Birth of Jesus

December 25th – Luke 2:11

Luke 2:11

Good morning to the most wonderful day of the year! For today is the day we celebrate the glorious birth of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ! Our promised Messiah and the ultimate gift of love bestowed upon humanity. This divine proclamation of a Savior born in Bethlehem resonates through the ages, encapsulating the profound significance of Christ’s coming. In a humble feeding trough, our Creator entered His creation, offering a tangible expression of love and grace. The joy found in knowing Him is unparalleled, for in Jesus, we discover the embodiment of God’s redemptive plan. As we exchange goodwill, gifts, and gather with loved ones, may the true spirit of Christmas fill our hearts. An inextinguishable joy rooted in the knowledge that, in the small town of Bethlehem, the world received the greatest gift ever. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who brings light, love, and eternal hope. Praying you have a blessed holiday overflowing with love! Merry Christmas!

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December 20th – Isaiah 40:31

Isaiah 40:31

In the hushed quiet of the Bethlehem night, the shepherds stood in the darkness, their watchful eyes scanning the starlit sky. Suddenly that darkness was shattered by the light of the appearance of God’s angels. A great host, announcing the arrival of the hope of the world with the birth of Jesus. A hope that filled the shepherds with great joy, and one they spread to all they met. For the promised Messiah, sent by God, proved that hope placed in the faithfulness of the Lord will always be rewarded. What a beautiful portrait of resilience and endurance. One that encourages us to place our hope not in the world, but in God. In the quiet moments and twinkling stars of the season, we can draw strength from God’s promises. And we can find comfort in the belief that even in the darkest nights of our lives, the dawn of hope is on the horizon. Christmas, at its core, becomes a beacon of hope, inviting us to trust in the God who renews and sustains us, enabling us to soar above life’s challenges with unwavering faith.

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December 17th – Matthew 6:14-15

Matthew 6:14-15

At Christmas, one of the most precious gifts we can give is not found under the tree but within our hearts. And it’s the gift of forgiveness. In forgiving, we echo the profound love of the Christmas story. Making the holiday truly shine with the light of peace and understanding. So in the spirit of the season, may forgiveness be the gift we exchange freely. Just as we anticipate the warmth of family gatherings and the glow of festive lights, may our hearts also be aglow with the lightness of forgiveness. Christmas invites us to unwrap the burdens of resentment and bitterness, extending the grace we ourselves have received. For in forgiving, we emulate the essence of Christmas. Which is the divine forgiveness bestowed upon humanity through the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we exchange presents under the tree, let us, in equal measure, exchange forgiveness, allowing the transformative power of grace to weave a tapestry of love and reconciliation, making this Christmas truly merry and bright.

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December 16th – Matthew 1:23

Matthew 1:23

In the hush of falling snow and the twinkle of festive lights, Christmas whispers the eternal truth. “God with us.” Not just a feel good story, the birth of Christ is an invitation to unwrap the gift of divine presence. For our great Creator chose to dwell among us, making Christmas a timeless celebration of love drawing near. And a rejoicing of the fulfilled promise of God. The long awaited Messiah, born in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem. And as we celebrate the birth of Christ, “God with us” unveils a love so tangible, so personal, that it steps into the humblest of human experiences. The manger becomes a throne, and the cry of a newborn heralds the presence of the Almighty. In the quiet stillness of the stable, we encounter a God who, in the form of a vulnerable baby, invites us to know Him intimately. Christmas, at its core, is an invitation to dwell in the warmth of the Creator’s embrace. To experience His nearness, and to marvel at the beauty of “God with us.”

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December 2nd – Psalm 62:1

Psalm 62:1

Does it feel like life is one big waiting room? Waiting to see the doctor. Waiting in line at the grocery store. Waiting for next available representative. Over the course of a lifetime, we spend almost fours years waiting. Normally we wait without giving it a second thought. But when we’re hurting, when we desperately need a victory, the waiting becomes painfully unbearable. That’s how the Israelites felt as they endured suffering while awaiting their promised Messiah. The advent season is all about waiting. And the importance of trusting in God, in His timing and promises. But although waiting isn’t easy, we can find comfort knowing we never wait in vain. Nor longer than God intends. And He always blesses our faithfulness greater than we could ever imagine. So as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and await His glorious return, this Advent season invites us to share in the joy of God’s gift to humanity. And find comfort knowing the pain of waiting is nothing compared to the awesome goodness God has in store for us.

