had human needs. Yet he was completely perfect; he had no sin. True God became truly human in order to be the light of the world, and his glory was revealed when he carried out God’s plan for our salvation. Through faith, we have seen the light, and the light of Jesus helps us see God’s grace and truth.

Jesus shows us the grace of God. Even though we betray our heavenly Father, yet God loves us because of Jesus.

Jesus shows us the truth of God. Many people are searching for truth, but only come up with an empty, worldly view. Jesus’ words give us the truth we need to live our faith in this dark world and the truth we need to witness to others.

We celebrate Christmas during one of the darkest weeks of the year. But when you look at the dark sky this week see lights on homes, trees, and wreaths breaking through the dark, you can be reminded of the light that Jesus brings to the world. Jesus is the light of the world. When you hear about the glorious angels appearing that first Christmas, remember the glory of the Lord came to us in that perfect human born in the stable. Jesus, full of grace and truth, has been born for us! He is Christ the Lord!

Prayer:

O Savior, child of Mary, who felt our human woes,
O Savior, King of glory, who conquered all our foes.
Bring us at last, we pray, to the bright courts of heaven
and to the endless day.

Christian Worship 360 st. 4

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In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near. I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”

Matthew 3:1-2, 11

Our Judge and Savior

When do you put your Christmas tree up? When does Christmas music start to be heard through your house and in your car? Do you wait until after Thanksgiving, or do you pull out the red and green décor as soon as the trick-or-treaters stop ringing your doorbell? Sometimes we start seeing “countdown to Christmas” signs in mid-summer, and the excitement for the holidays begins.

When John the Baptist began his ministry, he knew that Jesus was going to begin the work that started on the first Christmas. John knew that Jesus was near, and so John wanted people to live a life of repentance. In other words, John wanted people to turn from sin in sorrow and turn to God in the confidence of forgiveness. As a result, John the Baptist’s entire ministry was pointing people to Jesus, the Savior and Lamb of God.

Many people that John the Baptist met already knew that a Savior was coming at some point. For generations, families had been passing down the words of Moses and the prophets that told about God’s plan to send the Messiah to save his people. Although God gave them several clues about how Jesus would enter the world and what he would do on earth, no one knew exactly when that would be.

But then John entered the picture! God used John to point people to Jesus, the Savior promised long ago.

Do you point people to Jesus? God calls us to point others to Jesus, especially since Jesus is coming again.

But the thought of Jesus’ return can make people uncomfortable. They remember that Jesus will come as a judge and that he knows every sin.

But Jesus is also the one who was judged on the cross to clear the record of every sinner. Jesus is the one who washes sinners in baptism so that they can be members of God’s kingdom. So, when we point people to Jesus, we help children and their families know about God’s undeserved love in Jesus. We remind coworkers that they are forgiven because of Jesus. We point people to Jesus so that they can be confident in life because they have the joy of forgiveness and the assurance that they are members of the kingdom of God.

Jesus is coming! He is coming as one more powerful than John the Baptist. But he will not use his power to judge your sin. He will use his power to bring you into the full joys of his eternal kingdom.

Prayer:

We hail you as our Savior, Lord, our refuge and our great reward;
Without your grace we waste away like flowers that wither and decay.
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore, and lift us up to fall no more;
O make your face on us to shine, and fill the world with love divine.

Christian Worship 316:3-4

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You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Luke 12:40

Are You Ready

Are you ready? Company is coming for dinner. You’re excited but you’d like just a bit more time to make sure everything is set. The children will start arriving soon, and you could use another few minutes to make sure you are ready to give them your full attention. Are you ready?

You and I like the comfort of knowing what’s coming and how much time until a given event, an appointment, a diagnosis, an answer. How often do we wish that God would let us have even a glimpse of when a situation might be resolved? The challenge of waiting is seldom easy. Being prepared can give us patience as we wait.

Are you ready? Not for the test or an appointment, but for Jesus. Are you ready for his return on Judgment Day? He certainly is coming. He told his disciples in John 14:3, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” He is indeed coming back.

But there’s one detail that we don’t have—when Jesus is coming. All Jesus tells us is, “You also must be ready” (Luke 12:40).

