Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29
For many years those who treasure Christmas have complained about how much this holy day as become commercialized. In recent years, attacks on Christmas have become quite open. But if Christmas is no more than an excuse for retailers to make money, then there really is nothing special about the day. And when Christians close their church doors when Christmas falls on Sunday, as some did last year, how can we expect society to revere the holy day? If treasured celebrations like Christmas can be torn down with impunity, then perhaps nothing is sacred and even Christianity itself is under attack.
Jesus assures us that His kingdom cannot be shaken even though the heavens and the earth will all be destroyed. It’s this unshakable kingdom that Jesus promises to give to His faithful people. Although we do not yet enjoy this kingdom in all its fullness, we still live under Christ’s rule and trust that anything we now lack He will surely provide in due time. This is why the coming Christmas celebration is a remarkable day for giving thanks to God, whom we worship with reverence and awe. He provides all we really need.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Jesus Christ, thank You for bringing joy to us in the world. May we delight in the peace that comes through the forgiveness of our sins. Amen.
© 2006 Lutheran Hour Ministries
These devotions have been written by Rev. Paul and Kaye Wolff. Rev. Paul Wolff is a 1996 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has served as a pastor in the Detroit area for 10 years. He and co-author wife, Kaye, live in Southfield, Michigan.
Kaye Dumas Wolff is Chairperson of the Black Ministry Church Planting Task Force and a Mission Affiliate of LCMS World Missions where she serves as a training facilitator for laity in evangelism and mission work. Kaye serves on the Advisory Council of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and she is a presenter for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Equipping to Share Workshop.
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Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 79-80 Revelation 7
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