God wants to use you, because of your strength and in spite of your flaws. But you’re never alone, because God promises to be with you. Life your life as a Christian in such a way that you are confident in God’s promise. Have faith in His plan, and go where He sends you— God’s way is the best for your life even though the world’s expectations constantly distract us.
Read MoreAlthough the wise men are a classic part of nativity scenes, they wouldn’t have actually been present at the birth of Jesus, but we include them to remind ourselves of their role in the Christmas story. The Magi symbolize Jesus’s journey and ministry, and the wonderful gift He gives each of us.
Read MoreThere’s a difference between listening and hearing and the key lies in the response. As God calls to you in your own personal situation, what are you going to do about it? Are you prepared to do as the shepherds did, and answer God’s call? Take action and make it known to others what God has revealed.
Read MoreWhen we experience hard times or moments of discomfort, it is our tendency to try to avoid them. This was the case for Joseph as well, but when an angel came as a messenger from God to tell Joseph how to respond to Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus, Joseph answered faithfully. We can challenge ourselves to be obedient during difficult times.
Read MoreWhen we consider Elizabeth and Mary and their part in the Christmas story, we can see their uncertainty, hesitancy, concern, and bewilderment, but also their willingness to carry the weight of responsibility of what God is asking. It is not unusual to no know how you fit in God’s story, but we can be assured of God’s understanding of our situation.
Read MoreAs we begin the Christmas season, know that the glory of God arrives with it. Christmas is more than just a holiday, it is a celebration of the arrival of Jesus, so we should treat the arrival of Christmas with excitement and anticipation evident in the way we live our lives. Look for the moments this month to shine God’s glory, as God shows you who He is and the gift He has given you.
Read MoreThis Christmas Day as we each think about where we fall in the midst of the Christmas story, remember God’s call to us. It is God’s intention that His glory shine through us, His children, in the way we walk, talk, work, and live with others. Take up the mantle to spread the glory of Christmas wherever you go!
Read MoreThe wise men on Christmas were the first gentiles to worship Jesus Christ— as soon as they reached Him, the men humbled themselves before the Son of God and offered valuable treasures. We should remember this response and remind ourselves, even when we feel like we have everything figured out, that in our relationship with God, everything we have is by His grace. We should take a lesson from the wise men and challenge ourselves to offer God our best.
Read MoreThe shepherds on Christmas may have been considered outside of society or unclean, but God used them to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth to the world. God’s glory is meant for all people, even those considered foreign or unworthy by society. He calls each of us to spread the good news to all we encounter.
Read MoreGod often chooses to use those people who are average or insignificant to demonstrate His glory. It is challenging for us to share the glory of Christmas with others, especially those we deem underserving, but God’s glory is for all people. This Christmas, try to spend time, give an unearned gift, or share the gospel with someone who needs it, regardless of how worthy they seem—because none of us is worthy of God’s glory, yet we may all receive it.
Read MoreAs we begin “The Glory of Christmas,” we consider Mary, and her response to experiencing God’s glory firsthand. Just like Mary, we may find the weight of God’s glory overwhelming, but we can know that God has a grand plan for each of us and we can rest in the glory of His favor.
Read MoreWhat can we be more thankful for than the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ? As the festive season approaches, we make room in our lives for the joyful anticipation of the Lord and make ourselves ready mentally, physically, and spiritually to receive the Christmas message of salvation.
Read MoreWhen we think of Christmas and the gift Christ has given us, we must not focus only on His birth— we must also remember His life and even His death. The end of Jesus’s story shows us that when we write our own story, we should finish it well!
Read MoreWhen we are touched and connected by our relationship with God, it is reflected in every day of our story. By letting God write our story, He chooses to use us to reveal His glory and reaches others through us.
Read MoreAs you celebrate Christmas this year, remember that Christmas is especially for those going through struggles and challenges in their lives. We can hold tight to Jesus’s promise of salvation because He was born to save sinners in desperate need of hope.
Read MoreIn your life as you understand how Jesus Christ has intentionally purposed you to be exactly where you need to be in order to tell your story to those around you, you may still find yourself having doubts. Are you doing what God has called you to do?
Read MoreBeginning our five-part Christmas program, The Doors of Christmas, which explores the stories of the individual lives behind each door. As we experience the Christmas story, it is important that we know our own story and what God is trying to speak into our hearts.
Read MoreIn this final advent theme of the year we examine the Biblical role of the magi, or wise men. What they came to do and why they came to do it reflects how we should also respond to the arrival of our Savior.
Read MoreThe story of Joseph during the birth of Jesus at the first Christmas shows us how we can be full of joy even in stressful situations.
Read MoreThe announcement of the birth of Jesus signaled that Jesus would bring peace to the world. We have been longing for relief and restoration and now we need the Prince of Peace more than ever.
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