Read: Matthew 6:19-21 “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 (NIV) What do you treasure? Recently I reminisced with my mother about her wedding on the anniversary of her wedding day in 1952. I have her wedding picture hanging up with all the family history pictures in our passage. I treasure that I have a history and can follow my ancestry. I was able to talk with her about her dress, veil, people who attended and what my father was wearing. We talked about the ceremony, how my father walked my mother down the aisle, not my grandfather.
The cake made with all the beautiful lacing by a local lady from Keyneton, South Australia. We talked of the reception, photos, the cars and the games they played at the reception – cutting a block of chocolate with a knife and fork, balancing a balloon on a stick while walking and so on. The stories were treasures in themselves that my mother was passing on to me. We also spoke of her dress that I also wore on my wedding day 43 years later. Stories are treasures which is why it is so important to record them. God knew that we would need the written history of the world and the plan He had to bring His Son, Jesus into the world through a virgin birth. The Bible contains history, stories and intrigue, but mostly it contains God’s love for all the world.
The carol ‘We Three Kings’ is a story of the coming of Gentiles to worship baby Jesus – God was opening His Kingdom to the whole world. John Henry Hopkins Jr. wrote both the lyrics and the music for this well-loved carol in 1857. He wrote it for a Christmas pageant and uncovered the motivation and the significance of the Wise Men’s gifts. It was a treasure that he has left the world which is sung every year at Christmas. As we end this Christmas season on Epiphany Day, resist the urge to focus only on the manger, rather give your full attention to the treasure that God has in store for us through the sending of His Son Jesus to be our Saviour. He is the perfect Light! Sing or listen to: We Three Kings
PRAYER V1: We three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following Yonder star.
CHORUS: O Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star with Royal Beauty bright, Westward leading, Still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect Light. Amen.
As With Gladness Men of Old 5th January Read: Matthew 2:1-12 “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1b-2 (NIV) William Chatterton Dix was ill. He had been suffering for months and was restricted to bed. On the 6th January 1859, being unable to attend the Epiphany service at church, he decided to start writing a poem. He often wrote Christian poetry; and he was also the son of a poet – John Ross Dix. As he read the Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12, he was inspired and reflected on the text eventually resulting in ‘As With Gladness Men of Old’.
In 1861, William Henry Monk adapted the tune which became popular, and Monk named the tune ‘Dix’ after the author. Dix personally did not like the tune. This hymn is often sung at Christmas even though it is an Epiphany hymn. It is a prayer asking for God to be with us every day in every way that we may be drawn ever closer to our Lord. The Wise Men travelled in faith, and with sacrifice to see this little Christ-child. Following this example, we pray that we can also follow with such faith as we look forward to the day when we shall see Jesus face-to-face. The Wise Men took the trouble to bring costly treasures.
They must have been aware of who this child they were searching for was. He was the Son of God. So also, what treasures can we offer this baby, the Son of God? We are encouraged to live our lives as an offering to our Lord and King. The hymn points to the promises of Revelation 21-22 which describes the full life we will have with God in the new heaven and new earth. Then we will no longer need ‘created light’ because Jesus, the light of the world, will be our light. Read through the verses of this hymn/prayer again. There is so much in them and so much to ponder about our lives. God has given us so much in sending His Son Jesus to be our Saviour, He wants us to also share in the Heavenly glory that has been prepared for us. Sing or listen to: As With Gladness Men of Old.
PRAYER As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious God, may we evermore be led to Thee. Amen.
by Jo Corney
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This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).
Read 1 John 4:7–21
Here we are at the end of our devotional time together – I trust the daily devotions over recent days have encouraged you in God’s love for you, for us and for all.
This verse is a personal treasure in my faith journey. My intention in sharing this is to encourage you and gently remind you of the liberation and certainty we have in faith because of what God first did for us – he loved us first and made the way for us to have a restored relationship with him for always through Jesus. From this space of being so uniquely and completely loved, we respond to him by wanting to know, please and serve him in our lives.
