Christmas Devotional 2012

7/29/2019 Christmas Devotional 2012

1/19

Presence T H E C H R I S T I A N B R O A D C A S T I N G N E T W O RT H E C H R I S T I A N B R O A D C A S T I N G N E T W O R

QuQuietietMomentsMomentsin Hisin His


2/19

Quiet Momentsin His Presence

T H E C H R I S T I A N B R O A D C A S T I N G N E T W O R KT H E C H R I S T I A N B R O A D C A S T I N G N E T W O R K


3/19

You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

PSALM16:11

Christmas! The word itself produces so much feeling in our hearts anminds. Memories of favorite people and places, and expectations of happygatherings with those we love the most.

Above all, we know it is a time of reflection and awe as wecontemplate the greatest miracle of all time: when God became man,born as a tiny, helpless babywith the sole purpose of becoming asacrifice to save the world from sin.

But, you and I live in a frenzied world. There is often more to dothan time to do it. Our energy is expended and our hopes and dreamsfor a meaningful holiday often go unrealized.

Instead of peace, we find pressure. Instead of joy, exhaustion. Ourexpectations vanish as quickly as Christmas morning, and we wonderwhere the days went and how did we miss Jesus in all the activity.

There is a way to change all this. There is a key to the mostmeaningful, joyful and peaceful Christmas you can imagine. Thetreasure is found in experiencing the presence of God.

Introduction

Moments in His Presenceright 2012 by The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.ghts reserved.

ture is taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used byssion of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture is also taken from the HOLY BIBLE, INTERNATIONAL VERSION . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.


4/19

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, loves pure Light;Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming gra

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Jesus Christ is God. The Bible tells us that He reflects His Fathersglory and everything about Him represents God exactly.

How amazing that God became a tiny child and took on theexperience of mankind. He knew hunger, pain, sorrow, joy, temptation, anloneliness. He tasted it all for you.

Hebrews tells us that only through becoming human could Jesus dieand break the power of the devil and death. Jesus came to earth so that yocould live.

O UR R ESPONSEToday, consider the heavenly scene as Jesus Christ, the glorious Son o

God, laid aside His majesty and left heaven to be born in Bethlehem. Canyou imagine the angels singing, as Gods plan was set in motion?

Now consider this: you were in His mind at that moment. You were thjoy that was set before Him, you are His portion, and His bride. He gave

the best of what He had for you.

Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he washe did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself not

he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human formPHILIPPIANS 2:5-7

Please use this booklet as a starting point to enter into the presence of Jesus Christ. Youll find daily readings that will help you focus yourthoughts on the true reason for the season.

Weve also included some favorite recipes to share with your familyand friends over the holidays.

There are innumerable blessings awaiting those who seek Him. And

His promise remains:

The Son of GodThe Son of God

If you look for me in earnest,you will find me when you seek me.

I will be found by you,says the LORD. JEREMIAH29:13-14


5/19

Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King.Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.

The wordsimplicityhas a lightness and freedom all its own. It has thenotion of clearing away all the noise and non-essentials and leaving behindthat which we truly value.

For many of us the Christmas season has become a rush of activityand pressure leading to emptiness rather than satisfaction and peace.The question is, what will we clear away in order to make room for whatwe truly value?

O UR R ESPONSETake some time today to think about what you can do to simplify your

holiday. Consider the things that have little meaning and satisfaction to youand be willing to let them go. Prepare room for Jesus this holiday.

The amount of peace, courage and confidence you will experience inyour life is in direct relation to the amount of time you spend talking withGod and meditating on His Word. Its all about what we choose to do.Choose Him today.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and othe door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

REVELATION3:20

SimplicitySimplicity


6/19

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

The prophet Micah, in the eighth century B.C., foretold that theMessiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Even though Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth, God used a censusthat required Joseph to travel to Bethlehem with Mary. There in a lowlymanger, the Savior of the world was born.

