This hymn, often sung at midnight on Christmas Eve, goes by several different names: “Minuit, Chrétiens” meaning “Midnight, Christians”, the “Cantique de Noël” meaning “Christmas Hymn,” and “O Holy Night.”  It reverently calls us to the manger, to see the King of kings and worship Him.

Principle: Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Aim: To understand that Jesus is the Holy One, the only Divine Son of God, and that He came to save us. He lived life as the perfect “second Adam” who paid for the sins of the first Adam and Eve. Aim to worship Him only!

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord God, we praise You that this hymn reminds us of the holiness of that moment when Your only Son Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Man, Son of God was born.  Only this one time in all of human history did such holiness break into our world for salvation purposes and offer us such glorious hope.  We praise You that the story does not end here at Your birth but You inaugurated hope to a weary world. That is because You came to die for the wretchedness of mankind, for Your people steeped in sin and violence. But now for those who love and follow You by repentance and believing the good news, we will see the New Heaven and New Earth where there will finally be Peace forever, and we will worship You, exalt You, glorify You as our Prince of Peace and King of kings!  Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

The hymn writer, Edmund Sears, paints a vivid picture of a world in darkness, time dragging but the years flying, a weary world toiling away “beneath life’s crushing load,” our bodies fatigued and our minds no less so.  Doesn’t it sound like our Babel world today of human striving and mock omniscience of AI?

It’s midnight on the doomsday clock.  It’s always midnight.  Until the Light comes.

I like what author Arthur Waskow says about Hanukkah which I apply to Jesus. 

“Late in Kislev we are close to the moment of the winter solstice…it is the darkest moment of the year, the moment it’s easiest to believe that the light will never return, the moment it is easiest to despair. At this dark moment, we celebrate Hanukkah–the Feast of Dedication–by lighting candles.” (Seasons of Our Joy-Arthur Waskow)

While Hanukkah is not a commanded religious festival (2 Chronicles 8:13) like Tabernacles or the Passover, Jesus pointed out: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I AM the Light of the world.” (John 9:4-5) In fact, if you read John 9 and 10, Jesus also restores the sight of the blind man. It’s all connected.

On His way to this Feast of Dedication, Behold! See! Jesus points others to Himself, proclaiming, “I AM” the Gate, the Good Shepherd, and the Light of the world. He came to give sight to the blind. Can you see this?

Principle: It is into such a deep darkness that His Light shines the brightest.
Aim: To focus on the hope present in the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, and go light up your world with this good news.
At Christmas, a prayer: How we praise You, Lord Jesus, that You came first for salvation and then You will return in Judgment!  Our dark world should tell every person alive that Your Return is near.  It’s midnight in our world!  Fix our eyes on the horizon of Your Return so that we will be ready by repenting and believing the good news that angels proclaimed at Your birth.  Amazing!  We love You!  Amen.

Not all those who write Christian hymns or Christmas carols (or even preach and teach) are clergy or music ministers.  One of the beautiful things about Christianity is that the same Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of pastors and worship leaders also dwells in the hearts of average men and women of faith.  Yet when they are inspired by His illumination, gifted with His power and skill, they too can be powerful witnesses for Christ.

At Jesus’ birth, who came?  Shepherds, unschooled average shepherds.  Later, “to the house” (Matthew 2:11), who came? Magi, wise men, scientist/priests “from the East” who knew astronomy, astrology, interpreted dreams, and had great wisdom, perhaps even served as royal advisors. They were also educated enough in other religions to know there was biblical prophecy about the King of the Jews.  These were not Jewish men.  They were Gentiles.

The manger scene announced by angels and revealed to Jewish shepherds, later to the house where Gentile wise men would seek Him is a picture of the Good News going out from the Jews to include the Gentile world.  “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

Principle: The Messiah came for all who would repent and believe.

Aim: To understand that Jesus is from the Jews but meant also as a Light to the Gentiles.

At Christmas, a prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your birth, Your life, Your death and resurrection, for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your plan from before Creation.  Thank You for Your inclusiveness regarding Your Image-bearers throughout all nations and being a Light to us all.  We praise You for the good news of Messiah so that You can draw people from every nation to repent and believe what You have done for all people.  While we know that some will refuse to repent, refuse to believe, and refuse to acknowledge You as Lord, we are grateful that each man, woman, and child upon this earth throughout all time will have been given opportunity to see You for Who You are.  Wise men and women still seek You as Savior.  We praise You at Christmas and always.  Amen.

