December 1st: Our God, Immanuel
Michelle Garrison
Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”.
Matthew 1:23: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)” KJV
When you are a small child, you awake in hot sweats, fearful, and terrified from a nightmare. You cry out. . . the darkness penetrates the room, shadows creep along the walls…you hear yourself scream….it feels like an eternity of time, but finally, finally, your dad or your mom rushes to your side. They wipe your tears, hug you, and maybe lie next to you or let you crawl into their bed. Finally, all is well. Why? Because the mere presence of your parents with you is a comfort, a security. You have a trust and a knowledge that when they are near, you have nothing to fear.
Likewise, God knew and knows that to truly defeat the darkness, conquer sin, death, and fear, His presence alone has the ability to calm us, restore us, and make us whole again. His answer was not a book, a law, a system of rules and regulations, but He, the Word of Life, came down into our darkness, into our hell, and walked into our fiery furnace with us. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, the Son of God walks with us preventing the fires of these earthly sorrows and sins from swallowing us up.
One of my favorite promises of Christmas is this promise of personal presence and relationship. That’s probably why “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. I take comfort in the fact He did not leave us alone. He rushes to our side in our midnight of fear and discomfort. We can then “Rejoice!” because Jesus said,“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matthew 28:20b ESV.
Notes:
December 2nd: Promises through Grief
Landree Palmer
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
I usually went to the creek to walk around. This was my daily habit. It didn’t matter if it was raining or snowing, I was always walking around the creek that was no deeper than my ankle and that only steadily moved after a storm. No amount of comfort or peace could be found in conversations with my friends, movies I could watch, work I could pour into; but, when I was at the creek, my heart would begin to settle into my chest, I could breathe easier, and the tears could pour out of my eyes.
These verses capture what I had been feeling. The times by the creek I would sing songs such as “I Come to the Garden Alone” or “As the Deer” hoping and praying that God would hear me. I came to him with bitterness, grief, and oftentimes anger. I would sit patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) crying out to him for some sort of reconciliation, relief, or for him to redeem the hurt. Did he? No, he didn’t. Not right away. But, I got something much greater. God, pulled me out of the pit and sat with me in the pain. He walked with me beside the creek. That was the closest I could imagine it was like when Adam walked with him in the garden. Then, he put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise. I couldn’t praise him for my situation, because my heart was too buried in grief. But, I praised him for his character. God was patient, kind, and so very gentle. My situation didn’t dictate his character. My situation didn’t take away his promises for the future. My situation didn’t dictate the hope I could put in him.
The situation you are going through at this moment does not change the never-changing character of God. The situation you are going through at this moment does not affect his promises. The situation you are going through at this moment doesn’t affect the fact he sent Jesus down to earth as a baby, the greatest gift imaginable. Although this situation may be pulling you under, creating emotional and physical pain, God is big enough to pull you out. Don’t wait for your situation to be over to celebrate the gift of Christmas. Celebrate it. Let him put a new song in your heart. Even if it is with tears in your eyes, sing a song of praise to our God.
Notes:
December 3rd- Mary’s Faith
Connie Garrison
Luke 1: 26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city named Nazareth. To a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what
manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God “Now Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
“Are you ready for Christmas?” I couldn’t begin to add up how many times I have been asked this challenging question by friends, family, and store clerks throughout the years. No one likes the thought of being unprepared, especially at Christmas when there are so many things we need to do.
Whenever our lives get busy it’s important that our hearts don’t become overwhelmed. We need to be watchful that our Christmas preparation and celebration of Jesus does not distract us from our relationship with Jesus. When the book of Luke begins there was no Christmas Season. “Joy to the World”
and “Silent Night” had not yet been written. The #1 song for believers at that time could have been titled, “How Long, O Lord? How Long?” The story of Mary begins in Luke’s first chapter. She lived during a very dark time in the history of her people. Nearly 400 years had passed since the words of Malachi had been
written, and the Jewish people were still waiting for the promised Messiah. It is in the midst of this darkness, and the crushing presence of Rome that the spotlight of God’s mercy and grace shines the brightest. Mary is about to receive the greatest blessing ever given to any woman! When Mary awoke on the day the angel Gabriel was going to pay her a visit, she had no idea who was coming to her house, or what the reason for the visit would be. She didn’t know this was God’s appointed time for the promise of the Messiah to be fulfilled, and she didn’t know she was to be God’s chosen vessel to carry the life of her Savior within her. Mary’s story is one of a heart prepared for God’s visitation.
