advent meditations: encountering the christ of christmas

Grace Bible Church of Hollister634 Monterey StreetHollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831-638-1394Web: http://gracehollister.org

Email: [email protected]©2010 Grace Bible Church of Hollister

1

Encountering the Christ of Christmas

Table of Contents

DATE TITLE WRITER PAGE

Mon Nov. 29 God Has Spoken! . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Eastman . . . . . 5

Tue Nov. 30 The Beginning: A Perfect Home . . . . . . Gary Myers . . . . . . . 6

Wed Dec. 1 The Terrible Lie . . . . . . . . . . . . Wes Whitely . . . . . . . 7

Thur Dec. 2 Saved From Judgement . . . . . . . . . Jeff Miller . . . . . . . . 8

Fri Dec. 3 A Stairway to Heaven – No Way!. . . . . . Harlan Selvey . . . . . . 9

Mon Dec. 6 Son of Laughter . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Lindberg . . . . . 11

Tue Dec. 7 Jehovah-jireh “The Lord Will Provide” . . . . Duane Cashion . . . . . 12

Wed Dec. 8 The Fruit of Forgiveness – Joseph & Jesus . . Barry Olsen . . . . . . 13

Thur Dec. 9 Meals of Remembrance . . . . . . . . . Bob Golobic . . . . . . 14

Fri Dec. 10 Trust God, Not Pyramid Schemes . . . . . Steve Miser . . . . . . 15

Mon Dec. 13 God’s Perfect Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Riordan . . . . . . 17

Tue Dec. 14 The Lord Saves . . . . . . . . . . . . Duane Cashion . . . . . 18

Wed Dec. 15 The Unexpected True King . . . . . . . . Duane Cashion . . . . . 19

Thur Dec. 16 Shining Ambassadors. . . . . . . . . . John Berggren . . . . . 20

Fri Dec. 17 Our Expectations – God’s Provision . . . . Dave Johnson . . . . . 21

Mon Dec. 20 The Servant Girls Wish . . . . . . . . . Keith Riddle . . . . . . 23

Tue Dec. 21 A Redeemer is Promised for All . . . . . . Steve Jara . . . . . . . 24

Wed Dec. 22 The Scary Sleepover . . . . . . . . . . Darren Thompson. . . . 25

Thur Dec. 23 Rebellious Messenger, Faithful God . . . . Michael Eastman . . . . 26

Fri Dec. 24 God Provides for His People . . . . . . . Steve Sando . . . . . . 27

Sat Dec. 25 Our Savior Has Come! . . . . . . . . . Duane Cashion . . . . . 28

2


2A Jesse Tree Introduction

Advent MeditationsEncountering the Christ of Christmas

“Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots

will bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1

Advent means to await something momentous, wondrous and

fantastic. No wonder that the weeks leading up to our celebration of

Christ’s birth are known as the advent season. Each year the earth

waits again for the man whose life, death and resurrection permanently

altered eternity for everyone. And yet that wait is often overshadowed

by preparations for a treasured holiday of family, gifts and tradition.

Too many Christian families regretfully look back over their Christmas

wishing that they had made Christ a bigger part of their season.

This Christmas can be different.

Oh, we’ll probably still go crazy with lights, food, gifts and Christmas

cheer. But this year we offer this devotional as an encouragement, a

burning ember for our souls to daily remind us a Son was given, He is

Jesus! This Christmas we come to our Father confessing we are frail,

distracted and needy, but crying out to be immersed in thoughts of His

Son. Do you desire to know Him more deeply, to be transformed more

completely? Let us not delay.

Let’s Encounter the Christ of Christmas together!

This year we present a Jesse Tree devotional based on Isaiah 11:1

which reminds us that Christmas began in the Old Testament. In fact,

the earth has been waiting for Jesus since the beginning of time as we

know it. A Jesse Tree devotional digs for the roots of the Messiah in

Genesis and finishes with the birth of Christ. We find that we encounter

the need for Christ throughout all of our favorite Old Testament stories.

A Jesse Tree is literal. We really have a tree, or a branch or anything

that will hold an ornament. Just as the root of Jesse would bear much

fruit, each day we adorn our tree with an ornament representing our

passage so that it eventually is covered with the stories of Jesus. Our

Jesse Tree stands as a testimony to the generations of people who

waited for their great Messiah and we wait with them knowing that

finally on Christmas day itself we will read the familiar story of the tiny

baby in the rude manger with lowing oxen, humble shepherds and a

glorious sky full of angels.

3


3


A Jesse Tree Introduction

We can’t wait! But we will. Together.

Each page of this booklet guides you in two separate sets of readings,

one for reading aloud with your children and one for adults. The

children’s readings are from The Jesus Storybook Bible, Every Story

Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This is the captivating

children’s Bible that we recommend to our young families, so if you do

not already own one, we highly recommend that you purchase it now.

You will enjoy it long after this devotional is finished. Bibles will be

available after services in the foyer during the early weeks of advent.

