Receive 5

John 13:34-35

We have three Christmas trees in the main section of our house. One is in the entryway, one is in the living room and one is in the dining room. All are near windows so that they may be seen from outside.

Why do we do this? Why do we decorate our homes with lights and trees and evergreen swags? We do it so that we can share the wonderful season of Christmas with others.

The trees are beautiful and it is very pleasant to sit in the evening and look at all the decorations and the soft lights. But our celebration of Christmas is not something only for ourselves. The excitement and love of the holiday is meant to be shared with everyone.

Today’s passage is from a later chapter in John, but I believe it is as much a part of the story of Christmas as any other. What does Jesus command? What will that show?

Christmas can be a wonderful time of gathering as family or with friends, surrounding ourselves with all the joys and pleasures of the holiday. It can be a very personal experience, a time of family love and warmth.

But the gift of Christmas, although meant to be a personal and intimate gift, is also a gift which needs to be shared. We receive the love of God at Christmas. We are reminded of how deep and powerful God’s compassion for us truly is.

Now we must spread that gift to others. We must show the love and compassion of God to the entire world, sharing Christ with everyone.

Let the love and joy of Christmas be yours, but let it also be shown to the world, shining as bright and pure as the candles and lights of the season.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you shine God’s light of love this year?

This is our final devotion for 2009. We will resume on January 4, 2010. Our family would like to wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year. May the love and peace of God be with you always. – Roger and Peggy

Receive 4

John 1:14

At our previous church they told the story on several occasions about a man who was home one evening when birds began flying into the reflection of the sky on his plate glass window. Bird after bird flew into the glass and smacked against the hard surface. The man tried to shoo the birds away, to warn them, but they kept flying into the window.

Desperate to help the birds and tired from waving his arms, the man finally thought that if he could become a bird he would warn the others about the window. And it was in thinking this that he saw the meaning of the birth of Jesus.

Jesus was a gift from God to all of humanity, a gift of God in flesh. Jesus became one of us. He became a person so that we might be able to understand who God really is. Christ became a person so that he might have an intimate and personal relationship with each of us.

It was through the birth, life and death of Jesus that we get to know who God is. We can see His mercy and His love through the teaching and action of Jesus. Through the example of Jesus we are shown the glory of God, the Father. Through God, the Son, we can know better our heavenly Father.

That is the purpose and point of Christmas – God giving Himself to us so that we might know God better and more closely. The point of Jesus is that we see more clearly who our God is.

Knowing this should bring us joy. Knowing that God loves us so much that He wanted to live among us should fill our hearts with a warm elation, not just over the holidays, but every day of our lives.

Receive the gift of Christ. Let the joy of God’s precious gift, the example of His glory, grace and truth fill your heart this Christmas.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can Christmas become more personal to you this year?

Receive 3

John 1:12-13

There are many people in our society today who are members of various clubs – Elks, Eagles, Moose, VFW, and so on. When I was younger I joined a gun club and was able to go to the range and shoot at targets whenever I wanted. To be a member of these clubs there are certain requirements, but mostly you must pay the required fee to join.

As John continues talking about Jesus he addresses our relationship to him. What must we do to be children of God? What kind of child is that?

While being a Christian and believing in God and in Jesus Christ are by no means a form of club, true believers do become part of a special group. If, as John points out, we receive him and believe in his name we are children of God. There are no dues or special tasks involved. We simply must receive – accept the birth, life and death of Jesus – and believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

And what type of person is a child of God? A child of God is not someone born to certain parents or part of a certain heritage. Children of God are those who accept Christ and his birth and death. Then we are born of God, no matter what type of person we were or who we descended from.

The description of a child of God also fits Jesus. He was born, not of natural descent. His birth was not due to the decision or will of a human. Jesus was born of God. It took no money or anything else of man to create Christ. He came from God and was freely given.

This free gift is the most precious of all gifts. This gift that no man had any part in was the greatest gift to all humanity. And what are we to do?

We are to receive the gift. We are to accept the gift. We are to welcome this wonderful present from God and believe in Jesus so that we are made children of God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you express your joy at receiving the gift of Jesus?

Receive 2

John 1:4-5

It is one of those fascinating facts of physics that no matter how dark a room may be, even a large room like the Sanctuary of a church, the light of a single candle can be seen from anywhere in the room. No matter how dark it gets the candle still offers light. In fact, the darker it is the brighter the candle will seem.

