TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. - Isaiah 9:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Legend says that candy canes had their origins in a German church's Christmas program. The choir director was annoyed with children who fidgeted during the living Nativity scene. To keep them still, he gave them white, sugar-candy sticks curved like shepherds' staffs (in keeping with the occasion). While they happily ate their candy, the living Nativity could proceed without distractions. The sweets spread to holiday programs at churches all over Europe and became one of the symbols of Christmas. When we look at candy canes, we can't help thinking about Christmas.

When we read the book of Isaiah, we also can't help thinking about Christmas. Starting today, we'll look at several prophecies from Isaiah; scholars call them messianic prophecies. The lynchpin of today's joy-filled reading is verse 6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” He will be a “Wonderful Counselor,” indicating wisdom and royalty; “Mighty God,” associated with power and victory; “Everlasting Father,” pointing to His eternal and divine origins; and “Prince of Peace,” meaning that He brings peace and well-being to the earth (cf. Luke 2:14). These four titles are provocative—read carefully, they essentially equate the “son” with God Himself! As we look back, knowing that these titles belong to the Son of God, we see not mere conflation but actual identification: the Messiah as the Son of God as God.

Peace, justice, and righteousness characterize Messiah's reign (v. 7). “Peace” is a fascinating Hebrew word, indicating more than the absence of war or inner calm. It also suggests completeness, wholeness, fullness, soundness, firmness, safety, well-being, prosperity, and contentment. Furthermore, Isaiah's prophecy was not just for Israel, but as we've already seen, God's promise is global in its vision. The “light” will dawn for Jews and Gentiles alike (v. 2; cf. 42:6). The child to come will sit on David's throne and rule the nations (v. 7).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Among the many musical treasures of Christmas, Handel's Messiah is perhaps the crown jewel. Many of its lyrics are taken straight from the book of Isaiah. As today's application, we suggest you obtain a recording of the Messiah (if you haven't already done so). Then set aside time to enjoy it—not as a background for other activities, but genuinely focusing and listening with your full attention. If you have an opportunity to attend a live performance, consider inviting an unbelieving friend to come with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 49:1-7
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. - Isaiah 49:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
LEDs, light-emitting diodes, were invented by Professor Shuji Nakamura of Japan. In addition to being used in consumer electronics, LEDs can provide light and sterilize drinking water. Since they require little power, last a long time, and thus are environmentally friendly, they can also help raise the quality of life in developing nations. Some experts say they will soon replace light bulbs, helping to conserve energy worldwide. In the United States, for example, about 22 percent of all electricity is used for lighting. For his efforts, in 2006 Nakamura was awarded the Millennium Technology Prize.

Light qualifies as a basic human need. In today's reading, the Messiah is revealed as a “light for the Gentiles” (v. 6). This is the second of four “servant songs” in Isaiah. God's “servant” is the Messiah, the one who brings deliverance and victory. At least four keys are revealed in today's reading for understanding His person and mission. The first is that He is called by God and prepared for a special task. Everything Christ said and did was in obedience to the Father (John 8:28-29). The pictures of preparing for a special task are military ones, as the Messiah is compared to a “sharpened sword” and a “polished arrow.” The second key is that His mission includes the ends of the earth (v. 6; cf. Acts 26:23). Christ came because God loved the entire world, not just one particular group.

The third key is that Messiah's mission has a dark chapter (vv. 4, 7). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ struggled with the temptation to feel that all He'd done had been in vain, overcoming it with the simple prayer, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

The final key is that the Messiah is the ultimate revelation of God's “splendor” (v. 3). The conquered becomes the conqueror, the servant becomes the ruler, and the fact that all this takes place for the saving and redeeming of humanity testifies to God's glory and power.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christmas is often a time with numerous evangelistic events on the calendar, including performances of Handel's Messiah, church music and drama programs, and screenings of movies such as The Nativity Story. Don't miss an opportunity this Christmas to introduce someone to the Light of the World (John 8:12). Ask God to lead you to the right person and the right event, then step out in faith and invite someone living in darkness toward the light of the gospel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. - Isaiah 53:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Light is always a welcome phenomenon, right? Not so. In Reliving the Passion, author Walter Wangerin Jr., points out that the light of goodness provokes negative responses from us sinners: “Goodness is a spotlight. It shines on our shame, our filth, our deformities; it picks out the parts we hide from the world and even from ourselves. We will strike at that light. We'll haul it into court, discredit it, and smash it in order to put it out. We'll spit on it and belittle it. We'll blindfold it, hit it, and ask it to prophesy—all to prove what a fraud this ”˜prophet' is!”

