According to Custom

December 22

(Luke 2:41-42 NIV) "Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. {42} When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom."

(Acts 15:1-2 NIV)  "Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." {2} This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question."

Every culture has its customs. Some customs are life giving; some can be life threatening. It was the custom to attend the Passover Feast in Jerusalem. Christ’s parents went there with Him when He was twelve. When He became a man, this same custom brought Jesus to Jerusalem where He was crucified. Some customs unite people… some exclude. Circumcision had united the Jews for ages, but there came a time when it separated those who believed in salvation by grace, instead of by the Law. Every church has its customs. Some are rooted in love and bring comfort; some are rooted in control, and end up excluding people. Every family has Christmas customs. Some of them bring cheer and enrich our lives; some, like excessive drinking, can ruin the holiday and produce negative memories. Examine your Christmas customs. Keep only those that honor Christ. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Strength, Wisdom, and Grace

December 21

(Luke 2:40 NIV) "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him."

(John 1:14-18 NIV) "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. {15} John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" {16} From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. {17} For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. {18} No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known."

(Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV) "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved."

As the years went by, the baby Jesus grew in strength, wisdom, and grace, and became a man of God. He grew stronger in body and spirit, as should we. He was also filled with the wisdom of God. Being filled with wisdom is not a passive exercise. One could say, “He filled Himself with the wisdom of God.” Jesus spent time alone with His Father in prayer, and in God’s word. This is how wisdom accumulates, and it’s something we can still do. Are you filling yourself with God’s wisdom? Christ was also covered with the grace of God. John declares that Jesus was full of grace and truth, a potent combination. Grace flows out of God’s love. His mercies are never failing. Merry Christmas! Are you covered with God’s grace? Grace is what saves us, and grace is what should fill us to the point of overflowing. In this coming year, will you commit to growing in strength, wisdom, and grace? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Jesus of Nazareth

December 20

(Luke 2:39 NIV) “When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.”

(Matthew 2:13-15 NIV) ““When they (Magi) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." {14} So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, {15} where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son.””

(Matthew 2:19-23 NIV) ““After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt {20} and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." {21} So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. {22} But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, {23} and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene.””

We learn two important things from this one verse in Luke. First, Joseph and Mary did everything required by the Law of Moses in regard to Mary’s purification, as well as Christ’s circumcision and dedication. Second, we learn that Jesus eventually ended up in Nazareth. Luke omits the Magi’s visit and the flight to Egypt to protect Christ from Herod’s wrath, but both gospels still speak the truth. Rather than contradicting one another, they supplement one another. John’s gospel notes that Scripture says the Christ would come from Bethlehem, while Matthew’s gospel notes that prophecy has the Christ coming from Nazareth. Both are correct. Christ was born in Bethlehem, but grew to manhood in Nazareth. It is a case of “both/and” not “either/or”. We must read the entire Bible to get the big picture. God gave us the Scriptures.  Merry Christmas! Use God’s great gift -- all of it. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Redemption in a Small Package

December 19

(Luke 2:38 NIV) "Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."

(Psalms 130:7-8 NIV) "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. {8} He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins."

(Romans 3:20-24 NIV) "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. {21} But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. {22} This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, {23} for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, {24} and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

(Colossians 1:13-14 NIV) "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, {14} in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Full redemption is part of the Christmas package given to us by God with the birth of Jesus. Anna recognized that the baby Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise to fully redeem Israel from her sins. The Messiah had come as an infant to save His people. Redemption is a great gift. Like a store coupon, a worthless piece of paper until it is redeemed, God redeems our life and makes it valuable. God’s redemption rescues us from darkness, forgives our sin, declares us righteous, justifies us freely, and brings us into the kingdom. This is a child worth looking forward to, a child worth speaking about, a child for whom we should give thanks and praise to God. This is what Anna, Simeon, the angels, the shepherds, and the Magi did. And it’s what we should do. Give thanks and praise to God for your redemption. Merry Christmas! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Daughter of the Temple

December 18

(Luke 2:36-37 NIV) "There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, {37} and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying."

(1 Kings 8:28-30 NIV) "Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. {29} May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. {30} Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive."

(1 John 2:28 NIV) "And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming."

