Author: Gospel Folio Press

DAILY?READINGS: Esther 5-6; Malachi 1 to 2:9; Rev. 20:7 to 21:8

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.  Psalm 19:1

George Cryer was, until his decease, an English Member of Parliament. One personal interest for him was the preservation of old railways in West Yorkshire. On his death, a plaque was erected on a railway building which simply said, “If you seek his memorial, look around”. What he had accomplished was evident for all to see. Someday our opportunity to labour for the Lord will cease. What will we have to show, as to what we have done for the Lord?  —Brian Powlesland

O let my life be given, my years for Thee be spent:
World—fetters all be riven, and joy with suffering blent;
Thou gavest Thyself for me; I give myself to Thee.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Esther 3-4; Zech. 13:7 to 14:21; Rev. 19:11 to 20:6

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him.  Matthew 2:11

How thrilling for the wise men to ultimately find the King they were searching for! Having followed the star they finally came to the house where the young child was. The experience of meeting Him caused their hearts to bow in worship. Having worshipped they presented their treasures to Him. Does our appreciation of the Lord Jesus cause our hearts to worship? Do we freely give to Him the treasures of our heart?  —Jim Paul

Take my love, my God, I pour,
At Thy feet its treasure store,
Take myself and I will be,
Ever only all for Thee. —Frances R. Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Esther 2; Zechariah 12 to 13:6; Revelation 19:1-10

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad…Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein.  Psalm 96:11-12

Our world has been defiled by sin and its creatures subjected to corruption and pain. Yet we and all of creation are told to rejoice. Indeed, in spite of creation being in sin’s bondage, joy, beauty, light and life abound and give evidence of an amazing Creator who Himself is a joyful God. His delights are with the sons of men. His creation is good. Let us today, even perhaps amidst trials, enjoy and rejoice in the beautiful creation our Father has made.  —D. Pickup

This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget,
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world, the battle is not done,
Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and Heav’n be one.
—Maltbie D. Babcock

DAILY?READINGS: Esther 1; Zechariah 11; Revelation 18

Will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? 2 Chronicles 6:18

In wonder, the wisest man who ever lived, asked a question that he did not know the answer to. Solomon questioned how a great God who could not be contained in the heaven of heavens, would dwell in the temple he was about to build. How could such a thing be? Our Lord’s incarnation answers Solomon’s question. Yes the God of heaven, came to mankind at Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth, so He could go to Calvary and become our Redeemer.  —Milton Haack

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. —P. Brooks

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 13; Zechariah 9-10; Revelation 17

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luke 2:7

A “Stranger” to this world was born and laid in a manger. There was no one to welcome Him, only His virgin mother and Joseph. No one cared, not even the innkeeper. Edersheim wrote, “Beyond the announcement of the bare fact, the Holy Scriptures, with indescribable appropriateness and delicacy, draws a veil over that most sacred mystery.” We know so little, but we rejoice in the mystery that, God in human likeness entered this world for one purpose; to redeem sinners like ourselves.   —Jim Comte

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.—J. F. Wade

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 12; Zechariah 8; Revelation 16

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.  Romans 12:3

Humility does not seem to be a trait that is prized in our society. In fact it seems to be the opposite. When Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth He was laid in a manger. Hay and straw, the smell of animals and a food trough were His welcome into the world He had created. Jesus humbled Himself in a way we cannot comprehend. Let us rejoice in the glory of His incarnation and follow His perfect example. —Danielle E.

Who is He in yonder stall, at whose feet the shepherds fall?
’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story! ’Tis the Lord! The King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall, Crown Him! Crown Him, Lord of all!
—Benjamin R. Hanby

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 10-11; Zechariah 7; Revelation 15

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host.  Luke 2:9, 13

Our imaginations fail us when we try to picture this scene. It was not a bright light that lit up that Bethlehem night. It was the “glory of the Lord” blazing in the darkness. The heavenly words rang out, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11). After the angel’s announcement, a multitude of the heavenly host burst on the scene saying “glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14). How could they not? The long anticipated one had come and His work of salvation had begun!  —Ken Gross

Glory to God on high! Peace upon earth and joy, good will to man.
Sing now the Saviour’s love, too vast to scan.
—T. Kelly

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 9; Zechariah 5-6; Revelation 14

In my Father’s house are many mansions.   John 14:2
Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.   Philippians 1:23b

It was almost Christmas. After a time away, we couldn’t wait to get home. As we approached our house the girls stated sadly, “There’ll be no lights or decorations.” We turned into our drive and to our surprise, we discovered lights on the tree and all around the house as the rest of the family waited to welcome us home. It was a blessed moment of warmth and joy. Dear weary Christian, does the future look bleak? Is life a challenge? Have you lost a loved friend? Soon we’ll be home and what a welcome awaits those who have loved and served their Lord. It is far better.  —Janet Fleming

It’s in the darkest hour, that hope’s light shines bright,
We’ll meet you in the morning; till then it’s just good night. —J. F.

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 8; Zechariah 4; Revelation 13

A book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.  Malachi 3:16

Through all of history, there has always been an emphasis upon gathering in the Lord’s name. Thus how we should prize our ability to gather today in the name of the Lord Jesus! This is not to exhibit any exclusive spirit, but rather with a view to acknowledging His supreme worthiness. May we ever put far from us that we have come to a place. We are gathering to a Person! Our Lord’s presence is what makes our gatherings so precious!  —Mark Fenn

O Lord, where’ver Thy people meet,
There they behold Thy mercy seat:
Where’ver they seek Thee, Thou art found,
And every place is hallowed ground.
—William Cowper