The adults are reading the same stories as our children, except out of

our adult Bibles. In addition, we are treated to a daily devotional written

by various men from our congregation that links the story to Jesus.

Memorizing is challenging, but worth it.

The devotional also contains four gorgeous Christmas passages

we have chosen to memorize together as a congregation this

season. Please don’t skip these. Absolutely nothing compares to

the transforming power of God-breathed scripture tucked away in

our minds ready to rescue and refresh us at a moment’s notice. Be

encouraged by a couple who struggled to memorize during our Journey

with Jesus, so they took their desire straight to Jesus and asked that

their tired minds would retain the scriptures. God was faithful to them

and He will be to you too.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Jesse Tree devotional without ornaments!

We have paper ornaments with the whimsical art of Jaqo, the illustrator

of the Jesus Storybook Bible. Even if you won’t be using the children’s

Bible, we recommend the ornaments because celebrating and

remembering are for everyone.

The advent season is upon us.

May the miracle of Christ’s

birth fill your heart with

joy inexpressible!

4


Isaiah 11:1-21 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse,

And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.

2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him,

The spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The spirit of counsel and strength,

The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Week 1 Memory Verse

5


Monday, November 29, 2010

God Has Spoken!Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, after He spoke long ago...in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things”by Michael Eastman

ave you ever found yourself on a clear calm winter night, away from the city lights when it seems an infinite number of stars are visible and the heavens are displayed before you, and your

very breath is taken away? Without a word, God has spoken!

From the meditation of his heart in the 19th Psalm, David declared, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Through a man, once a boy and now a king, God again has spoken.

And now the writer of Hebrews tells us “in these last days” God has spoken. Perhaps the most important question is how has God spoken and what has He said? Through whom, who earlier was made known through the glory of the infinite expanse of the heavens and all creation, does He now declare Himself and speak?

The writer tells us this herald is no less than His own Son – the Son of God. The writer goes on to explain His importance as, “heir of all things” and that “He is the radiance of His glory” (vs.3). The Son is literally the emanating infinite glory of God! He is also the “exact representation of His nature.” As Jesus would later tell Philip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” John 14:9. Philip saw God!

And finally, in view of all creation and the history of mankind, the writer tells us “He upholds all things by the word of His power.” Let that sink in – “all things”.

Feel the full weight of who God says speaks to us, finally and completely, “in these last days.” And over the coming month be in awe and wonder that in a dirty manger to poor humble peasant parents wondering what all this could possibly mean, was born a frail human child, “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men,” Philippians 2:6.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Psalm 19, Hebrews Chp 1

Children - Page 12 Jesus Storybook Bible

H

6


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Beginning: A Perfect HomeGenesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”by Gary Myers

od created the heavens and the earth solely for one purpose–

that man would live in perfect peace and harmony with Him

forever. The Lord God created out of nothing a place for man

to live and to properly take care of. God called this place earth, and

the Garden of Eden was God’s perfect home for man to live in, cultivate

and walk with Him.

Genesis 2:7 tells us that the Lord God formed man out of the dust of

the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life, and man

became a living being. This first man was called Adam. God knew

that Adam would disobey Him by sinning in the Garden of Eden. Adam

would eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that

God had specifically warned him not to eat. Adam went his own way

and Adam’s sin would ultimately separate him from God’s plan which

was for perfect peace and harmony with Him.

But though God knew Adam’s failings, He would from before time

provide a way of redemption and restoration. How wonderful our Lord

is, because He had a perfect plan to demonstrate His perfect grace.

So God sent into this fallen and corrupt world the second Adam, born

of a woman to redeem sinners and restore what sin had destroyed. His

name was Emmanuel. “For if by the transgression of the one the many

died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the

one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many,” Romans 5:15, and “For

as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners,

even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made

righteous.” Romans 5:19

Jesus Christ was the second Adam, coming into this sinful world for

one purpose only: to take away the sin of all men.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Genesis Chp 1 & 2


G

7


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Terrible LieGenesis 3:8 “…and they hid from the LORD God….”by Wes Whiteley

ave you ever done something or said something that you wish

you could undo? Something that affected a large part of your

life? Something that once it was done, made you want to run

away and hide? Adam and Eve did! Their sin caused death and decay

to enter the world and shook the very core of God’s perfect creation, but

did God let Adam and Eve hide? No! He sought them out and found

them. And, not only did He go after Adam and Eve, but He went after

all men to draw them to Himself. From the beginning He made a plan

to solve the sin problem of the world, and that plan would require that

God become flesh (God incarnate) in the form of baby Jesus. The baby

Jesus was the greatest gift the world has ever known for He corrected

the greatest problem that man had. What was that problem? That

problem was death, caused by Adam’s sin. As Paul says in Romans

5:12, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and

death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all

sinned”.

We were all guilty when Adam sinned and death affected us all, but

Jesus solves the death penalty by giving us life through Jesus Christ.

As Paul again says in Romans 5:17-18, “For if, by the trespass of

the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more

will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the

gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”

“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for

all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification

that brings life for all men.”

