Surely there is no argument—it is God who does all things for us.

"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12)

But, while we agree He does all things for us, we have an obligation to trust, to obey and to have hope...the true badge of courage. If God is on our side, and He is, what need do we have for fear? In and of ourselves, we are weak, yet it is He that infuses us with strength and inspires us with courage and resolution in the face of our problems. But as valiant as our actions sometimes seem, any and all success must be attributed only and entirely to Him; it is He that shall tread down our enemies, and not we ourselves. All of our victories are from Him; therefore, at His feet all our crowns must be cast.

Many times we adopt a "victim mentality" thinking that it is always someone else's fault that bad things are happening to us – that someone or something is always after us or that something will always go wrong because "bad things always happen to me." We look to blame others for our circumstances rather than taking responsibility ourselves. God expects us to take responsibility for every one of our actions and to bring ourselves (our motives and actions) into subjection to Him. And, although we may not be able to control every circumstance, we can control our response. We're not "victims." A price too dear has been paid to purchase for us the VICTORY. We aren't "victims, " we're "victors". Victors through the shed blood of Christ, Victors because the Sovereign Victorious One dwells within us, moves in us, and has established His throne in our hearts.

Acknowledge the victories He has won for you. Think about where you might have been had it not been for the Lord, then Praise Him for His work in your life today and every day. Remember always that you are not a "victim" of any one or any circumstance; you are a VICTOR in Jesus Christ, the Sovereign Victorious King.

Lord, you are the Victor and because of You I am no longer a victim of circumstances. Because of You I fall benefit to the victories You have won. Help me to remember always it is offensive to the completed work of the cross for me to adopt a "victim mentality" under any circumstance. Help me that I might honor You by living a victorious life through Jesus Christ my Lord. Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Amen.

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

You've got to read this verse: "I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not." (Song 3:2)

Now, read it again and begin to feel the desperation of this one's "seeking"! It's a picture of a seeker, one who rises from bed, goes out into the city streets, into the broad ways, and seeks "him whom my soul loveth".

The word "seek" in this verse is translated as to beg, beseech, desperately desire, long for, (make) request, require, seek (for)—certainly not a casual want or desire. This is an intense seeking, a seeking for something one absolutely must have, a seeking that even includes begging and striving to find. Seeking "whom my soul loveth . . ."

When was the last time you arose in the morning and set on a quest to seek the One whom your soul loveth? Or, perhaps it would be better to ask whom does your soul love? Wouldn't you say that which we seek after is that which we love the most?

As we begin this new year, let's consider how seriously we take our daily search for the Lord. Where does the Lord fit into our daily schedule or routine? Is He first? Does He get snuck in where there are a few free moments? Does He get put off until we're so tired we can't keep our eyes open or our hearts focused? Is our seeking of the Lord an intense seeking? Have we become like some who may not even feel it necessary to be so intense about our pursuit of God?

This is a season of new beginnings. Let's take advantage of this new year to examine our hearts and make a commitment to pursue God with all that is within us. That which we pursue with this type of intensity is that which we love most. Do we love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength? Then let's pursue Him whom our soul loveth in hot pursuit!

Isaiah 55:6 admonishes us, "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." Pursue Him more than anything. Seek Him and you will find Him...that's a promise.

Father, I confess that my pursuit of You has often been weak and lacking the drive of one in hot pursuit. Father, I want this year to be different—to be a new start and a new beginning for me as I commit to seek You with all that is within me. Father, You promised that if I seek You, You will be found. Lord, I want You – I want to know You, I want to know Your love more than ever before. I am determined to feel that desperation for You, to need You more than my very next breath. Help me to find "him whom my soul loveth"! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

©Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Conviction! Cain was considering his inadequate offering to the Lord; the Lord was displeased and spoke to Cain the words recorded in Genesis 4:7: "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Cain made a choice – the wrong choice – and suffered the consequences!

How many times have we ignored that small, still voice and continued in our sin? How many times have we turned and blamed God for the consequences of our own sin?

James 4:7-10 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Be careful to listen to the voice of conviction! Don't heed the enemy's call to sin but rather heed the Spirit's call to righteousness and holiness, to purity and freedom! We have the ability to control these evil desires planted in our mind by the enemy's malicious schemes – we are NOT slaves to sin unless we choose to be.