When Joseph and Mary went to the temple with the baby Jesus, a prophetess named Anna was there. She was a widow whose husband had died just seven years after their marriage. She was now eighty-four years old, and Scripture says she worshipped “night and day” at the temple, praying and fasting before God. Like Simeon, she was waiting on the Christ to come. She would not be disappointed. Anyone who worships night and day, fasting and praying, will not be disappointed, for God’s eyes are open night and day toward our temples. He will hear the supplication of our hearts, and reward us. When we worship the Lord night and day, we will not be ashamed when He comes to His temple. We will be able to approach the Lord with confidence in His grace, with no shame in our hearts, and as with Anna, our eyes will behold the King of kings. Merry Christmas! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

A Sword Pierced Soul

December 17

(Luke 2:34-35 NIV) ““Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, {35} so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.””

(John 19:32-37 NIV) ““The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. {33} But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. {34} Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. {35} The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. {36} These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," {37} and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced.””

(Revelation 1:7 NIV) “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”

Simeon spoke profound words about Jesus. His faithful waiting, his recognition of Mary’s baby as the Christ, and his prophetic vision of Christ’s destiny, reveal a spiritual depth that is rare today. But Simeon was not finished. He looked Mary in the eye, and told her that her soul would be pierced by a sword of some kind. Many see this word as fulfilled when her Son was crucified and pierced by a Roman spear, but it probably happened more than once. When Jesus left home to preach, Mary’s soul felt the pain. When He returned to Nazareth, people took offense at Him, drove Him out of town, and tried to kill Him. Mary’s soul had to be pierced by that. There were certainly other times when Mary’s soul ached for her Son. It happens today when those we love lay down their lives for Jesus. The joy of Christmas is always mingled with the sorrow of sacrifice. Accept it. Embrace it. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

A Destined Child

December 16

(Luke 2:33-35a NIV) "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. {34} Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, {35} so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."

(Job 12:13-25 NIV) "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. {14} What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man he imprisons cannot be released. {15} If he holds back the waters, there is drought; if he lets them loose, they devastate the land. {16} To him belong strength and victory; both deceived and deceiver are his. {17} He leads counselors away stripped and makes fools of judges. {18} He takes off the shackles put on by kings and ties a loincloth around their waist. {19} He leads priests away stripped and overthrows men long established. {20} He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders. {21} He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. {22} He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. {23} He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them. {24} He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason; he sends them wandering through a trackless waste. {25} They grope in darkness with no light; he makes them stagger like drunkards."

(Daniel 2:20-22 NIV) "Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are his. {21} He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. {22} He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him."

Jesus was born with a destiny. Our sovereign Lord had a plan for His life. Christ would cause many to either rise or fall. He still does this in our world today -- many rise or fall based upon their knowledge of Christ. Jesus would also be a sign that would be “spoken against”. When He grew up, He shook the religious world so hard that the religionists conspired with the State to eliminate Him. People today still try to eliminate Him. The name of Jesus still threatens the powers that be and our precious status quo. There is no neutral ground when it comes to the Lord. Secularists try desperately to rid the public square of His name. Sinners hide in darkness to avoid His light. The very mention of His name still reveals what lies in our hearts. What does Jesus reveal about the thoughts of your heart? Will you rise or fall? God is sovereign and can change your destiny. Bow down before Him this Christmas. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

A Light for the Gentiles

December 15

(Luke 2:28-32 NIV) "Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: {29} "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. {30} For my eyes have seen your salvation, {31} which you have prepared in the sight of all people, {32} a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.""

(Isaiah 42:5-7 NIV) "This is what God the Lord says-- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: {6} "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, {7} to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."

(Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV)  ""Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. {2} See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. {3} Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."

(Acts 13:47 NIV)  "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'""

Light, and glory, and salvation go everywhere Christ goes. When Jesus came to Earth, light, and glory, and salvation came to all mankind. It is ours to claim -- a gift of that first Christmas. Jesus came as a Light of Revelation -- the Light of the World. He was born a Jew, to the Jews, but He came also for the Gentiles, because “God so loved the world”. Simeon saw the light, and if we wait upon God and pray for eyes to see, we can see the light too. The Creator of the universe has come to open our blind eyes, free us from our bondage, and bring us into His glorious light. Our Light has come. He came not only to bring us light, but to make us light -- light that the world can see. As we reflect His glory, people will be drawn to His light, and we will be His partners in bringing “salvation to the ends of the Earth”. What a great gift we’ve been given! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

My Eyes Have Seen

December 14

(Luke 2:27-30 NIV) ""Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, {28} Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: {29} "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. {30} For my eyes have seen your salvation,""

(Luke 2:20 NIV) "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

(Isaiah 52:8-10 NIV) "Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. {9} Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. {10} The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God."