The advent of Jesus started the greatest chain of events in the history of

the world culminating in His resurrection! So, though death entered the

world through the events of the fall recorded in Genesis 3, the gift of life

was returned through the resurrection of Jesus Christ – our risen Savior.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Genesis Chp 3


H

8


Saved From Judgment Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, warned by God concerning events unseen, in reverent fear built an ark for the saving of his household.”

by Jeff Miller

he account of the flood and the ark built by Noah are told in

Genesis, Chapters 6-8 and the first part of Chapter 9. We are

told that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that

every intention of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually”

(Genesis 6:5). God’s creation had been corrupted by sin, so He

determined to wipe out every man, animal, bird and creeping thing.

But God also saw a faithful man, Noah. Because of this one righteous

man, God spared His creation from total annihilation. He told Noah

of the coming flood, and commanded Noah to build an ark to house

himself, his wife, his sons and daughters-in-law, as well as animals,

birds, and every creeping thing. We read several times that Noah did all

that he was commanded. He placed his time, energy, and reputation in

God’s hands by building the ark. Noah obeyed in faith, which made him

righteous. And that faith saved him and his family from judgment.

Two thousand years ago God came to earth as a baby, and, growing

into a Man, walked this earth. As did Noah, He too exercised faith and

obedience, and did all the Father commanded. In complete obedience,

Jesus went to the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. And in so

doing, He saved us.

Like Noah, we are called from the midst of a wicked generation. We

have been warned of the coming judgment. And through faith, we are

saved from that judgment. The storm may rage around us, but we are

safe in the Savior’s arms and will be delivered. We need only believe,

as Noah did.

Praise God that we need not perish, but through His Son have eternal

life.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Genesis Chp 6 – 9:17


T

9


Friday, December 3, 2010

A Stairway to Heaven…No Way!Genesis 11:4 “Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven”

By Harlan Selvey

hat’s ridiculous!!! Build a tower that would reach into heaven?

Where could such an idea come from? I think the suggestion

came from Satan. Our Scripture indicates that it came from

discussions of Babel residents with no mention of God in their

thoughts. Satan looks for situations like that, and perhaps with an

unseen participant, injecting thoughts into our discussions. The

people of Babel had two attitudes that many people have today. First,

they thought they could take care of themselves while they lived on

earth, and second, they thought they could get to heaven by their

own achievements. Satan is a master at helping people believe a lie.

Remember how he told Eve that she would be as wise as God if she

ate the forbidden fruit?

But God intervened! He didn’t blow up their tower. He just confused

their languages and moved them to different communities. The next

chapter tells us that later God chose Abraham to establish a special

family to show people how God wanted them to live and spend eternity

with Him.

And it would be through Mary, a descendent of Abraham, that Jesus

came into the world. We remember His miracle birth in Bethlehem at

this season of the year. And we remember that before He went back

to heaven He told them, ”Do not let your heart be troubled; believe

in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling

places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a

place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and

receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And

you know the way where I am going”. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we

do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus

said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to

the Father but through Me,” John 14:1-6.



T

10


Galatians 4:44 But when the fullness of the time came,

God sent forth His Son,

born of a woman,

born under the Law

Week 2 Memory Verse

11


Monday, December 6, 2010

Son of LaughterGenesis 17:19 “But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac”by Brian Lindberg

ow often we go our own way instead of trusting in the word

of God and what He has promised. It seems to be our nature

to go on our own understanding, and not even realize we are

acting outside of God’s will for our lives. What will our next trial produce

that will lead us to trust God by faith for all things? The kind of faith

where one believes without knowing the results before hand.

God told Abram he was to leave Haran and go to a place that God

would show him. Abram was 75 years old when God called him to

take the task set before him – in a direction he did not know, and to take

his family with him. Would you go?

Have you ever been asked to do something that is completely outside

of what you could comprehend or believe? Abraham and Sarah, (as

God would call them), had such a dilemma in considering what they

knew as opposed to what God had promised. God promised they

would have a son. But it was their lack of faith that drove them to “help”

God by providing what they saw as a perfectly rational solution–a plan

conceived in the flesh, resulting in the birth of Ishmael. A decision of

self-help that still has consequences nearly four millennia later. Since

you have been walking with Christ, have you created any Ishmael’s?

Abraham laughed within himself at the absurdity that he and Sarah

would become parents of a son, but they left God out of the equation!

With God all things are possible. With Sarah it was to late, but then

again with Mary it was to early. Within the covenant was the promise of

the coming of the son of man, Emmanuel, who would save the world

from their sins.

As human beings our bent is to try to help God help us. Adam & Eve

doubted God, and Rebecca the mother of Jacob tried to help God.

Jesus Christ was the second Adam, coming into this sinful world for

one purpose only: to take away the sin of all men.

