Day 28 – December 24

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14 ESV]

I must admit, after 22 years in ministry, I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea of God sending His son Jesus to earth becoming a man.  Wow! The Eternal – Immortal One – taking on the temporal flesh of a mortal, for the sole purpose of demonstrating His love for us by suffering a painful death on a cross for our sins! Oh such love the Father has for us!   Such a love is too lofty for me to understand or even begin to comprehend. [Psalm 139:6]  Yet it was so!  He did come!  He came – full of Grace, Love, Mercy and Truth, and he came with me on His mind!  Thank you Lord for this extraordinary act of love!  

Tomorrow is Christmas Day, and while we know Jesus was not born on December 25th we still pause to honor Jesus and remember his birth just the same.   Tomorrow – everything in this pagan and lost world will stop its frenetic pace for a great majestic pause (from corporations to retail) while Christians all around this earth, that You created, sing of your Glorious Son’s birth and proclaim “Emmanuel – God With Us!” 

To You O Lord be glorified and exalted forever and ever. Amen!

Written by:  Pastor Steve Wells

Day 27 – December 23

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  [Philippians 4:7 ESV]

Last minute shopping. Extended time with extended family. Office parties. School programs. Lights and sounds and busy schedules. Often at this point in the Christmas season, it feels everything but peaceful. 

Overwhelmed. Worried. Anxious. Stressed. Disappointed.  Whatever we name it, all of us know what it feels like. Whether we put it on ourselves, or we are going through a difficult season beyond our control, peace can be hard to find.  But, peace is what we long for, isn’t it? 

Peace. Rest. Tranquility. All is calm, all is bright.  We want that to describe us! 

As we prepare for Christmas in just TWO DAYS,  if it seems that peace is out of reach, give yourself permission to stop, rest, and pray. I know, that’s the easy “Sunday school answer,” right? But, don’t we try everything else and keep finding ourselves back at the same place? Don’t wait for “things to calm down” and don’t settle for how it’s always been. Don’t keep running on empty or pushing through the chaos or ignoring God’s pursuit of your heart and your mind in this season. Approach His throne with the boldness we have because of Jesus. Tell Him what you need. God doesn’t promise to change our circumstances, but He absolutely can and will extend His peace to us…right in the middle of our mess. When I can’t understand all that is swirling around me, I am thankful for this truth: I am not in control, but I am deeply loved by the One who is.

He will be your peace –  the peace that guards your heart and your mind.
That’s the peace you crave.
That’s the peace He promises.
We want to understand.
He peace is better.

God, I need Your peace. I am sorry for the way I try to fix things on my own and the times I want to understand when Your peace is what I really need. I have believed that peace in the midst of my chaos is not possible, but it is possible because You say so and You are the giver of peace! Help me remember this truth in the moments when it matters most. Help me turn to You first. Fill me, Holy Spirit with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen. 

Written By: Kylie McCracken 

Day 26 – December 22

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. [Numbers 6:24-26 ESV]

Peace.  This word seems foreign in today’s world of constant turmoil and strife.  Indeed, Scripture teaches that there is no peace for the wicked, likening them to a troubled sea tossing to and fro.  We live in a world that seeks to strip us of our identity in Christ, pull us from God’s presence, and keep us at war within ourselves.  Instead, let us reflect on this ancient prayer specifically taught to Moses by God.

The LORD bless you and keep you – is personal and specific.  Like a shepherd knows and protects his sheep.

the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you – is like the sun shining on the face of the earth.  We sit basking in His presence and grace.

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace – is like a proud father smiling at his child.  His reassuring love fills us with peace.

It may feel like we are surrounded by chaos but through His blessing, God is providing us with His protection, presence and peace.

Father, Your promise of grace and peace echo throughout Scripture but this ancient priestly prayer reminds us that this has been Your design from the beginning.  We are yours God.  We belong to You and in a world that seems to be plunging into darkness, YOU will be our light.  May we be filled with a peace that passes all understanding as we sit in Your presence today.  Amen.