Coming into the Lutheran expression of Christian faith when I married from another conservative Christian religion, I grappled for some time with the classic Lutheran summary of faith ‘by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith’. By grace was my issue. Works had been a real part of my previous faith journey where I had to do something or be something better endlessly to feel I could continue in my relationship with God and the church community. I was so disheartened and exhausted from trying. There was no rest or gentleness in my faith – it was rules to keep and works to do to be in relationship with God. How do you think I went? I failed ongoingly, so I tried harder – it proved confusing as I would read or hear the ministry of God’s love and forgiveness, but both seemed unattainable. As a result, God seemed lofty and hard. Despite my various efforts (which were many), it didn’t feel like it came together – the older I got, the more difficult and isolating my understanding of the Christian faith became.
Coming into the Lutheran tradition was transformative for my faith journey, identity, peace, freedom and, subsequently, my service and worldviews. I am not saying it has been perfect or easy. But in a balanced and real way, I would share that over time (particularly through the shaping and influence of our worship liturgy, inquiry and informal study of Lutheran theology and engaging in my local and wider Lutheran church community), I’ve come to understand what this verse says – God loved us first, and it’s from there that we respond. Loving humankind first and showing how he values us by sending Jesus for all, God shows no-one is spare, but all are precious always.
How extraordinary and complete. As I grasped that God reached out to me in his love, I wanted to respond to him, and it became natural to respond to that in joy, gratitude, gentleness, assuredness, service and much more.
I offer you this verse, and I trust your experience of it blesses your faith journey. ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins’ (1 John 4:10).
Every blessing to you this day and for the days to come.
Gracious and loving God, thank you for loving us first. In times of hardship in our lives, please help us know this. May we be held deep in your love for us always, no matter the life space. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Jo is a wife and mum who serves in various roles in her local Lutheran church community and as a chaplain within Lutheran Services.
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) Caleb, a little boy in the town of Bethlehem, heard that a special baby had been born in a stable. He used to go out into the fields and play his little drum to any who would listen – mostly animals. He had heard his parents scoffing as they told of the baby Jesus’ birth. These people, Mary and Joseph, were so poor they couldn’t even afford to stay in a hotel. How special can a baby be who is born and put in the feeding trough of animals?
Nevertheless, little Caleb set out in search of finding this baby, taking with him his little drum. He went in, out and around the streets of Bethlehem searching for a stable. But which stable, there were so many. In his search he came across these beautifully dressed men leading camels. Thinking they might know where this little ‘king’ was, Caleb followed at a distance. Finally, on the other edge of town, was a popular inn and a stable for the inn’s patrons. The men with camels went into the stable and knelt down in front of a manger. “What were they doing?”, Caleb thought.
The parents, Mary and Joseph were there as well as lots of animals and a couple shepherds. Not much of a place for a king! The important men took out some gifts – they looked so expensive and put them by the manger telling Mary that they were for her little ‘king’. Caleb crept closer and saw this baby – there was a radiance that shone around him. Caleb started playing his drum. He wanted to give the baby something, like the important people had, but he had nothing but his drum. He played quietly and the baby turned and looked straight at Caleb. The baby smiled. Little Caleb had nothing, all he had was himself and he laid it before the baby Jesus. God loves you so much. He doesn’t want riches or a portion of what you can give. He desires all of you and the gifts you give from the heart! Sing or listen to: Little Drummer Boy
PRAYER V3: Mary nodded Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum. The ox and lamb kept time Pa-rum-pum pum-pum. I played my drum for him Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum. I played my best for him Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum. Rum-pum-pum-pum, Rum-pum-pum-pum. Then he smiled at me Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum. Me and my drum. Amen
Read: Isaiah 40:1-11 “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” Isaiah 40:4 (NIV) This song was written to originally welcome the New Year as a Ukrainian Folk song called ‘Shchedryk’, translated as ‘The Little Swallow’. It tells of a swallow who flies into a household to proclaim the plentiful year that will come the following spring. Mykola Leontovych arranged the song in 1916 and in 1922 Peter J. Wilhousky wrote the English lyrics, giving it more of a Christmas focus.
