Hidden Gems in the Christmas Story: Daniel and the Wise Men

by David Chadwick

Today we will look at one last hidden gem in the Christmas story. Daniel and the wise men.

Wait? Daniel is an Old Testament character. He lived 500 plus years before Jesus was born. What does he have to do with the Christmas story?

When Daniel lived in Babylon, he had an excellent spirit and worked very hard. God gifted him with spiritual insights. Eventually, he became like a Prime Minister of Babylon and was given authority over all of the enchanters, astrologers, and magicians. This last group of magicians were actually called “magi” in their original language.

Fast forward to the Christmas story. The wise men who visited Jesus are often called “the Magi.” They came from a distant land in the east, which was in the same general direction as the former Babylon.

Here are a couple of profound questions to ponder: How did the Magi know about the star? What to look for? Where to go?

Could it be that Daniel, some 500 plus years prior, taught them what to look for in the stars? Could he have shown them the gospel preached in the stars in Genesis 1? (Virgo the Virgin Mary; Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, etc.). Do you think the Magi may have passed down this information for generations?

Until one day, they saw a star in the east and knew that it was THE star Daniel had told their forefathers to look for? And thus making sense of why they brought expensive gifts from afar to worship the Son of God.

It could be. And, if so, this should certainly make one pause. And contemplate the greatness of our God who controls every second of history and uses all for his glory and purposes.

Another Christmas hidden gem? Sure does seem to hold some merit.

I pray these two weeks of hidden gems have encouraged your heart during the most wonderful time of the year.

A most blessed and merry Christmas to you all!

Thank you for sharing a moment of your day with us throughout the year. We look forward to sending you a Daily Moment of Hope again beginning January 1, 2024. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Hidden Gems in the Christmas Story: Mary the Songwriter

by David Chadwick

These hidden gems in the Christmas story are like precious jewels that you can go back to again and again during this time of the year to stir up your faith and renew your hope for Jesus’s return.

Today’s hidden gem: Mary the songwriter.

After Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that Jesus was on the way and explained the role he would play for the world, Mary wrote a song of praise called The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).

This song is full of poetry, passion, and joy. She worships the Lord, praises his name. She speaks of the generations to come that will call her blessed. Declaring the characteristics of this coming King, she stirs up faith with each word.

I have always wanted to write a song. A poem of sorts. Especially to God. I marvel at people who have this gift.

Well, why not write one? It doesn’t have to be published. It doesn’t even need recognition. Let it be from your heart to God. Tell him how much you love him. Speak to what Jesus being sent into this world has done for you. A psalm of praise and worship. Why not try?

Mary did. And she was a simple teen, most likely from a poor family. Her simple, childlike poem of faith went on to be published and read and sung for all eternity!

This Christmas season, inspired by this hidden gem, stretch yourself and try something you may have never thought to try. Write a song to the Lord from your heart to his!

This just may fill your heart with joy like never before.

Thank you for sharing a moment of your day with us throughout the year. This is our last week of distribution of the Daily Moment of Hope for 2023. We look forward to sending you a Daily Moment of Hope again beginning January 1, 2024.

Hidden Gems in the Christmas Story: Angels Everywhere

by David Chadwick

We are a little over halfway through a Christmas treasure hunt. Looking for hidden gems found throughout the Christmas story. I believe when you search out the treasures beneath the surface, it stirs your faith and renews your hope.

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas story is the number of angels God uses. Angels are everywhere!

Hebrews 1:14 says this, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” Angels are ministering spirits assigned specifically to care for God’s elect. The prophet Daniel tells us in chapter 7 that there are 10’s of millions times 10’s of millions of angels around God’s throne.

God sent ministering angels to people throughout the Christmas story. Think about it for a second. Mary (Luke 1:26-56). Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25). The shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). And another instance during the escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13).

The same God who sent angels to his children back then wants to do the same for you in your times of need as well.

Today, choose to call on the name of the Lord. And then ask God to help you in your time of need. Ask him to command his angels to minister to you. Psalm 91:11 says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

The Christmas story proves that angels are everywhere. They are on assignments and have been used throughout history to minister to and protect people, to battle against the devil’s wiles, and to bring about the purposes of God.

And God just may be ready to send one to you today as well!

Thank you for sharing a moment of your day with us throughout the year. This is our last week of distribution of the Daily Moment of Hope for 2023. We look forward to sending you a Daily Moment of Hope again beginning January 1, 2024.