H

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Genesis Chp 12:1-4, 17:1-22, 18:1-15, 21:1-8


12


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Jehovah-jireh “The Lord Will Provide”Genesis 22:14 “Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide” by Duane Cashion

n this moving story there are many parallels between the life

and attitudes of Isaac and Jesus. Both were promised sons;

Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, and Jesus to Mary. Both were

born miraculously; Isaac to a mother who had been barren all her life

and was now 90, and Jesus, born of a virgin with no earthly father

and free from inherent sin. Both carried the wood up to a hill where it

would be used for their sacrifice. Both obediently carried out the will of

their father; Isaac though certainly big enough to put up a fight, trusted

his father, and Jesus who while in the garden prayed, “Father, if You are

willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done”

(Luke 22:42) and when talking of laying His life down for His sheep

says, “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own

initiative,” John 10:18.

Imagine what Isaac must have thought as his father tied him up while

being assured that God would provide another sacrifice and trust his

father while Abraham trusted in God’s provision. And Jesus knowing

He was to face an agonizing death, yet doing it willingly, knowing that

through His death, He would reconcile a lost world to His Father.

At the end of this story, Abraham calls the place “Jehovah-jireh” or

“The Lord will Provide”. It is called that because God saw Abraham’s

faith and provided a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. As we enter this

season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the promised One, Messiah,

miraculously born and sinless, willingly being our substitute sacrifice

provided by God, to die in our place that we may have the forgiveness

of sin for all who repent and believe. Praise God for His provision of a

Child born in a manger, sent to be our sacrifice.



I

13



The Fruit of Forgiveness – Joseph & JesusGenesis 46:15 “Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them…”by Barry Olson

oseph, in our reading today, is a type of the Lord Jesus. Forty-

two different aspects of Christ may be seen in his life. Is it any

wonder that the Holy Spirit allocated one-quarter of the book of

Genesis to the story of Joseph?

Today our focus will be on both Joseph and Jesus (Luke 23:34)

forgiving those who wronged them. Joseph is sometimes called “the

prince of forgiveness”. Jesus is the Prince and Savior (Acts 5:31) and

the only one who can forgive our sins.

Jesus, like Joseph, had brothers who hated him, (Mark 3:20-21; John

7:4,5) and people who plotted to harm Him, (John 11:53). He was

tempted, (Matthew 4:1) and also falsely accused, (Matthew 26:59, 60).

Pharaoh said of Joseph, “No one has the spirit of God like Joseph”,

(Genesis 41:37), and it is written of Jesus that He had “the Spirit without

limitation”, (John 3:34).

What was the fruit of their forgiveness? Joseph, by forgiving and

then inviting his family to Egypt formed the beginning of the nation

of Israel that started with Abraham. Jesus at the cross, (Luke 23:34)

forgave His tormentors as He prayed and later the fruit of salvation for

many at Pentecost, (Acts 2:41). This formed the church, and resulted

in multitudes of people forgiven, (Hebrews 2:10) and saved by His

precious blood throughout the ages since.

If you have experienced Jesus’ forgiveness of your sins and have

invited Him into your life, take a moment to thank Him now! (Psalm

86:5, 130:3-4, Daniel 9:9, Luke 7:39-50)

Amazingly, many attending church in America have never asked Jesus

to forgive their sins and welcome Him into their life. If you have not

made that decision…do it today! That’s why He came at Christmas,

(John 3:17).

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Genesis Chp 37-46


J

14



Meals of RemembranceExodus 12:27 “It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORD who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He...spared our homes.”by Bob Golobic

n the centuries following Joseph’s death, the Israelites, cried out

to God for deliverance. He heard their cries and through Moses,

His appointed leader, warned Pharaoh Amenhetop II that He

would bring a plague on Egypt if the king wouldn’t set His people free.

Because of the Pharaoh’s stubbornness nine plagues didn’t work, but

the tenth did, the Plague of Death. But God instructed the Israelites

to sprinkle their entrance door jams with the blood of an unblemished

lamb, to stay at home, and have a meal of the lamb. If they did, the

Angel of Death would pass over their house and not kill their first-born

as would happen in the rest of Egypt.

Down through the centuries, the Jewish people continue this Passover

Meal in thanksgiving to God for not only sparing their first born, but also

for setting them free in the Exodus from Egypt praising the God who

saved them from slavery.

About 1,400 years later, Jesus Christ the Lamb of God, culminated His

public ministry in Jerusalem during the Passover festival.

On the day before He died, Christ gathered His disciples in the upper

room to observe a final Passover meal together, a meal that became

the first Lord’s Supper, a remembrance meal which in the life of

Christians replaced that of the Passover. When we partake of the

elements we remember of our Lord’s life and His sacrificial suffering

and death on the Cross where through His shed blood, broken body,

and willingness to carry the weight of the world’s sin, he redeemed and

saved us from our slavery to sin. Three days later He rose from the

dead to prove to the world and his followers that He had conquered the

ultimate sin, death. Praise be to the Lord!

As we enter this Advent season, may we glorify our Father for the

wonderful kindness He has shown to us, as we look forward to

remembering the birth of His beloved Son this coming Christmas.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Exodus Chp 11–13


I

15



Trust God, Not Pyramid SchemesExodus 15:2 “The Lord is my strength and song and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him”by Steve Miser

he story in which God parts the Red Sea, saving His people

from slavery in Egypt is one of the greatest miracles ever

recorded. Remember the bumper sticker, “The one who dies

with the most toys wins”? There was probably a chariot sticker in

ancient Egypt that read, “He who has the best tomb is the greatest”.