Listening to the song, especially an acapella version with 5-part harmonies, one can hear the bells welcoming the new year and bringing good cheer to a cold European winter. During the Christmas season we share love and peace and hope with each other. We join in the festivities of the seasons – parties, dinners, BBQs, fellowship and family time. There can be though, after all have gone home and the Christmas festivities are over, some post-Christmas blues. We look to another year, but what does it hold for each of us? Sometimes I am actually overwhelmed during Christmas and look forward to some down time in January, but then I look back and wish I had done more. I can get despondent and wonder when the family will be together again and share the fun times again.
That is where HOPE comes in. You cannot have Christmas and Jesus without hope. The hope of a new-born and all the things He will do and achieve through His life. This song reminds us of the hope and joy of Christmas. The bells and running tune can’t help but bring a smile to the heart. During difficult times, I listen to songs with hopeful lyrics to bolster my soul. The original version of this song was composed during the most hopeless time – the first World War. ‘Carol of the Bells’ was written to bring hope to a despairing people. God gave his only Son to bring us hope at Christmas. The world can easily get us down or bring us despair, but Jesus came so that we can live. As we go through this year, keep hope alive in your hearts. Sing or listen to: Carol of the Bells
PRAYER V1: Hark! How the bells Sweet silver bells All seem to say ‘throw cares away’. Christmas is here Bringing good cheer to young and old Meek and the bold. V2; Ding, dong, ding dong That is their song with joyful ring All carolling One seems to hear Words of good cheer. From ev’rywhere Filling the air. Amen.
Read God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen 2nd January Read: Hebrews 2:14-18 “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. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV) ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen’ is thought to be about 700 years old. During that time many of the masses would have been illiterate and this would have been one way to teach them the Christian meaning of Christmas. This song would have been a teaching tool to spread the Word of God. Many of the words in this carol mean something different than they did back in that time. The word ‘rest’ meant ‘keep’; ‘merry’ was a strong or mighty individual. So, using this context the title of the song changes from ‘God rest Ye merry, Gentlemen’ to the more modern translation of ‘May God keep you gentlemen strong.’ In this translation it can be viewed as a type of blessing.
“During this period, the songs of organised religion were usually written in Latin and their melodies were sombre and dark, offering singers and listeners little inspiration or joy … So, while they continued to go to worship, they created their own church music outside the walls of the cathedrals and chapels. In this way, the peasant class led a quiet rebellion against the tone of religious music by writing religious folk songs that were light, lively and penned in common language.” [Ace Collins] Our brothers and sisters 500 years ago were seeking joy and light in darkness! This was one of the most popular carols sung at Christmastime in that time in history, being used as a song that was sung out on the streets of England. It was f irst published in 1883 but was sung on the streets much before that; the author of the carol is unknown. It tells the story of the Nativity from the birth of Jesus to the shepherds and the angels and then the worship and adoration of the new-born child.
Even though the Christmas season is almost over, we can find joy, rest and peace in the midst of the chaos of life. May God keep all you people strong! Sing or listen to: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
PRAYER V1: God rest ye merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas day To save us all from all from Satan’s power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy. Amen.
Read: Psalm 107:20-31 “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his faithful love. Let them give thanks for the wonderful things he does for people.” Psalm 107:31 (NIRV) When I think of ships I think of the days in my early twenties when I was a crew member on a 44ft yacht sailing off the South Australian coast. I used to sail every Sunday afternoon and sometimes other days when we raced off of Outer Harbour. It is exhilarating but also can be perilous as once or twice I almost fell overboard in great swells on the open ocean. My American nephew has also just returned from a 5-month sailing expedition from the Philippines to the Solomon Islands with lots of stories to share. But sailing is not something one usually equates with Christmas. So why ‘Three Ships’? Bethlehem is landlocked and so to see three ships from Bethlehem would be crazy. So, what could these ‘three ships’ symbolise? This English Christmas carol was first published in 1666. This was a time of exploration and discovery, and the British were fascinated with the sea and sailing. So, comparing the birth of Jesus to ships coming into port would have been understood at that time, also conveying the extreme excitement that would have been felt by all at the birth of Jesus. Another thought suggested that the ’three ships’ were the three camels ridden on by the three wise men as camels were referred to as ‘ships of the desert’. Today is New Years Day. A day of thoughts as to what the New Year will hold and also thoughts reflecting on the past year. Wherever you will be figuratively sailing this year, keep another three in mind: God sent His loving Son to us in a little baby to bring us salvation and the Holy Spirit helps and guides us through all situations. Ships use navigation to guide – as Christians our navigation is to follow in the steps of Jesus and live as he lived. May your ‘ship’ be guided through the year knowing our final destination – life forever with our Heavenly Father. Sing or listen to: I Saw Three Ships
PRAYER V1: I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day in the morning. V7: And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning. Amen.