O UR R ESPONSEThere may be times during the holiday season when things do not

happen the way you had hoped or planned. In those moments rememberthat God is Sovereign over His creation and He has made an incrediblepromise to you: All things work together for good for those who love God(see Romans 8:28). Just as He orchestrated events that took Joseph andMary to Bethlehem, He will work out events for your good.

When things get challenging take a moment and call out the name

Jesus. This will help you to remember that He is always with you and foryou. Your stress will diminish as you realize God is working on your behal

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in JudahYet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins

are from the distant past.MICAH 5:2

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright.Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child! Holy infant, so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Mary was a teenage girl from the hill country of Nazareth when theangel Gabriel came to her with such life-changing news.

As Mary heard what Almighty God was planning, her response was:How can I have a baby? Im a virgin! Gabriel explained that the HolySpirit would come upon her and the baby would be the Holy Son of God.He spoke this unalterable truth: Nothing is impossible with God.

Imagine the courage of this young girl. She knew she could face scorn,humiliation, perhaps stoning. She might lose her fianc, Joseph, andeverything she thought her life would be.

Her response is a model of faith for all of us today: I am the Lordsservant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants

O UR R ESPONSEThe Bible tells us that Mary was blessed because she believed that the

Lord would do what He said. That same blessing is available to us today.Take the time now to consider areas of unbelief in your own life. Ask Godto remove that unbelief, confess it to Him, and declare your belief in Hispromises. Blessing will come to you, as you believe He will do the thingsHe has said.

Jesus looked at them and said. With God all things are possible.MATTHEW 19:26

T he V irgin M aryThe Virgin Mary Bethlehem Bethlehem


7/19

Come on, ring those bells, light the Christmas tree, Jesus is the King born for you and me. Come on, ring those bells,

everybody sing, Jesus, we remember this Your birthday.

Martin Luther is credited with the idea of illuminating Christmastrees. The idea came from a late night walk in a German wood, nearly500 years ago. Luther was struck by the way the starlight fell on the

evergreen trees in the forest. The beauty of the light on the trees broughta sense of wonder and peace to Luther.

When he arrived home he fastened candle holders to the branches of his tree. The custom of putting candles on Christmas trees swept acrossGermany and around the world.

There is something about the quality of light that is unlike anythingelse. Light brings us warmth, peace, and security. It overcomes darkness,banishes fear, illuminates, and makes things beautiful. Its no wonder that Jesus Christ is called the Light of the World. He is unlike anyone else, Heis our source, the Creator, and brilliant in glory.

O UR R ESPONSEWhen you look at the lights decorating your home, think of the

feelings they produce in you. Take time to enjoy them. Now rememberthat Jesus is right beside you. His brightness can dispel any fear, gloom ordepression that comes your way. In Him, there is no darkness.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me willnever walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

JOHN 8:12

Lights! Lights!


8/19

InstructionsPreheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter

ogether. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Blend

flour, salt, baking soda, and sift together. Add buttermilk and orange

Orange Date Nut BreadBY DEDE ROBERTSON

1 cup butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

3 cups sifted flour

1 tsp. baking soda

cup orange juice

1 cup buttermilk

Grated rind of 1 orange

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup chopped dates

1 tsp. salt

cup chopped nuts for top

of cake

juice alternately to egg mixture. Fold in orange rind, nuts, and dates

(which have been dredged with flour) to the batter. Pour into greased

and floured pan, making one angel cake pan or two loaf pans. Bake at

350 for one hour.

Remove from the oven. Let cool for 20 minutes and turn out on rack.

While still warm, pour a glaze of 1 grated orange rind, 1 cup sugar, 1

cup orange juice heated until sugar dissolves, over cakes top and sides.

Ingredients


9/19

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,

Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

It was probably a cold Palestine night like any other. The shepherdshuddled together to fight off the fatigue and guard their flocks frommarauders and wild animals. Nothing in this familiar scene could haveprepared them for what happened next.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The incredibleradiance of Gods glory filled the field. They were overwhelmed with fear Just as quickly the angel spoke: Dont be afraid, I bring you good news ogreat joy for everyone! The Savioryes, the Messiah, the Lordhas beenborn tonight in Bethlehem! Immediately after the pronouncement thearmies of heaven began praising God, Glory to God in the highest, and oearth, peace to all whom God favors.

