Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Luke 2:1-4
Now it happened that in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire. And everyone went to be registered, each one to his own town. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

In order to be obedient to God, sometimes it requires sacrifice. And for Mary and Joseph, it was no different. It may have felt unjust and unnecessary, but in order to fulfill the prophecy of the prophet Micah, that young couple had to pack up the donkey and walk 70 miles to the place where the Messiah would be born. Thankfully, God made sure they made it to their destination just in time.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ occurred in this way. His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ birth didn’t quite happen according to the typical human timeline because it wasn’t a plan made by man; it was a plan made by God. And even though the circumstances of Jesus’ conception were unconventional, Mary and Joseph chose to put their trust in an unconventional God who desired the Savior of the world to come as a fragile baby by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Monday, December 23, 2024

Monday, December 23, 2024
Isaiah 9:6
For a child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. And the government will be on His shoulder, and His name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Gifts beneath the tree are sweet, but that feeling of sweetness is only temporary because those presents are temporary. But there is one gift that has been given to you that will never lose its sweetness. It’s the gift of Jesus. And His presence is what you need all year long.

Friday, December 20, 2024

Friday, December 20, 2024
Luke 15:23-24
Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

The story of the prodigal son is so memorable because it’s the story of all humanity. Each one of us has run from the Father and found ourselves lost in a world that is filled with sin. But, the great thing is, no one has to stay lost. You can always find your way back to your heavenly Father. And when you do, He’s got a party all ready for you.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Thursday, December 19, 2024
Psalm 145:7
They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

If you’ve had a bad day, lost your job, or are on the brink of financial ruin, praising God isn’t usually the first thing on your mind. And yet, in those difficult moments, realizing that God is still good can help you face anything that’s thrust your way. When you remember that life isn’t simply about your circumstances, it pushes you to look past those seemingly bad things and onto a God that can make anything good…because He is good.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
1 Corinthians 5:8
Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

The festivals Israel celebrated were always about one thing, and it wasn’t the food. It was about focusing their hearts on remembering. Remembering the One who delivered them from their enemies and gave them everything they needed. All they needed to do was worship Him with sincere hearts filled with genuine faith. God treasures humility over hypocrisy.