Written by: Pastor Jason Mecum

Day 25 – December 21

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! [Isaiah 52:7 NLT]

There is a certain sound that comes from the pitter patter of children’s feet as they run around the house at Christmas time. Sometimes they are chasing the dog or running away from a sibling.  Sometimes they are running down the stairs on Christmas morning. No matter what they are doing, that sound always makes a parent’s ears perk up as their mind turns to the question “what ARE they doing?”

In today’s passage, Isaiah reminds us that someone is coming with Good News! And the messenger’s feet are beautiful. What are they doing? They are coming with an incredible story of peace and salvation. I wonder, are our ears tuned-in to the sound of this Good News? Or is it drowned out by the noise of the world around us? Take a moment today and listen for the messenger. Turn your heart to the good news that comes; our God reigns and that fact brings incredible peace and life changing salvation. Stop. Take a breath. Listen. Hear the feet. He brings Good News. 

Father, thank You for sending a messenger to me this Christmas. Thank You for the reminder to listen for the feet of the messenger, to build anticipation in my heart. I surrender to the news You share, that You reign and that You bring peace and salvation. Help me to take a moment of peace today and soak that in.  Amen.

Written By: Pastor Steve Williams

Day 24 – December 20

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [Romans 5:1-2 ESV]

Peace. What a wonderful feeling it is to have peace. Life is very difficult when we are at odds with a sibling, spouse, or someone else we know. The emotional and relational strain we feel is burdensome to our lives. Knowing what it feels like to not have peace with another person, imagine now what it is like to not be at peace with the sovereign creator of the universe. It is something we cannot fully fathom, but it was our condition. We were at odds with God. These odds separated us from God completely. However, God had mercy on us and sent Jesus to bring us back to God. 

As we go into Christmas, we must not forget that without Christ descending to earth we would have no peace with God. Through the wonderful atoning work of Christ we can experience peace with God through faith. In this season, we always remember the child of God coming to earth, but we must always remember what He did when He came here. He reconciled us to God. Oh what sweet peace we have now. Our sins are washed away! 

Lord, thank You for sending Your son to be the propitiation for sins! Lord that atoning sacrifice reconciled us to You! We praise You for the peace that this brings and the salvation we have through the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Written by:  Braydon Hotchkiss 

Day 23 – December 19

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. [John 14:27 NIV]

Christmas time is here. It’s my favorite time of the year. The lights, sounds, baked goodies and of course the gifts under the tree.  It really is a special time of the year. There is something about seeing the joy on someone’s face when you give them a gift they really wanted! The deep down , bawling your eyes out kind of gift is one that comes just at the right moment and is really something you need.

This is the gift of peace that Jesus is describing here. He gives it to us and gives without holding back or with any catches, unlike what the world does.  The world gives but you have a thousand hoops to jump through along the way. Jesus gives such peace that it calms our hearts and minds. Our troubles and our fears begin to fade into the background as His peace gets brighter and brighter. This year, open your arms and your heart wide to receive the gift of peace that Jesus has for you.

Father, thank You for giving me the precious gift of peace. I need Your peace more than anything for this Christmas season and heading into the New Year. Jesus, I need You to protect my heart from troubles and guard my mind from fearful thoughts. Thank You for leaving me peace, it is the gift I need and the gift I want, Amen.

Written by: Pastor Lance Courtney

Day 22 – December 18

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. [Isaiah 9:7 ESV]

When God called Abraham in Genesis 12, he told him that through his descendants he would bless all nations of the earth. In this passage we see Isaiah prophesying the fulfillment of this promise. Through the line of David, God would send the Messiah whose kingdom and rule would have no end. The “government” spoken of is the gracious gift of God bringing us, as gentiles, into the fold of salvation. He took two separate peoples and made them one, the church, who are the ones who populate the Lord’s kingdom that has no end. During Christmas, we tend to focus only on Christ coming down to earth, but if Christ only came down and never ascended then we would not have much to celebrate! After his resurrection and 40 days on earth thereafter, Christ ascended into heaven to sit on his throne ruling over his established kingdom of the Church. You and I are part of this kingdom that has no end! Christ has promised that the kingdom will never end and that one day he will return to abolish sin and death.

Church, let us remember who sits on the throne. Let us remember that nothing will ever overcome His church. Be comforted that God has given us a risen savior who rules and is in control. Find your hope in your king!