John has a few things to say about Jesus at the beginning of his book. What was the life that is in Jesus? What is the relationship with light and dark?

The most familiar translation of this passage uses the word “overcome” rather than “understood.” But both terms apply.

Jesus brought light into a dark world. He brought the light of wisdom and grace and mercy and love. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of hope for a people who had never known salvation before. Jesus was that small flame of love in the darkness of the world.

And that light shines brightly no matter how dark the world or our lives may seem. In fact, the darker things get in our life with troubles and stress and worry, the brighter the help of Christ may feel to us.

There is nothing the darkness – the evil and troubles of the world – can do to block out the light that Christ brings. Whether it is the light of love shining in the darkness of hate, or the light of wisdom shining in the darkness of ignorance, there is nothing the darkness can do to stop the light.

And the darkness of hate cannot overcome the light. And the darkness of ignorance and selfishness cannot understand the light that Jesus brings.

We are invited to be part of this great and wonderful light of love and comfort that Jesus brings. We are invited to help shine the light of God in the darkness of the world.

Let the light of Christ into your life this holiday and receive God’s love with great joy.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you shine the light of hope and mercy and love this holiday season?

Receive 1

Matthew 18:3

I don’t need anything for Christmas. I am a man in my fifties with a wife, children, two cars and a nice house. Whatever I really need I usually go out and buy over the course of the year. Yet, on Christmas morning it is always fun to be able to open a gift. There is something exciting and joyful about receiving some object, some present that was meant just for you.

Some people might claim that it is immature of a person to get excited about getting gifts, but I believe God wants us to have child-like joy in the celebration of our holidays. What lesson does Jesus teach in today’s reading?

What exactly does Jesus mean by becoming like little children? Most interpretations are that he meant we need to regain that childhood innocence we once had. We need to look at life with a trusting heart, open and honest and uncontaminated by the evils of the world.

But I think he also means we need to celebrate life the way children celebrate. Is there anyone more joyous on Christmas morning than a child, jumping and screaming with excitement?

Do we celebrate Christmas with that much enthusiasm? Probably not. We might sit in a comfortable chair with a hot chocolate or coffee and watch the festivities of the day unfold while we look on, a slight smile on our face. We seldom hop up and down with sheer joy.

But perhaps we should. Perhaps we need to truly comprehend what Christmas is all about. We must realize what an amazing gift has been given to each of us, and perhaps that truth should make us dance with child-like glee, even if we are in our fifties or sixties or seventies.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you celebrate God’s gift of Christmas?

Give 5

Matthew 25:35-36

Several years ago I received a call from an elderly woman who was struggling with her health, as was her husband. In addition to their health issues the couple was financially strapped, living in a small apartment with very few belongings. For Christmas she wanted only to be able to provide a nice holiday meal for her husband and family.

When the request was made known the church responded with an abundance of food and cookware. I was the one who was fortunate enough to deliver the donations. I was the one blessed to see the grateful expressions and the excitement the woman felt.

In this holiday season as we celebrate the story of Christ’s birth, we take a moment to look at one of the lessons Jesus taught. He told of his return and how he would reward those who followed his teaching. What needs are listed? What responses are given?

The generosity presented in this lesson from Jesus does not involve an abundance of money spent. Food, drink, fellowship, and compassion are the gifts we can give to those in need.

At Christmas we can get very caught up in the exchange of presents. We can be consumed with the amount and value of the many gifts. While it is important to spend time together as a family and to share times of love and togetherness, we must never forget that our giving should also extend beyond our own families.

As we go through this season of celebration, of sharing love and generosity, let us remember to share God’s love and compassion with those less fortunate than ourselves. As we consider what gifts we may want to buy for our loved ones, we should also set aside money and time to give gifts to the needy.

By sharing your abundance with those less fortunate you will be living out the true gift and spirit of Christmas, an attitude of selfless giving and compassion.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Is there someone in your community who needs your time and a small bit of sacrifice on your part?

Give 4

John 1:1-3

There are times when I must remind our children that doing chores and helping out around the house are simply part of the expectations of being in the family. Being helpful is not a one-time opportunity that is rewarded and then abandoned. Now and then one of the children will ask what they will get if they do this job or that. I tell them they get to live in our house another month.

