Week Two:Sharethe Joy

T H E L U C A D OL I F E L E S S O N S

C H R I S T M A S D E V O T I O N A L

Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith

Let one of America’s most-loved pastors guide you on a memorable journey to the manger. Sit beside

the babe. Know what it was like. Be inspired to live out your faith for Him.

E x p e r i e n c e t h i s C h r i s t m a s s e a s o n l i k e n e v e r b e f o r e w i t h t h i s s i x - w e e k d e v o t i o n a l f r o m

M a x L u c a d o

Week Two: Share the Joy

Day 1: A Two-Stepping Celebration

But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

Psalm 68:3

Situation in Psalms 68:1—69:36

David led a joyful procession when the ark of the Lord came to Jerusalem (2

Samuel 6:11–15).

Observation

Praise God for the provision and protection He gives His people throughout all

time.

Inspiration

If David could celebrate like this when the ark of the covenant comes to town,

then imagine what he might do when his glorious descendant—Jesus, the "son of David,"

God in human flesh—came to earth. David's a guy you'd like to invite to your Christmas

party!

On the day the ark arrived in Jerusalm, David-the-giant-killer became David-the-

two-stepper. He’s the mayor of Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day, hopping and bopping at

the head of the parade.

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And, if that’s not enough, he strips down to the ephod, the linen prayer vest. It

covers the same amount of territory as a long T-shirt. Right there in front of God and the

altar and everyone else, David removes all but his holy skivvies. (Envision the president

escaping the Oval Office and cartwheeling down Pennsylvania Avenue in his Fruit of the

Looms.)

David dances and we duck. We hold our breath. We know what God does to the

irreverent and cocky. But here David is, in the full presence of God and God’s children,

doing a jig in his undergarment.

But nothing happens. The sky is silent, and David keeps twirling, and we are left

wondering. Doesn’t the dance bother God? Why isn’t the heavenly Father angered?

For the same reason I wasn’t. They don’t do it now, but when my daughters were

toddlers, they would dance when I came home. My car in the driveway was their signal to

strike up the band. “Daddy’s here!” they’d declare, bursting through the door. Right there

in the front lawn they would dance. Flamboyantly. With chocolate on their faces and

diapers on their bottoms, they would promenade about for all the neighbors to see.

Did it bother me? Was I angered? Was I concerned what people would think? Did

I tell them to straighten up and act mature? Absolutely not.

Did God tell David to behave? No. He let him dance.

Scripture doesn’t portray David dancing at any other time. He did no death dance

over Goliath. He never scooted the boot among the Philistines. He didn’t inaugurate his

term as king with a waltz or dedicate Jerusalem with a ballroom swirl. But when God

came to town, he couldn’t sit still.

Maybe God wonders how we do. Do we not enjoy what David wanted?

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This Christmas, celebrate the presence of God. And if you don't know a Nativity

jig, you might consider learning one.

(Adapted from Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado)

Application

Who needs to see you celebrating the Emmanuel, God with Us, this Christmas?

Who needs to see the joy that Jesus Christ can bring? Invite that person to a festivity—

and kick up some godly heels.

Exploration

God’s Power—Exodus 9:16; 15:6; Joshua 4:24; Psalm 111:6; 135:5; Luke 1:37;

Romans 4:20, 21; Revelation 4:8.

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Day 2: A Celebration of Giving

"These are the feasts of the LORD,

holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed time."

Leviticus 23:4

Situation in Leviticus 23:1—25:55

In the Old Testament, God established several holidays that symbolized the

Israelites’ special relationship with him.

Observation

Special holidays remind us of the past and give us joy in the present. Feasts help

renew our commitment to God. In the New Testament, the celebration of the Lord’s

Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and calls us to

renewed commitment.

Inspiration

The idea of a holiday that emphasizes giving (and giving back) is not new to

Christmas. Ancient Israel was commanded to celebrate the year of Jubilee. Beginning on

the Day of Atonement, all the fields were allowed to rest. No farming permitted. The

fallow land could then recover from forty-nine years of planting and harvesting.

