Author: Gospel Folio Press

Esther 1:1-22; Zechariah 11:1-17; Revelation 18:1-24

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NKJV

Bethlehem is prominent in three Old Testament scenes. At Bethlehem, Jacob gave his newborn son two names; “son of my sorrow” and “son of my right hand” (Gen. 35:18). Godly Boaz lived at Bethlehem. He is the Kinsman Redeemer, a man of great wealth (Ruth 2:1). David too lived at Bethlehem. He appears, first as a shepherd, but also as the anointed, future King (1 Sam. 16). What a wonderful progression we see in Bethlehem: a Man of Sorrows, a Saviour, a Shepherd, and a Sovereign. — Gary McBride

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

Nehemiah 13:1-31; Zechariah 9:1-10:12; Revelation 17:1-18

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NKJV

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the word “Christmas” in shops and cards. Christians are told to be more inclusive and to respect the beliefs of non-Christians. What most do not realize is that Christmas is not exclusively for Christians. The incarnation of Jesus Christ, “the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42), was for all humanity. When we celebrate the Lord’s birth or wish someone “Merry Christmas” we are, in fact, preaching the Gospel. The angels’ glad announcement echoes down through history in the happy proclamation that, “Christ is born! Merry  Christmas!”. —Jared D. Fraser

Hail the heaven born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings. —C. Wesley

Nehemiah 12:1-47; Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

“The Word was made flesh”, tells us that God the Son became man, something He had never been before. Taking upon Himself flesh and blood, (Heb. 2:14), He became one of us. Stooping from the eternal glories of heaven, He came down past the angels and seraphim, to a dwelling for animals, to a lowly manger, He entered our world and experienced the full spectrum of human life—apart from sin. Ultimately, His earthly sojourn led to Calvary and our
salvation. At this Christmas season may we reflect on all His glory, but particularly on the glory of His humility. —Jim Comte

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. —C. Wesley

Nehemiah 10:1-11:36; Zechariah 7:1-14; Revelation 15:1-8

Behold, God is my salvation (Yeshua); I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation (Yeshua). Isaiah 12:2

When the angel told Joseph to name his “son” Yeshua, surely the immense significance would not have been lost, as it should not be with us. In the 77 occurrences of Yeshua in the Old Testament, none shine brighter than in this verse. Our Lord Jesus has always been God the Deliverer. When we trust Him as our Saviour, He becomes God our Deliverer. And since God Himself is for us, who can ever hope to be against us? —Rick Morse

Divine Deliverer, Thou alone;
Thy people from the deep could bring,
The glorious triumph, all Thine own:
Thy Name, Thy might, Thy grace we sing. —Mary Peters

Nehemiah 9:1-38; Zechariah 5:1-6:15; Revelation 14:1-20

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child…and fell down and worshiped Him. Matt. 2:10-11 NKJV

These wisemen were seeking the true King from heaven. They had traveled a great distance to find Him. The trip cost time, money and was dangerous. And yet they felt it was worth it. Their faithfulness was rewarded as the star unerringly led them to Jesus Christ, the King. In contrast, King Herod sought earthly power and worship from others and so did not see the star. What is it that you are seeking? —Vickie Gaynier

And wisemen still seek Him, they follow a star,
That leads them to Jesus as travelers afar.
Men of great nations and the poor of the earth,
All join together to proclaim Christ’s birth. —Lynn Cooper

Nehemiah 8:1-18; Zechariah 4:1-14; Revelation 13:1-18

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Phil. 2:10-11

Hendrick Van Loon, in “The Story of Mankind”, wrote, “Seven hundred and fifty-three years after the founding of Rome. Caesar Augustus was busily engaged in ruling the world. Mary, the wife of a carpenter, was tending her little Boy, born in a stable. Before long, palace and stable were to meet in open combat, and the One born in the stable was to emerge victorious.” —Arnot P. McIntee

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes.
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.  —Walter Chalmers Smith  

Nehemiah 7:1-73; Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 12:1-17

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. Luke 22:3

What sad words. Judas was associated closely with the Lord Jesus and seemed like an intimate disciple. He had listened to the Lord and seen His works. But he was not a believer. Sometimes we assume that those that we associate with are one with us in salvation. We need to be faithful preaching the Gospel and then leave the planted seed to bring conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. We may be surprised by hearing of a confession of faith in Christ by
someone who we thought was already saved. —K. J. W.

Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;
Remember I’m the sinner, whom Jesus came to save;
Tell me the story always, if you would really be,
In any time of trouble, a comforter to me. —Katherine Hankey

Nehemiah 6:1-19; Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 11:1-19

O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matthew 14:31

Peter discovered on that stormy day that doubt is a powerful faithneutralizer! The enemy will use this tactic in primarily two ways, as illustrated in another storm story in Mark 4. First, he will try to get us to doubt God’s Word. Jesus stated in no uncertain terms before getting into the ship with His disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side” (v. 35). He guaranteed their safekeeping. Yet, the disciples fearfully declared, “We are perishing” (v. 38b). Second, the enemy will attempt to cause us to doubt God’s character. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (v. 38). So to grow in faith requires growth in our understanding of both God’s Word and God’s character. Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief! — Brian Cretney

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail. —R. K. Carter

Nehemiah 5:1-19; Haggai 2:1-23; Revelation 10:1-11

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her. Ruth 1:22

Do you ever feel that your contribution to the work of God is small and insignificant? I do. Then I think of Ruth. She was a foreigner, poor, and in a strange land. She spent her days hunting for grain that had fallen on the ground after harvest. Not a very glamorous life, nor was she someone that would be thought important. Yet through a divine chain of events, she became a link in the lineage of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. What an honour for a lowly gleaner. He has plans for me too. —Debbie Douglas

Jesus bids us shine, with a clear, pure light,
Like a little candle burning in the night;
In this world of darkness we must shine,
You in your small corner, and I in mine. —Susan Warner

Nehemiah 4:1-23; Haggai 1:1-15; Revelation 9:1-21

Awake, O sword…against the man that is my fellow. Zech. 13:7

“My fellow” could be rendered, “my nearest one”. The equality between the Father and the Son is absolute and mutually delightful. For us to enjoy this relationship, “my nearest one” became “the man”, morally perfect and fully pleasing to the Father in every act, thought, motive, and word. Every one of our sins—first to last, was ever present in God’s mind. Human wickedness and rebellion constantly affronted His holiness. In one event at Calvary, righteous anger against both sin and sins awoke as Christ hung on the cross. All because God loves you and me. Who can comprehend such grace? —David W. Oliver

Jehovah bade His sword awake; O Christ, it woke ‘gainst Thee!
Thy blood the flaming blade must slake; Thy heart its sheath must be.  —A. Cousin