The Egyptians worshipped countless gods, a quintessential picture of

today’s world. We should evaluate for ourselves what competes for our

worship of the one true God.

When this one true God chose to save His people from certain death in

Egypt, I doubt He was inundated with stupid comments like “We are all

going to the Promised Land, just taking different paths”. With Pharaoh’s

army behind and the Red Sea in front, there was only one way for the

Hebrews to be saved; through the water. Today, the Lord has provided

for our escape through the precious blood of His only Son.

With the Hebrews safely east of the sea and Pharaoh’s elite forces

permanently baptized, the sons of Israel sang a wonderful song

covering the details of what God had done. Do we sing praises of our

deliverance from sin on Sunday, just to complain about the rat race

on Monday? We, like the Israelites, are slow to remember and fast to

forget what God has done.

Three days later the Lord tested His extremely thirsty people at Marah,

where the water was bitter. God provided Moses a tree to throw

into the water, making it sweet––a picture of the saving power of the

cross. Which do you think is the greater miracle? Making bitter water

sweet with a tree or transforming a bitter life through Christ’s sacrifice

represented by a wooden cross?

This Christmas, when you sing traditional songs about Christ’s birth,

remember they are also songs of deliverance from captivity and the

bitterness of sin which so easily enslaves us.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Exodus 14 & 15


T

16


Isaiah 9:66 For a child will be born to us,

a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Week 3 Memory Verse

17



God’s Perfect GiftsExodus 16:4 “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather”

by Ray Riordan

s we near the season of giving, don’t you marvel at how God’s

gifts are always perfect? As the Israelites grumbled in the

desert, wasn’t it God that provided their exact portion of Manna?

Thirsting in the wilderness, wasn’t it God who gave Moses the ability

to draw water from a rock? In the midst of that hunger and thirst,

when they were being attacked by the Amalekites, and Moses’ arms

grew tired, didn’t God give him perfect help through Aaron and Hur?

Today we pray to our Father for our daily bread and deliverance from

evil. Isn’t it wonderful that His gifts are not only perfect, but are perfect

forever!

Imagine the Creator of all things making a covenant with YOU amid

lightning, thunder and a trembling mountain! Then, giving you the

complete instructions to guide every aspect of your life with detailed

plans to build His perfect tabernacle where He will be dwelling among

you, your friends and family!

In spite of giving those things to the Israelites, they broke their

covenant. God could have rightfully destroyed them, but God was

merciful. He showed perfection in forgiveness, providing them a land

of Milk and Honey and as Moses pleaded with God, He turned the

people back to the Lord in humble repentance. To God’s exacting

design, they finally built the tabernacle. Then God gave His most

perfect gift in Exodus by restoring His covenant with His people.

Today through Jesus Christ, He has given us a land of milk and

honey. We are now the chosen people and the law is now written

upon our hearts. God now dwells in us and not in a tent. Jesus Christ

is the Bread of Life and The Living Water. It is through His death and

resurrection we have been perfectly forgiven, and we have been

perfectly restored!

Merry Christmas from Jesus Christ to all of us!

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Exodus: 16 &17


A

18



The LORD SavesDeuteronomy 20:1 “When you go out to battle against your enemies… do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God...is with you.”by Duane Cashion

fter Moses died, God made Joshua the new leader of His

people. Joshua means “the Lord saves”. Joshua was given the

task of taking the Israelites into the Promised Land. God had

told Joshua that He would go before him and told Joshua to take the

Ark of the Covenant and lead the nation across the Jordan River. As

the Ark, with the priests carrying it, entered the water, God miraculously

stopped the water and the people passed through on dry land. Notice,

unlike when God parted the Red Sea before they stepped in, this time

they needed to have the faith to step in before the waters parted.

Upon entering the Promised Land, they encountered a huge fortress,

the city of Jericho. It had tall thick walls with heavy gates and it looked,

from a human perspective, like it was unconquerable. But God had

said that He had given it into the Israelites hands. He also said that

the way to conquer it was to walk around it once for six days and then

on the seventh day walk around it seven times and when the priest

sounded the trumpet the people would shout and the walls would fall

down. This doesn’t really seem like the way to win a battle of this size,

but God was showing the nation that He would win their battles for

them.

God has fought and given us victory over the biggest battle we will ever

face, that of overcoming sin and death. God, once again, does it in a

way we would not expect. God tells us we cannot overcome it by how

good we are or what we do on our own, in fact He tells us we cannot

save ourselves. But God sent Jesus, a Greek transliteration of the

name Joshua, to the earth to do what we could not, live a perfect life,

be our substitution, and pay the penalty for our sins. Just like Joshua

and the people of Israel needed faith to believe God would give them

victory, we need to have faith in Jesus to have victory over sin and

death, and receive eternal life.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Joshua 3 and 6


A

19



The Unexpected True king 1 Samuel 16:11 “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.”by Duane Cashion

n the time of the Old Testament, the kings of lands led their

armies into battles and wars. So, if you were given the task of

choosing the king, what would he look like?