The greatest event for which we wait is Christ’s return on Judgment Day. This will be an event beyond our imagination and expectations. We can slip into thinking that if we knew when this would all be over, we could endure whatever challenge or crisis we’re facing.

In his wisdom, God chose not to let us in on this detail. The Bible is clear that no one knows the day or the hour. Jesus told his disciples, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).

So, what are we to do? God is clear: be ready! Expect that Jesus could return at any time. It could be today, next week, in 20 years, or in 1000 years. We don’t know.

So, how can we be ready? Our dear Savior points us to the Word. As we continue to be in the Word, we learn about our God. When we are faithful in prayer and worship, we focus our hearts on what is to come, even if we do not know when.

A colleague of mine once said, “If you knew that Judgment Day was next week or even next month, what might you do differently? How would the urgency of sharing the Gospel increase? How might your time in God’s Word be richer and more focused?” As we focus on God’s Word, we can look forward to Judgment Day with eager anticipation. That’s because Scripture makes us confident in what that day will bring. We can pray, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I want to be ready for your return. Life on earth can be such a distraction from you. Help me to focus on you and to be excited and eager to be in the Word you have given us. Help me to pray with confidence, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Christian Worship 850: 1, 4 It Is Well with My Soul and 868 By Faith are both wonderful hymns to add to your devotions this week.

Consider:

If you are looking for extra context for today’s verse of Luke 12:40, read the preceding verses of Luke 12:35-39

Listen to Devotion

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

While We Were Still Sinners . . .

Some things simply don’t make sense. There are things we just can’t understand. Why does cilantro taste like a wonderful herb to some and a bar of soap to others? Why is it that sometimes sleep comes easily and other times at 2:00 a.m. the brain drives far away any chance of sleep? Why does a young child seem to need your help just as you sit down?

Today’s reading invites a different and deeper question. Why would God die for us sinners? The text says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It also says, “When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”

Our earthly brains and our self-centered nature can struggle to understand this. You and I may reach out to someone who appears powerless and try to help them, but nothing compares to what Christ did. He didn’t save those who were worthy but made worthy those he saved. God looked at us and all people and out of a love that is beyond our comprehension, the Father sent Jesus. The Father said, “Go save my people with your perfect life, innocent death, and resurrection.”

In our eyes that does not seem like much of a plan. In God’s eyes, it was—and is—the perfect plan. God knew we were—and are—powerless to do what needed to be done to save ourselves. But he also knew that Jesus could do it. It was God’s love that looked at us, messes that we were, and eagerly said “Let’s do this! Let’s save them and make them our own dear children.” That doesn’t make sense because we were completely undeserving, but it made perfect sense to our perfect God who loves us perfectly. That’s God’s grace; he gives us what we don’t deserve because of his amazing love.

Everyone wrestles with guilt, and guilt can overwhelm all of us. What is God’s answer to our guilt? It’s Jesus. God’s grace through Jesus says to us, “I’ve taken your guilt. You get God’s perfect grace, peace, and joy in return.” While we may not be able to grasp or understand this, we can fully count on God’s promise and his remarkable gift of Jesus for us: while we were still sinners, he died for us so that all things can be right between God and us.

Prayer:

God loves me dearly, grants me salvation, God loves me dearly, loves even me.
I was in slavery, sin, death, and darkness; God’s love was working to make me free.
He sent forth Jesus, my dear Redeemer, he sent forth Jesus and set me free.
Jesus, my Savior, himself did offer; Jesus, my Savior, paid all I owed.
Now I will praise you, O Love eternal; now I will praise you all my life long.

Refrain: Therefore I’ll say again; God loves me dearly, God loves me dearly, loves even me.

Christian Worship 583

Consider:

The text says that Jesus’ death demonstrates God’s love for us. How does Jesus’ resurrection demonstrate God’s power, and how can that help you be a powerful teacher this week?

Listen to Devotion

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Revelation 3:11

Christ With Us

How many days until Grandma and Grandpa get here? My mom said that it’s only nine sleeps until Christmas! Teachers and students alike count down the days until the next three-day weekend. We’re used to waiting. As Christians, isn’t that also part of our lives? We wait until the day we get to see our heavenly Father and beloved Savior.

