Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Bold in Weakness"

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
   

How should God enter our world? We would probably have lots of suggestions. With all the terrorism and violence, we could suggest He come with His mighty power and wrath. Or perhaps God could send a Saviour who would mightily destroy those who wreak havoc in our beautiful world. At the very least He should come as a mighty force to destroy evil and bring peace to the world.

But to come as a helpless baby, one of the most helpless and dependent things in the world? How absurd! Why would God send a baby? Yet God was bold to do just that. His plan was never to come by force and might, to win the world for Himself. He works His plan through the weak and little things of the world and shows His glory to us.

He enters as a weak baby, just as each of us does. But in this child He will accomplish—yes, has accomplished—His most wondrous and glorious plan to bring peace to men. So helpless a child, He had to flee the envy of a violent king. But was He helpless? No! He would accomplish His purpose and save His people from their sin: “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

[Soldier4Christ]

"Doing the Unheard"

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31
   

What God was about to do flies in the face of all expectations!

He picks a virgin and informs her that she will bear God’s child. What an affront to the religious leaders and to the rulers of the day. Surely God would have chosen someone in their family for such a glorious task. But no! He picks a humble girl—a nobody!

What’s more, it’s unnatural! A virgin! Whoever heard of a virgin giving birth? That’ll be talked of and against throughout the centuries. And it has been talked about and discounted by theologians, historians, and news commentators ever since.

What boldness on God’s part to pick Mary. Yet God often chooses the common or lowly or humble to receive His blessings and be called to serve Him.

How thankful we, too, can be. God does not choose us because of any merit or greatness in us … He chooses us by His grace and will. In fact, God chose Mary to give birth to Jesus so that in her Child we could be lifted up to be God’s children.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Keeping Promises"

You must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4
   

Time is a strange thing. When you want it to pass quickly, it seems to linger. When you want it to slow down, it seems to fly. Waiting is one of the hardest things to do.

We are not a generation given to waiting. How often we are surprised, when stopped at an intersection while driving, as the light barely turns green and people are impatiently leaning on their horn.

Yet we must often wait. Time gets heavy on our hands.

So it did with many waiting for God to keep His promise of the Saviour. “How long, Lord? How long?” So goes the anxious cry of the faithful, through the centuries. There were scoffers then, not expecting God to be true to His Word. But into this world of scoffers and complainers God was bold to keep His promise—whatever the cost. He will not deny himself. A promise is a promise. When the time was right, God boldly broke into history and sent His own Son to redeem us from sin and death: “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law” (Galatians 4:4-5).

[Soldier4Christ]

"Stepping into the Darkness"

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:4-5
   

Darkness is scary. A young lad had to deliver milk to nearby farms by foot in the dark. In the daytime he knew the roads and paths well. But in the darkness of night, he had no way of knowing where the potholes and dips were. He had to muster up some boldness to head into the dark.

God also stepped into the darkness of our world—a world filled with evil, sin, violence, and hate. He knew what lay ahead. There would be hatred, suffering, scorn, and abuse. The world would be so accustomed to the darkness, that it would not want it disturbed.

Yet, with boldness, God stepped into the darkness.

Why would He do it? He did it for us. We, the world, were engulfed by this darkness. God knew that for this dark world there was only one hope. To combat the darkness of sin and death, God had to be one of us—a true man. And so, God the Son stepped into the darkness bringing with Him light. He would destroy the powers of darkness by taking upon Himself the sin, violence, guilt, and death that enshrouds the world. As the fourth Advent candle is lit, we are reminded that His light has shone in our hearts and lives, filling us with forgiveness, peace, hope, and love.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Powered By the Christ Child"

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
   

One of the most watched and anticipated events of the holiday season seems to be the New Years Day Tournament of Roses parade. Strict regulations ensure all floats are decorated completely with flowers, seeds, and natural vegetation. It is a remarkable spectacle to see float after float pass slowly by on the designated parade route, each moving at a precise speed so as not to bunch up or lag behind, creating a gap. One year a float caused the parade to stop when the vehicle pulling it ran out of gas. The floats behind couldn’t move until someone brought a can of gas to power the float forward.

Just before Jesus was ready to leave this world, He gave His disciples instructions to go and make disciples, to baptize, and to teach. Matthew 28:19-20 is often referred to as the Great Commission. However, Jesus didn’t leave His disciples powerless. He assured them that He would be with them always, even to the end of the ages.

The Great Commission given by our Saviour is as crucial this Advent as it was when it was first given. Through His Word and His sacraments, God gives us the power to make disciples. Let’s boldly go forward!