We can no longer say, "the devil made me do it" because as Paul said in Romans 6:18, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

If we claim Jesus Christ as our Master, our Savior, our King, and our Lord, then we have been made free from sin. The blood of Calvary made a way for us to live in freedom if we will just heed the voice of conviction. Become slaves to righteousness and thus fulfill the Word of the Lord for us all.

Do what is right and avoid the sin that is crouching at your door for surely it desires to have you. You have the key through Jesus Christ; use the key and shut the door. Lock it securely and refuse to let sin enter the door of your heart.

Lord, I read about Cain and how he offended You and yet You came and gave him a chance to do what was right and I see how so often You deal with me in the very same way. Forgive me, Lord, for not mastering the sin that is crouching at my door. Lord, help me to heed Your voice, to use the key You gave me to shut the door in the tempter's face and lock it by choosing what is right. Help me always to walk in Your ways and to choose You over sin. Help me heed the voice of conviction. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

God is always taking us forward, leading and guiding us into unknown territories as we learn to lean on Him in greater measure. God made a promise to Israel that He would do yet greater things for them than He had already done in the past. The testimony of their forefathers was tremendous; God had proven Himself mighty, doing wonders far beyond their expectations. Yet, He promised to do even greater things in the future—New Things!

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

At the beginning of this new year, we might just as well expect God to do even greater things in the days ahead than He has in the past, not only in our personal lives, but in the entire Body of Christ.

There is a familiar phrase that says, "In order to go where we've never been, we have to do something we've never done." If we want to grow into an ever-increasingly closer walk with Him, we're going to have to do some things we've never done before; we need to take our commitments as believers in Jesus Christ to another level.

As you contemplate all the "News" that this New Year brings, take time to develop a plan of daily seeking Him in a greater measure than ever before, make His Word a priority in your life, make personal prayer time a habit. Establish yourself in a deeper commitment than you have ever before experienced and you will indeed see Him do a "New Thing" in your life.

Father, thank You for drawing me into a deeper relationship with You. As I look back at what You have done for our forefathers—those who have paved the path of faith—and as I look back over my own life considering where you've brought me from, I am challenged to commit myself to a closer walk with You. Father, I need You more than yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow! Thank you for doing a "New Thing" in my life by calling me to a higher plane of loving, serving, and worshipping You. Amen.

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

When we think of New Year's Eve, we immediately think of celebration—a new beginning, a fresh start, the old is past and the new lies ahead. The world will celebrate with parties and feasts, fireworks and confetti, family and friends.

David wrote of a celebration in Psalm 145, one in which every believer should engage himself or herself every day of the year.

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." (Ps 145:3-7 NIV)

As the New Year approaches a few short hours from now, will your celebration be like the world's or will it more closely reflect the Psalmist's?

Why not take advantage of your time with family and friends to tell of God's mighty works, to speak of the glorious splendor of His majesty? Take some time today to meditate on the wonderful things the Lord has done for you and through you this past year. Share with others the power of what God can do through a submitted life. Proclaim His great deeds. And, celebrate His abundant goodness while joyfully singing of His righteousness.

Take a moment to read the original words penned by James Watson in 1711 while considering David's words in Psalm 145:

Auld Lang Syne

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
on Old long syne.

CHORUS:

On Old long syne my Jo,
in Old long syne,
That thou canst never once reflect,
on Old long syne.

My Heart is ravisht with delight,
when thee I think upon;
All Grief and Sorrow takes the flight,
and speedily is gone;
The bright resemblance of thy Face,
so fills this, Heart of mine;
That Force nor Fate can me displease,
for Old long syne.

CHORUS

Since thoughts of thee doth banish grief,
when from thee I am gone;
will not thy presence yield relief,
to this sad Heart of mine:
Why doth thy presence me defeat,
with excellence divine?
Especially when I reflect
on Old long syne

CHORUS

(Note, the literal translation of "Old Long Syne" or "Auld Lang Syne" is "Old Long Since.")