Lord God, let us not only remember Your descension to earth to save us, but let us also remember Your ascension and Your current rule over Your kingdom. Lord, You are holy, You are sovereign, and You are king.  Amen.

Written by:  Braydon Hotchkiss

Day 21 – December 17

Shout for joy to God, all the earth!  Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. [Psalm 66:1-2 NIV]

Christmas carols are a ubiquitous part of the holiday season.   They represent the joyful expression of the nativity story.  I believe that even the ‘secular’ Christmas songs like Jingle Bells and Frosty The Snowman bring glory to God.  These carols, too, are sung with joy and remind us that it is Christmas!

As a young adult, my family lived in a farming community.   On Christmas Eve many of the kids and others of my age would go caroling from farm to farm.  It was non-stop singing as we drove around the neighborhood to share our joy for the season.  We lived in a climate where we always had a white Christmas making it easy to belt out the complete repertoire of carols. Part of me misses those nights.  They were just one way of preparing Jesus’ room, on the night before His arrival.

Oh, precious Father, I pray that we all sing the beloved Christmas carols to you this week.  Even in my terribly inadequate, tuneless voice, I am shouting for Your joy and singing to bring You glory.  Lord, the whole earth rejoices at the coming of Jesus, in whose name I pray.  Amen.

Written by: Bev Carbert

Day 20 – December 16

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  [Matthew 2:9-11 NLT]

When the wise men entered the presence of Jesus, even as He was still a baby, they immediately worshiped Him. They recognized that they were not only in the presence of a King, but in the very presence of Immanuel, God with us.

The wise men worshiped Him by changing their posture and bowing down before Him. They also gave Him gifts from their hard-earned treasure. But not just any gifts, they gave Him the BEST of what they had. These gifts were items that they worked hard for, and spent years accumulating wealth to be able to purchase for themselves, yet they knew they had to give Jesus their best.

This Christmas season, will you choose to give God your best? The best of the gifts you’ve been given. Let’s give Him the best of our time so that others get the best of our time. Let’s give Him the best of what we’ve worked so hard to gain so that God can be blessed in return.

Heavenly Father, everything I have is from You. Help me release the hold I have on things You’ve given me. Help me to use all that I am, all that I have, and all that You will give as a way to bless You and others. Help me to surrender it all for Your glory and fame.  Amen. 

Written by: Brian Griggs

Day 19 – December 15

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  [Luke 2:13-14 NIV]

Joy to the World!  Peace on Earth!  You don’t have to look far to find these two phrases during the Christmas season:  Christmas Cards, Yard Signs, Mall Decor, Home Decorations, Social Media, Christmas Carols, Radio Playlists, School Plays.

But the irony is, our world seems so far from experiencing joy and peace anywhere.  Our newsfeeds, social media, school campuses, YouTube, TikTok, everything is filled with hate, violence, negativity, opinion, sarcasm, identity confusion, scandal, political unrest.  The population attempts to find peace and joy through social rights and self indulgences.  The government asserts that peace, joy and harmony are found through more government, power and regulation.  

The truth is both of these pursuits are woefully lacking – two legged stools if you will – doomed to topple without the third essential leg.  The leg given to us in the beginning. The gift from God that promised real Joy and real Peace and real Hope.  My friends – God gave us what we needed all along.  Sadly, many have turned to their own ways.  Isaiah 53:6 says All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him [JESUS] the sins of us all.   You see  –  thankfully Jesus came into the world [Luke 2] and died for our sins to reconcile sinful man [Us] with a Holy God so that we can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God!   Thus restoring PEACE and JOY in our lives!   Oh, I pray that YOU have made Jesus YOUR Forgiver and Leader in YOUR life!

Thank You Lord for sending Your son Jesus into the world to pay the penalty for my sins!  Thank You for forgiving me of my sins!  The only way I could have paid for my sins was to die an eternal death in hell for what I had done – BUT You – Jesus – stood in MY PLACE – and Died for Me – and Took My Penalty – and Paid My Price!  Thank You for doing that for ME!  Because of what You did for me – I now choose to surrender my life to You!  I choose today to follow You now and forever!  Amen!