No wonder Isaiah's fourth and greatest “servant song” portrays the Messiah as “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering” (53:3). If at Christmas we think only of a “glowing baby in a manger,” we would do better to reflect on Jesus' entire life and its redemptive purpose.

This “servant song” is composed around the themes of person, purpose, price, and plan, all introduced (52:13-15) and then expanded upon. The person of the Messiah (53:1-3) is not dynamic or appealing. He has no apparent beauty or majesty. “A root out of dry ground”—that doesn't sound very promising.

But the Messiah's purpose is nothing less than atonement (53:4-6; cf. 1 Peter 2:24), to bear our sins and be punished in our place. The penalty for sin is death—He's “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities.” His wounds, ironically and wonderfully, bring us healing, and His death enables peace with God.

To accomplish redemption, the Messiah pays a fearful price (53:7-9). He is oppressed, afflicted, and humiliated. His death is dishonorable and shameful, though in no way does He deserve it. All this is done according to God's plan and sovereign will (53:10-12). Furthermore, we know that it's not the end of the story—Messiah will “see the light” again. His sacrificial love makes Him worthy of being “highly exalted” (52:13)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you wish, try creating a Nativity scene as an artistic response to today's devotion. This might be a drawing, painting, carving, collage, or even a special arrangement of Christmas knickknacks. As a unique twist, design or set up your Nativity scene in such a way as to show or hint at the unexpected life Jesus would live, as prophesied in Isaiah 53. Doing so will add another dimension to the typical “glowing baby in a manger” scene and declare the redemptive purpose of the Incarnation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 105
Make known among the nations what he had done. - Psalm 105:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the popular song, “Wonderful World,” a love-struck young man croons, “Don't know much about history / Don't know much about biology . . . /But I do know that I love you / And I know that if you love me too / What a wonderful world this would be.”

Not knowing a lot about history might not matter for falling in love, but ignoring history is devastating for spiritual maturity! This is the point of Psalm 105. To make it easier to follow along, we've included references to the Old Testament passages that record the events the psalmist is pondering.

The history “lesson” begins with God's promise to Abraham (v. 6; see Gen. 12:1-3) and celebrates God's faithfulness to that promise and the covenant that He made with Abraham to confirm the promise (v. 10; see Genesis 17). The next part of the “lecture” concerns how God protected His people (vv. 12-15), probably reflecting back on Genesis 12 through 35. Then the psalmist considers God's sovereign hand in Joseph's life and how God used Joseph to preserve all of Jacob's sons (Genesis 37-50). Next, the psalm affirms the tremendous multiplication of God's people in Egypt and the miraculous way that He led them out of bondage there (vv. 24-41). These events are recorded in Exodus 1 through 17. Notice also how the Exodus event is linked back to the promise given to Abraham (v. 42).

The reason why God wants us to remember this history is stated at the very beginning of the psalm—so that we might sing praises to the Lord and glory in His holy name (vv. 2-3). Biblical history is more than just a bunch of places, names, and events, although these are all important! This history is about knowing the eternal purposes of the living God who stands behind all these places, names, and events! The same Lord God who directed Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Israel is now directing us—praise the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's psalm encourages us to “tell of all God's wonderful acts” (v. 2). This includes how the Lord has worked personally in your life, but it also involves knowing how God has acted throughout history. Unlike the song lyrics “Don't know much about history,” we can learn about the acts of our God. We'd like to recommend two books that can help: Unlock the Bible in 30 Days, by Colin Smith, available from Moody Press; and Reading the Bible with Heart and Mind, by Tremper Longman, available from NavPress.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:18-25
Be merciful to those who doubt. - Jude 22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Abraham's and Sarah's early responses to God's pledge that they would have a son and become a great nation were something less than faith-filled. Abraham, for example, pointed out to God that in his currently childless family, one of his servants stood to inherit everything (Gen. 15:1-3). And Sarah is famous for laughing to herself at such an absurd promise: “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” (Gen. 18:10-14).

