This is the great mystery and amazing intentionality of why Jesus chose to be born in a manger in Bethlehem, a shepherd’s land. He showed us from the start that He was going to come to us, on our level, in the midst of our sin and bring us into righteous and reconciliation with the Father.

Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th. They say that Jesus’ exact birthday is unknown, however, based on the Scriptures, some believed it to be in early spring.

We, like the 60-year-old house of my friends, are in rough shape because of our sins. However, when we have Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit who now resides in the home of our hearts. If we surrender to His work in our lives, we can be beautified from the inside out.

As we reflect on the omnipotence, Christ-hood, Kingship, and Lordship of Jesus, may we be in awe and amazement. May we allow the words of the Hallelujah Chorus to motivate our hearts into true worship to our Savior.

Find a way to treat those who are giving up their holidays. Whether that be by dropping off desserts on the day of, or writing thank you cards, think as a family what you can do to help.

Whether this is a sister in you actually family or you spiritual sisters, we are commanded to love them. When we understand the love and grace that the Lord has extended to us, we will be able to more effectively love our sisters.

When a pastor provides this caution to anyone in the room of a church who is not a believer, the command of God Himself is being obeyed. It is a serious act to take the Lord’s Supper if a person is not a believer in Christ. The table of God is for sinners yes, but sinners who believe in Jesus.

Many of the people in Jesus’ time were farmers. The parables and teachings that he gave were very applicable to them in their daily lives. As we step into Scriptures about farming, may we remember that this was a familiar concept to them and a great way to share relatable messages of faith.

We are called to teach the Bible to the next generation and help them learn from our mistakes, as well as our obedience. In a world that likes everyone to have their “own truth,” how do we share effectively?

Which Bible verse says that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain? How do we combat a world full of deception and stay in the truth of Christ?

Remember that it does not matter if the church has the best worship band in the world or the most charismatic pastor. It does not matter if the programs are awesome and building is beautiful. It matters that it is a Christ-focused, core doctrine supporting, Bible upholding place.

Psalm 19 is an absolutely beautiful Psalm. It entails the vastness of God’s glory throughout creation and invites us to join in with their silent song of praise. Today, let’s take a moment and allow Psalm 19 to speak to our hearts and move us into closer relationships with the Lord.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Matthew Meijer

Keeping Jesus first, loving Him with all of our hearts, helps everything else to fall into place. We can thrive in life when we have that priority correct. Because if we love Him and worship Him, we will not make idols. The rich fool made an idol out of self-reliance, material things, and his image. He cared more about storing excess than thinking creatively as to how God may have blessed him so that he could give generously to others. 

When we imagine a helmet, we think about the protection of our head and ultimately our lives. I would argue that if we do not take our thoughts captive and focus our minds on Christ daily, the way we live our lives is at stake. How can we protect our minds? How can we have a thought but sift it through the truth of the Bible?