How unlikely that God chose to announce the birth of His Son to agroup of lowly shepherds. What a beautiful picture of the nature of Godnot a respecter of persons, not looking on the outward appearance. Godgave value and honor to those He chose to favor.

O UR R ESPONSEIf you know Jesus as your Savior, you too are favored by God. Imagin

standing before God and being wrapped in a luxurious robe of His favor.Feel its warmth and weight. During these cold winter days, remember youare wrapped snugly and securely in the favor of God.

I tell you, now is the time of Gods favor, now is the day of salvatio2 CORINTHIANS 6:2

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord;Late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgins womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity!Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel.

Immanuel. The meaning has incredible power: God with us. No longer would mankind be alienated from the Father in heaven.

Now, God has come among us, and He is with us.How would your life be different if you knew the strongest man in the

world was staying at your housethat surrounding you was the mostpowerful weapon of protection the world has ever known?

What if you knew someone of great influence and authority who was alwaysready to come to your defense, who promised never to leave?

The book of Romans tells us we have such a friend and advocate. Infact, it puts it this way: If God be for us, who can ever be against us?

O UR R ESPONSEChristmas is the sure sign that God will do what He says He will do.

Consider the promises of Romans 8. Spend time thinking about how yourconfidence would change if you really believed these words:

Who dares accuse us, whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself.

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death cant,and life cant. The angels cant, and the demons cant. Our fears for today,

our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell cant keep Gods loveaway. nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the

love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.ROMANS 8:33, 38-39

T he S hepherdsThe Shepherds mmanuel Immanuel


10/19

Ingredients

1 package elbow macaroni (16 ounces)3 eggs stick of butter1 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded1 cup Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend, shredded cup Parmesan cheese, shredded1 teaspoon Lawrys Seasoned Salt or sea salt1 can evaporated whole milk, 12 ounces cup sharp Cheddar cheese, in chunksDash of paprika and dash of pepper

Mixing Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.2. Add macaroni to a pot of boiling water. (Option: My mother adds a

little salt to the water. I dont I add salt later.) Stir occasionallyuntil the pasta is cooked but still firm to the bite.

3. Place 3 eggs into a bowl and whisk until well blended.4. Once pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and return drained pasta to

the warm pot.5. Stir butter into hot macaroni until noodles are evenly coated.6. Add shredded cheeses, about to cup at a time, and

keep stirring.

7. Stir in milk.8. Add beaten eggs and continue stirring until eggs are well incorporated

into noodle and cheese mixture.9. Add salt and pepper to taste.

10. Pour noodle and cheese mixture into a baking dish or oven-safecasserole dish.

11. Add chunks of sharp cheese randomly throughout the dish.12. Sprinkle paprika on top for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

Place macaroni and cheese casserole into a 375 F preheated oven.Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, until top is slightly browned. Allowcasserole to set for about 5 minutes before serving.

Baked Macaroni and CheeseBY KRISTI W ATTS


11/19

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing oer the plains, And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Shepherds, wh

jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsometidings be, which inspire your heavenly song?

For many people the best part of Christmas is the music. Carols that bring

back the years in sharp focus, fill our homes and hearts, and make us glad.On the night Christ was born, the angels sang and filled the skies withincredible music. The Bible often talks about music and singing. Heavenmust resound with the glorious sound of melody and harmony.

Music is an important way that we are able to praise God. The Psalmsthemselves are incredible songs of praise. The Bible tells us that GodHimself inhabits the praises of His people. We are commanded to comebefore the Lord with singing and to make a joyful noise to our God. Heloves music, and He loves when we sing to Him.

O UR R ESPONSEYou can bring the Lord a praise offering today, by singing to Him.