Should "old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?" Our "acquaintance" with God should never be forgotten, on New Year's Eve or any time. Don't let your relationship with the Lord sit on the shelf while you celebrate the New Year. Don't allow your testimony to be forgotten while you ring in the New Year with family and friends. Rather, tell of His greatness, praise Him for His awesome works, and celebrate His abundant goodness as you joyfully sing of His righteousness.

Don't let your relationship with God be "Old Long Since" but rather keep the flames of passionate love for the Father burning bright this New Year's Eve. Celebrate the New Year with a heart full of expectation and anticipation for the incredible greatness of God to be displayed in our individual lives and throughout the whole earth!

Father, when I consider all that You have done in my life, I am in awe. Thank You, Lord, for being so real to me and accepting me as Your very own. Lord, help me to be a beacon of light in the darkness of this world, never forgetting the special relationship we enjoy. I look forward to this next year as a precious gift from You, to do with me, through me, and in me as You will. I will celebrate Your abundant goodness today and every day! And, all that Jesus Christ might be glorified…amen!

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

One of the most majestic and anointed musical compositions of all times was written by George Frideric Handel in the 1700's. One writer (1) stated, "As it turns out, The Messiah is either a Bible study with a beautiful concert attached, or a wonderful piece of classical music with a free Bible study included at no extra charge. I can't decide which. I do remember reading that when Handel was alive, the Messiah was one of the most often performed pieces of music in concert, and that Handel gave away most of the profits obtained from his concerts to support orphaned children."

Performances of Handel's oratorio, Messiah , have become a Christmas tradition, and for many the "Hallelujah Chorus" expresses the joy which the coming of Christ, the King of Kings, brings. Handel wrote his masterful music in an amazing 24 days and was passionately moved by the Scriptures describing Jesus' incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and coronation as King of kings. He worked on his masterpiece almost nonstop, with little sleep or food. One day his servant opened the door to find Handel at his work, with tears streaming down his face. Handel looked up and cried out, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself."

When "Messiah" was performed before King George II of England in 1743, the king rose when the triumphal notes of the "Hallelujah Chorus" were first played. Of course, everyone had to rise when the king did, and the tradition of rising for the "Hallelujah Chorus" began - a tradition that continues to this day.

So, while it is more lengthy than other daily meditations, included in Today's Devotion are the lyrics and Bible verses and a little bit of history regarding its writing. You will find that Handel's Messiah is a beautiful study of prophesies and other verses about our Lord Jesus Christ. I trust you will be blessed by reading the scripture and encouraged to find a copy of Handel's Messiah to gain a deeper appreciation of this inspired musical masterpiece!

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
George Frideric Handel
(1685-1759)

Part I

(1) Overture

(2) Comfort Ye
Isaiah 40:1-3
1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
2. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . .
3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

(3) Every Valley
Isaiah 40:4
4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.

(4) And the Glory of the Lord
Isaiah 40:5
5. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

(5) Thus saith the Lord
Haggai 2:6,7
6. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Yet once, a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
7. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come

Malachi 3:1
1. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.

(6) But who may abide the Day of His Coming?
Malachi 3:2
2. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire.

(7) And He shall Purify
Malachi 3:3
3. And He shall purify the sons of Levi. . . that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

(8) Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive
Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:23)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name EMMANUEL, God with us.

(9) O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion
Isaiah 40:9
9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

Isaiah 60:1
1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

(10) For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
Isaiah 60:2,3
2. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

(11) The people that walked in darkness
Isaiah 9:2 (Matthew 3:16)
2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

(12) For unto Us a Child is born
Isaiah 9:6
6. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

(13) Pastoral Symphony

(14) There were shepherds abiding in the field
Luke 2:8,9
8. There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9. And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

(15) And the Angel said unto them
Luke 2:10,11
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

(16) And suddenly there was with the Angel
Luke 2:13
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

(17) Glory to God
Luke 2:14
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

(18) Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion
Zechariah 9:9,10 (Matthew 21:5)
9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Savior. 10. . . And he shall speak peace unto the heathen.

(19) Then shall the eyes of the blind
Isaiah 35:5,6
5. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.

(20) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd
Isaiah 40:11
11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; and he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 11:28, 29
28. Come unto [Him], all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and [He shall] give you rest.
29. Take [his] yoke upon you, and learn of [Him]; for [he is] meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

(21) His yoke is easy
Matthew 11:30
30. [His] yoke is easy, and [his] burden is light.