Today’s verse are words spoken to the apostle John by Jesus. Jesus promises a quick return. He will be with us soon. How comforting! In the midst of temptations, struggles, and doubt, Jesus’ promise to visibly return shines brightly.

But, Christ is also with us now. While we wait to see him face to face, he tells us to hold on to what we have. In this section of Revelation, Jesus was speaking to the people in a church in the city of Philadelphia (located in modern day Turkey). He told them, “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8). This little church held onto the one thing needful, and we are told to do the same. As we read, learn, and study God’s Word, we are continually reminded that Jesus is with us. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He is with us until the end of the age. Christ is with us right now.

Not only is he with us, but he is our victor. Jesus fought the battle against sin, death, and the devil. He lived a perfect life and submitted himself to the punishment we deserve. As he suffered on the cross, he felt God’s full wrath over the sins we committed. But the battle didn’t end there. In triumph, Jesus rose from the dead and declared his victory to the devil. He secured the victor’s crown, not only for himself, but for all believers. We are conquerors through Christ.

So now we have work to do. We proclaim what Christ has done for us so that more and more people can share in his victory. We live our lives and “shine like stars in the universe as [we] hold out the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16). We feed Jesus’ sheep and lambs with the wonderful news of God’s free grace.

Christ has done it all for us. He won the victory. He works through us, as we live our lives of faith in a sin darkened world. And Christ is with us. Now, we enjoy his blessings and endure hardships in our world because soon we will join him in our heavenly home. The last words of the Book of Revelation are the last words of the entire Bible, and they say it all, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21).

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for winning the victory over sin, death, and the devil. Help me rely on you, knowing you are always with me. Help me carry out the work you give me until I finally see you face to face. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

A Hymn to Consider:

Read through the hymn Christ Is with Me (Christian Worship 681).

Listen to Devotion

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:9-14

Christ For Us

I can do it myself! We’ve all heard children adamantly state these words as they strive for independence. Most of the time, we encourage such independence and growth, but not always. Some things a young child is not ready to do on their own, such as crossing the street, lighting birthday candles, or staying home alone. It can end in disaster.

It does end in disaster when this attitude permeates our spiritual life. We think, “I don’t need help; I can do it on my own.” John was an eyewitness of this happening during Jesus’ ministry. He saw Jesus’ own people reject him and his message. Jesus wasn’t the savior they were expecting. They knew the laws given in the Old Testament and thought that they obeyed those laws. They thought that they could do it on their own and would have salvation without Jesus. Except, they didn’t.

And neither do we. As hard as we try, we do not lead the holy life God demands. Sin is such a part of each of us that we can’t even begin to earn our salvation. On our own, we would constantly be unsure. Did I do enough? Am I at least better than that person? Maybe if I just do a little more? We know the answers to these questions. I am not good enough. I cannot do it on my own. I need help.

And so, “the Word became flesh.” The true light came into the world to give his light to all. Jesus was born to live in this world and do what we cannot. He fulfilled the law perfectly and then credited that perfectness to us. Christ for us.

Now we are children of God. Through faith that the Holy Spirit put in our hearts, we have the rights of being in God’s family. We have the Father who cares for our earthly needs, providing food and shelter, protection, and love. The Father loved us so much he even gave his Son for us. In Jesus, we have a brother who never sinned and who loves us imperfect sinners. Jesus is our brother who substituted his life for ours so that we might receive his holiness. Jesus is our brother who conquered death securing our victory over death. Christ for us.

John exclaimed that “we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Through the eyes of faith, we see Jesus’ glory. We see it now as we read and learn and believe in the undeserved love Jesus shows us each day. We will see his glory when we are face to face with our Savior in heaven. Hold onto this truth: Christ for us.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are the light of the world! Help me always remember how much I need you. Keep me strong in the faith as I await the day I will see you face to face. Amen.

A Hymn to Ponder:

Read through and ponder the words in the hymn In Christ Alone (Christian Worship 510).