Zechariah was a priest, so one might think he would have trusted and rejoiced in the angel's message. Instead, like Abraham and Sarah and so many other believers throughout history, his response was less than exemplary. “How can I be sure of this?” he asked, then informed the angel of the obvious fact that he and his wife were elderly (v. 18). He gave no indication he had heard the prophecies about spiritual greatness and Elijah.

Gabriel did not argue, offer proofs, or even restate the promises, but rather responded with a simple statement of his identity and mission: “I stand in the presence of God” (v. 19). Gabriel was rebuking Zechariah, saying, how could you possibly doubt my message, given who I serve? This statement was the ultimate guarantee that the news was trustworthy.

This implied rebuke was swiftly made explicit: because of Zechariah's lack of faith, he would not be able to speak until the angel's words came to pass (v. 20).

Though the people waiting outside showed no special interest in the content of Zechariah's vision, he must have been able to share the news with Elizabeth, perhaps through gestures and writing. She responded with praise and faith (v. 25), unlike her husband.

As we shake our heads at Zechariah's shortsightedness, we should probably shake our heads at our own lack of faith as well. We would do even better to follow the exhortation in today's verse: “Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 22).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Despite a heavenly vision and a remarkable promise, Zechariah didn't show much faith in today's reading. You have a chance to do better! When God places people on your heart for prayer, pray for them even though you might think their situation is hopeless. When He instructs you to follow Him, obey in faith, even though you don't understand how you'll accomplish this. God delights to receive glory from His power working through His people.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:26-38
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. - Luke 1:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Gabriel said to Mary, “Greetings, you who are highly favored!” (v. 28), it was more than just a friendly hello. The scriptural concept of God's favor is a powerful one typically associated with righteousness and blessing. God's “anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime,” the psalmist tells us (Ps. 30:5). In another psalm, we learn: “[T]he Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Ps. 84:11). And in Proverbs, Wisdom announces: “Whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord” (Prov. 8:35).

The message Gabriel brought, however, didn't sound at first like a blessing. For a virgin (v. 27) to become pregnant (v. 31) was a shameful impossibility, a possible death sentence. It would likely put an end to her betrothal (something more than a modern engagement but not yet an actual marriage). Was God going to show His favor by making her into an unwed teenage mother? Yes. Mary would become pregnant, and the child would be named “God saves.” In Him, the covenant of David and the prophecies of Isaiah would be fulfilled (vv. 32-33).

How did Mary answer? Humanly speaking, she had even more reasons to doubt the angel's message than did Zechariah. Her first words don't sound so different, but they're different enough. “How will this be?” (v. 34) shows faith that it will happen. Gabriel accepted her response and answered her question. The impossible would take place through the agency of the Holy Spirit, and the child would be the Son of God (v. 35). As a concrete sign and encouragement, he also told her of Elizabeth's pregnancy, already in its sixth month (v. 26).

Mary's faith is inspiring (v. 38). A young woman who could not possibly have comprehended all the implications of Gabriel's message, she nonetheless affirmed, “I am the Lord's servant,” submitting herself entirely to His goodness and power.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean our problems have all gone away. Perhaps you're in a tough situation right now—facing a health crisis, a financial tight spot, or other dilemma. Be encouraged by what Gabriel told Mary: “Nothing is impossible with God” (v. 37). Apply this verse to where you're at right now. God already knows all about your situation, He loves you perfectly and is working for your eternal good, no matter how overwhelming the problem might appear to be (Rom. 8:28).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 1:18-19
Joseph her husband was a righteous man. - Matthew 1:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
The first scene of a famous movie depicting the life of Christ begins in silence. A woman looks straight ahead, then drops her eyes. A man stands frowning, shocked. The camera moves back, revealing her rounded, pregnant belly. He goes slowly out of the house; subdued, the woman watches him go. In town, everything seems normal—people go about their business, a group of children plays—but his world has been irrevocably changed. Overcome, he sinks to the ground, puts his head down, and closes his eyes. Then, more than three minutes into the scene, the first words are spoken by an angel.