Part II

(22) Behold the lamb of God
John 1:29
29.Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.

(23) He was despised
Isaiah 53:3
3. He is despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. . .
Isaiah 50:6
[He] gave [His] back to the smiters, and [His] cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: [He] hid not [His] face from shame and spitting.

(24) Surely He hath borne our griefs
Isaiah 53:4,5
4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . 5. . . He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him,

(25) And with His stripes we are healed
Isaiah 53:5b
5. and with His stripes we are healed

(26) All we like sheep have gone astray
Isaiah 53:6
6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

(27) All they that see him laugh him to scorn
Psalm 22:7
7. All they that see [him] laugh [him] to scorn: they shoot out their lips, they shake their heads, saying:

(28) He trusted in God
Psalm 22:8 (Matthew 27:43)
8. He trusted [in God] that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, if he delight in him.

(29) Thy rebuke hath broken His heart
Psalm 69:20
20. [Thy] rebuke hath broken [his] heart; [He is] full of heaviness. [He] looked for some to have pity [on Him], but there was none; neither found [He] any to comfort [Him].

(30) Behold, and see if there be any sorrow
Lamentations 1:12
12. Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto [his] sorrow. . .

(31) He was cut off out of the land of the living
Isaiah 53:8b
8. he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of [Thy] people was He stricken.

(32) But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell
Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:27)
10. [But] thou [didst] not leave [his] soul in hell; neither [didst] thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.

(33) Lift up your heads, O ye gates
Psalm 24:7-10
7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in.
8. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in.
10. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.

(34) Unto which of the angels said He at any time
Hebrews 1:5 (Psalm 2:7)
5. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?

(35) Let all the angels of God worship Him
Hebrews 1:6b
6. "Let all the angels of God worship Him."

(36) Thou art gone up on high
Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8)
18. Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

(37) The Lord gave the word
Psalm 68:11
11. The Lord gave the word: great was the company of [the preachers].

(38) How beautiful are the feet
Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)
15. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

(39) Their sound is gone out
Romans 10:18 (Psalm 19:4)
18. their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world.

(40) Why do the nations so furiously rage together?
Psalm 2:1,2 (Acts 4:25-26)
1. Why do the heathen rage, and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2. The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed,

(41) Let us break their bonds asunder
Psalm 2:3
3. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us.

(42) He that dwelleth in heaven
Psalm 2:4
4. He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision.

(43) Thou shalt break them
Psalm 2:9
9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

(44) Hallelujah
Revelation 19:6
6. Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Revelation 11:15
15. . . the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 19:16
16. . . . KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.

(!) ( Bruce L. Johnson ~ 1998)
Ref: IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS

____________________________

Lord, only Your Word could properly convey the majestic incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and coronation of the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords! When I consider Your greatness, words elude me. When I think of Your Majesty, I am silenced with awe. When I see Your holiness, my righteousness is but filthy rags. Oh Lord Most High, Hallelujah! The Messiah has come and performed the greatest act of love known in the universe, the Sacrifice Lamb shedding His blood so that I might live, so that I might have life, so that His glory could be revealed through His Body, His Bride! Thank You for so great a gift! Thank You for confirming Your Word through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, our Messiah! For Your glory and honor . . . amen and amen!

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Probably one of the first songs little children are taught during this season is "Away in a Manger". I can remember as a little girl singing this with my class in front of the entire church, each of us stepping out of the choir to say our verse while we recited the entire account of the birth of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. It was something we looked forward to each year, singing the sweet lullaby about Baby Jesus and saying our memory verses.

Although some believe this carol was penned by Martin Luther, German religious reformer and author of a number of beautiful hymns, it is almost certainly of late 19th century American origin. Verses 1 and 2 appeared anonymously in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File, Philadelphia, 1885, and verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913). The tune most used is the 'Cradle song' by American Gospel song writer W. J. Kirkpatrick (1838-21).

Away In a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

While the song, unlike so many we've highlighted these past few days, does not convey the Gospel in song, it tells of the tender newborn Christ-Child who has captured the love and adoration of generations of children and adults alike. Not because He was a baby born in unfortunate circumstances, but because this Child was God in the flesh come to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death.