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Light Within"

“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1:30-32
   

There is a major before-and-after contrast between most women as brides-to-be and brides.

At the rehearsal, the bride-to-be is often dressed carelessly, sometimes wearing baggy sweat pants, T-shirt, and flip-flops. Often she wears little or no make-up, her hair quickly tied back or left to hang. Mere hours later, she is transformed into an elegant, beautiful, perfectly adorned woman. There is a certain glow about her that seems reserved for such occasions. Many have pointed out a similar glow in the face of new mothers.

Perhaps Mary had a glow about her as she held her newborn son Jesus. Although she had been told her son would be great and called the Son of the Most High, she was human and would have glowed with pride like any mother. When Jesus through the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, there is not only a contrast in our appearance, but also a contrast in our lives. The peace we can enjoy because of the Christ Child doesn’t last for only a one-day special occasion or for a few weeks or months, but throughout our life. In fact, others can see the change in our lives, a very positive transformation.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Greatest Gift"

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
   

Christmas is a season of gift giving. Along with the concern of having to pay for all the gifts we purchase is the problem of trying to choose just the right gift to begin with.

A humorous story tells about a loving son who found the perfect gift for his lonely widowed mother who loved to chat but often had no one with whom to communicate. The son found an amazing, magnificent bird. It seemed to possess an almost human-like understanding of the English language and spoke more than a thousand words. In addition, it could communicate equally as well in French (it was Canadian, eh?) and could sing beautifully. The bird was very expensive, costing more than twenty thousand dollars.

Since it was for his mother whom he loved dearly, the son purchased it and had it sent to her. The next day, the son phoned his mother to ask how she liked the bird. She replied, “It was delicious.”

God chose the perfect gift for us in His Son Jesus. He is just what each of us needs because in His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Amongst all the gifts we give and receive this Christmas, may we always treasure the perfect gift God gave us in His Son Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Filling Empty Lives"

[Jesus said,] “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
   

As we approach Christmas, preparations, shopping, parties, gift exchanges, and well wishes fill our lives. But unfortunately, the season is a sad time for many. The full lives of those celebrating contrasts with the emptiness they feel. Parents may feel empty because a child fails to write or call; yet grown children may feel they can’t call. The hole caused by the death of a loved one is difficult to fill. Statistics show that before and after Christmas more people take their lives—in many cases finding it difficult living with their emptiness.

I knew a family with three daughters. As each daughter was confirmed, the father gave her a gold heart-shaped necklace with a tiny key cut out of it. He said he would keep the key until her wedding day when he would give it to her husband. The key would symbolize that while her father’s love would not diminish, she would then have two men loving and caring for her.

The love of family and friends gives meaning and purpose to life; however, only when Christ Jesus is welcomed can we enjoy life to the full, dispelling emptiness. The emptiness many feel at Christmas (and all of us feel at times) can only be filled with the Baby whose birth we celebrate together.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Can Even Use Cracked Pots"

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
   

A poem titled “The Cracked Pot” tells of a water bearer in India who had two large pots. Each hung on the end of a pole he carried across his neck. Every day he walked down to the stream to fill the pots and return with water for his master.

However, one pot was cracked while the other was not. As the bearer walked, the cracked pot spilt water along the path and so only half a pot was delivered each day. The pot felt badly that its flaw caused the water bearer to work harder as it only produced half as much as the flawless pot. The water bearer responded by pointing out that its flaw had caused flowers to flourish and bloom on its side of the path—flowers the water bearer picked to grace his master’s table.

Often we do not feel we are gifted enough to do meaningful work in God’s Kingdom. We know how appreciated it is when someone notices the little things we do—things of which we may not even be aware. And to the human eye, God’s gift—Jesus, a humble baby born in a dingy manger—didn’t appear to be anything special.

We all know people who consider themselves “cracked pots.” They can’t do many things others may do effortlessly. It is these people who need our words of encouragement most.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Leaving Your Comfort Zone"

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:19-20
   

I enjoy ice fishing. Living on the northern prairies of Saskatchewan, I am blessed with four or five months each year when the ice is safe and I can pursue my passion. Although I dress as warmly as possible, it can still be uncomfortably cold, especially if the wind begins blowing.

I know I could be pursuing other interests where I could feel more comfortable, and if I added up all the costs, I know I could buy fish more cheaply. Yet I enjoy the peace and solitude a day away from the office brings even though I may not always be comfortable.