Choose a few of your favorite carols and sing them out loud to your Savio

During this private concert, let a new melody come as you sing out yourthoughts to God. Its not the quality of your voicebut the quality of youheart that matters here. Praise Him and let the joy come.

With singing lips my mouth will praise you. PSALM63:5

M usic Music


12/19

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;O, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

What is a word? There are many definitions: an expression, promise,pledge, assurance, information, direction, proclamation, communicationand more.

Our minds cannot fully comprehend that Jesus is the Word of God.He is the expression of God, the promise of God, the pledge of God, theinformation about God, the proclamation from God and so much more.

The Bible tells us that in the beginning, the Word existed. But that atthe proper point in human history, the Word of God became flesh anddwelt among us.

O UR R ESPONSEA word can be spoken, read, and it can be heard. Today, ask God to

reveal Jesus Christ as His Word to you. Ask Him to speak to you todayand take a moment now to listen to His voice. He will reveal Himself to

you as you seek Him. Write down His word to you and review it severaltimes throughout the day. Your joy and peace will grow substantially.

So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us.He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have

seen His glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. JOHN 1:14

It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold;

Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heavens all-gracious KinThe world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

The Bible tells us that angels are the highest of Gods creation.Hebrews says that mankind was made a little lower than the angels.

Through the Scriptures we understand that angels are: Godsmessengers, His warriors, and His worshippers. Angels are sent on themost important assignments. They are mighty and powerful beings thatKing David described as the mighty ones who do Gods bidding.

Heaven is filled with the angels of God. They surround the throneand fill the heavens with their singing. We are told they will be sent togather up those who are the elect, will separate the good from the evil atthe judgment, and will accompany Christ when He comes in all His glory

It is no wonder that God sent His trusted angels to earth to announcePeace on earth through the coming of His Son.

O UR R ESPONSE

There is another amazing thing about angels: Hebrews 1:14 tells usthat angels are ministering spirits who are sent to serve those who willinherit salvation. If you know Jesus as your Savior, angels have beenassigned to serve you. Take time today to thank God for His unseenmessengers of protection and help. Rest in the fact that there are spiritualforces at work today to guide and guard you.

He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your wPSALM91:11

T he W ordThe Word Angels Angels


13/19

Sweet Potato Biscuits Cranberry-Apple Crumble

Ingredients4 Granny Smith applespeeled, cored and sliced2 cups whole-berry cranberry sauce (either homemade or canned)1 cup all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon flour, divided1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats2 3 cup firmly packed brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus tsp, divided10 tablespoons butter, melted cup toasted pecans, optional

InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350 F.Mix together 1 tablespoon flour and tsp cinnamon. Toss

apple slices in flour mixture and place in a greased 8- or 9-inchsquare baking dish. Spread the cranberry sauce over the apples.

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar,cinnamon, and meltedbutter until crumbly.Sprinkle over the apples

and cranberry sauce,covering completely.Bake for 45 minutes

in the preheated oven oruntil apples can be easilypierced with a knife andtopping is browned.

(adapted from Blue Petes Restaurant, Virginia Beach, VA)

Ingredients2 to 3 medium sweet potatoes (enough for 1 cups mashed) cup high-quality butter (1 stick), softened cup sugar2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon salt3 to 3 cups all-purpose flour4 teaspoons baking powder

InstructionsBake sweet potatoes until soft,

about 45 minutes at 400 F. Whilepotatoes are still warm, measure 1 cups of pulp into a large bowl. Addbutter, sugar, milk, and salt; mix well.

Sift together flour and baking powder; add to sweet potato mixture.Work lightly with hands to make a soft dough. Do not knead. Shapedough into a flattened ball, cover in plastic or wax paper, and chill.Dough can be made earlier in the day.