A Heart of Faith.
When Mary first heard the words that Gabriel spoke to her, she was perplexed and responded with her mind. None of it made sense and so she asked, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” When the angel gave her more details, Mary’s next response was not from her mind, but from her heart. She knew this was not a time to reason, but a time to believe. Here is what Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; Let it be to me according to your word.” This is an amazing, in-the-moment response from a young, engaged, teenage girl who just heard she was about to become pregnant through the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit. Mary didn’t resist or argue. She didn’t offer another option or try to come up with a better plan. She didn’t try to put the angel off or ask for a few more weeks to
think it over. She didn’t say, “This is not a good time for me! I love what you said and want to be the one chosen for this amazing privilege, but could it happen after I’m married so I won’t have the reproach of carrying a child without a husband.” Mary’s heart was ready to trust, and ready to receive. It was a listening heart, a yielded heart, and a welcoming heart! It was a heart that heard God’s promise, and a heart of faith that was reassured by the words, “With God nothing will be impossible.” This holiday season, as we remember Jesus’ birth and the first Christmas, our hearts can also welcome the reality of His presence. As we experience one of the busiest times of the year we can be assured—that His peace will fill our hearts, that His praise will be upon our lips, and that His joy will flood our souls. May your faith respond to His presence and to His promises, and may your heart-response to Him always be, “Let Your will be done in me according to all that You have spoken.”
Notes:
December 4th: Waiting on God’s Promises
Tim Landwehr
God’s word is full of promises. All our lives, we practice putting faith in, having patience for, and trusting in His promises. There are many examples: Abraham & Sarah waited years for the birth of their promised son, Isaac (Genesis 21). Joseph was sold as a slave and thrown in prison as he waited to rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 50). The Israelites wandered in the desert 40 years before they entered the Promised Land (Joshua 21). Believers are encouraged to wait with strength and courage in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. Waiting on God’s promise is a journey requiring faith, patience, and trust. By reflecting on biblical examples and encouraging verses, we find strength and hope as we navigate through our own periods of waiting.
As we do, it is important to remember two things:
1) God’s timing is perfect, and
2) His promises will be fulfilled, maybe not in our time, but certainly in His time.
Notes:
December 5th: Mary’s Song
Landree Palmer
Luke 1:46-55
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”
If you skimmed these verses, take this time to read them again. Mary has gotten news that she is to be the mother of the Messiah that has been long awaited, and has seen God’s goodness once again through her cousin, Elizabeth, who is expecting a baby. She praises God for the things he has done for her, all of Israel, and by proxy, the whole world. She explains God’s truth through these beautiful verses.
When I was a young new Christian, I had dreams of being a missionary, preacher, teacher, etc. I would call my peers on the playground to come listen to the preaching I scribbled on a sticky note in the 3rd grade. I cried in the arms of my youth leaders because I didn’t tell my friends about God in 5th grade. I would get upset when people didn’t choose me to go with them on mission trips. All of these things happened because I wanted to be chosen by God, much like Mary was chosen. I tried to convince God that I was good enough to do hard things for him.
It took until my college years to realize my thinking was not God’s truth. In fact, I had already been chosen. As soon as I made that decision to follow Christ, he had plans to use me. Before I was born, God knew. And that is the same for you too. Whether you are running away from God, or so desperately trying to please him, he wants to use you and chooses you. Whether you are spending most of your days exhausted and crying or excited and in celebration, God wants to use you and chooses you. Maybe he wants to choose you for full time ministry or working a 9-5. Maybe he wants to choose you to bring life to a crowd of people or speak kind words to your daughter. Maybe he wants to choose you to simply spend time with him today.
Mary was chosen for a daunting task, and yet she sang beautiful words of praise because she looked for the beauty of God’s promises. What have you been called to do today? Are you choosing to see God’s blessing? Are you singing God’s praises no matter the task? Whether you are in a season of waiting for God’s answer, or spending everyday trying to complete your to-do list, the truth is if you are a child of God, you are chosen, loved, and cherished beyond measure. Don’t spend your life waiting to be loved and chosen by God, and start living the fact you already are.