Written by:  Pastor Steve Wells 

Day 18 – December 14

But 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]

It is almost impossible for me to read these verses without hearing the voice of Linus reciting the Christmas story.   In case you are that one person in our church family who hasn’t seen “A Charlie Brown Christmas” find the 1965 television special and watch it!   As only the hapless Charlie Brown and his friends can do, they embark on a search for the meaning of Christmas.   Uncharacteristically, Linus takes charge and recites from the Gospel of Luke.  One piece of trivia for you – Shultz had to stand firm against the television producers to have children voice all the animated characters.

Linus was not afraid to share the true meaning of Christmas.  I think in his childlike wisdom, Linus understood the gravity of the message delivered by the angel to the shepherds.  However, the shepherds were in a much different time and place.  They weren’t retelling the story – they were unexpectedly called into the original Christmas pageant.  It is no wonder they were terrified by the angelic message!

As we continue to prepare our hearts in this Christmas season, may I be so bold as to encourage you to imagine yourself as one of the shepherds in Luke 2.  And as Linus.

Heavenly Father, I bow my head in prayer grateful for the Good News that an angel brought to those shepherds 2000 years ago.  I pray that I am a Linus and prepared to share that same Good News to those I encounter.  Thank You for the birth of the Messiah in the town of David.  Amen.

Written by: Bev Carbert

Day 17 – December 13

But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  [Luke 1:43-44 NIV]

Today’s scripture comes from the account of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth.  Elizabeth is six months pregnant with a son who will become known as John the Baptist.  Mary had recently come to grips with the holy purpose assigned – the mother of the Messiah!

The phrase spoken by Elizabeth “why am I so favored” is particularly striking.  It resonates with me.  I’m not special.  I’m content in my life.  I’m just trying to lead an obedient life with no expectation of uniqueness.  Then bam!  It isn’t just Mary visiting.   Jesus was showing up in both Elizabeth’s and baby John’s lives.   The natural extension of this realization is that Jesus shows up in all our lives.  We simply have to open the door of our heart and let Him in!

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for your presence in my life.  As I continue this journey of preparing You room, I pray that I feel favored and joyful as I reflect on Your arrival.  Father, I ask that everyone in our Church family appreciates their individual favored status, and Your love this Christmas.  Amen.

Written by: Bev Carbert

Day 16 – December 12

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.  [Psalm 86:12 NIV]

As a kid I loved buffets (I still do)!! There are so many choices and a variety of options to choose from.  That’s what we all love about buffets, the choices (and the large amounts of food).  If you are like me you love any situation when you get to make the choice, rather than one being made for you. When I was a kid at the buffet I got to choose. Beef or chicken; salad bar or steamed veggies; ice cream bar or cakes/pies and the list goes on. It’s the choice for me. 

Today’s verse says, “I will praise… and I will glorify…” these are by choice when we could choose to do other things. The most honoring and obedient thing we can do is to live our lives in a way that brings glory and praise to our God. When you and I make this choice willingly, it brings a smile to your Heavenly Father’s face. Out of all you could do today, choose to praise and glorify!!

Father, I thank You today for giving me free will. I choose today to use that freedom to praise You for all You have done in my life. I thank You for the blessings and I choose to live my life in such a way that brings glory to Your Name, Amen.

Written by: Pastor Lance Courtney

Day 15 – December 11

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  [Luke 1:46-49 CSB]

“My soul magnifies the Lord” were the joyous words of Mary. These words are part of a song of praise as she sings to the Lord for the mighty work he is about to do through her. What is so incredible about this statement is that Mary did not say “My soul magnifies me” but rather “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Mary recognized that she would be the one through whom God would bring the Messiah into the world. Though it would have been tempting for her to boast of herself, rather she points out that this amazing work God is doing, using her, is going to magnify or reveal His glory. She recognizes that only by the grace of God and His sovereign purpose will she be considered blessed by “all generations.” Rather than bringing the spotlight to herself, she has directed it towards God! Magnifying the Lord’s grace that He gives to sinners who can do nothing for themselves.  

As we go into this holiday season, let us focus on the amazing blessings that God has given us and magnify Him. Let us look to the Lord with thanksgiving and proclaim “Holy is His name!”