In addition, all the slaves were freed. Anyone who had been sold into slavery or

who had sold himself into slavery to pay off debt was released. Bondage ended.

And as if the soil sabbatical and slave emancipation weren’t enough, all property

was returned to its original owners. In an agricultural society, land was capital. Families

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could lose their land through calamity, sickness, or even laziness. The Jubilee provision

guaranteed that every family, at least twice a century, would have the opportunity to get

back on its feet.

Consider the impact of this Jubilee decree. A drought destroys a farmer’s crop and

leaves the family impoverished. In order to survive, the farmer decides to sell his

property and hire out as a day laborer. A sharp investor swoops into the region and buys

the farm and also a neighbor’s. Within short order the developer has a monopoly, and the

farmer has nothing but a prayer.

But then comes the year of Jubilee. . . . God shakes the social Etch A Sketch, and

everyone is given a clean slate. This injunction was intended to prevent a permanent

underclass of poverty and slavery. People could still be rich, very rich, but they could not

build their wealth on the backs of the very poor.

So far as we know, the people of Israel never regularly practiced the year of

Jubilee. Still, Jesus alluded to it in his inaugural address. What does this say about God’s

heart? At least this: he values a level playing field. In his society the Have-a-Lots and the

Have-a-Littles are never to be so far apart that they can’t see each other.

We don't live in ancient Israel, and we don't celebrate the Year of Jubilee. But

who says we can't incorporate some of their festivities into our holiday? Who do you

know that has fewer resources than you? How might you be able to give them a little

jubilation this Christmas through your generosity? You don't even have to tell them it

came from you. Hey, 'tis the season—blame it on Santa.

(Adapted from Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado)

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Application

Approach this Christmas as a real giving holiday. Celebrate it with all your heart!

Remember the past! Renew for the future! Jesus has come and God has conquered death!

Be glad and rejoice—and share your bounty with someone else.

Exploration

Celebrations—Exodus 20:8–11; Numbers 36:4; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 16:8.

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Day 3: A Time for Fun

Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

John 2:2

Situation in John 2:1–25

Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in Cana, demonstrating that God

approves of appropriate celebration. Weddings were an important part of Jewish culture;

in fact, an entire village or town often participated in the festivities.

Observation

Jesus loves to rejoice with His children and His friends.

Inspiration

Picture six men walking on a narrow road. The men’s faces are eager, but

common. Their leader is confident, but unknown. They call him Rabbi.

Where are they going? They haven’t been told, but they each have their own idea.

Just then a chorus of confusion breaks out and ends only when Jesus lifts his hand

and says softly, “We’re on our way to a wedding.”

“Why would we go to a wedding?”

The answer? It’s found in the second verse of John 2. “Jesus and His disciples

were invited to the wedding.”

Big deal? I think so. I think it’s significant that common folk in a little town

enjoyed being with Jesus. Jesus was a likable fellow. And his disciples should be the

same.

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I’m not talking debauchery, drunkenness, and adultery. I’m not endorsing

compromise, coarseness, or obscenity. I am simply crusading for the freedom to enjoy a

good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening.

Christmas ought to be a time of celebration, joy, and just plain old fun. Remember

that when the Magi visited Jesus after His birth, they came bearing gifts . . . and not

cheap ones, either. His arrival is always an appropriate time for a celebration, with

appropriate merry making. At this season of the year, it is exactly right to "rejoice and be

glad" (Isaiah 25:9).

(From When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado)

Application

How long has it been since you had a good laugh? A hilarious time of fun with

Christian friends? Jesus wants us to rejoice and enjoy life. What can you do to make this

Christmas a special celebration of Him?

Exploration

God’s Care and Concern—2 Kings 13:23; Matthew 7:9–11; John 11:33–38; Acts

15:14.

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Day 4: Sacred Delight

Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying,

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:2-3

Situation in Matthew 5:1–48

Jesus gave this sermon (chapters 5—7) on a hillside near the town of Capernaum.

Matthew presented four other great discourses of Jesus (chapters 10; 13; 18; 24, 25).