While Christmas is a celebration of exchanging gifts, giving and receiving presents, and while the day is a reminder of the greatest gift of all, that of our Savior Jesus, we are also reminded of other gifts from God. Where did the “Word” begin? What did the “Word” take part in?

The Greek term for “Word” is Logos. It represents the consciousness and will of God. Logos is intended to be Jesus; therefore, the “Word” is Jesus.

In this holiday season as we hear the story over and over about Mary and Joseph and the little baby born in Bethlehem, we can overlook the fact that the baby we are talking about did not originate in that small town. The baby that came as a gift to humanity was God, eternal and beyond all time.

With the birth of the human, Jesus, God Himself came to earth to live among mortals. God Himself appeared in flesh in the form of Jesus. And while this is the greatest gift of all time, the gift of extreme love and mercy and forgiveness, we cannot overlook the fact that all of creation is a gift from God.

Through Jesus and the power of God all things have been made. God created heaven and earth. God created each one of us. And all of this creation is a gift from God, an expression of love and compassion, a love that has existed before we were born.

Christmas should not be a time when we give presents and then we are done with the task. The giving spirit, the willingness to share, the desire to give good things to others should be something that is in our hearts at all times. The “spirit” of Christmas, the spirit of giving, should be with us always.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you keep the Christmas spirit as part of what you do every day of the year?

Give 3

Isaiah 9:6-7

Last year we gave our daughter a Nintendo DS. It is a hand-held game device, something she can carry with her almost everywhere and play games. At first it may appear to be one of those devices which foster being isolated and alone. She can be entertained all by herself.

But one interesting part of the game device is that most of the games can be shared with others who also have a Nintendo DS. If someone else has a device and the same game the game can be shared. One of the games she was given is also a game that others can play when our daughter isn’t using the DS.

Because of that Peggy and our son have been involved in the game, and their involvement has fostered times of sharing and talking.

From this small game device that seems like an isolated object, sharing and fun has spread and spread and spread over time.

The prophet Isaiah had predicted the coming of the Messiah, presenting a message of hope and anticipation to the faithful. What gift was expected? What are the titles given to Jesus? What was expected of Jesus?

The baby prophesied in Isaiah was not a person who would appear briefly and then be lost over time. This Messiah who was anticipated would become a great and powerful influence. The baby born in Bethlehem would grow to be the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace for all who believe. He was the Mighty God who would become a very part of who we are.

The gift of Jesus was an everlasting gift, not something temporary. The gift of a Savior would impact all of life and all who believed from that time on into eternity.

The gift we celebrate at Christmas is not a gift just for one day or one year or even one lifetime. The gift of Christ is a gift for all time. And the gift of God’s love is not a gift we selfishly cling to. It is a gift of love and peace that has no end, a gift to be shared with all.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to be part of the increase of Christ’s government and peace?

Give 2

Matthew 1:22-23

Some of the best gifts we have given our children in the past and still today are those gifts we call “family gifts.” These are presents that are not to a specific individual, but are meant to be shared by all of us. Gifts such as games and decorations are meant to involve all of us, requiring that we enjoy them together. The present that is given is more than just the item, it is also the gift of shared time together.

Continuing in Matthew we see an explanation of what the angel was telling Joseph about the baby who would be born. Why would this birth take place? What was the prophecy? What does “Immanuel” mean?

It is difficult for me to get through the Christmas season without tears in my eyes every time I read Matthew 1:23. God with us. The gift of Jesus is the gift of God being present with us, and not just 2,000 years ago and not just in Israel.

The gift of Jesus is the gift of God’s presence with each one of us every day no matter where we are or what we are doing. What an incredible and personal gift that is.

It seems so often that presents exchanged at the holidays are an attempt to satisfy the recipient, to make them happy if only for a brief time, and then send them on their way. But the gift that started the whole Christmas tradition, the whole Christmas celebration, was a gift that lasted forever. It was a gift of presence that cannot be taken away.

As we give presents this year we need to remember to also give our presence. Give of yourself, give of your time, give your attention. Don’t let the rush and chaos of the celebration steal the love that is meant to be shared.

Let every present you give be accompanied with the gift of your attention and honest feelings. Let the greatest gift you give be a gift of love and caring for those you know and those you don’t.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you add to your gift list? Can you add the gift of your time together with loved ones? Can you give a gift of love to strangers?