Notes:
December 6th- Mary’s Faith
Leslie Landwehr
What would it have been like to be in Mary’s shoes? A young girl from a family in Nazareth. They weren’t anything important or special. They were just like any other family. She grew up learning from her mom. She learned how to bake, clean, sew and much more. I’m sure she never dreamed her life would turn out the way that it did. For centuries the prophets foretold the coming Messiah. They said that he would come and save the people. The people believed God would hear their cry and save them. The prophets foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. He would be the son of the living God and his name would be Jesus. I wonder if the girls back then ever talked about who they thought would be chosen.
Then Mary’s life changed. It went from being ordinary to extraordinary. She went from being just one of the girls in the city to now being the one chosen to be the mother to the son of God. The angel came to her and told her she was highly favored and blessed among the women. Just seeing an angel would have been enough for me to check my sanity, let alone the fear that would have overtaken me. But the angel told Mary not to fear. God had chosen her to carry the Messiah. What amazes me about Mary is that through all that the angel told her, through her fear, she accepted what God’s plan was. He was fulfilling his promise through her. She trusted God.
I remember when I finally became a mom. I had waited many years before I met Tim and then we had Troy. It was my biggest dream to become a mom. The first time I held him in my arms I was in awe at the blessing God had given me. I sat and traced every line on his face. I brushed each finger and counted each toe. I wonder if Mary did the same thing. As she looked down at the face of our Savior, was she in awe of God’s promise being fulfilled. I also wonder if in those early moments of holding him did it cross her mind about what he would have to do to save the people. Prophecies foretold of the coming Messiah, but they also foretold of how he would be bruised for our sins. That he would pay the price so that we might be free. Just as Mary’s faith carried her through becoming the mother to God’s son, it would also carry her through as he would one day be the sacrifice for all our sins.
We too can have the faith and hope of Mary. God has so many promises for us. During this Christmas season, we should take time to reflect on all God has promised he would do for us and how he has provided through each one. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. In Isaiah 41:10 the New King James has written “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Deuteronomy 3:7a has written “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you….” That brings me such peace knowing that God has already been where I am going. I don’t have to worry or fear what might be ahead. Mary had many reasons to be afraid and worry, but through it all she trusted God.
What about you? What are you struggling with this season? One verse that gives me hope in any season is John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” God didn’t promise us a life of sunshine and rainbows all the time. He did promise us that he will be with us and that he has overcome it all.
Notes:
December 7th: God in Our Waiting
Eden White
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Deep dive: Waiting can feel like one of the hardest parts of life, whether that is waiting on an answer for direction in life (college, or change in career path, or what your purpose is), waiting for healing, or waiting for God’s timing. This could cause us to feel anxious or doubtful, but this verse reminds us God is not absent in our waiting. He is the comfort in our waiting! Notice how God does not take away our pain, but he meets us in our trouble with His presence and peace. God uses our time in waiting to work in us, to grow through Him, and strengthen our trust in Him. Not only can he meet us and comfort us, but He also equipped us to help others as well. Every time we experience love in hardship, that is an opportunity for someone else’s hope.
Challenge: This week, focus on how God is moving in your life, not when. God still moves in our life through the waiting. Reflect each day on how He is comforting you through this time.
Question: What is something you’re right now and how might God be using you through this season?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being the Father of compassion and all comfort. I thank you for meeting me in my waiting and I pray you will grow me through my struggles. When I am struggling, I pray you will remind me of your presence and fill me with comfort and peace. Help me to use this comfort to encourage others in uncertainty as well. In Jesus name, amen.
Notes:
December 8th: Waiting Through Seasons of Uncertainty
Tim Landwehr
Waiting through seasons of uncertainty can actually be a common experience for many people. It can be challenging to trust God when you feel lost or stagnant, like you’re not going anywhere, or just going through the motions, but it is also a time when God moves in a mighty way. Sometimes, miracles can happen. Think back to the first time you passed a note in class to the girl that you had a crush on.
The note simply had one question: “Do you like me? Check yes or no” with two boxes drawn on it. The uneasiness that you felt as the note was passed to her, you watched her checkmark the note and then pass it back. What about the day you decided to propose marriage to your girlfriend. Would she say yes? You always think, and hope that she will, but there’s always that uncertainty… Or that time that your child or parent went in for surgery and you had to wait on the doctor to hear how the surgery went. “Are they okay? It’s taking longer than they told me it would take; did something go wrong? I wish someone would just tell me what’s happening…”
The advice I would give to a person going through any of those experiences, or other uncertain times, is: 1) Trust God. He does have our best interests at heart, He really does. The bible says twelve different times that God will “never leave you, nor forsake you.” In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to give you hope, and a future. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you.” He wants to bless you. He wants to use you for His work. And He has a plan for you. But you need to seek Him, know Him, and trust Him.