The mere mention of His name, the name of Jesus, works to tenderize even the hardest heart during this season. While we could list the pro's and con's of celebrating Christmas in December or celebrating it at all, the fact remains that during this time of year we are given a freedom to share the blessed truth of our Savior's birth with most anyone and they are more apt to be open to listen.

Let's take advantage of this season. There are so many ways you can express your love and adoration of this Christ-Child by sharing His life and death and everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Don't be timid. Teach the children the name of Jesus – use simple little songs like "Away in a Manger" and then teach them Who they're singing about. Recount the last two lines of the last verse . . . "Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there." What better way you yourself to be "fit for heaven" than to share the WHOLE story of Jesus and His love. What better way to fit others for heaven than to share openly about the Jesus who they see lying in a manger.

Father, help me to seek out opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ, no longer a baby in a manger, but reigning King and Lord over all creation. Show me ways to use this season to an advantage, more openly proclaiming the love of God and more boldly sharing the Reason for this season. Father, every time I hear a Christmas song, help me remember that it is an invitation from You to speak into the lives of those around me. If I'm in the store, at work, at home, at a party or get-together...wherever it may be, help me to tell the Good News, that You might be glorified! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15)

During this season, more than all others, the "Reason" can be hard to focus on for even those with the strongest faith. Television floods our homes with commercialized Christmas advertisements and programming. Radio fills the airwaves with seasonal songs, many of which fail to even mention the "Reason" for the season. Workplaces are full of hustle and bustle trying to get ahead so everyone can take a few days off without the business losing money. Parties, pageants, cantatas, plays, programs, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, baking, greeting . . . and the list goes on. Time is soon snuffed out and there is none left to devote quality time with the "Reason" for the season.

Although rarely recognized as a seasonal song, "We Are the Reason" shares a message pointing to the REASON for this season, a reason for hope, a reason for life, a reason for love!

We Are the Reason
by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find, but we never realized
A baby boy, one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our life

Chorus

We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by, we learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves and what they mean
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love, because of love
Because of love Chorus

Every time I see the cross
I'm reminded that He gave His life
For you and me... Chorus

We are the reason but
He is the reason we live

There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift of our life. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.

It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the Visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is and what He has done for you. Make one more list: count your blessings and begin to praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend that costs nothing. Tell them about the precious King of kings and Lord of lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever—give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season."

Lord, as I consider all that fills every moment of every day, I am alarmingly aware that, as hard as I try not to, I can get caught up in the busyness of these days. Lord, You are the REASON for my hope …the REASON for this season and every season. Help me to keep my focus on the Word made flesh who came to earth and dwelt among us, who eternally lives and reigns in Majesty, amen and amen!

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

Emmanuel . . . God with us! The history of this Christmas hymn is rich with meaning as you will see in the original translation. Each verse of this poetic masterpiece praises the coming of the Savior by a different name: Emmanuel, Branch of Jesse, Day-Spring, Key of David, Lord of Might, Wisdom, and Desire of Nations!

O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

O EMMANUEL, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: COME to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Branch of Jesse's Tree

Free them from Satan's tyranny

That trust thy mighty power to save,

And give them Victory o'er the grave. Refrain

O ROOT OF JESSE, which stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: COME, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here;

And drive away the shades of night

And pierce the clouds and bring us light! Refrain

O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: COME, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery. Refrain

O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: COME, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might,

Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height

In ancient times once gave the law

In cloud, and majesty, and awe. Refrain

O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: COME, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

And order all things, far and nigh;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And teach us in her ways to go. Refrain

O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: COME, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.

O come, Desire of Nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind;

Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,

And be Thyself our King of Peace. Refrain

O KING OF THE NATIONS and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: COME, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

We can't begin to celebrate His birth unless we celebrate Who He is. Yes, He was a babe in a manger, but He's more than that . . . He's Emmanuel, God with us.

Yes, He was a precious child born in a stable and laid in a manger, but He's the "promised" one to rule from the Root of Jesse.

Yes, He was a newborn child, but He's the Light eternally dispelling the darkness.