Simeon had been waiting for Christ to come. He had believed God’s word, and spent his life in anticipation. When he finally saw the Lord, he was filled with joy and praise. He had seen God’s salvation, and now was ready to die in peace. He had met Jesus. When the shepherds were told about Jesus, they went to see. When they saw the Christ, they too were filled with joy and praise for God’s salvation. One day we will all see God’s salvation. Jesus will come again “in the sight of all nations”. Some will attain salvation because they have believed God, and have been anticipating Christ’s arrival. But many will not attain God’s salvation. They have spent their lives in self-focused unbelief. There will be no peace in their eternity. Have you met Jesus? Have you seen God’s salvation? Are you waiting for Christ to come? If not, come to Bethlehem and see. Salvation has come. Believe God! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Waiting is Good

December 13

(Luke 2:25-26 NIV) "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. {26} It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ."

(Luke 12:35-36 NIV) "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, {36} like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him."

(Hebrews 9:27-28 NIV) "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, {28} so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

(Lamentations 3:22-26 NIV) "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. {23} They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. {24} I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." {25} The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; {26} it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Waiting is good. You may have heard the saying: “Good things come to those who wait.” Some even mistake this prominent sales slogan for a Bible verse. It certainly has some biblical wisdom attached to it. One of the disciplines of Christmas is waiting. As the day approaches, anticipation builds. Simeon had been waiting for a long time, but was content because God had told him he would see the Christ before he died. God did not disappoint Simeon. We too, are waiting to see the Christ. Jesus lives in those who have believed through the Holy Spirit, but we anticipate His bodily return like children waiting for Christmas to come. As we wait, we do our best to be righteous and devout. We keep our lamps burning. Christ is coming in person to bring salvation to those who have been waiting for Him. Waiting is good. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Dedicated to the Lord

December 12

(Luke 2:22-24 NIV) ““When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord {23} (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), {24} and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons.””

(Exodus 13:2 NIV) “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal.”

(Leviticus 12:1-6 NIV) ““The Lord said to Moses, {2} "Say to the Israelites: 'A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. {3} On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. {4} Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. {5} If she gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding. {6} "'When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering.””

(Numbers 8:14-16 NIV) ““In this way you are to set the Levites apart from the other Israelites, and the Levites will be mine. {15} "After you have purified the Levites and presented them as a wave offering, they are to come to do their work at the Tent of Meeting. {16} They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me. I have taken them as my own in place of the firstborn, the first male offspring from every Israelite woman.””

After Christ’s birth, Joseph and Mary were obedient to the Law of Moses. Mary went through the forty day process of purification required by the Law. Then they took Jesus to the Temple for dedication. Firstborn sons were considered “first fruits” of the marriage, and like Samuel, were to be presented at the Temple as God’s property. After the Levites were instituted, firstborn could be redeemed by an offering brought by their parents. Joseph and Mary came to the Temple with an offering for her purification, and for Christ’s redemption. It’s ironic that God’s Son, sent to give His life to redeem mankind, would need to be redeemed and dedicated to the Lord. Today, let’s dedicate our children to the Lord who gave them to us. Let us pray that He will save them from sin and death, and redeem them for His holy purposes. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Jesus: The Lord is Salvation

December 11

(Luke 2:21 NIV) “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.”

(Matthew 1:21 NIV) “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

(Mark 1:15 NIV) ““The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!””

(Acts 2:38 NIV) “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

When Jesus was eight days old, He was circumcised, in obedience to God’s command that was first given to Abraham, the father of faith. He was also named, and in obedience to the angel’s command, Joseph named Him Jesus. The name Jesus is a short form of the name, Joshua, a hero in the Jewish culture. The name Jesus has a meaning, as many Hebrew names do. It means, “the Lord is salvation”. The angel told Joseph that Jesus would “save His people from their sins”, and this is what He did. He preached repentance. He called people to believe the good news. He died on a cross for our sins. Jesus came to save sinners! The Lord is salvation. Have you acknowledged your sin and repented? Some call this outdated teaching, but how can something that is eternal be outdated? Call on His name. Jesus saves! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Pondering God’s Blessing

December 10

(Luke 2:19 NIV) “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

(Psalm 111:1-3 NIV) “Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. {2} Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. {3} Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.”

(Psalm 145:1-6 NIV) “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. {2} Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. {3} Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. {4} One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. {5} They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. {6} They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.”