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December 25th – 2 Corinthians 13:14

2 Corinthians 13:14

As the year comes to a close and we reflect on birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I can think of no better blessing to pray for you all than Paul’s benediction to the Corinthians. This Christmas, and every day after, may you have grace, love, and fellowship. Unmerited grace is what Jesus gave when He paid our sin debt with His blood. May the same grace flow through you to everyone you meet. Love is why God sent His only begotten Son to be nailed on a Cross. May the same love shine through in all you do. Fellowship is what we can have with the Father and Son through the gift of the Spirit. May you always be led by the guidance of God’s Spirit, and follow His direction. And most of all, on this the most glorious of days, may you have a wonderful holiday overflowing with love and blessings! Merry Christmas!

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December 29th – Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5-8

As we get ready to put 2021 behind us and move on to the new year, may we go in to it with the examples displayed by our Savior with His birth. Including humility, obedience, and the greatest of all, love. Jesus sat on His glorious throne in heaven, where He was surrounded by constant worship and praise. He wanted for nothing, and enjoyed perfect peace at the side of the Father. Yet willingly, He left it all behind to come to this wicked world and save us through His great love. In His humanity, Christ endured great suffering, even unto death on a Cross. He was rejected, ridiculed, and betrayed. And He suffered all of this to glorify God and to comfort and provide for us in all things. (Heb. 4:14-16) So as the new year brings with it a new start, may our resolutions, be filled with “Jesus goals”. Goals to be be better, do better, and have an “attitude in yourselves which was also in Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 2:5)

 

 

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December 27th – Luke 2:25-35

Luke 2:25-35

How was your Christmas? Did you get that special gift you so desired? More than just a holiday of celebrating for us, Christmas is also the birthday of our Lord and Savior. So how about His gift? What do you think Jesus wants for His special day? We can find out through an encounter at God’s temple between Simeon, Mary, Joseph, and the small “Lord’s Christ”. First, Jesus wants our lives. Simeon waited a long time to see God’s promise fulfilled. But in the meantime, he lived in obedience and righteousness. Second He wants our praise and worship. When Jesus was placed in Simeon’s arms, the first thing he did was to joyfully thank and pay homage to God.  And finally, the Lord wants our purpose. Simeon’s purpose was to proclaim the Good News of Christ. And our purpose is the same, to lead others to the saving grace of Jesus. Christ gave to us the greatest gift of all, so shouldn’t be eager to give Him the gifts He wants as well?

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December 25th – Luke 1:68-69

Luke 1:-68-69

I once heard a preacher say, “If our greatest need was entertaining, God would have sent us an actor. If our greatest need was technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need was more things, God would have sent us a genie. But since our greatest need is forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.” Because our God is perfect, true, and the source of all love, from the beginning it was His plan to redeem His people. And so He promised to send a Messiah. A sacrificial Lamb who would come to give His life for all of mankind. A promise fulfilled in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God in the flesh, Jesus came to be our Friend, Teacher, and Redeemer. He is the greatest Christmas present of all! May we give thanks and rejoice for Christ’s birth, death, and the salvation He freely offers to each and every one. Merry Christmas to you all, and may the light of Christ’s love shine upon you this and every day of the year!

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December 22nd – Isaiah 52:7-10

Isaiah 52:7-10

It never fails. Every Christmas my mother buys socks for the guys in our family. And even though they give her a hard time, in reality they’re thankful for the fresh supply. And after all, feet are to celebrated at Christmas. Especially the feet of God’s messenger. Long before the mailman and email, news was spread through messengers. They ran for miles, far and wide, spreading the news entrusted to them. And their feet took the beating. They were dirty, callused, and ugly. Yet the feet bringing the news to a war torn, scared, and captive Israel, were a beautiful sight. For the feet of this messenger brought good news! Tidings of great joy and peace from the Lord. God had not forsaken His people, and the victory was His. The same glorious message given to us through the feet of a small babe lying in a manger.

December 22nd – Isaiah 52:7-10 Read More »