Christmas 12- The Way, the Truth and the Life

January 5

Matthew 2:1 – 6; John 14:6

The magi had no doubts about what the star revealed and were not surprised when the star guided them directly to the infant King. By faith we also know that Christ is ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life,’ the only way to God. Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection are the promise of a path to eternal life.

The familiar hymn, ‘As with gladness men of old’ speaks clearly of the magi and also of Christ, our way to the presence of God.

As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;

As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright;

So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led by Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to Thy lowly bed, 

There to bend the knee before Thee, whom heav’n and earth adore;

So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare At Thy cradle, rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heav’nly King.

Holy Jesus, ev’ry day Keep us in the narrow way;

And when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the heav’nly country bright Need they no created light;

Thou its light, its joy, its crown, Thou its sun which goes not down;

There forever may we sing Alleluias to our King.

For the Family:

Create a double walled triangle and in the center of the triangle put the name God claimed for Himself, “I AM.” When Christ used these sacred words He clearly identified Himself as the Son of God. On each leg of the triangle place one of the three characteristics that Christ claimed for Himself, “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.” Hang this symbol on your Tree of Promise and use verse 4 of “As With Gladness Men of Old” as your prayer.

Bible Journaling:

Christmas 12

John 14:6

Bible Journaling 
Connie Denninger

From the Kitchen:

The farmers in Emporia, VA raised peanuts. It was easy to get a couple of pounds of raw shelled  peanuts in the fall. Those peanuts, sugar, water, and the recipe were all that was needed to make Sugar Peanuts. 

SUGAR PEANUTS

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emporia, VA

2 Cups raw peanuts

1 cup sugar

½ cup water

• Dissolve sugar in water over medium heat in sauce pan or frying pan
• Add peanuts and continue cooking over medium heat stirring frequently until it looks dry

Spread out on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 300 for approximately 30 minutes, stirring at 5 minute intervals.

Tree of Promise Devotions
Natalie Hartwig