Concerning Saul, 1 Samuel tells us “there was not a more handsome

person than he among the sons of Israel; from the shoulders and up he

was taller than any of the people.” This is what most people look for in

a king, someone tall and strong who could lead them into battle. But

Saul became proud and disobeyed God. So God chose a new king

and his name was David. David would become king of a kingdom that

would never end. But if you look at him would you have chosen him?

In our story of how David became king there are many similarities

to when Jesus, the King of kings, would be presented to the world.

David didn’t look like a king. He was the youngest of the brothers; he

was the smallest and didn’t have the physical stature of his brothers.

Micah prophesies that the promised Messiah King would be born in

Bethlehem (5:2) and like David, Jesus didn’t have the appearance as a

king. Concerning Jesus, the Messiah, Isaiah states, “He has no stately

form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we

should be attracted to Him” (53:2). In both David and Jesus, a heart that

would seek after God was of most importance not their appearance.

Samuel anointed David with oil and the “Spirit of the Lord came mightily

upon David from that day forward”. Jesus was baptized by John in the

Jordan “and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of

God descending as a dove and lighting on Him and behold, a voice out

of heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased”

(Matthew 3:16-17).

We now celebrate the everlasting kingdom of David as we celebrate our

Savior’s birth, a normal looking boy born in the small town of Bethlehem

in a humble stable. Would this be your choice for the coming King?

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - 1 Samuel 16


I

20



Shining Ambassadors1 Samuel 17:45 “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts”by John Berggren

avid is uniquely described in scripture as a “man after [God’s]

own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). This special designation, along with

his extraordinary life story, his worship in poetry recorded in

the Psalms, and his prophetic role to provide the lineage from which

our Savior would come, makes him a giant of sorts in the annals of

Christian history. In 1 Samuel 17 we see the sincere nature of David’s

heart for the Lord. Being provoked by the taunting of an enemy of

Israel, David acts in defense of God’s name to slay a real giant. Under

the divine supernatural working and power of the Holy Spirit, David was

used mightily by the Lord.

We should not loose site that we too have been both empowered and

commissioned for the work of the gospel and to stand for His truth. In

John 20:21, Jesus tells the disciples “as the Father has sent Me, I also

send you.” In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs to “Let your light shine

before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and

glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Where is the field of ministry that the Lord has established for you this

Christmas season? How will your life (actions, words, and attitudes)

shine in such a way before others that God will be glorified? Whether

at home, work, at the shopping center or other public place, Christ’s

precious gift of reconciliation and hope is needing to be heard.

Jesus calls us to be a testimony of His love and to be messengers

proclaiming the purpose of His coming. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the

Apostle Paul explains “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God

were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be

reconciled to God.”

As you celebrate Christ’s birth this year, ask the Lord for opportunities to

speak in His favor and to share the true message of hope and the true

meaning of Christmas, our Messiah, Jesus.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - 1 Samuel 17


D

21



Our Expectations – God’s Provision2 Samuel 7:25 “Now therefore, O LORD God, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house, confirm it forever”by David Johnson

avid, the Shepherd king, a man attested by scripture to be

“a man after God’s own heart”, who like us failed to walk in

a manner worthy of Him, who in his transgressions was

condemned to death, for he knew that it was against God and Him

alone that he had sinned and done evil in His sight. But God had other

plans for David, plans of His loving kindness and great compassion,

plans for victory and great blessings.

God, through the prophet Nathan, tells David…”I will make you a great

name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth…I will

raise up your descendant after you, and I will establish his kingdom…I

will establish the throne of his kingdom forever…Your house and

your kingdom shall endure before Me forever, your throne shall be

established forever. “ (2 Sam. 7:7-16)

David responds, “Whom am I, O Lord God, and what is my house,

that you have brought me this far?” “O Lord God, you are GOD and

your words are truth and you have promised this good thing to your

servant.” (2 Sam. 7:18-28)

Isaiah helps us understand that this promise was not just about

Solomon, but a descendent who was to be born, a descendent upon

whom the government would rest upon His shoulders, whose name

will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince

of Peace. (Isaiah 9)

This Christmas will we be like David and respond to God’s promises?

Will we marvel at God’s provision of His Son? Will we be amazed at His

forgiveness of our sins – blotting out our transgressions? Will we ask

Him to lead us into paths of righteousness, to praise Him for His loving

kindness? It is my prayer for you and your house that you will lay hold

of Him that has so graciously laid hold of us.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Psalm 51 & 23, 2 Samuel 7


D

22


Matthew 1:2121 “She will bear a Son;

and you shall call His name Jesus,

for He will save His people from their sins.”

