Author: Gospel Folio Press

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

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 7; Zechariah 2-3; Revelation 12

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?  Matthew 15:33

This statement, when examined in the context of Matthew’s gospel is incredible. It wasn’t long before this incident that the Lord had satisfied a greater company of people with even less provisions and yet the disciples wondered how the current problem could be resolved. Sadly, we are not better. We see the Lord work in our lives in a remarkable way one day and then lose faith in His ability the next. O me, O ye of little faith! —Brian Russell

Prove Him! He is God eternal, an unchanging Friend,
With a love that never knoweth bound or end.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 6; Zechariah 1; Revelation 11

Jesus…said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.  Luke 10:41

Occasionally there are days when everything wants to go wrong. Vance Havner commented on such times as, “being vexed by the mosquitoes of petty care.” Small irritations spring up unawares to gnaw at us. If allowed to fester they create bigger issues. It is interesting that some are able to endure a big trial better than small annoyances. Havner also said, “It may take more grace at the breakfast table than at the Lord’s table on Sunday morning.” When a peevish spirit threatens, may we be quick to turn Godward. He provides grace for the moment. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isa. 26:3). —E. Dyck

Oh God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal home. —I. Watts

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 5; Haggai 2; Revelation 10

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?  Isaiah 40:28

Weariness, be it of body, mind or spirit, is common to us all. When it has us in its grip, we do well to reflect upon the boundless resources which our heavenly Father puts at our disposal. The key to renewed strength is to “wait upon the Lord” (v. 31).  —George Hall

Faint not, Christian! Though the road,
Leading to thy blest abode,
Darksome be, and dangerous too,
Christ, thy Guide will bring thee through.
—J. H. Evans

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 4; Haggai 1; Revelation 9

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  Matthew 25:4

All ten virgins had lamps but the real test of their profession occurred when the Bridegroom came. The foolish were not prepared. They had no oil and it was too late to buy more. The marriage door was shut. There was no second chance! Are you ready for the heavenly Bridegroom’s coming? Are you truly saved? Is the Holy Spirit abiding within? “Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).  —E. MacLelland

May my lamp be ever burning, filled with holy oil divine,
Daily trimmed of all pollution, so that it will brightly shine.
—E. M.