Give 1

Matthew 1:20-21

Another pastor once shared with me that the most awe-inspiring idea of Christmas is the manifestation of Jesus. The fact that God became flesh, became a human so that He might live among us and among other humans, is the most incredible part of Christmas.

We can get so caught up in the presents of Christmas that we forget about the “presence” we have with Christmas. Christmas is that celebration of the presence of God in our lives.

We are familiar with the beginning of the story of Christmas. Joseph, a carpenter, is engaged to be married to a young woman named Mary. But suddenly it is discovered that Mary is with child and Joseph is not the father. Disturbed and probably embarrassed, Joseph decides to end the relationship.

Who appears to Joseph? What assurance is given? What name is to be given?

The name “Jesus” that we use is the Greek version of “Joshua.” In Hebrew it is “Yeshua,” and the name has as its meaning “the Lord saves.”

This child was born of the Holy Spirit. This child was God in flesh, come to the world so that the world might be saved from hopelessness and sorrow, from the worries and fears of a life of sin.

Jesus was a gift from God and of God. It was a very personal and meaningful gift. It was precisely what we all needed and still need today.

Our giving of gifts is just a faint shadow of the generosity of God. We cannot duplicate a gift as wonderful as Jesus, but our presents that we exchange at Christmas should be a closer reflection of the gift of God. Our gifts should be just what the recipient wants and needs. Our gifts should be from our hearts and possibly be from ourselves and not just something costly we purchased.

As we look at Christmas in a new way, let the thought of giving meaningful gifts, heartfelt gifts, personal gifts be your guide.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Do you need to re-think what you will give to others this year?

Rebel 5

Isaiah 55:2

Christmas in years past has been a time of giving our children popular toys and games that they have wanted. They begged for this new gadget or that popular item. But there have been so many years where we bought the latest fad, the hottest item on the shelves, only to have the toy fall apart after just a few days, or be neglected by our children in short order because the FUN just didn’t last very long.

As our children have grown older the gifts have been just as much desired, but tend to be presents that will last. The gifts are fewer but are better investments.

In this passage from Isaiah we have a simple message from God. What question does God pose? What does God suggest instead?

Like the toys that are short-lived, the food at the holidays can be overly sweet and extra rich. Taking in too much of these empty calories can leave us all feeling sick instead of joyful.

The same can be true of our attitudes at Christmas. If the holiday is a celebration of things – what we can get, what we can buy, what we can surround ourselves with – then the season can leave us empty. If our efforts and work are all spent on the temporary decorations and rushing here and there, we can end up with an emptiness inside.

Rather than focus on temporary things, we ought to rebel against the temptation to spend and buy and fill our lives with empty items. Instead we should focus on the real gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ. In that gift from God are everlasting love and a soul-satisfying contentment that comes with the salvation Jesus provides.

God wants us to eat what is good, and He is not just talking about food. He is talking about taking in, consuming, holy and spiritual goodness, consuming the love and grace He offers. God wants us to stop wasting our labors on those things that are fleeting and momentary, and spend our time in more lasting endeavors such as strengthening our own faith and sharing love and caring with others.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you invest your time and energy in this year that will give you lasting satisfaction?

Rebel 4

Matthew 2:1-2

Part of the fun of Christmas is the surprise of the gifts. It is fun to give someone something when they aren’t exactly sure what it is that they are getting. There is joy in seeing the look of excitement at some unexpected present. One of my worries over the holidays is accidentally spilling the beans about what gifts we are giving.

The gift of Jesus Christ was indeed one of those unexpected gifts in a way. The birth of a Messiah was predicted and looked for, but no one knew exactly when it would happen. And the birth of this small child was the beginning of a rebellion in that society. Jesus, the Messiah, came to turn things upside down, to help the poor, to heal the sick, to forgive sinners. He would be a king far different from the earthly kings people were accustomed to.

One of the signs to indicate the birth of this new king was a star that appeared in the east. Who came because of the star? Who did they visit first?

The wise men, or Magi, were able to determine that a great king had been born in Judea. A star had appeared and they followed it many miles to Jerusalem. And here, in this capital city, they looked first for the new king. They asked the current king, Herod, about the new-born child.

It was an innocent assumption on the part of these three. They assumed that the next great king would be born in the majestic and important city of Jerusalem, so they started their search there. But in visiting Herod they tipped their hand, so to speak. They let this cruel and ruthless king know that one greater than he had been born. Herod learned from the wise men that a rebellion was beginning.