Week 4 Memory Verse

23



The Servant Girls Wish2 Kings 5:14 “So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God”

by Keith Riddle

saiah chapter 9 gives a prophecy concerning the birth of Christ

Jesus that says, “They will be glad in your presence as with

the gladness of the harvest as men REJOICE when they divide

the spoil.” Naaman was a warrior who knew the benefits of victory

and the subsequent dividing of the spoil. One such victory brought

into his household a little servant girl from Israel. But during that time

Naaman was smitten by something he himself could not conquer – it

was leprosy. Then from the mouth of the young slave girl came the

message of hope – “cleansing”.

Our condition is much like Naaman’s. We have a fatal disease called

sin. But our hope of cleansing came to us and took on flesh as a baby

born in Bethlehem. His name is Jesus. Naaman took gold, silver and

clothes to give his deliverer, but God says in Isaiah 9 that “a child will be

born to us a son will be GIVEN to us” and in John 3 “God so loved the

world that He GAVE His only begotten Son”. The washing of our sins is

done by Jesus and is a free gift from God.

As the story concludes, Naaman washed in the Jordan and immediate

cleansing was his, resulting in rejoiceful praise, proclamation and

worship of the One True God. We too have had our souls cleansed

through faith in Jesus. Thus the birth of Jesus should elicit from us the

same kind of response of praise to God for our ultimate healing. Oh

joyful soul, proclaim the faithfulness, mercy, salvation, redemption,

wonder and glory of the One True God, as did the early hearers and

witnesses of the Christ Child.

This day, meditate on the praise of Elizabeth in Luke 1:41-45, Mary in

Luke 1:46-56, Angels in Luke 2:13-14, Shepherds in Luke 2:20, Simion

in Luke 2:25-32, Anna in Luke 2:36 and the Wise men in Matthew 2:2.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - 2 Kings Chp 5


I

24


A Redeemer is Promised for AllIsaiah 55:1 “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat.by Steve Jara

he book of Isaiah provides a rich illustration of the Jews

rejection, God’s love towards them, and God’s redemptive plan

through His Son Jesus Christ to all. Isaiah weaves a thread

throughout the book revealing God’s gracious and merciful plan for our

salvation through Jesus Christ our great redeemer.

Isaiah starts with a promise that a Messiah will come to rule over his

people and bring peace to the nations. This Messiah will come from

the line of King David as God had promised and will have the Holy

Spirit guiding Him. Amazingly, Matthew in his gospel passage chapter 1

and 3:13-17, shows us how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus.

Jesus Christ our good shepherd come to share the “good news” of

salvation to the Jews. Consider how God graciously extends that grace

to the Jews even in their rebellion. God will use Jesus Christ our good

shepherd who will completely submit to Him. Scripture tells us Jesus

was not “rebellious”, “gave my back”, “hid not my face”, and “set my face

like flint”. He willing submits to God for the Jew’s salvation. His death is

the atonement for their sins, for “All of us like sheep have gone astray”.

Isaiah goes on to prophecy of nations coming to know God’s merciful

love, “Behold, you will call a nation you do not know”, Isaiah 55:5. That

prophecy is the very salvation we see fulfilled in Acts 10. Salvation is

graciously offered to us for Jesus Christ was a gift to us as well.

We have the opportunity to express our love for Jesus Christ to others

for what He has done for each of us on the cross. Isaiah paints the

picture of how believers impact others saying, “His glory will appear

upon you” and, “Nation will come to your light”. Our salvation radiates

God’s glory! We are witnesses of God and we model what it means

to have the peace, joy, love and mercy as the fruit of our salvation in

Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus Christ is a precious redeemer worth

receiving.


Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Isaiah 53-55


T

25



The Scary SleepoverDaniel 6:4-5 “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.”by Darren Thompson

aniel was unlike the other men in his country, and was elevated

to a desirable position in King Darius’ government. Daniel was

very competent, and able to perform well each of the roles

assigned to him. He was also a man of character, and earned the

respect of those he served, and those who served him. Daniel was a

very effective leader in his community and though living in a country

that did not honor God, Daniel was faithful to honor the Lord and

gained great favor in the eyes of King Darius.

Others grew envious of Daniel, and lusted after the position that would

be given to Daniel. They planned a trap that would require the king

to punish Daniel. Through crafty lies and trickery, King Darius was

ultimately forced to either feed Daniel to the lions, or violate one of

the laws in his own kingdom. Regrettably, Darius ordered Daniel to

be sealed into the lion’s den. When the morning came, the king went

immediately to check on Daniel. He did not know Daniel’s God, but

hoped He would keep him safe from the lions. Daniel emerged without

a mark.

God’s desires for us is to be faithful to Him just as Daniel was. Daniel’s

desire to honor God was greater than his desire to be honored by men

and greater than even his desire for life itself. Daniel was fully aware of

King Darius’ law, but chose to honor God and face death. He made that

choice not knowing if he would be devoured or delivered and as he

faced the lions, Daniel did not know what the outcome would be.