Lord, You have blessed us tremendously, there is not anything I need that You withhold. You are my provider and my sustainer. Lord let Your gracious and mighty works that You have done in us magnify Your name alone. Let all blessings we receive reflect Your grace and mercy.  Amen.

Written by:  Braydon Hotchkiss

Day 14 – December 10

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”  [Matthew 22:37-40 NLT]

What would it look like if we loved someone else with all of our emotions, all of our actions, all of our inner being, and all of our thoughts? Do the people who we care about most describe us in this way? Ouch! I know I’m guilty many times of loving my interests and myself more than I love God and others.

In this passage, we see Jesus summarizing the entire Jewish Scriptures into two commands. Jesus realigned what a relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father looked like. A surrendered life that is characterized by a love for God with every part of who we are. Every thought, every action, every emotion, etc. But not only to God, but also to others.

This Christmas, let’s ask God to show us how to love Him more and to love others better. Let’s allow our time spent with family and friends to be about what we can give and not about what we can get.

God, help me to fall more in love with you every day. Let every emotion, every action, every thought, and my entire being be a living sacrifice meant to bring a smile to your face. Help me to be a light of love to my family, my friends, and to everyone I meet.   Amen.

Written by: Brian Griggs

Day 13 – December 9

“…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” [1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT]

We cannot imagine all that God has in store for us, both in this world and for all eternity.  He will create a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1), and we will live with him forever.  Until then his Holy Spirit comforts us and guides us through all of life’s circumstances.  Knowing the promise of the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us, gives us the hope and peace and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving into temptation.  This world is NOT all that there is – the BEST is yet to come!  

Stop and think about how much the Father loves us to share with us the details and promises our eternal future! He loves us so much to make sure that we have Hope & Peace & Joy about what is to come!   Our Faith is not in vain!  We are not shadow boxing or wishing upon a star.  God is Real – His Word is True – His Promise of Heaven is as sure as the ground you are standing on!

Father, Thank You for loving me so much that you gave me this glimpse of eternity!  I must admit, in my humanity – I have a hard time wrapping my mind around all that Heaven entails – it must be so magnificent! Allow a moment this Christmas to gaze into the night sky and be captivated by the wonder of countless stars and galaxies above and think about how you meticulously created each star and hung each one in place – and how we as humans are still unable to see them all!  Then let my mind be blown to think that Heaven must be 100x more glorious and complex than a million or more galaxies!  Oh the Majesty and Glory of Your Name!  You are so Worthy to be Praised! Amen!

Written by:  Pastor Steve Wells

Day 12 – December 8

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever. [Psalm 136:1-3 CSB]

Holidays are hard!

I came face to face with this reality as a teenager.   My family’s Christmas traditions were shaken by my mother’s illness and death.  But more than my own situation, most of my friends experienced similar pain during the holiday season.  The specifics ranged from grief, to divorce, to financial hardship, to familial dysfunction, to illness.   All the while we were comparing our own sadness and holiday challenges to the ‘perfect’ (or so it seemed) circumstances of other acquaintances and portrayals in movies and on television.

Fortunately, I also came to realize that the pain and challenges were only part of the holiday season.  New traditions evolve.  Memories of lost love ones and prior holidays are to be cherished and celebrated.

In the midst of hard holidays, we can all take solace in the psalmist’s words.  God’s faithful love endures forever!  His steadfast love endures forever!  Pick up a Bible and read all 26 verses of Psalm 136.   Let the Word soak in.

Father God, I pray that anyone reading these words and feeling even a little despair that holidays are hard, will pause and reflect on the Word that You laid out in Psalm 136.  Come alongside each of us and fill the holes in our hearts with the goodness of You.  Help us to focus on the coming birth of the baby Jesus, and ALL that Christmas truly means.  Amen.