Read: Ephesians 4:20-32 “… to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) One of the favourite desserts at Christmas is a traditional plum pudding with lots of warm custard. The plum pudding dessert at Christmas dates back to around the 16th century in England as a steamed cake full of spices, raisins and currants and soaked in brandy. If it contains figs it is termed ‘figgy pudding’. The singing of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ goes back to the carolling of English peasants going to the wealthy families to basically sing for their pudding as one verse states: “We won’t go until we get some”. I love Christmas and it would be interesting to count how many times you hear this carol over the Christmas season – music played while shopping, at the carol’s evenings, Christmas in the Domain, etc. How many times have you said the words: ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy New Year’?
What does it really mean to you when you say it or is it just a phrase to say when you don’t know what else to say? A ‘merry’ Christmas to me is one filled with fun, festivity and enjoyment with family and friends and also remembering who came at the first Christmas – baby Jesus. The one thing this song forgets is to mention the one who gave us the first Christmas, the loving God who sent His Son to earth to bring us joy and peace to enjoy with family and friends. As we celebrate the year gone by and the New one beginning tomorrow – I wish you a ‘Happy New Year’.
Whatever this New Year brings may we remember the God of love who is with us as we journey from the old to the new. The verse in Ephesians tells us to rid ourselves of the old self with all the history to it and to instead look forward to and put on the new self, concentrating on the future. Our future life, our New Year is filled with possibilities, fill it with all that is good and allow God to permeate this new life. Sing or listen to: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
PRAYER V1: We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Amen.
30th December Read: Colossians 3:12-17 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV) I like to ‘deck the halls’ of my house every Christmas. I put out all the Christmassy things, all of the Christmas nativities, and hang a holly wreath on the outside doors of the house. During this time, I pack away the other decorations I have out and just try to have all things Christmas. Is this what it means to ‘deck the halls’? Can we also ‘deck the halls’ in our hearts and lives?
Reading through the Colossians passage above, I read it as decking the personal parts of my life. As we come to the end of another year and look to the beginnings of a New Year, how do you want to ‘deck the halls’ of your life? This Christmas carol does not mention the story of Jesus, but there are Christian implications to the holly. This is one plant in the northern hemisphere during the snowy times that does not seem to be affected by the cold. It looks fresh all year round – not just seasonally. It can relate to Jesus in the red berry that it bears (Mary bore Jesus), but more interestingly it relates to Easter, with the red berry symbolising the blood of Jesus, the thorny parts of holly being the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head.
Christmas is now over and the next big season in the church is Easter. The baby Jesus soon turns into the man Jesus walking to the cross for our salvation. ‘Deck the Halls’ is a very happy and lively carol with the “fa-la-la” coming between each line and sung dozens of times. The lyrics were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862. The melody is of Welsh origin and can be traced back to the 16th century and a song called ‘Nos Galan’ which is about New Year’s Eve. If you happen to sing this song over Christmas, relate it to your life and decking yourself out personally for the New Year. In which parts of your life could you more imitate Jesus? Reflect on this and read the Colossians verses again. Let’s decorate our lives!
Sing or listen to: Deck the Halls PRAYER V1: Deck the hall with boughs of holly, ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Don we now our gay apparel, Troll the ancient Christmas carol, V3: Fast away the old year passes, Hail the new, ye lads and lasses! Sing we joyous all together, Heedless of the wind and weather. Amen.