Centuries later, just as the men could find no corruption in Daniel, the

Pharisees would find no corruption in Jesus. And so God’s spotless

lamb, would be for our sins, God’s righteous sacrifice even as He

obeyed His Father, even unto death.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Daniel Chp 6


D

26



Rebellious Messenger, Faithful GodJonah 1:3 “But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.”by Michael Eastman

he story of Jonah is perhaps one of the most well known

stories of the Bible. To some, it’s a fantastical story that they

put on the shelf with other “mythology of old”. But it is a story

of such weight and such importance, that the LORD Jesus amazingly

references it as the only sign that would be given to “an evil and

adulterous generation.” Why had the Pharisees cried out for a sign?

Jesus’ whole ministry, of which they were witness, was one of signs

testifying who he was! Jesus pleaded with the crowd, “believe the

works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me,

and I in the Father.” (John 10:38)

But on that day the Pharisees did not really want a sign and no amount

of works would convince them. Like Jonah, like us, they had long ago

fled from the presence of the Lord. Perhaps in it’s most succinct form,

rebellion against God is fleeing from His presence. It is a rejection of

God in our lives! Oh merciful Father, we have rejected you! Just as

Jonah got on that boat bound for Tarshish, we have fled from your

presence! But you did not abandon us. You came after Jonah and you

have come after us. Jesus! The incarnate God came to earth as a man!

“And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal

Father, Prince of Peace.”, Isaiah 9:6

We celebrate your birth Lord Jesus this Christmas season and we

proclaim that we see your signs and your acts of mercy all around

us. And through the Father’s grace you have given us the one sign we

needed. You have done that which alone could save us. Fully God.

Fully man. Perfect sacrifice.

Oh LORD, thank you for coming for us. Thank you for dying for us.

Thank you that after “three days and three nights in the heart of the

earth”, you rose again.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Jonah Chp 1–4


T

27



God Provides for His PeopleNehemiah 9:15 “You provided bread from heaven for them for their hunger, You brought forth water from a rock for them for their thirst”by Steve Sando

od’s people, Israel, had lost their King and kingdom in 587 BC.

Many were dragged off to Babylon. After 70 years, they were

allowed home, but everything was in ruins. A few old men and

women remembered the beautiful city where God once lived among

his chosen people. Now it was in ruins.

Fortunately, God had promised a king much greater than any past king.

He would bring salvation and rule the whole world from Mount Zion

(Psalms 2). However, generation after generation of Jews lived, hoped,

and died waiting for God’s special king and eternal throne to arrive.

For nearly four hundred years there was no king.

Then a young, pregnant woman, completed a 100 mile journey forced

on her by Roman oppressors. This humble woman gave birth to a Son

in a humble setting. No one thought 400 years of waiting would end

like this: the greatest promise God gave to man would be fulfilled in a

stable.

“King Jesus has come!” the angels announced. In Him salvation is

offered to everyone. (Luke 2:10-14) His Name will be praised this night

and every night forever and ever.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Nehemiah 8–10


G

28


Saturday, December 25, 2010

Our Savior Has ComeLuke 2:11 “for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”by Duane Cashion

fter 400 years of silence, when there were no prophets and God did not speak to Israel, the angel Gabriel spoke to a virgin named Mary. Gabriel told Mary she would have a son and name Him

Jesus. He would be called the Son of God. This fulfilled a prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, she will call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God with us.”

Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem, because they were of the linage of David, and while they were in Bethlehem Jesus was born – born in a stable, not in a palace What kind of king is this? The angel came again with a host of heavenly angels, but they didn’t come to the religious leaders, they came to lowly shepherds tending their flocks. The announcement to the shepherds was one of “good news of mega joy for all the people.” That good news was that in Bethlehem, “there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.

Magi from a distant land saw a star in the heavens that led them to Bethlehem and they came looking for the One who was born “King of the Jews”. The star led them to Jesus and they and worshiped Jesus and presented Him with wonderful gifts.

God doesn’t do what we would do. He chooses not the biggest, not the grandest, not the richest, not the most handsome, but the one who is humble. It’s amazing that God would come from heaven and enter mankind through such a small helpless child with unusual guests, shepherds from surrounding fields, lowly cattle and sheep, wise men from a far distant land, and be born in a humble stable.

On this day, we remember the Promised One from Genesis 3 who would come and crush the serpent’s head; the hope of redemption after Adam and Eve had sinned. A promised King whose kingdom would last for all eternity. Immanuel, “God with us,” one who calls us to Himself and gives faith to believe. And a Savior, Jesus, the One who IS the “good news” because “He will save the people from their sins.” Today, give thanks for the wonderful gift of Jesus; Redeemer, Savior, and King.

Additional Scripture ReadingAdults - Luke 1,2 and Matthew 2


A

Grace Bible Church of Hollister634 Monterey StreetHollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831-638-1394Web: http://gracehollister.org

Email: [email protected]©2010 Grace Bible Church of Hollister

advent meditations: encountering the christ of christmas

Documents

birth of christ

christ of christmastable

christ of christmasthen

jesse tree devotional

christmas cheer

stem of jesse

lord saves duane cashion

trust god