The Christmas story is not just a series of exalted moments staffed by saints with haloes, but a gritty and down-to-earth drama in which real people faced difficult decisions about matters beyond their understanding. In today's reading, Joseph faced one such decision. From his vantage point, there were at least two problems. The first was that his fiancée Mary was pregnant. No virgin had ever carried a child before, so Joseph could be excused if he doubted her sexual purity. Although a betrothal was not quite a marriage, and they had not yet had sexual relations, they were called “husband” and “wife” and a relationship with another man would have been regarded as marital unfaithfulness. No matter how much Joseph wanted to believe Mary, she was pregnant. Humanly speaking, he knew of only one way for that to happen.

The second problem was Mary's explanation. She'd conceived by the Holy Spirit? Had she lost her mind? Why would she give such an unbelievable excuse? She must know how it sounded.

Joseph decided to “divorce her quietly” (v. 19). This decision demonstrates the seriousness of the betrothal relationship and the issue of sexual purity. By Law, Mary could have been stoned to death (Deut. 22:20-24), but Joseph chose not to accuse her. Despite the perceived wrong she had done, he still cared for her feelings, honor, and well-being. Joseph was a righteous and merciful man.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Italian movie mentioned in today's illustration is a classic—The Gospel According to St. Matthew, directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini (1964). A recently released DVD features both the black-and-white original and a newly restored color version. Critic Roger Ebert called it “one of the most effective films on a religious theme I have ever seen.” Watching this film, perhaps with friends or family, could help focus your attention on the birth and life of Christ this Christmas.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 1:20-25
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him. - Matthew 1:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Joseph's Song” is a lyrical effort by singer-songwriter Michael Card to peer into the soul of Jesus' earthly father: “How could it be, this baby in my arms / Sleeping now, so peacefully, / The Son of God, the angel said, / How could it be? / Lord, I know He's not my own, / Not of my flesh, not of my bone. / Still, Father, let this baby be / The son of my love. / Father, show me where I fit into this plan of yours. / How can a man be father to the Son of God? / Lord, for all my life I've been a simple carpenter. / How can I raise a king? How can I raise a king?”

Joseph responded in faith to the angel's explanation. In a dream, he learned that Mary had indeed conceived by the Holy Spirit and that the child Jesus would “save his people from their sins” and fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah (vv. 21-23). He should not carry out his previous decision to divorce Mary, but rather was to keep the betrothal and marry her.

How difficult! He was to take home a woman whom others surely regarded as unfaithful. As her belly grew, their reputation would take a beating—they would be a target for the community's pity, jokes, and scorn. In addition, he was to accept the incredible explanation of conception by the Holy Spirit, an unprecedented and unique event. One wonders if they even bothered trying to tell all this to the neighbors!

Joseph, who to his credit is not recorded as expressing any doubt, obeyed. He “did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife” (v. 24). Though he then had the right to have sexual union with her, and although no command to abstain is recorded, he avoided it so that there would be no question about whether he was the father.

At some level he understood the significance of the virgin birth within the Christmas story.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the book of Hosea, the prophet is faithful to his unfaithful wife, Gomer, as an object lesson of God's covenant faithfulness to His people. While Joseph knew from the angel's message that Mary had not committed adultery, he must also have been painfully aware that in the eyes of everyone around them, she was a “Gomer.” Take time this week to read the book of Hosea. You can also review the Today in the Word study of this book, available online at www.todayintheword.com. Use the “Archives” link for August 2008.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:5-17
He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah . . . to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. - Luke 1:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In her poem, “Advent,” Victorian writer Christina Rossetti put herself into the parable of the ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) and wrote of waiting and longing eagerly for the coming of Christ. “The watch is long betimes and late, The prize is slow to win,” she said. Life is a difficult journey—full union with Jesus lies just over the horizon: “We weep because the night is long, We laugh for day shall rise, We sing a slow contented song And knock at Paradise. Weeping we hold Him fast Who wept For us, we hold Him fast; And will not let Him go except He bless us first or last.”

The people of Israel had been waiting a long time for the coming of Messiah and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. As we come in our month's study to the events immediately preceding Christ's birth, let us pray to see this unfolding drama with fresh eyes. Today's “opening act” features two main characters: Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth, also of the line of Aaron. Both were righteous individuals (v. 6), but Elizabeth was barren. She and her husband grieved over this fact, for children were regarded both culturally and spiritually as blessings from the Lord.