In a reversed way, several of Jesus’ disciples were asked to leave their “comfort zone” as professional fishermen to follow Jesus, and then after His death and resurrection received the commission to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

They could go boldly because they knew Christ would always be with them, even to the end of the ages. As we move closer to the celebration of the birth of His Son, God asks us to leave the “comfort zone” we enjoy with fellow believers to reach others with the Good News of salvation through Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dressed for the Banquet"

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.” Matthew 22:11-12
   

In my senior year of high school, my friends and I became “wedding crashers.” Although it is not something I am now proud of, it wasn’t as bad as it sounds.

On most Saturday nights, a nearby hall hosted large weddings—often with four or five hundred guests. Sometimes we knew the bride or groom, or a younger sibling unofficially invited us. It seemed acceptable to attend the wedding dance as long as we were dressed appropriately in a suit. A tiny artificial flower was pinned to our lapel by an usher when we arrived, indicating we had a right to be there and had access to food and refreshments. Those dressed inappropriately were refused admittance.

Crashing wedding celebrations was a bold youthful action. God’s action in sending His only Son Jesus into a cold unwelcome world was far bolder. By His precious blood shed on Calvary’s cross, we are washed, sanctified, and dressed in His righteousness. This Advent we look to His bold death on the cross by which we are welcomed by Christ our bridegroom. God asks us boldly to proclaim His love in Christ Jesus. He even dresses us acceptably to do so.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Inspires Love"

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15
   

You don’t have to wait until 1 Corinthians 13 to read about love. You don’t even have to wait until John 3:16 to hear about God’s love. Did you know that the love of God is seen way back in Genesis? And this announcement and example of love is amazing.

Picture it. God’s creation, Adam and Eve, have just disobeyed God. They have destroyed the perfection of paradise. God disciplines them, yet He doesn’t leave them in their punishment. He promises one will come who will defeat sin and Satan.

God’s love is so contrary to our human nature. Our nature says: Adam and Eve messed everything up so they get what they deserve. If they sin, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Thank God He doesn’t feel this way. If He did we would all be doomed. God knew His creation just couldn’t do it on their own. The need for a Saviour is abundantly clear. So in His time, He sent Jesus, His only Son.

This is what Advent is all about—waiting in eager expectation to again rejoice in the coming of our Saviour. The ultimate expression of God’s love.

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"God Inspires Confidence to the End"

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me ... Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23: 4, 6
   

Psalm 23 is one of the most popular texts from Scripture. Has the confidence David expresses in these words ever amazed you? Here was a man who had experienced many ups and downs in life. He had been through wars, trials, and temptations and even after all this he knew he was not alone in the journey. David believed God, in His love and boldness, was there and would be to the end.

Maybe this is why we often hear this psalm at funerals. In the midst of grief we need encouragement. And at those times we can reflect on life, seeing how God has been with us every step of the way.

As we reflect on God’s Advent promises, we also draw comfort from these very words. There is something encouraging and comforting in knowing that “even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me … and I will dwell in
the house of the LORD forever.”

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Inspires Bravery"

The LORD answered, “I will be with you.” Judges 6:16
   

Bravery is a common theme throughout Scripture. Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land; Gideon saved Israel from the Midianites; David fought Goliath; Nehemiah led the

Israelites from bondage and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem; Esther approached the king despite it being against the law. These are just a few in whom God inspired bravery.

In wartime soldiers fight for what they believe is right. Families and friends support them and look forward to a time of peace. It’s easier to be brave if you are confident about what you stand for and others back your position. Why is it easy to be brave in worldly things, but when it comes to the war on our faith we shy away? When faced with overwhelming opposition, our biblical examples carried on, not because they were so strong, but because God was with them. He gave them the words, the strength, and the certainty that what they were doing was His will.

We have the task of spreading the Good News. There is no doubt we face overwhelming opposition. However, God has called us in His love and gives us what we need for the task. And He has promised, “I will be with you.” When we use the strength God provides in His Word and
Sacraments and then engage the support of fellow believers, we shall overcome!

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Inspires Fearlessness"

“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the LORD’S commands and have followed the Baals.” 1 Kings 18:18
   

the message we proclaim? No one likes to hear the three-letter word S-I-N. It makes people feel uncomfortable. And no one likes to feel less than perfect. Luther wrote, “God desires us to keep His commandments perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.” Can you or anyone you know do that?

David wrote, "I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). Sinfulness is in our very being; it is why God needed to send His Son, and only repentance and faith in the Saviour wipes it away. The Law’s conviction drives us to repentance. Were it not for sin, Christ would not need to have been born as Saviour. The Law must be proclaimed for the sweetness of the Gospel to make any impact. But proclaiming the Law takes fearlessness—fearlessness when we are accused of being too hard, rigid, or strict. Fearlessness is a gift from God so we can share His unbounded love with those we meet.