Written by: Bev Carbert

Day 11 – December 7

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT

You know that feeling when you arrive at your grandma’s house, you can smell the good home cooking, laughter is erupting from the front porch and grandma herself is waiting for you by the front door ready to give you the BIGGEST hug and kiss. There is something about the warmth and love of my Mammaw, that is such a great reminder of the love, faith and hope that endures through most everything. I know I can call my Mammaw and she will be ready with a listening ear and a heartfelt prayer to encourage me. The promise of today’s verse goes beyond even what a grandma can offer in love, faith and hope. The Love of Christ is the only true way to endure through all circumstances. I am grateful for that kind of love. 

Father, I am so thankful for the love You show me by sending Jesus as the perfect example of faith, hope and love. Jesus, continue to make me more like You as I strive to live my life to honor You in all circumstances.  Amen.

Written by: Pastor Lance Courtney

Day 10 – December 6 

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. [Philippians 1:9 NLT]

An escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a getaway in the great outdoors always provides me with the opportunity to catch my breath and get my feet back under me as I marvel in the splendor of His creation and am reminded of how incredibly small I am and how big, powerful, capable, and able He is.  Several years ago I visited Yellowstone National Park.  There are so many unique and fascinating things to see in the park, but one of my favorites was the eruption of the famous geyser, Old Faithful.  To witness firsthand as 8,400 gallons of water spouted 90 to 125 feet in the air with such power and force was truly magnificent!  And this amazing display repeats on the average of every 90 minutes just like it has for the last 150+ years!  That’s faithful! 

I love the beautiful and heartfelt prayer the apostle Paul wrote for the Christians at Philippi in Philipppians 1:9 so much so that it has been my steadfast prayer for my children throughout their lives.  As Christians we are called to be imitators of God.  In order to do this, we must grow in knowledge and understanding of who He is through the reading of His Word.  In 1 John 4:16, we are provided with great insight about God.  It says “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  Did you catch that?…..God IS love.  Growing in knowledge and understanding of God is a continual, lifelong pursuit…we never actually “arrive.”  As our relationship with Him grows and we know God more, our love grows and it overflows more and more.   

Father God, thank You for Your magnificent creation Old Faithful that reminds me to be faithful to seek you so that I, too, may overflow.  Thank you for your steadfast love for me and for the joy and privilege to spend time with You through prayer and the reading of Your Word.  I pray that You would continue to show me truly remarkable things about You and that my love would overflow more and more, drawing others to You.  This Christmas season I pray to be more like You and less like me.  Amen.

Written by: Pam Bos

Day 9 – December 5

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. [Mark 12:30 ESV]

I think there may be one of those pastor jokes when you get to a scripture like this that says something like, “Do you know what all means in the original language? It means ALL!” (I looked it up. It’s true! All, whole, completely.)

If we’re going to love God with ALL our heart, ALL our soul, ALL our mind, and ALL our strength – that really doesn’t leave room for anything else. There’s no longer room for our worries or fears, our own priorities or selfish ambitions, our sin or lies from the enemy that we allow to take up space where they don’t belong. 

Our ability to love God with ALL is greatly affected by what else is cluttering up our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. As we continue to prepare for Christmas together, it’s time to make room. Let Him in. All of the rooms, all of the corners. The places in the light, and the places we think we have cleverly hidden in the shadows. He knows what is there anyway. Flush out the old, make room for the new. Get rid of the junk and invite Him to take up the space where He belongs. Choose to give your heart, soul, mind, and strength the capacity to love the Lord your God like never before. 

This Christmas, the best gift you could give to yourself, your family, your friends, your church, your community, and your God is to fully, completely love Him with your ALL. 

God, help me to make room. Help me to remove the things that I have allowed to  take up space where you belong. Give me an undivided heart, whole and completely yours. Show me what life looks like when I am able to love you with ALL of my heart, ALL of my soul, ALL of my mind, and ALL of my strength. Amen.

Written by: Kylie McCracken

Day 8 – December 4

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:16 CSB]

This is perhaps the best known verse in all the Bible. We are accustomed to seeing it on eyepaint and banners at football games, wrestling matches, and dog races. If you grew up in church, you probably memorized this verse first. The version you were taught likely begins, “For God so loved the world.” That is not incorrect as a translation, but the one we are reading today is better. Why?