2) Read His word. Study it. Let it fill you.
3) Pray about it. Are you still uncertain about it? Tell God. Ask Him to help you, to give you His assurance that it’s all going to work out.
4) Don’t forget to praise Him. Whether the situation is resolved or not. Praise Him. Give glory to God.
Notes:
December 9th: All-Consuming Love
Nathan Palmer
Call me a product of my generation, but I’m not the biggest fan of waiting. I’m especially not fond of waiting when I don’t know how things will turn out. A great example of this happened to me earlier this year. I was looking for a full-time job. I had applied for every institution of higher education and center for behavioral health in the area with no luck. Thankfully, Ozarks Tech hired me in Human Resources, but the months of waiting for anything to work out was uncomfortable and often upsetting. I often questioned if I had made the right choices and was doing what God had called me to do. I’m sure you can relate in your own circumstances.
Thankfully, God is an amazing God who loves us and knows us intimately. God knows that we aren’t patient. God knows that we want answers. God knows that we get uncomfortable when we can’t be in control. God wants to meet us where we are and be our stronghold. For example, look at the situation Joseph found himself in. He was married to a virgin wife who began miraculously carrying a baby (the Son of God, mind you). Instead of quietly divorcing Mary as the law allowed, Joseph listened to the angel sent by God to reassure him.
Are you waiting in a season of uncertainty or doubt today? If so, I want to remind you of the words of Lamentations 3:21-25. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;”
God loves you and will not let you be consumed in your uncertainty.
Notes:
December 10th: Courage in the Face of Fear
Leslie Landwehr
Uncertainty. The unknown. Those are things that I do not like. I am one who likes to have everything planned down to the second. At work, when we have a last minute staff meeting that comes up with no details, my mind begins to spin. What is it going to be about? What are the details? What if I don’t like what they are going to tell us? I need to be prepared so I know how to act. I am almost frozen with fear at what the unknown is going to be.
I remember 12 ½ years ago I went through something that caused a lot of uncertainty in mine and Tim’s life. We had just had Charlee 2 months prior. I was getting ready to return to my job where I had worked as a bookkeeper for 7 years. The week before I was to go back to work, the owner called me in. He told me that the company was doing some changes and my position at the company was being outsourced and I no longer would have a job. At first, I was shocked, but very quickly my mind was filled with all the questions of uncertainty.
What was I going to do? How were Tim and I going to be able to provide for our two small children? Why would God let this happen? I had given so much to this company and they just cast me aside. I remember leaving the meeting and driving to my mom’s work. When I got there, I sat in her office just crying. I asked her what I was going to do. She told me that none of this was a surprise to God and that He has always provided before. This time would be no different. It was hard. The fear would over take me at times, but I followed her advice and just trusted. The next months were rough. There were times I felt like I wanted to give up and let the fear just take over.
However, God would give me some small sign of hope that he was still there and not to give up. Eventually I found a new job and through it all God provided. We never went hungry. We never lost our home. God provided.
This makes me think about Joseph. He had plans. He loved Mary and was ready to start a life with her. Then she comes to him with the worst news ever. She was pregnant. I’m sure his world was shattered. All his dreams, all his plans were ruined. What was he going to do now? What would people say when they found out? I’m sure Joseph wanted to run away and hide – to give up. Then the angel came to him and told him not to be afraid. That this was God’s plan. He was to go and take Mary as his wife. The child that she would bear would be the son of God who would save the world. I’m sure even after the angel told Joseph all these things, he was still uncertain, but he trusted what God had said. He trusted that if this was what God’s plan was to be, then God would guide them through it all. I love the verses in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. The New King James says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” In our trials and times of uncertainty, God comforts us. Sometimes we go through these things so that we can be an example to others who go through similar situations. We see how God provides during our uncertainty so we can share with others how God will provide.
Looking back over the last 12 years there have been many ups and downs in addition to the time I lost my job. However, as I look back and see the path that I have traveled down I can see God’s guiding hand through it all. This Christmas season can be a very trying time of uncertainty. Maybe you too have lost your job or are wondering how you will provide for your family. To this I say, continue to trust God through it. It may be hard to see his hand while you are in times of uncertainty, but he is always with you through it all.
