|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Child In The Manger"1 (Lyrics) |
Luke 2:13-14 – And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (NKJV)
As Christmas approaches, I keep hearing these admonitions to children: "Have you been good or bad?" "If you are not good, Santa Claus will not come." The children quickly get the message, "I have to be good or I won't get that toy or video game that I have been longing for."
What a contrast between the coming of Santa Claus and the coming of Jesus Christ. He did not come into this world because we were good. Had we been good, it would not have been necessary. God's definition of "good" is "perfect", and we all fall short because of our sinfulness. Christ was sent into this world because we were bad. Had we been good according to God's original plan, He would not have had to send His one and only Son Jesus Christ into a sinful world to cover our sins, and to bring peace on earth, goodwill to men, and the promise of a place with Him in eternity.
Luke 1:30-33 – Then the angel told Mary, "Don't be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end." (CEV)
So many have spurned this incredible gift, and the forces of evil and darkness are running rampant in this world today. It seems that the world is in more turmoil now than it was two thousand years ago. Satan is still roaming this earth to see whom he can devour. But there is still hope and God's promise:
John 3:16 – God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. (CEV)
At this blessed time of year, let us ever be mindful that in the long run, good can and will overcome evil.
Prayer: Almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, we know in our hearts that You have the whole world in Your hands, and that You will be triumphant. Watch over all the little children who are victims of so much evil in this world today. Surround them with Your protective angels day and night. We look forward to the day when we will be re-united with You in Your heavenly kingdom. Thank You for Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 – In Cuba — Pray that Los Pinos Nuevos(LPN) pastors would serve with passion, always guided by God amidst this current crisis in Cuba, and that they would always show love in practical ways as they proclaim the gospel. Pray that each LPN pastor would have a vibrant spiritual life of communion with God and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Prayer for Healing.: "Update November 27, 2023: A is feeling much better. Thank you for your prayers. M passed away,..." 
Granddaughter M: "Update November 26, 2023: M's back is improved. She has resigned from her former job which was..." 
Needed words June. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, June, for this uplifting Advent message.
Blessings.
Thank you June for this much-needed reminder of God’s gift.
(Texas)
June, thank you for blessing us with this devotional reminder of the reason our Lord Jesus came. Blessings.
Dear June
Loved your devotional! That is what we need to hear: HOPE. Wishing you a lot of blessings.
Dear June Heale,
Thank you for a message of truth.
And I appreciate your concern for loving relationships with children.
Keep writing.
Hello June
I appreciate your commitment to writing reflections that invite thoughtfulness.
(AB, CANADA)
Hi June,
I really enjoyed your devotional.
Blessings.
June I look up every day in hopes of seeing the clouds open and see Christ coming for us.
Bless you.