Zechariah had been chosen by lot to enter the Most Holy Place in the temple and burn incense during the morning and evening sacrifices. One day when he was inside, an angelic messenger appeared next to the altar. Zechariah was stunned, so Gabriel's first words were, “Do not be afraid.” He gave him the good news that their prayers had been answered and the heretofore barren couple would have a son (v. 13). This good news was more than private, for the angel added that many would rejoice in it. John, dedicated to the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit, was to be the “Elijah” who calls people back to the Lord and prepares the way for Messiah's coming (vv. 16-17; cf. Mal. 4:5-6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One way to get a better perspective on God's care and plan for you as an individual is to make a personal timeline. The far left point is, of course, your birthday, while the far right point is today—your life so far. Put on your timeline dates that are significant to you, including graduation, marriage, jobs, missions trips, family reunions, or whatever you like. Can you see God's plan for your life unfolding in these milestone events? Close this exercise by committing and surrendering your future to His sovereign will.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:39-45
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. - Luke 1:44
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many mothers have stories to tell about their baby's behavior in the womb. Some report unborn children who seem to have regular “workout times.” Many have seen the imprint of a baby's foot as he or she kicks (much to the excitement of older brothers and sisters). Some say they have played back-and-forth pushing games with their unborn infants, while others are sure they respond to family voices, familiar music, or even a flashlight held against the mother's abdomen.

Elizabeth's story tops them all! When her cousin Mary visited (with Jesus in her womb), the baby in her womb (John the Baptist) “leaped” in joyful recognition that the One for whom he would prepare the way was in that very room (vv. 41, 44). The baby's jump was a sign to both Mary and Elizabeth that they were in the middle of God's special plan.

Mary's visit included no fewer than four signs confirming the angel's message that Mary was carrying the Messiah. Gabriel had told her that Elizabeth was pregnant as a confirming sign of the truth of his words, so Mary's visit was an act of faith. She no doubt knew of her cousin's longstanding prayer for a child, and wanted to rejoice with her that it was coming to pass. She also counted on Elizabeth to reciprocate, for to whom could she turn amidst the cold stares and gossip? If her cousin was also miraculously pregnant, she was the one woman who could understand how Mary's world had been turned upside down.

The third and fourth signs were the filling of Elizabeth by the Holy Spirit and the prophetic message He gave her. She pronounced a general blessing on Mary and her unborn child, as well as a specific blessing on Mary's faith (v. 45). She talked about how and why her baby had leaped in the womb, and showed an understanding that her cousin's child was a superior being by respectfully referring to Him as “my Lord” (v. 43).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The story of Christmas revolves around the birth of a child. At this season, how can you celebrate the birth of children in your church and community? Perhaps you could provide support to new parents through meals and babysitting. Or you might consider volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center to support women who choose to keep their babies in the middle of challenging circumstances. These acts of service acknowledge the blessing and joy in the gift of children.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:46-56
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. - Luke 1:46-47
TODAY IN THE WORD
Don had a particular appreciation for the opportunity to attend church services. As a prisoner, he had to earn a three-hour release for good behavior and then be accompanied by an approved sponsor. During one service, there was a time for people to share testimonies of God's work. Don's hand immediately shot up, and his words were filled with praise to God for saving him, bringing him out of drug addiction, and even restoring his failed marriage. With his wife by his side, Don burst into “Amazing Grace,” filling the church with praise to God.

In today's passage we find the same exuberant spirit of praise. Traditionally, this passage is referred to as the Magnificat, which in the Latin translation is the first word spoken by Mary. It corresponds to “glorifies” or “exalts” or “magnifies” in English translations (niv, nas, kjv) and gives us a sense of being summoned to worship.

This reacton was certainly evident in Mary's response to Elizabeth's words. She called God her “Savior” because she knew He would be the one to rescue her from a position of social shame and bring her to a position of spiritual honor (vv. 46-48).

Mary followed up this declaration with a psalm focusing not on her circumstances but on God's divine attributes (vv. 49-55). She put the main emphasis on His power—calling him the “Mighty One” and proclaiming how He performs mighty deeds, overthrows rulers, and humbles the proud.