Among the more popular modern carols is “Mary, Did You Know?” The questions asked reflect good theology about who Jesus is, but the obvious answer to any of the questions is “No.” Mary did not.

Mary had not the slightest pre-understanding of the Incarnation that we have on this side of history, with a New Testament to explain things. For her, it would have been moment after moment filled with wonder, maybe a bit of confusion and curiosity, mixed with a realism of how normal He seemed. The Virgin will be with Child is in Scripture, but that could have happened by God making an embryo within a virgin or the Jewish understanding of a “young woman” not even a virgin. But even that was not within the Jewish expectation of the Messiah as a fully human descendant of David. As a mighty leader, a warrior-king, He would save His people and establish peace. Mary’s strong theology about the Messiah probably carried her during the times of confusion or even doubt because nowhere in the Hebrew Bible did it ever talk about God becoming man.

One of the most powerful lines is “Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.”

Principle: Jesus is mysteriously fully God and fully man.

Aim: To neither sacrifice His humanity nor neglect His divinity.

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord Jesus, we give thanks to the Father for calling such a woman of faith and submission to be Your earthly mother. We praise You for her sacrifice, for bearing likely insults and ignominy for one decision to say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). We thank You also for preparing Joseph for his unlikely role and for his faith. We understand they are not superheroes or superhuman, yet each of us can look to them as role models for our faith. May our faith be like Mary’s and Joseph’s so that we may bring glory to You in all we do. Amen.

===
Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12) It truly is good news for all the people. In heaven, there will be people unified in the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord…from every tribe, nation, and tongue. It will be glorious to behold! It will be proof positive that our God is a God of wonders, a God who does amazing things, impossible things for man to accomplish on his own.

Principle: Unity of faith is our strength. They’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Aim: To uphold the good news that Jesus is Messiah! To proclaim that He is for all people–a true diversity because sin is a worldwide fully human affliction since the fall of man.

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord, when Your saints are gathered around Your throne instead of Your manger, the lovely diversity of all mankind as You designed us will on display as we raise a glorious harmony, a masterpiece of the voices who have been redeemed. We who love You will praise You forevermore! Until that day, give us joyful voices to tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria, and to all the ends of the earth. Amen.

===
Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

One of the reasons why Christmas carols are so enduring is their theological underpinnings. From “”Glory to the newborn King!” proclaiming Christ’s birth as the King of kings, to His mission of establishing God’s peace on earth and reconciling God and sinners…something man alone could not do…the theology is often impeccable. Only God could conceive of such a plan. Only the Son of God is righteous enough to be “Born that man no more may die”–apart from Him we remain dead in our sins! But by His blood 33 years later, blood that He would shed on the Cross as payment for that sin, Jesus was “Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.”

Principle: Jesus’ birth changed everything!

Aim: To be Born-Again so that you’ll experience the resurrection. Jesus made that possible.

At Christmas, a prayer: We give You glory, Lord Jesus, for humbly laying Your glory in heaven by, to condescend to being the eternal Word made flesh, for the sole purpose of reconciling sinners to God. We don’t deserve this salvation. We don’t earn this salvation. We praise You that You said, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be My children.” (Revelation 21:6-7). We praise You for making all this possible. We love You and honor You! Amen!

===
Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

As we turn to the week before Christmas, we’ll transition to Christmas carols about our God of Wonders. We won’t launch into the Twelve Days of Christmas. Instead, we will turn our minds to the birth of our Savior.

In the flow of Scripture, Mary and Joseph are likely on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census.  The shepherds were probably already in the hilly countryside, watching their flocks.  The angels were eagerly watching as the mystery of how God was going to save His Image-bearers unfolded.  Everyone was where they needed to be.  But the angels had special interest since they’d been waiting since the fall of man to see how God was going to reconcile a world to Himself. No surprise they sang in awestruck wonder!

Principle: Gloria in excelsis Deo means Glory to God in the highest!