Notes:
December 11th: Joseph’s Courage
Marsha Jarman and Kaitlyn Kerrins
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus because He will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:20–21
In this passage, the angel of the Lord speaks to Joseph in a moment of uncertainty and says, “Do not be afraid.” Before God gives direction, He gives reassurance. Before Joseph understands the plan, God reminds him of His presence. Even in situations that feel confusing or unexpected, God is already at work. What Joseph could not see, God was forming. What Joseph did not yet understand, God had already ordained. And the same is true for us. When life takes a turn we didn’t anticipate, we can trust that the Lord is moving behind the scenes guiding, preparing, and fulfilling His purpose in our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to trust You in every season, even when the path is not clear.
Quiet our fears with the assurance of Your presence, and remind us that Your plans are always for our good and Your glory.
Amen.
Notes:
December 12th: Waiting Together
Michelle Garrison
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” KJV
Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” NIV
Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” NKJV
The Israelites waited for many years for the hope of a Savior. This anchor of hope wells up specifically in the story of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2 where two elderly and faithful Jews full of patience and longing for the Messiah, were given the opportunity to see the Christ Child with their own eyes. The Jews knew there was a coming Messiah, but they were uncertain of many details concerning when and how it would all come about. Simeon had only been told that he would live to see Him, and we are uncertain how much Anna knew before she witnessed Him for herself.
As Christians, we are continually waiting for more of His fullness in our lives as God transforms us into the image of Christ, and we await His final redemption of our bodies and the creation at His second coming. Daily, we also await His revelation concerning the uncertainties we face in this life. In prayer, we seek answers from the One who is our only secure anchor and hope.
We know that God’s words through Scripture build this hope, but we must remember the encouragement by the Holy Spirit through our brothers and sisters within the Church at large to help grow our faith as well. We are rightfully hearing the encouragement from those within our own local church through this devotional. I decided to spread the net wide the net today, however, and see what random exhortations on this topic came up today in my social media feed (Threads) from fellow believers around the world. God is much bigger than us, and confirms His words in the mouth of many witnesses to give us a more secure hope than ever.
righteous_minister says, “God is with us even during our times of uncertainty. Worry less and worship more. The more you worship God, the less you worry about your situation. The sooner your breakthrough will come.”
kitchen.therapist writes, “. . . until our jaws unclench, our teeth stop gritting, our shoulders stand down, our minds remember the character of God, and our hearts believe again. . . we got this. God Keeps His Promises”
torriesorge speaks, “There’s more power in the hem of His robe than the powers working against you. Jesus is fighting for you. Jesus is moving mountains out of your way. Jesus is making a way where there isn’t one. Jesus is providing more than you can imagine. Don’t give up.”
sincerelyireland remarks, “Child of God. . .what did you expect the path to be like? The oil in your life doesn’t come cheap. . .it’s pressed from seasons that break you open. . . every breaking was God making sure you could carry what you’re called to. You’ll question whether you heard God right. . .until the fruit proves you did. . the weight always comes before the win.”
chidijkalu reminds us that “when God begins to shift things, He is not abandoning you, He is positioning you. He is not removing security, He is releasing strategy. He is not closing doors to punish you. He is opening new ones to prepare you.”
I am sure Israel felt quite alone and abandoned when the prophets became silent and when God stopped working in the usual way, but the coming of the Son of God was on the horizon, and where the book of Malachi left off, Matthew eventually took up the helm, and the season of waiting in the uncertainty would fade.
Notes:
December 13th: Reflecting in Uncertainty
Landree Palmer
Read through these verses and choose one to reflect on.
Isaiah 41:10- Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Philippians 4:6-7- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30- Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Psalm 42:5- Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.
Read through your verse once and choose one word or phrase that stands out to you.
Read through your verse a 2nd time, but this time pray to God through it. Tell him about the word or phrase that sticks out.
Read through the verse a 3rd time and answer the questions below:
Take time to sit with God. What invitation might he be extending to you today?
Consider what he might be telling you this Christmas season? How do you need to prepare your heart?
What are you holding back? What do you need to let go?
December 14th: Hundreds of Years in the Making
Jeff Bucklew
Let all that I am praise the Lord:
With my whole heart, I will praise his holy name!
