26 December: The Untold Story of Christmas

Today’s chapter shows a part to the Christmas story that few people have heard or understood…

READ REVELATION 5  Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Today is what we call “Boxing Day” and there was a morning 1,990 years ago, that began much the same as today. It was cold and damp as the sun rose and a dank smell of hay filled the air. A young couple lay asleep and as the stable owner approached, he could see a new-born baby laying between them. He’d given them the use of his animal stall on the evening before, then shut himself in with his family for the night after a long day of dealing with the throng of new arrivals caused by the Roman census.

For weeks, people came and went. So he had almost forgotten about this young couple… well… that was until he saw the blood-stained hay brushed to a neat heap outside the stable door. Gripped now with remorse, the Inn Keeper peered in at them. Then, retreating in silence back to the Inn, he told his wife to quickly heat a bucket of warm water, bring the soap, and come out to the stable to help. This was the first day of what is now known as: “The End Times”.

In stark contrast to that morning, John has a unique vision in today’s chapter while exiled on the island of Patmos. Heaven is opened just as it had in the days of Daniel’s vision six centuries earlier. This time though, John’s invited in. There he sees that Christmas baby in a completely new light. It’s the untold story of Christmas. It’s why The Lamb of God came at all, and what was accomplished by His coming. Now “The Lamb that was Slain” [v6], He bought humankind for God at the highest price – the price of His own blood. In fulfilment of the Creator God’s most ancient promise to Abraham[a], humanity has been purchased back from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. [v9]  Read More? … CLICK to follow “26 December – Additional Notes”

But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.

Wanting to speak directly to the author behind HIStory? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help.[b]

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

   1.   Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

Father God, I want to praise the Lord with the harp. I want to make music to You with the ten-stringed lyre. [Psalm 33:2]

   2.   Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”

  • The World: Global Facts & Figures[c]
  • Your Country: Victims of the Sex Industry
  • Yourself: Wisdom for Living Life
  • Your concerns for today
 I know, Lord, that if I call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if I look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then I’ll understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. [Proverbs 2:3-5]

   3.   Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”

Lord, if it’s true that You don’t delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to Your commands. Then help me to obey rather than offering whatever ‘sacrifice’ I bring. Help me to heed warning that to bring a sort of  ‘get out of jail free’ card. [1 Samuel 15:22]

   4.   Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

Thank-you Father God that I can trust in Your Global Plan as Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6]

“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”

When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[d] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = The Creator God’s Salvation Plan

“…for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” [Romans 3:23]

[a] Genesis 22:15-18

[b] Matthew 6:5-15

[c] Look up statistics and pray for Global facts that cause you concern such as death rates; water and food shortages; the current refugees crisis; orphans caused by aids victims etc…

[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31

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