Part and parcel of His power is His holiness, and neither of these exclude His mercy. All He does is framed by His goodness and lovingkindness, both at a personal level (mindful of her humble state) and at a national level (helping Israel). We can always count on God to lift up the humble and fill the hungry!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you've never memorized Mary's incredible response to Elizabeth's greeting before, this Christmas is the perfect time to do so. If committing the entire passage to memory seems too daunting, then select at least two of your favorite verses to learn. As you memorize and study, these verses will soak into your heart and mind and soul: “The Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it” (Deut. 30:14).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:57-79
You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him. - Luke 1:76
TODAY IN THE WORD
The traditional spiritual, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” is also a Christmas carol. The chorus proclaims: “Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!” The song's first two verses focus on the shepherds' role in the Nativity story, while the third succinctly summarizes the redemptive purposes of Jesus' life: “Down in a lowly manger, the humble Christ was born, and brought us God's salvation that blessed Christmas morn.”

John the Baptist's miraculous birth is another memorable aspect of the Christmas story—an act of mercy (v. 58) within a larger story of mercy. Zechariah had had nine months to reflect (silently!) on his experience in the temple. He received confirmations from both his wife and Mary that the angel's words were true. He'd made the choice to obey, break with tradition, and name the baby “John” (v. 13). But since he couldn't speak, the gutsy duty of interrupting the rabbi to say so fell to Elizabeth. As soon as Zechariah affirmed their decision in writing, his punishment of silence ended and his power of speech was restored (vv. 63-64). From the participants' perspective, this confirmed that the child was destined by God for great things (vv. 65-66). From Zechariah's perspective, he overflowed with thankfulness that God is a God of second chances! No doubt Mary's faith was also boosted. Though she doesn't appear in today's narrative, she might have been present for the occasion, since she visited Elizabeth in the sixth month of her cousin's pregnancy and stayed for three months (vv. 26, 56).

Zechariah's Spirit-filled praise began in the context of God's covenant faithfulness and redemptive purposes (vv. 67-75), which would become the life-themes of his newborn son, John. He prophesied that the boy would become a prophet, preach a message of repentance and forgiveness, and prepare the way for the Lord (vv. 76-79).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Earlier this month, we mentioned the “musical treasures of Christmas” (Dec. 5). Today, we suggest that you discover a new treasure or two, by exploring Christmas music that is brand-new to you. Those who prefer up-tempo praise music might enjoy Christmas Offerings, a recent album by Third Day (2006), while more classically minded enthusiasts should check out the historical An American Christmas, a collection of works performed by the Boston Camerata, directed by Joel Cohen (1993).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 2:1-5
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. - Luke 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a time of tumbling stock markets and wars in far-off lands, some grow nostalgic for the “good old days.” We might even tend to think of the original Christmas as a happy event that occurred in a simpler time and place. But geopolitical power struggles, economic hardships, ethnic conflicts, and other features of our “modern” world were also very much a part of the world into which Jesus was born. In his poem, “Two Christmas Cards,” American poet Robinson Jeffers put it this way: “Caesar and Herod shared the world / Sorrow over Bethlehem lay, / Iron the empire, brutal the time / Dark was that first Christmas day.”

As today's reading reminds us, a decree of the Roman Empire was part of the Christmas story, and an essential component of God's unfolding, sovereign plan. The Gentile world of bureaucracy and empire also had its part to play—not everything was angels and miracles and psalms of praise. But, in a way, these circumstances are profoundly comforting: ordinary events are ordained by God just as extraordinary ones are. He is always at work, whether He writes the message in the sky or not.

Caesar Augustus ruled from 31 b.c. to a.d. 14, a time regarded as a golden age for Rome. He probably ordered the census for the purposes of collecting taxes, determining eligibility for military service (not including Jews), and quantifying the scope of his empire and achievements. Quirinius served two terms as governor, 6-4 b.c. and a.d. 6-9, which is why many scholars believe the actual date of Jesus birth was around 4 b.c.