The night of Christ’s birth was marvelous and divine, but Mary must have been physically and emotionally drained. The birth itself would have been sufficient, but then the shepherds came, loudly praising God and telling everyone that this new baby was Christ the Savior. It must have been overwhelming for Mary. Wisely, she took a spiritual time-out. She took time to ponder the event. There would be no photos or video to view in years to come -- only what she treasured up in her heart. This Christmas, put down the cameras and the cell phones and soak up what is happening. Take a time-out from the technology. Store up some memories in your heart. Soak for a while in the love of God and family. Remember those who have neither. Ponder what God has done, both for you and in you, and have a blessed Christmas. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Spread the Word

December 9

(Luke 2:17-20 NIV) “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, {18} and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. {19} But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. {20} The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

(Mark 5:18-20 NIV) ““As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. {19} Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." {20} So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.””

(Acts 1:8 NIV) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The shepherds were not only the first to see and believe that Christ had come -- they were also the first in a long line of historical witnesses who have felt compelled to share the good news of Jesus. Luke reports that they spread the word about the child and who they believed He was. They had believed the angels and had the faith to go to Bethlehem. They saw the baby in the manger and believed that He was the Christ, their Lord and Savior. But they didn’t simply believe it and then go back to their regular life. They told everyone who would listen. They gave glory to God in a public way. They praised God with their words and deeds. This Christmas, consider following in their footsteps. Don’t just put up the tree and the lights. Do more than simply set up the nativity scene -- live it! Spend some time glorifying and praising God. Share the good news! Share the joy! Spread the word! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Faith That Goes

December 8

(Luke 2:15-16 NIV) ““When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." {16} So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.””

(Hebrews 11:8 NIV) “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”

(Galatians 3:6 NIV) ““Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.””

(James 2:17 NIV) “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

The first thing the shepherds did after their angelic visitation was to take some steps of faith. They heard God, believed God, and in obedience went to Bethlehem to see what God had done -- and when they got there, they found Jesus. This is the essence of faith. God calls to us, we hear Him, in faith we obey, and we find Jesus. We leave where we are and go to Him. We may not know exactly where we are going or what we will find there, but we hear God, believe God, take steps of obedience, and in turn, we find the Lord. This is why James says that if action does not accompany faith, it is not a living faith. The shepherds could be called the first converts. They heard the angels, believed, and responded in faith. Genuine disciples today will do the same. We will believe God’s word, and follow Jesus wherever He calls us to go. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Glory and Peace

December 7

(Luke 2:13-14 NIV) ““Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, {14} "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.””

(Romans 4:18-5:2 NIV) ““Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." {19} Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah's womb was also dead. {20} Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, {21} being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. {22} This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." {23} The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, {24} but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. {25} He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. {5:1} Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, {2} through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.””

The angels sent to deliver the good news of Christ’s birth could not contain their praise. A large number gathered above the shepherds to give glory to God. Their worship contains two truths about the Lord. First, no one is greater or higher than God. There is only one God, and to Him belongs all glory, honor, thanks, power, and praise. Worship Him alone. Have no other Gods before Him. Second, coming to know Christ is the access key to peace on Earth. When we come to Christ, and God’s favor rests upon us, the incomprehensible peace of God settles over our lives. This is why the dark side works so hard to distract our hearts at Christmas time. Lights, presents, parties, and even family can diminish our worship and steal our peace. Hear the voices of heaven this Christmas. Focus your attention on the Christ child. Worship Him, and let the peace of God settle over you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Lying in a Manger

December 6

(Luke 2:11-12 NIV) “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. {12} This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

(John 1:9-14 NIV) “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. {10} He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. {11} He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—{13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. {14} The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The angels told the shepherds that Christ the Lord had been born in Bethlehem. The Messiah had come -- but in a way that no one could have imagined. He had not come as a conquering king, but as a baby. He would not be found in a palace bed with satin sheets, but wrapped in rags, in a manger where animals slobbered and drooled over their feed. He would appear poor and helpless, but they would be seeing the King of kings and Lord of lords. Would they believe the angels? Would they recognize the Savior that God had sent? Will you believe? Will you recognize Him? The baby in the manger is the Creator of the universe. He is God in flesh. He is the Judge who sits on the great white throne -- who separates the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the chaff, and the lost from the found. He is both Savior and Lord. Will you believe, and embrace the Christ of Christmas? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Gospel For All People

December 5

(Luke 2:10-11 NIV) ““But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. {11} Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.””