Do not overwork the dough because it will keep the biscuits from

risingbe gentlethe less the dough is worked, the better.About 10 minutes before mealtime, pre-heat oven to 400 F

and position a rack in the upper third of the oven. Lightly grease 2round cake pans. Gently roll dough out to a thickness of about 2 inches,then cut into 2-inch diameter biscuits. Nestle rounds closelyin cake pans, and bake on the upper rack for 15 to 20 minutes untilgolden brown. Time will vary with the width of the biscuit. Makes adozen 2-inch biscuits.


14/19

We three kings of Orient are, bearing g ifts we traverse afar, field an fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

The Bible tells us that three wise men came from eastern lands,looking for the newborn king of the Jews. They followed a heavenly starthat marked the home where Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived.

When they arrived they fell to their knees and worshiped Jesus. Therethey presented Christ with their costly gifts of gold, frankincense andmyrrh. The Bible tells us they were filled with great joy.

Many traditions have come together leading us to the practice of exchanging presents on Christmas. There was St. Nicholas in the fourthcentury, and good King Wenceslas in the tenth. Even Charles Dickens iscredited with growing the tradition of giving gifts, through thetransformation of his beloved character, Ebenezer Scrooge.

O UR R ESPONSEIt is important not to allow our gift-giving to overshadow the season.

Allow your gifts to express your love, but do not become a slave to impressothers or increasing debt. People often cant remember from year to year

what they received and from whom. But kind words and gifts of precioustime are never forgotten.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good giftsto your children, how much more will your Father in heaven

give good gifts to those who ask him!MATTHEW 7:11

Come, Thou long expected Jesus! Born to set Thy people f ree;From our fears and sins release us, let us f ind our rest in Thee.Israels strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Down through history, God provided a road map for us so that we

could recognize the true Messiah. He foretold various signs and conditionsthrough His prophets. These signs or prophecies were given to us in theOld Testament.

Written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, the Old Testamentcontains over 300 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled through His birth, life,death and resurrection.

The wordmessiahmeans anointed one. To be anointed means to beconsecrated, blessed, devoted, ordained, crowned and enthroned.

O UR R ESPONSEToday, spend time considering the staggering, historical proof that the

Bible is the Word of God. Ask God to increase your faith to take thepromises of Scripture as your own. Claim a promise from His Word and

present it to Him today. He is utterly faithful and He will do it.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our

hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.2 CORINTHIANS 1:21-22

T he M essiahThe Messiah G iving G if tsGiving Gif ts


15/19

Pear Tarte TatinIngredients4 large firm-ripe pears cup unsalted butter cup sugar1 vanilla beanPuff pastry dough (1 sheet)

Cooking InstructionsPreheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit on the bake setting

and put oven rack in the middle.

Peel and halve pears and then core each half (preferably witha melon-ball cutter). Keep in lemon-infused water until ready tocook to keep from browning.

Cut vanilla bean in half length-wise. Scrape seeds into sugarand mix well so that seeds are evenly distributed. (You can do thisstep 1-2 weeks ahead of time.)

Melt butter over moderate heat in a 9-inch well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.

While the butter is melting, place the pears on a towel (orpaper towels), cut side down.

As soon as the butter is melted, place vanilla bean in an Xpattern in the middle of the skillet (optional) and then sprinkle in cup of the vanilla sugar so that sugar is evenly distributed.

Arrange the pears, cut side up, in skillet with wide parts

at rim of skillet andthe narrow partspointed to thecenter of the X.

Cook withoutstirring or shaking until sugar turnsa deep goldencaramel, around10 minutes. Watch

carefully because sugar has to caramelize but not burn.Allow pears to cool in skillet until you can safely handle the

pan. Caramelized sugar can cause a nasty burn.

Roll out puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface with afloured rolling pin into a 12-inch round.

Arrange puff pastry dough over the top of the skillet and thecaramelized pears, and trim with a knife to fit the edge of the skillet.Once trimmed, tuck edge of the puff pastry dough inside rim of skillet and around the edges of the pears with the back of a knife.

Bake tart until pastry is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Takeout of the oven and allow to cool.

