#145. 2020 vision?

So this is the last Daily devotional for 2020.

What a year we have had! 2020 will be remembered by all of us for the wrong reasons! Many of us this morning will be looking back on 2020 with sadness as we may have lost loved ones, had our foundations shaken with ‘what if’ questions and of course there’s Christmas.

Reading my timeline of twitter on Saturday evening there were many angry people as the plans that were made for ‘the big day’ had to now be scrapped.

As Christians we too may have felt angry, sad, let down or now even fearful for 2021?

On 17th March 2020 we started these devotions and 144 devotions later the message is still the same -

‘do not be afraid’ appears more than 300 times. These words often appear as commands, but like Jesus’ words to the widow of Nain (Do not weep - Luke 7:13), they are actually words of compassion and comfort. We find them throughout scripture when our circumstances are dire and we need reassurance that God is near us (Matthew 14:27, 28:10).

So when you next fear in the morning, noon or night, remember our Saviour who is full of comfort and compassion and his words that say to us today and the days ahead ‘Do not fear’

So when you sit down and think about Christmas today, listen to the angel who says ‘do not fear’ but also know the comfort and compassion of Jesus who is with you (by his spirit) as you feel helpless, sad, lonely and _______.

Watch this and know the joy of the Lord knowing He reigns! - oh what comfort!

Much love

Tim

#142. For unto us a child is born (Part 1 no 12)

The words of the song are a wonderful declaration of who Jesus would be. He would be a counsellor. These words reminded me of a young boy who returned from school one day to say to his mother and father that he had always thought Jesus was a carpenter. “But,” he said, “my teacher told us that Jesus worked for the council”. “Really?” his mother responded. “Yes,” the boy replied, “he said he was a mighty counsellor”.

This description of Jesus being a “Wonderful Counsellor” indicates the kind of character this coming King has. The word wonderful in this passage literally means “incomprehensible.” Jesus will cause us to be “full of wonder.” The word is much weightier than the way it’s used today—we say things are “wonderful” if they are pleasant or lovely. Jesus is wonderful in a way that is incomprehensible to us.

Jesus demonstrated His wonderfulness in various ways when He was on the earth, beginning with -

His conception in the womb of a virgin (Matthew 1:23). He showed He is the “wonderful” One in

His power to heal (Matthew 4:23),

His amazing teaching (Mark 1:22),

His perfect life (Hebrews 4:15), and

His resurrection from the dead (Mark 16:6).

Jesus taught many wonderful things that are counterintuitive to the human mind:

“Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4).

“Rejoice and be glad” in persecution (Matthew 5:11–12).

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27).

Jesus’ kind of wonderful is awe-inspiring and superior to any other kind, for He is perfect in every way (Matthew 5:48).

I know classical music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea or aperitif but the piece of music today is probably as well known as the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.

Today I want to share an alternative version of this music - click here - it’s more soul than choral, see what you think.

Much love

Tim

#141. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light (Part 1 no 11)

Have you ever been in the dark. I don’t mean darkness in the house or even on the street but real darkness. I have only been in real darkness once when I literally could not see my hand in front of my face. Where was I? I was on a tour of an old mine in South Wales. We had head torches on and the old miner said and now switch off your light. The darkness was darker than dark and the contrast then when our head torches were switched on was remarkable.

In this piece that Handel puts in his work (the Messiah) is taken from the prophet Isaiah (Ch 9 v2).

Isaiah looks to a time when all things will make sense when in this dark world the Messiah will come to lighten up the darkness.

Here are some more references to Jesus being described as light -

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world._ (John 9:5)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.(John 1:5)

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. 37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him._ (John 12:35-37)

We live in dark times (haven’t we always?) but remember Jesus is light and the darkness will never overcome light.

This morning you may be in a dark place (in your thoughts) but remember Jesus is the light and let his lightness show you who he is. Shine his light on the darkness and know he is more powerful than anything that would seek to darken you even more.

Listen to this piece and rejoice in the one who brings this great light. click here

Much love

Tim