When we are taught, “For God so loved the world,” what we think it means is “For God loved the world SO MUCH.” In fact, it is better thought of in the way that one might tell a story about me washing a car. “For Mr. Corey so washed the car: First, he filled a bucket with water. Next, he added soap. Finally, he asked his kids to wash the rest of the car. “So washed” (or “so loved”) intends to tell HOW I washed the car, not HOW MUCH I washed the car.

Why does this matter? Well, for starters, if you read very far in Scripture, you will find that God is at enmity with the world. That is “the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.” God certainly demonstrates his love to those who will call upon his name, but the reason we need a Savior in the first place is because things are not ok. We are all going to perish without him, because of sin. 

God loves his children. He is good to the world, too good in fact considering the consequences of sin. And he is just. He must pour out his wrath on all who are opposed to his Lordship. 

What’s the good news? “everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” 

Father, thank you for loving us in this way, that you sent your Son to pay the debt we could not satisfy. Thank you that because you are my Lord and Savior, I am no longer your enemy. May your gospel be so prevalent in the world that as many hear as your will allows. Amen.

Written by: Pastor Corey Green

Day 7 – December 3

I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! [Psalm 42:5b-6a NLT]

Life can be so small sometimes. We get so caught up in what’s happening right now in the world right around us, we get distracted. We see so many things on social media or on the news, we get bogged down in the things of this world. Inevitably, those things disappoint us. People let us down. Our expectations are dashed. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. Our hope isn’t in this world. Our hope is in God. 

In the Psalms, King David reminds us that sometimes we need to adjust our eyes and remind ourselves where our hope is. Through praise and thanksgiving, we can focus on God and His ways. He is our Savior and our God, and in that Truth we can find hope. That’s why consistent times of praise and worship, even if it’s in your car while you drive, are so important. This turns our eyes to Heaven and reminds us where our hope comes from. 

Father, thank You that You are my hope. Please forgive me for the times that I’ve been so distracted by all the small things around me that I forget that my hope is in You. Please help me to remember to keep my eyes on You throughout this Christmas season and beyond.  Amen.

Written By: Pastor Steve Williams

Day 6 – December 2

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.  And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. [Micah 5:2,4 ESV]

Have you ever felt insecure or unworthy? Have you ever felt defeated and beaten down? Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve God’s love? Every single one of us will walk through these kinds of valleys in our lives. We look around and it’s easy to buy into the lie that everyone else has it all together. In today’s passage, the prophet Micah is reminding the small town of Bethlehem about how God sees them and how He will use them. Despite feelings of hopelessness, God has a plan and it’s a big one. Despite feeling unworthy, God has a purpose that will impact the whole world. Today, take heart that God still wants to use you for His purposes, no matter how you feel. God loves you, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. He sees your future as bright. This Christmas, perhaps the greatest gift God has for you is a promise that He is with you and He sees far more in your future than you do. 

Father, thank You for bringing hope into my life, even when I don’t see it. I confess there have been times that I haven’t felt that hope and haven’t trusted in You to bring it. Thank You for the reminder that although I feel small and not worth it, You see me as significant and full of purpose. I receive that reminder today. Do as You will in my life.  Amen.

Written By: Pastor Steve Williams

Day 5 – December 1

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 ESV

Joseph found himself in quite a bind!  He and his betrothed bride were in their customary waiting period before marriage when Mary was discovered to be pregnant.  Joseph knew that he wasn’t the father of this child and the temptation would have been to expose her condition to the community and clear his name.  Being a “just man”, he instead decides to separate from Mary quietly, keeping her from public shame.  In his mind, this was the best, most compassionate solution to Joseph’s problem.

However, it turned out that Joseph’s “problem” was actually God’s plan.  Joseph wasn’t facing this challenge alone.  God understood his situation and the underlying fear and hurt that he was feeling.  God saw Joseph.  In addition to this encouragement, God further reveals that he is entrusting Joseph with a big responsibility:  to be a father to this special child.  To name him and protect him.  Turns out this isn’t a “problem” for Joseph, it’s an honor and a blessing.

What a difference a little perspective can make in how we view the challenges we face in this life.  What if those things which seem like “problems” and out of our control are actually “opportunities” and part of God’s plan?