Take a round serving plate (slightly larger than skillet) and

place top side down over skillet. Holding the skillet and the platetightly together, invert tart onto plate, tapping the bottom of theskillet to make sure all the tart leaves the skillet. You can take thevanilla bean halves out or leave them in; just dont serve them.

Serve tart warm with ice cream or whipped cream. You canreheat if you make this ahead of time.


16/19

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose,Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows some turkey and some mistletoe, help to make the seasonbright, tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight.

Traditions are a wonderful part of a holiday. They provide us with

a sense of home and belonging, and help us define what makes our ownfamily so unique.Have you ever thought about the traditions you hope your loved ones

will carry on? Have you found a special tradition or two that point yourfamilys attention and focus to Jesus?

For instance, in the Robertsons family, each Christmas Eve theChristmas story from Luke is read. Then the youngest member of the familyhas the honor and privilege of placing the Baby Jesus in the manger scene.

These special moments we relive year after year are building afoundation of love, security, and important memories in each familymembers heart.

O UR R ESPONSE

This year, why not ask your family or friends what traditions areimportant to them? Ask about favorite memories, foods, and holidayevents that hold a special place in their hearts. If you havent beenbuilding these special traditions, its not too late to begin.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found.

The story of Christmas is the story of forgiveness. It reveals how Godso loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Himwill not perish, but have everlasting life.

One of the greatest hindrances to enjoying a wonderful Christmastimeis when the thorns of unforgiveness fill our hearts. Unforgiveness is apoison. It steals our lives and robs us of peace and power.

Jesus words are very strong on the subject of forgiveness:When youstand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that yFather in heaven may forgive you your sins(Mark 11:25).

Dont let unforgiveness rob you of a single moment of this holidayseason. You can be as beautiful and pure as winters first snowfall.

O UR R ESPONSETake time today to do an Unforgiveness Inventory. Ask the Holy

Spirit to show you any unforgiveness that you are harboring in your heartand mind. One by one, bring them to God, and declare the debt forgiven.Release those who have wronged you. God will help you do this life-changing workif you will ask Him. You can be free.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.COLOSSIANS3:13

TraditionsTraditions F orgivenessF orgiveness


17/19

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesuslaid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where

He lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

If you were asked to plan the entrance of the King of Glory to earth,would this be the way you would have done it? Would you have chosen a

nondescript town in the middle of nowhere, and a space used by livestockto shelter the King of Kings?Can you imagine that night? A cold stone cave, with straw and mud.

Perhaps a torch casting a dim light across the scene, as cows and sheep atetheir evening meal. There the Creator of heaven and earth was born. Godhad come to this world and would make salvation possible for all.

O UR R ESPONSELying in that manger was Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Lifethe

only way that you would ever be able to know God, to see heaven, to haveyour sins forgiven, to receive eternal life.

Consider the gift God gave you that night. And remember, thatprecious babys little hands that would grasp His mothers fingers, would

one day be freely given, stretched out to receive the nails that would holdHim to a cross, for you.

the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child,a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the village inn.LUKE 2:6-7

T he M angerThe Manger


18/19

As another year draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude and

amazement at all that God has accomplished.I am also deeply grateful and appreciative of you. Your

partnership has made everything we do here at CBN possible.Without you, millions would still be in darkness, lost forever,without a Savior.

My prayer is that your holiday season will be overflowing

with Gods love and presence. May your heart rejoice in all of Hisgoodness and grace to you.

May the New Year bring you financial blessing, healing in yourbody, the salvation of your loved ones, and the peace and abidingcomfort of living close to the Lord.

Merry Christmas to you and may the favor of God rest lavishly

on you and your home.

God bless you,

D ear F riend, Dear F riend,


19/19

The mission of CBN and its afliated organizations:

To prepare the United States of America

and the nations of the world for the coming of Jesus Christ and

the establishment of theKingdom of God on earth.

If you or any of your loved ones need prayer,please call the CBN Prayer Center

24 hours a day at 800.759.0700

977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23463www.CBN.com

Christmas Devotional 2012

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