Week of December 27

Father, we have just been reminded of the most miraculous event in history, the birth of Your Son, "Emmanuel, God with us". But Father even more incredible than the miracle of His coming is the reason for His coming. He said "I have come that You might have life and have it more abundantly". Lord help me to truly understand that Christmas represents the beginning of Your direct involvement in my life, to heal my wounds, to comfort me, to bring me peace, to fill me with Your joy, and to save my soul. And all of this because You love me. You are indeed, my constant Balm of Gilead in all my troubles. I thank You for Your love, and for the reminder each year as we celebrate Your coming as our Lord and Savior, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

"The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"

(Luke, 2:10-11, NIV)

Week of December 20

Thank You, Father God, that even before sin came into the world, You already had the perfect redemption plan established through Your Son, Jesus Christ. He came into this world, the spotless Lamb of God, to be born as a baby and to die to redeem us. The Son of God became the Son of man so that we might have eternal life in the kingdom of God. We praise You, Lord. We know that without You there would be no hope for a blessed eternal life. Thank You for sending Your Son, as our Savior. Thank You for Your salvation plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

(Isaiah 9:6, NIV)

Week of December 13

God, Father and loving Creator, may we be lights shining brightly in this world, a world that often forgets that You sent Your beloved Son, Jesus, to be the Light, vanquishing the darkness of sin and death. Fill us with Your Spirit of love, peace, and hope as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas, when Your Son came as a humble, lowly infant to save and redeem us. May the light of His truth be in every person’s life so that God can continue loving the world through us. I pray in Jesus’ name.

"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."

(Romans 13:12, NIV)

Week of December 6

Dear Heavenly Father, during this time of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the celebration and observance of the coming of Your Son, Jesus. You sent Him to bring light to a world filled with darkness, shame, and sin. You sent Him to be a model for us of how You want Your sons and daughters to live in peace and love for each other. Help me to shine the light of Christ into those dark places of my heart that breed prejudice, violence, hatred, and disrespect. May I prepare myself, so that Christ will be reborn in me. May others catch a glimpse of Your loving image through my words, attitudes, and actions. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“May you walk worthily of God and please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have our redemption, the remission of our sins.”

(Colossians 1:10; 13-14)