Yes, He was born in Bethlehem, but He's the Ruler over all.

Yes, He's born from David's lineage, but He is the One promised to sit enthroned on the praises of Israel.

Yes, He was an innocent and helpless baby, but He's the Lord of Might.

Yes, He was born and robed in flesh, but He is Wisdom from on high, a lamp to our feet and a light on our path.

And, yes, He was a precious child, but He's the Desire of the Nations, bringing together in Him all people and making them one.

Rejoice! God with us, Emmanuel, has come to deliver mankind whom He formed from the dust of the earth!

Has He delivered you? Have you been set free? Has that tiny babe in the manger become your Emmanuel? If not, today is your day of salvation. Make Him your Emmanuel and let His Name that is above all names be exalted in your life from this day forward.

Father, I am amazed so often when I consider how a simple babe lying in a manger can affect the history of mankind so profoundly! I confess that Jesus, my Emmanuel, is my ONLY way of salvation. Emmanuel—God is with me because of the finished work of Calvary. I stand in awe of You, my precious Lord, amen and amen!

© Jan Ross

All Rights reserved

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10-11)

The Magi followed the Star to meet the Christ Child face to face and worship Him. Interestingly, the song we would attribute to these "wise men" is based on a lot of assumption which has dramatized the visit of the Magi to honor the Son of God. However, the song itself gives us some food for thought as we consider its context.

"Who really were the three kings? Some people call them Magi, or Wise Men, or even astrologers. The American Rev. John Henry Hopkins who wrote this carol in 1857 doesn't exactly let us in on the mystery. His greatest explanation is of a more poetic nature in his beautiful description of that "Star of Wonder," guiding us "to the Perfect Light," one of the great symbols of Christianity. Since his time, many scholars have delved into the controversial identity of these three men named Melchior, Kaspar, and Balthazar but the popularity and message of his carol has remained constant for over a hundred years."

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.

Field and fountain, moor and mountain,

Following yonder star.

Chorus

Oh, star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,

Gold we bring to crown Him again,

King forever, ceasing never,

Over us all to reign. Chorus

Frankincense to offer have I;

Incense owns a Deity nigh.

Prayer and praising, voices raising,

Worship Him, God on high. Chorus

Myrrh is mine; It's bitter perfume;

Breathes a life of gathering gloom.

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,

Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Chorus

Glorious now behold Him arise,

King and God and sacrifice.

Alleluia, Alleluia;

Earth to the heavens replies. Chorus

Aside from the dramatized visit of the Magi from the east, let us consider the words of the chorus that are rich with meaning:

Oh, star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

There are far too many "Stars" to be followed today. Some follow movie stars, some follow sports stars, some even follow "religious" stars. Which "Star" are you following? Are you following the Star of Christ? Or are you following the Star of Christmas? There's a world of difference between the two.

The "Star of Christ" will lead you to Him, just as it led shepherds and Magi to the place where they could meet Him face to face. The "Star of Christ" is found in the heart of God who is full of Grace toward us who desire a greater measure of Him! The "Star of Christ" is found in the one whose heart is fixed on spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the earth, proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace goodwill toward men!"

But, we need to beware of the trap laid by the enemy to lure this world into following the "Star of Christmas" which focuses on just that— Christmas…the stores, the shopping, gift-giving, parties, pageants, cantatas, the hustle and bustle, the busy-ness, all that would rob us of our joy.

When the Magi saw the star, they were filled with "exceeding great joy." If we're not filled with "exceeding great joy" today, then we're probably guilty of following the "Star of Christmas" rather than the "Star of Christ."

The true child of God will celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Christ every day of their life, regardless of the "season," regardless of the "holiday." Celebration of Him should be a lifestyle.

Examine your heart today and ask yourself, "Am I following the Star of Christ or the Star of Christmas?" But beware…you may be shocked at your answer.

Father, forgive me for allowing myself to be a victim of the enemy's scheme to take the focus off of You and to put it on everything else. Lord, I want to be single-minded when it comes to my relationship with You. Help me follow the Star of Christ, the only Star that will lead me to where I can worship You face to face. I love you Lord! Thank you for reminding me that You are the only Star that I worship and adore. Amen!

© Jan Ross

All Rights Reserved