But that rebellion was not a political or military rebellion. It was a rebellion of attitude and behavior. Jesus came to bring love and peace and mercy, not strife and struggle and greed.

As we celebrate Christmas this year we encourage you to be part of the rebellion Jesus began. Rebel against strife and greed. Rebel against insensitivity and callous behavior. Instead, let us spend less money on presents and spend more time in fellowship with one another. Let us share a smile and our time with those we love, and also with the stranger we see on the street.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Is there something new you will do this Christmas, something good that is different than what you have done in the past?

Rebel 3

Luke 2:8-10

Nancy, a woman from our previous church, started her own ministry by helping out underprivileged school children. She raised money throughout the year by accepting used book donations, and then selling these used books for $1 or 50¢. With that money she took Christmas presents to needy children in select families.

It was a simple ministry, but it had a big impact. She said that there were many times that her gift was the only gift these children received.

We can easily forget about the poor and underprivileged in our society when we surround ourselves with the abundance of Christmas. But we need to remember who was involved in the birth of Jesus. Who heard the message about the birth? Who told them?

A few years back we found information that pointed to the concept that these shepherds were not just any group of men. Indications are that they were temple shepherds, special shepherds responsible for a flock of perfect sheep available for sacrifice.

But that really doesn’t matter. Shepherds in that society at that time were considered to be among the poor. Shepherds, even temple shepherds, were considered outcasts, laborers who were physically dirty and therefore spiritually unclean.

Yet they were the first to hear about the birth of Jesus. They were informed, not through a mysterious sign in the sky or a dream that needed to be interpreted, but by the physical and personal appearance of God’s own messengers, a host of angels. The glory of God, the promise of salvation, the great news was all revealed to these poor outcasts.

This serves as a reminder that Christmas is all about love and not about presents and spending. Christmas is for everyone.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Will you rebel against tradition and include the hungry, the poor, and the underprivileged in your Christmas?

Rebel 2

Luke 2:22-24

Childhood memories of Christmas growing up are memories mostly of what we did together as a family. As I grew up our family never had a great deal of money to spare, but we always had sufficient presents to be happy on Christmas morning. Yet, I can only remember one or two presents from all those years.

What I remember most is how we celebrated the holidays. Christmas was a solid week of visiting with friends and extended family members – cousins and uncles and aunts. It was the socializing, the fellowship and the fun that made Christmas so special.

Returning to the story of Joseph and Mary at the temple, where they will encounter Simeon, we see some interesting information about them. Why were Joseph and Mary in Jerusalem? What was their offering?

While this passage may seem to be one of those sections that is entirely utilitarian – something helpful and necessary for the story, but really not interesting – it actually tells us something of Jesus and his family. The sacrifice they brought to the temple consists of two birds, either doves or pigeons.

In Leviticus 12 we see regulations for this sacrifice. What is required is the offering of a lamb; however, Leviticus 12:8 states that if a person “cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons.” With that we are to understand that Joseph and Mary could not afford a lamb. In other words, they were among the working poor of the land.

Why is this important? I believe it is important to be reminded that Jesus was a gift not just to wealthy and powerful people, but was born among the poor of Israel. The celebration of his birth does not require that a great deal of money be spent. Rather, we should rebel against the temptations of over-spending and worship God with our hearts and not our wallets.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you reduce the amount of money you spend on Christmas gifts this year? A good goal may be to lower your spending by 25%.

Worship 3

Luke 2:27-29

Christmas is filled with so many traditions – traditions that involve sights and smells and tastes – that there are many things that can trigger a memory. Looking out the window on a cloudy, winter day can conjure up memories of years past sitting in the warmth and comfort of home with family. Or the strong smell of cinnamon can bring back images of holidays past, times of laughter and joy. Getting out the decorations can summon recollections of all the years of celebration.

It is delightful when the joy of Christmas breaks into the humdrum of everyday life. In Luke we have a story of a man named Simeon, a devout and religious man whose encounter with Jesus is often overlooked. Why did Simeon go into the courts? What did Simeon do and say?

We can imagine that Simeon was an older man who has spent many days and months and years attending to the rituals of the temple in the hope that some day God would reveal to him the Messiah who was promised. On this day Simeon was going about his business when the Holy Spirit nudged him to enter into the temple courts. There, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, was a young couple with a baby.