The census's requirement of hometown registration compelled Mary and Joseph to leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem. Even on the verge of having a child, they couldn't say “no” to the Roman Empire! Through the tedium of obeying a census order, God made sure that the prophecy of Micah 5:2 would be fulfilled.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes we experience the work of God in our lives as clearly as trumpets blasting and as grandly as angels singing. Other times, it might be unclear how God is working in our circumstances. Our passage today encourages us that even as we go about our daily lives, fulfilling our responsibilities, God is working. Are there points where you can look back and see God's hand in retrospect? Thank Him for His unfailing work, and use your reflection on those moments as encouragement to remain faithful.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 16:12-22
When her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. - John 16:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the city of Shelehov in northern Russia, a little more than a year ago, a young woman was giving birth. Suddenly, the entire city became dark. Emergency generators kicked in, but her hospital room remained pitch black. There appeared to be complications, but doctors could not see what was going on. Hurriedly, nurses collected mobile phones from staff and patients, then used the glow from the phones' displays to provide enough light to safely deliver the baby, a boy. Both mother and son were reported to be in good health following the memorable birth!

Today's reading gives us the startling image of a woman in labor as a metaphor for God's plan. Several times this month we've referenced God's unfolding plan of self-revelation and redemption, so we turn now to explore a relevant word-picture coined by Jesus Himself, one with powerful thematic connections to the Christmas story.

God's plan for the near future was that the Holy Spirit would come and guide the disciples into all truth; that is, He would bring glory to Christ by revealing the things of Christ to them (vv. 12-15). The disciples' understanding of the person and work of Jesus was woefully inadequate—the Spirit would teach them the meaning of it all. For example, when Jesus referred indirectly to His coming death and resurrection (v. 16), His words left the disciples confused.

Christ responded with a metaphor comparing a woman in labor with the experience of believers waiting for God's plan to be accomplished. Just as a pregnant woman goes from pain to joy when delivering her baby, so they also would go from confusion to understanding and from grief to joy during the events of Passion Week and beyond. Jesus, too, would go from death to life and from sacrifice to victory. It would be worth it all to bring into being the joy of new spiritual life (vv. 19-22; cf. Rom. 8:19-22).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have baby albums or scrapbooks, either your own or those of your children, take a few moments today to look through them. You can use this time to reflect on the wonder of new life and pray for the friends and family members depicted in these albums. Also consider how Scripture uses images of childbirth and babies to teach us about the Christian life. The particular principle of waiting found in today's study can help give you encouragement and endurance if you find yourself waiting for God to direct you in a particular area.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 2:6-7
She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. - Luke 2:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In February of this year, a tornado ripped apart a home in Tennessee and killed a woman named Kerri. She was one of 56 people who perished in a series of deadly twisters spread across five states. Everyone assumed her son, 11-month-old Kyson, had died as well. But a firefighter searching the wreckage found the boy, who he thought at first was a doll, alive amidst the debris. He had been thrown a hundred yards from the house and was not located until two hours after the storm had passed. Amazingly, he had only minor injuries. “He's just a miracle,” his grandfather said.

Kyson was truly a miracle baby—twice given the gift of life by God. The greatest miracle baby in all of history was the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Our month's study has now brought us to the hinge of history, the birth of God Incarnate. The world was mostly oblivious to the coming of Christ, announced by angels, fulfilling centuries' worth of promises and covenants.

The birth narrative does not pretend otherwise. The story is told simply, in just two verses of straightforward prose, showing that significance and power need not be heralded by the literary equivalent of trumpets and drums.

The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth included parents under a cloud of shame and suspicion; a road trip under difficult circumstances; the simplest possible baby outfit, “swaddling clothes” (kjv); an animal feeding trough as a makeshift bassinet; and since there was “no room for them in the inn,” a stable as the “labor and delivery ward.”

The Son of God as a baby in a manger is the definition of irony. Whereas worldly leaders fly first class, drive high-status cars, wear expensive suits, and enjoy other perks of power, Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to the Father and became a man (Phil. 2:5-8). The physical circumstances of His birth reflected the spiritual virtues by which He would live.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You might have been born in a log cabin or in a top-flight hospital. Perhaps your family was poor or displaced, or maybe your parents were among the elite. None of us can change the circumstances of our birth, but we can follow in the example of Christ in our lives. We can all emulate His humility, concern for others, and desire to do the will of the Father. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can follow Jesus to the glory of God. There's no better way to celebrate Christmas than to make this commitment today.