(1 John 2:1-2 NIV) “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. {2} He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

(Isaiah 40:5 NIV) “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

(Romans 1:16-17 NIV) ““I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. {17} For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.””

The angels made a joyful announcement to the shepherds: a Savior had been born in Bethlehem. He was the long awaited Lord and Christ. God had come to Earth to save His people. The shepherds were the first people on our planet to hear the gospel -- the good news that Jesus saves. But this gospel was not just for the shepherds. Because “God so loved the world”, this good news was for “all people”. This Savior had come, not just for the Jews, but for all mankind. He had come to atone for “the sins of the whole world”. This is the “good news of great joy”. The angels told the shepherds not to be afraid -- God tells us not to be ashamed. The gospel is God’s gift of salvation to everyone who will believe it. The angels made the first gospel announcement -- it is now ours to make. Jesus still saves! We are His witnesses. Tell the world. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Do Not Fear

December 4

(Luke 2:9-10a NIV) “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. {10} But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.” 

(Matthew 17:4-8 NIV) ““Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." {5} While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" {6} When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. {7} But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." {8} When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.””

(1 Timothy 6:13-16 NIV) “In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you {14} to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, {15} which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, {16} who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”

In the church today, we sing a lot about the “glory of God”. But in Scripture, when people encountered the glory of God, there was not much singing -- there was mostly fear and terror as they fell facedown. Were we to encounter the unveiled glory of God, a God who lives in “unapproachable light”, our reaction would be the same. The angels who came to announce the birth of Christ reflected the glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified by that glory. But the angels told the shepherds not to be afraid. Jesus said these same words to His disciples when He was revealed in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. Rather than fearing His glory, our resplendent Lord wants us to experience His love. This is one reason for the incarnation -- God wants us to know Him and His great love for us. The angelic call to “fear not”, is a reminder of that truth. Merry Christmas! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Shepherd’s Privilege

December 3

(Luke 2:8 NIV) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”

(Luke 4:18 NIV) “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,”

(Psalms 23:1-4 NIV) “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. {2} He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, {3} he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. {4} 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.”

It is noteworthy that the first people to receive official notice of Christ’s birth were some minimum wage shepherds. One would think that the King of kings would warrant a royal reception in some opulent hall. But the Lord of lords had come to preach good news to the poor, and so that is where He started. In the dark of night, a Savior was born to shepherds and emperors alike. To those with power and to those with none, God sent His Son. But on this night, it was to the powerless that God sent notice of a birth in Bethlehem that would change the world. Perhaps the shepherds heard first because God has a shepherd’s heart. King David, a former shepherd boy himself, recognized this and wrote a song about it, which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd”. Christ came to gather the lambs that His Father provided. Are you one of His lambs? Have you answered the shepherd’s call? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

No Room

December 2

(Luke 2:7b NIV) “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

(Psalms 10:4 NIV) “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”

(John 8:34-37 NIV) ““Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. {35} Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. {36} So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. {37} I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word.””

The Son of God was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn. And it wasn’t just the innkeeper who had no room. The vast majority of Israel’s religious people had no room for Jesus, and they missed His coming. When Jesus grew to manhood and began His preaching ministry, many had no room for His word. Rather than listen to Him, they plotted to kill Him. Today, the prideful have no room in their thoughts for God. Their minds are consumed by thoughts of achievement, status, and power. Many of us, in this hectic Christmas season, will miss the Christ child in the hustle and bustle of shopping and partying. Even in His church, Christ is often crowded out by the pageantry and the plays. Christians, we are called to make room for Jesus in our homes, our thoughts, our church, and our lives. Jesus has made a room for you. Make room for Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Perfect Timing

December 1

(Luke 2:6-7 NIV) “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, {7} and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.”

(Galatians 4:4-5 NIV) “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, {5} to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

The timing of Christ’s birth was perfect. It was the right time religiously. The Scriptures had been compiled in an orderly fashion and there were synagogues in just about every town where people could hear the word of God. It was the right time culturally. The highly descriptive and accurate Greek language was predominant, and would provide the platform for the gospels and epistles to be written. It was the right time politically. The world was essentially under one government in Rome, and when the first disciples were commissioned to share the gospel with all the world, they had a first-class road system, an almost universal language, and an outstanding postal system. The timing of Christ’s birth was no accident. This is what Paul meant in Galatians when he said, “when the time had fully come”. God’s timing was perfect. It still is! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day