And that was when the joy and holiness of this child broke into Simeon’s life. And what did Simeon do? He gathered the baby in his arms and offered praise to God. He stopped what he had been doing and spent a moment giving glory to the Lord for the gift of Christ. The blessings of the birth had broken into his life and this man took some time to worship.

We might look forward to Christmas every year. We might get as excited as a child as the big day nears, but so often we can feel empty when it passes. We can sometimes feel that we missed Christmas because we just didn’t get enough joy.

We need to be like Simeon and stop what we are doing so we can take the time to worship God. We need to make the room in our hearts and in our arms for the baby born in Bethlehem. Make room to worship Jesus this holiday.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you make the time to worship Jesus this Christmas?

Worship 2

Matthew 2:9-11

The holidays can become such a busy time. There are times when the schedule simply becomes overloaded – a holiday concert, the company Christmas party, a friend’s party, family gatherings, shopping. Such a hectic schedule can rob us of the joy that Christmas should bring us.

And who is to blame for all this exhausting pace? We can point the finger at this person or that, or claim it is just what happens in our society. But the truth is that we allow ourselves to feel frantic and we succumb to the pressures to be here, there, and everywhere.

In Matthew we have the story of the wise men, also called Magi. What led them? What was their reaction? What did they do when they saw Jesus?

These wise men – whether they are astrologers, sages, scientists, or scholars – had discovered a strange event in the night sky and knew that it was a sign of something powerful. They knew a great king was born and they had no intention of missing out on the event. So they packed up their gifts and traveled to Jerusalem to find him. Their first stop was with the current king, a bold move since this new king would likely surpass him.

But these were bold men. They were bold enough to travel a great distance to see the new king. They were bold enough to have an audience with the ruthless Herod. And they were bold enough to follow the guidance of a star to find the one they sought.

Ultimately they were rewarded by finding the baby, Christ, the new king, the Messiah. They had the opportunity to worship Jesus and offer him the gifts he deserved.

What about us? Can we be bold enough to resist the hectic schedule? Can we be bold enough to say “no” to at least some of the invitations, and instead spend some time as a family and with friends worshiping our king? The Magi sought him, found him, and worshiped. Will you find him and worship this year?

DAILY CHALLENGE: If your holiday schedule is filling up, take some time to add to it. Add “family time” or “time with friends” or “worship” to your calendar and then make sure you fulfill that appointment.

Worship 1

This week we begin a four part series inspired by "The Advent Conspiracy." You can learn more about what we are doing as a church and what's going on here. We've also got the video clip that we showed in church this morning. I hope you'll watch it again and really pray that God will show you how he wants to you to worship Him this Advent season!

Isaiah 9:1-2

It isn’t always easy to get ready for the holidays. In fact there are times when it feels that it isn’t ever easy to prepare for the holidays. Trying to organize all the parts of the worship services, to plan out the activities, to set schedules and events, to gather the materials can be a tremendous task and there are many times when things just don’t seem to come together.

But one thing I have learned over the years is that there is always a solution to the problem. Things work out.

It may be difficult in our current society to put ourselves in the position of the Israelites before Jesus. There was a hope that often fell back into hopelessness as they waited for the Messiah. Or perhaps we can identify with them as we look at our present circumstances and feel totally lost facing financial problems, challenges in relationships and troubles in our lives.

In spite of the darkness around us there is a light. And that light is the light of love from God expressed in Jesus.

The prophet Isaiah offers some words of hope. What assurances does he give? What hope do the people have?

This prophet from so long ago knew that the Lord was coming. He would be from the area of Galilee and he would offer a tremendous hope and promise for a brighter, happier, more contented life. We know the story of Christmas. We know the story of Jesus and the light he brought.

But we can allow our culture and our hectic holiday schedule to overshadow that bright love from God. We can allow our Christmas time to be a time of worry and stress and fear and upset.

We need to cling to these promises from Isaiah. Christmas should be a time of hope and celebration. Most importantly it should be a time where we worship the gift of Jesus Christ, a gift of love from God. There is a solution to the crazy holiday rush and stress. The solution is to focus on the light which has dawned for all of us. The solution is to worship God and turn our holidays back into a time of praise and celebration of God’s love.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Christmas is usually a time of traditions. Which tradition of yours helps you to worship God at this time?