Father, it is such an encouragement to me to know that you are fully in control.  So often in this life, I find myself facing challenges that I didn’t ask for.  Under my own strength, it’s easy to look for ways to ignore them or to give up.  Oh, that I may trust in You more during periods of uncertainty!  I can trust in Your plans without knowing all of their details.  Amen.

Written by: Pastor Jason Mecum

Day 4 – November 30

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.”  [Luke 1:30-32 NLT]

Apart from the obvious fear that Mary must have felt from her unexpected visitor, how amazing it must have been for her to hear those words from the angel…”you have found favor with God!”  Wow!  I think it is every child’s desire, whether young or old, to hear their parent’s  affirmations like “Good job!” or “Way to Go!”  And to be honest when my days on earth are done, just the thought of hearing Jesus say to me “Well done, good and faithful servant” reduces me to tears!  God could have chosen any way He wanted to deliver His Son to earth, yet He chose His humble servant, Mary, who was human and, therefore, not perfect.  Yet God knew her heart, saw her faithfulness in the day-to-day things, and knew that with the high honor of being the mother of Jesus would also come great pain.  She would later witness her Son’s rejection, torture, and death on a cross.  Yet He chose her to deliver His hope to this lost and dying world, Jesus!  God knew Mary was not only courageous, but fully devoted to Him.  This was clearly demonstrated in Mary’s humble response to God’s calling in the verses that followed this passage which was so beautiful:  “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.”  

Heavenly Father, I am thankful for examples in the Bible like Mary who demonstrate great faith, trust, and obedience as they answer Your calling for their life.  I am encouraged to know that You choose ordinary, imperfect people to do Your extraordinary will.  Help me to remain faithful in my pursuit of a deeper relationship with You and make me more attuned to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit so that I may promptly and confidently submit to Your will.  This Christmas season, please help me to not be so distracted by the “shiny trappings” of this world that I miss Your plan or purpose for this humble servant.  I pray for opportunities as well as the courage to share the TRUE HOPE and the reason to celebrate this season…the birth of our Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.   Amen.

Written by:  Pam Bos

Day 3 – November 29

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 ESV

What? A child born to a virgin?  God with us?  You simply cannot make this up.  The plot of God’s providence is so incredible, so beautiful, and so perfect.  And the bonus?    The Israelites had only the rescue from Egypt and the Red Sea crossing as evidence.  We have over 300 prophecies fulfilled, and the entire life and ministry of Jesus as evidence.

His second coming is imminent.  You can count on it.  Make room. 

Father, we are face down in awe of Your providence and plan of redemption. We thank You for sending us Your only begotten Son. He was without sin, and yet went to the cross so that we would be counted as righteous in Your presence. This is love.  As we prepare to celebrate His birth in a Bethlehem stable,  we give You all the honor and the glory.  Even so, come Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Written by: Ken Philip

Day 2 – November 28 

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 ESV

Have you ever been to a waterpark and had a chance to ride, or seen someone who has gotten on, one of those water slides with the vanishing floor platform? I have ridden that slide. It is pretty intense as you stand there waiting on the floor of the slide pod to be removed from under your feet at any moment. It is both exciting and terrifying, all at the same time. 

Today’s verse reminds us that the Lord says , “…shall not be removed…” This verse gives us HOPE for today, tomorrow and beyond. That the steadfast love and peace shall be a firm foundation for us to stand upon. The Lord is our foundation of HOPE.

Father, thank you for giving me hope for everyday.  I am in need of a firm foundation to stand on today. I thank you Jesus for giving steadfast love and a covenant of peace shall not be removed.  Amen.

Written by: Pastor Lance Courtney

Day 1 – November 27 

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6  NKJV

Perhaps the most well known of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies, here is the promise of the first coming of Jesus Christ given 700 years before His actual birth.   We wait now for Christ’s imminent return. For His second coming.  While we wait in certain hope, God the Father invites us to His Son’s birthday party. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birthday, let us make room for Him in our hearts.  It is the only sensible answer to God’s invitation.

Father, we thank You for sending Your son to save us from ourselves.  We accept this Christmas gift in humility.  And we make room for You in our hearts.  Come on in.  We pray this in the name of the Wonderful Counselor, Your Son Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

Written by: Ken Philip