Aim: Give Him glory for His salvation made possible through the birth of Christ.

At Christmas, a prayer:  Lord Jesus, we marvel at the miracle of Your birth. Help us to hold it in the highest honor and give You glory for the mystery of the Incarnation…for our benefit!  We praise You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  Amen.

===
Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

In an age of mockers, people arrogantly believe that God won’t do it, God never did it, and God doesn’t even exist.  That somehow only we are real.  (Big mistake!)

Part of what makes our God a God of Wonders is that He has every right as our Creator to condemn us to Hell for such arrogant behavior…and yet His very nature as Love looked upon our helpless state as sinners and lavished grace upon us…why?  Because we’re deserving?  No, only because He looks upon mankind, made in His Image, and He sees this Image of God powerfully present in every one of us—even in the mockers—and He grieves over His perfect Image broken beyond human repair by sin. 

“He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken– that is, created things– so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 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 12:26-29)

He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.  He destroyed the earth once with a flood sparing only a remnant.  Don’t believe for one second that He lacks either the power or the Love to do what is right to both the believer upon Jesus Christ … and what is holy to unrepentant mockers.

Principle: Mocking God is a really bad idea.

Aim: To be prepared for His return in power and justice.

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord Jesus, as we prepare to celebrate Your birth because God so loved the world, keep us mindful of Your return in power, justice, and wrath.  May we never mistake Your humility and grace as a full pardon upon all people regardless of worship in repentance or not.  Keep our eyes upon You even as we try to reach those with whom You are being patient.  We know there will come a day when Your patience comes to an end and Your judgment will be final. Guard those we love and those we know. Help us to witness to Your awesome goodness and eternal love so they might also know Your salvation.  Thank You for being born on Christmas Day and for Your plan to rescue Your people.  In Your mighty Name, Amen.

===
Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

How big is your God?  How big is your Jesus?  Probably not big enough.  Every time I try to picture the magnificence, the preeminence, and the glory of God, I simply cannot reach a level beyond which I wouldn’t hear “Go bigger.”  He’s always bigger.

Principle: God’s ever-increasing glory is beyond our words.

Aim: To have Christ be magnified in me.

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord Jesus, please cover my heart and keep me from picturing You as a perpetually tiny newborn, someone so finite I could hold You in my arms.  Help me to remember always that in some mysterious way, the Creator of the Universe was fully man during Your earthly ministry.  It makes no sense, but I know it’s true because Your Word tells me so.  Help me to see that both the good and the bad that come into my life are designed so that this also “comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.” (Isaiah 28:29).  That Your plan is never to harm me but so You will be magnified in my life.  Be magnified in our church.  Be magnified in the prayers of Your people!  May we go forth proclaiming this good news of great joy for all the people on whom Your favor rests so that all may join in one voice proclaiming Your greatness and glory!  Be magnified! Amen.

===
Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

In the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned, Satan must have gloated with evil triumphalism.  Pinnacle of God’s creation, HA! Too easy to bring them down!  It’s over for Your Image-bearers, God!  Checkmate!

But God had a little secret fully developed in the mind of God—a mind that only He knows.  God already had a plan for the fall.  Indeed, the fall was integral in His plan to display His love and His glory to the fullest. 

You see, Jesus’ birth wasn’t an afterthought, a plan B, or a countermove.  It was the plan all along and from before all Creation.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is the Way Maker for you and me.

Principle: Jesus prepared the Way.

Aim: To walk in the Way that Jesus made possible for you.

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord Jesus, when we don’t know the way and can’t see how there will ever be a way, remind us as You did to Thomas by proclaiming You are the Way. And not only the Way, but the Way Maker for those who will follow You to the mansions You have prepared in heaven! Thank You for coming to save us while we were yet sinners. We praise You for Your faithfulness in God’s plan, this plan to display Your love supremely on that Cross as You paid the price for our sins. At Christmas, we celebrate Your birth that was the singular transformative moment upon which all history turns: “God with us”…the “Word made flesh”…”the Way, the Truth, and the Life!” We offer You praise this day and always for being our Way Maker! Amen.

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Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

• “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
• “From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
• “Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
• The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
• 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
• God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
• Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
• The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.