Observation

Jesus did not come to destroy the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets,

but to fulfill what they said. Jesus told us to be perfect, just as our Father in heaven is

perfect.

Inspiration

Sacred delight is good news coming through the back door of your heart. It’s what

you’d always dreamed but never expected. It’s the too-good-to-be-true coming true. It’s

having God as your pinch-hitter, your lawyer, your dad, your biggest fan, and your best

friend. God on your side, in your heart, out in front, and protecting your back. It’s hope

where you least expected it: a flower in life’s sidewalk.

It is sacred because only God can grant it. It is a delight because it thrills. Since it

is sacred, it can’t be stolen. And since it is delightful, it can’t be predicted.

It was this gladness that danced through the Red Sea. It was this joy that blew the

trumpet at Jericho. It was this secret that made Mary sing when she discovered she would

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bear the Savior of the world. It was this surprise that put the springtime into Easter

morning.

Nine times in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus promises this sacred delight. And

he promises it to an unlikely crowd:

“The poor in spirit . . . Those who mourn . . . The meek . . . Those who hunger

and thirst . . . The merciful . . . The pure in heart . . . The peacemakers . . . The

persecuted.”

It is to this band of pilgrims that God promises a special blessing. A heavenly joy.

A sacred delight. And those who revel in God's arrival, in His special presence among us,

can delight in that heavenly joy as no one else.

(Adapted from The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado)

Application

What kind of joy do you take in the Savior? How do you express it? In what ways

do you plan to demonstrate your sacred delight in Jesus this Christmas?

Exploration

Happiness—Luke 6:17–49. The Law—Exodus 19—24.

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Day 5: A Reason for Gratitude

And they sang responsively, praising and giving thatnks to the LORD:

"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel." Then all

the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,

because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Ezra 3:11

Situation in Ezra 3:1—4:24

Judah’s jealous enemies to the north conspired to put an end to the rebuilding of

Jerusalem. For several years, these enemies worked to hinder the Jews. Finally, they

persuaded the Persian king, Artaxerxes, to stop the building.

Observation

When the Jewish remnant had finished laying the foundation of the temple of the

Lord, great rejoicing took place. They praised the Lord and wept with joy. They

recognized what God had done for them in the past and would do for them in the future.

Inspiration

Gratitude comes from having the right perspective. It’s being able to look at what

you have and being thankful for that, rather than longing for what you don’t have.

Do you know why you should feel grateful, especially at this special time of year?

You are a part of God’s plan, you are touched by God’s tenderness, and you are a victor

in God’s victory. What greater blessing could there be?

It’s incredible that anyone could look at the kindness of God, the faithfulness of

God, and the goodness of God, and not feel any emotion of gratitude.

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Remember the Lord. Remember who is in control. Remember His goodness in the

past. Remember how He became one of us that first Christmas. Remember His continued

closeness in the present. Remember His power for the future.

And give thanks.

(From The Inspirational Bible, “Thankfulness”)

Application

For what are you most grateful to God this holiday season? How do you rejoice

over what God has done in your life and what He will do for you in the future? Ask God

to give you a daily heart of thanksgiving throughout this Christmas season. List five

things you are thankful for, and then give Him praise.

Exploration

Thanksgiving—Nehemiah 11:17; Psalm 26:7; 100:4; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians

4:6–8; 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

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Day 6: Love Goes the Distance

But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

"Let all the angels of God worship Him."

Hebrews 11:6

Situation in Hebrews 1:1–14

The recipients of this letter thought highly of angels. The writer began by telling

them that Jesus was greater than any other spiritual force.

Observation

Jesus reveals all we need to know about God. Jesus’ power is like none other, and

He holds a higher position than anyone else.

Inspiration

Imagine the change Jesus had to make, the distance he had to travel. What would

it be like to become flesh?

This question surfaced as I was golfing recently. Waiting my turn to putt, I

squatted down to clean my ball and noticed a mountain of ants beside it. Must have been

dozens of them, all over each other. A pyramid of motion at least half an inch tall.

I don’t know what you think when you see ants on a green as you are waiting to

putt. But here is what I thought: Why are you guys all bunched up? You have the whole

green. Why, the entire golf course is yours to spread out in. Then it occurred to me.

