Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Luke 2:7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Jesus’ birth wasn’t entirely the fairy-tale birth night that picture books make it out to be. The King of Kings was born to a simple couple and laid in a feeding troth. A king plotted his murder. As Jesus’ parents fled His birthplace, they heard the wails of grieving mothers whose children had been slain by Herod. Jesus had every right to be born in a palace, but the Prince of Peace came into this world with lowly and humble beginnings, rife with tragedy, but brimming with hope.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Luke 2:10-11
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Imagine working the late-night shift with your coworkers, when suddenly the sky explodes with light and song. A myriad of angels sing praises to God, while another heavenly messenger stoops down to tell you the greatest news in history. How fitting it was for shepherds to be the first ones to hear that the Good Shepherd had finally been born!

Monday, December 18, 2023

Monday, December 18, 2023
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

When sin entered the world, God already had a plan to save His creations, and He put that plan into motion using the most unlikely people. Abraham, a man who struggled with faithfulness toward both God and his wife. Moses, a murderer too afraid to speak in public. David, a mighty king who couldn’t control his own lusts. And finally, Mary, a young virgin with nothing to offer but a servant’s heart, who would ultimately become the mother of the Son of God… the One whom the world would call Immanuel.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Friday, December 15, 2023
Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

When Jesus sent out the disciples two by two to spread the gospel, He sent them with no money, no food, and no shoes. When Peter stepped out on the water to approach Jesus, he didn’t go with goggles and a life jacket. If God has called you into something, or if you are taking a leap of faith, success doesn’t hinge on your money, your resources, or even your abilities. Though I’m sure they got a little hungry at times, the Lord provided for the disciples when He sent them out two by two, and though Peter probably got a little wet when he stepped out of the boat, Christ kept his head above water. Recognize that there’s something bigger at play in your life than you or your possessions; when He tugs on your heart, let go and let God.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Thursday, December 14, 2023
1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

Everyone is valuable in the eyes of God… everyone. Jesus personally cared for the “unlovable” people of His time, the worst of the worst, healing their ailments and forgiving their sins. When He saw the lowest of the low, He saw a human being made in the image of God, and He treated them like one. His command to anyone who loves the Lord is simple: love His creations and treat them how you would want to be treated. If you see someone in need, use the resources that the Lord has given you to help them, treating the sons and daughters of God like royalty.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

In Matthew 25, the Lord reveals that “as you did to the least of these, you did to me.” In other words, how you treat the least significant person might as well be the way you treat Christ. He died for the poor, the downtrodden, and the outcasts, the same way He died for you. So, treat them the way you would want to be treated. Give to the poor, be generous toward the needy, and don’t hold back the time and resources that God has given you, as if they were yours in the first place. Bless the less fortunate lives around you, and watch as the Lord blesses you right back, in this life or the next.