Christmas 5- Fulfillment of the Promise

December 29

Read Luke 2:8 – 20

The account of the annunciation to the shepherds, their trusting reaction, and witness following action are a treasured part of the Christmas story. Today focus on verse 20 and the attitude of the shepherds as they left the manger. The same spirit of praise and rejoicing is right for us as we leave the manger and return to our lives. We too have seen and heard the fulfillment of the promises.

‘Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing’ is a translation of a beloved Slovak Christmas hymn that urges us to sing joyfully in response to promises kept. “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt” by Jaroslav Vajda has gentle tenderness and sound theology. If you look hard enough you can hear it on you tube. Martin Luther’s hymn, ‘To Shepherds as They Watched by Night’ tells the story of the shepherds.

To shepherds as they watched by night Appeared a host of angels bright;

“Behold the tender babe” they said,

 “In yonder lowly manger laid,

“At Bethlehem, in David’s town, As Micah did of old make known.

It is the Christ, your Lord and King,

 Who will to all salvation bring.”

Oh, then rejoice that through his Son God is with sinners now at one;

Made like your-selves of flesh and blood,

 Your brother is th’ eternal God.

What harm can sin and death then do? The true God now abides with you.

Let hell and Satan storm and rave, 

Christ is your brother you are safe.

Not one he will or can forsake; His cov’nant he will never break.

Let ev’ry scheme the tempter try, 

You may his utmost pow’rs defy.

You shall and must at last prevail. God’s own you are; you cannot fail.

To God forever sing your praise 

With joy and patience all your days.

For the Family:

A cross emblazoned with a treble clef symbolizes the rejoicing child of God. Hang this symbol on your Tree of Promise and pray God to give you a heart and voice of joy.

Bible Journaling:

Fulfillment of the Promise
Dec. 29
Bible Journaling
Connie Denninger

From the Kitchen:

If you are a compulsive baker you probably have some muffins in your freezer. If you are also a gardener, and knew my mother those muffins are probably Chocolate Chip Zucchini.

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

Dora Pfitzer Meyermann -Mother of Natalie Hartwig

1 tsp baking powder 1 ½ C flour ¾ C sugar ½ tsp salt

1 t cinnamon 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ C oil

¼ C milk 1 T lemon juice 1 t vanilla

1 C shredded zucchini ¼ C semi sweet chocolate chips

¼ C chopped walnuts

• Sift dry ingredients together
• Combine egg, oil, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
• Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
• Fold in zucchini, chocolate chips, and nuts.
• Fill paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 20 – 25 minutes or until the test done. Yield 12 muffins

Muffins freeze well as standard size muffins. Mini muffins tend to dry out when frozen.

Tree of Promise Devotions

Natalie Grace Hartwig