These ants are nervous. Who could blame them? They live under a constant meteor

shower. Every few minutes a dimpled orb comes crashing into their world. Bam! Bam!

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Bam! Just when the bombing stops, the mallet-swinging giants arrive. If you survive their

feet and sticks, they roll a meteor at you. A golf green is no place for an ant.

So I tried to help them. Leaning down where they could hear me, I invited, “Come

on, follow me. We’ll find a nice spot in the rough. I know it well.” Not one looked in my

direction. “Hey, ants!” Still no reply. Then I realized, I don’t speak their language. I

don’t speak Ant. Pretty fluent in the idiom of Uncle, but I don’t speak Ant.

So what could I do to reach them? Only one thing. I needed to become an ant. Go

from six feet two inches to teeny-weeny. From 200-plus pounds to tenths of an ounce.

Swap my big world for their tiny one. Give up burgers and start eating grass.

“No thanks,” I said.

Love goes the distance . . . and Christ traveled from limitless eternity to be

confined by time in order to become one of us.

(Adapted from A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado)

Application

What aspect of Jesus' incarnation gives you the most joy? Had you been among

the Magi, what gift would you have brought the newborn King?

Exploration

Jesus Is God—John 1:1–18; Philippians 2:5–11.

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Day 7: God Gave Us Himself

For many deceivers have gone out into the world

who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.

This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

2 John 7

Situation in 2 John 1–13

John exhorted Christians to live in a way that pleased God and to be aware of

those who did not speak God’s truth.

Observation

God’s Word and God’s Spirit provide what we need to detect false teachers.

Inspiration

For thousands of years, God gave us His voice. Prior to Bethlehem, He gave His

messengers, His teachers, His words. But in the manger, God gave us Himself.

Many people have trouble with such a teaching. Islam sees God as one who sends

others. He sends angels, prophets, books, but God is too holy to come to us Himself. For

God to touch the earth would be called a “shirk.” People who claim that God has touched

the earth shirk God’s holiness; they make Him gross. They blaspheme Him.

Christianity, by contrast, celebrates God’s surprising descent. His nature does not

trap Him in heaven, but leads Him to earth. In God’s great gospel, He not only sends, He

becomes; He not only looks down, He lives among; He not only talks to us, He lives with

us as one of us.

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He swims in Mary’s womb.

Wiggles in the itchy manger straw.

Totters as He learns to walk.

Bounces on the back of a donkey.

God with us.

He knows hurt. His siblings called Him crazy.

He knows hunger. He made a meal out of wheat-field grains.

He knows exhaustion. So sleepy, He dozed in a storm-tossed boat.

He knows betrayal. He gave Judas three years of love. Judas, in turn, gave Jesus a

betrayer’s kiss.

Most of all, He knows sin. Not His own, mind you. But He knows yours.

Every lie you’ve told.

Person you’ve hurt.

Dollar you’ve taken.

Promise you’ve broken.

Virtue you’ve abandoned.

Opportunity you’ve squandered.

Every deed you’ve committed against God—for all sin is against God—Jesus

knows. He knows them better than you do. He knows their price. Because He paid it.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to

God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).

Celebrate Jesus this Christmas.

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(Adapted from Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado)

Application

Get to know better the Jesus who loves you, who came to earth for you, and who

died for you. Spend some extended time with Him today, thanking Him for His sacrifice,

praising Him for His majesty, and celebrating Him for who He is. And then wish Him a

Merry Christmas by the way you live this holiday season.

Exploration

Truth—Psalm 25:5; 51:6; 119:160; John 14:6; Colossians 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:15;

2 Peter 1:12.

Let one of America’s most-loved pastors guide you on a memorable journey to the manger. Sit beside

the babe. Know what it was like. Be inspired to live out your faith for Him.

E x p e r i e n c e t h i s C h r i s t m a s s e a s o n l i k e n e v e r b e f o r e w i t h t h i s s i x - w e e k d e v o t i o n a l f r o m

M a x L u c a d o