Christian calendars call January 6th “Epiphany.” It’s coming up on Saturday. It’s a date which is associated with the visit of the wise men to see Jesus: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him” … Continue reading An offering for a King
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Habits are priorities with a watch
Hello! After a short break, The Up Devotional is back to your email inboxes, social media feeds, and podcast platforms five mornings a week. Here we are in 2024. Wow, that sounds futuristic. But it’s the new now. The start of another twelve-month cycle gets you thinking about priorities. If you have them (and you … Continue reading Habits are priorities with a watch
With God all things are possible
Merry Christmas! After today, The Up Devotional is going on pause until January 3rd, but I just wanted to send you one last message on Christmas morning. Christ is born! Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah—God’s chosen king and representative on the earth. But something his followers came to learn was that Jesus was more than … Continue reading With God all things are possible
Fear: a doorway, not a disaster
Have you ever noticed how much angels tell people to not be afraid? When Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God…” (Luke 1:30) When the angel appeared to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, he said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good … Continue reading Fear: a doorway, not a disaster
Through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit
Caroling. It’s one of those things that just might be fading away. I hope not. But it may be. I wonder why. Perhaps as towns turn into cities fewer people know their neighbours and therefore feel uncomfortable singing to them. Perhaps it's because as a society we tend to do less singing in general. Perhaps … Continue reading Through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit
I am only the workshop in which God operates
I’ve been reflecting a lot about Mary. A messenger from God named Gabriel came to her. “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28, ESV). He went on to tell her that she would miraculously give birth to the Messiah. Here is her response: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; … Continue reading I am only the workshop in which God operates
Knowing God, not knowing everything
What does Mary teach us about having faith today, especially when the future is uncertain. In short, a lot. Just imagine her situation. She was a young Jewish woman. She may have been as young as 14, 15 or 16 when she gave birth to Jesus. She would have grown up learning the Scriptures, reciting … Continue reading Knowing God, not knowing everything
It’s the most wonderful (or stressful?) time of the year
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s a popular song by Andy Williams. I’ve already heard it on the radio, on TV, and in the mall about a zillion times. But let’s be honest. For a lot of people it is anything but. December brings about as much stress as it does candy … Continue reading It’s the most wonderful (or stressful?) time of the year
The generosity of Saint Nicholas
When most people think about Christmas they also think about Santa Claus, the jolly red-suited man who magically brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. But where did he come from? Has he always been associated with Christmas? And is it true that he is based on a man named Saint Nicholas? In regards to … Continue reading The generosity of Saint Nicholas
It’s (b)right around the corner
In his autobiography, Arthur Miller reflects on his relationship with Marilyn Monroe. He talks about their loss of faith and descent into despair. “How I wish I still had my religion and she hers.”* As followers of Christ, we have many reasons to hope. But if we don’t consciously and consistently reflect on those reasons, … Continue reading It’s (b)right around the corner