Psalm 103:1
The shepherd sat near the crackling fire, warming his hands. As he gazed into the heavens, that curious bright star that seemed to beckon “come follow me” – crowded out the other night stars. His thoughts went to the nightly practice of reciting verses of scripture. Verses that he learned as a child, his lips moved as written verses and prayers were chanted in his mind. Many of those prayers speak of waiting, they were hundreds of years old and were for the remembering of the goodness of Jehovah God and the hope of his promise to redeem Israel. The next few minutes changed the world – fear, excitement, realization that the promise the shepherd had just been reciting from memory became reality – THE PROMISE OF MESSIAH, IT WAS FULFILLED! The angel appeared – the radiance of God’s glory surrounded them! They were terrified, but, could the good news the angel brought be true – he had just been singing the old songs about the redemption of Israel – the Messiah to come. And now this angel, dressed in the light of the Almighty God, tells them the glorious news– THE SAVIOR, EMANUEL – God WITH US, HAS COME!
As you celebrate this Advent season, have you had a time, like the shepherds, when you received the news that the savior has come? Can you remember a time that EMMANUEL – GOD WITH US has come into your life? Have you been waiting to have that hope? Today, you can accept the hope of new life that is provided in Jesus, the reason for this season of Advent.
Notes:
December 15th- The Greatest Gift
Craig Bellomy
Luke 2:10-11
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord.
Can you imagine that night in the field when the angels appeared to the shepherds? As lowly shepherds having this glorious sight with angels shining the bright light of God above them. It would have been terrifying with this unexpected sight. The angels calmed them with words of “Fear not for we bring you good news.” Then the news came with much exhilaration, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” I can imagine the look of shock on their faces that quickly changed to excitement and joy. I can see as the angels returned to heaven and the light diminished, they all ran to Bethlehem. As they ran, the realization that this was the foretold Messiah must have created an overwhelming sense of joy! They couldn’t wait to see the Christ child. As they came close to the manger, their hearts must have been full of exceeding joy. As we picture the scene with the shepherds around the manger, I find a similar scene as we with our families are around the Christmas tree.
The gifts under the tree represent a gift of love, which we have for those we love. But remember The Gift from God, salvation with Jesus dying for our sins, is The Greatest Gift we could ever receive. And it all started with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Notes:
December 16th- Perspective
Ireland and Niamh Garrison
Luke 2:8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ”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.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Ireland
Question: What would you do if you saw a bunch of angels singing praises to God?
Answer: I would be questioning why they’re there and what is happening.
Question: How would you be feeling?
Answer: I would be excited.
Question: What would you do after you saw it?
Answer: I would follow the star and follow Jesus.
Niamh
Question: How can we praise God?
Answer: We can go to church and praise him and read the Bible!
December 17th- Finding that Joy
Landree Palmer
Habbukuk 3:17-19- Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barn is empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer able to tread upon the heights.
I have a tendency to become covetous, or desiring things that other people have. Media outlets have a lot to do with that. I am flooded with snippets of others’ lives. Although those snippets are usually skewed reality, that doesn’t keep me from wanting what they have. Maybe it’s the perfect family, iced coffees everyday, or a stable work life. You may see someone have a new car, a perfectly decorated home (or a clean one for that matter), or a seemingly perfect child. Looking at things that I want, but don’t have yet, or may never have, make my heart dissatisfied and lacking in self-control. However, waiting in dissatisfaction is not God’s best for us.
Habbukuk, a prophet in the Old Testament, looked at the pain and disaster that was happening and would happen to the people of Judah and was grieved. It seemed unfair, disastrous, and too heavy to bear. It was much too easy to wish for a better future, a better present. At the very end of the book, he recognizes the reality of pain and suffering but, he says he will rejoice in the Lord. He said he will be joyful in the God of salvation. Habakkuk made a choice to be joyful in the trial, in the waiting.
This Christmas will not look like the Christmases before. Life changes. Maybe you are waiting for family tension to dissipate, a wayward child to come back, or your job to slow down. Maybe the thought of celebrating Christmas hurts too much or you are wishing for more. Maybe you are just so excited for Christmas that you are struggling to think of anything else. Stop. Right where you are. Look at the present around you. God is worth celebrating and praising. The joy he gives is worth whatever reality you want to change.
This may simply be a devotional you feel you are required to read, but you have a choice to intentionally find joy in your Creator, the one who knows and loves you fully. It is difficult to be covetous when I find joy in God. It is hard to lay in my grief when the Lord is wanting to hold me. Don’t fear the waiting. Don’t try to escape the moments where you can find intimacy with the Lord. Find the small moments this Christmas to be joyful for. What are you waiting for today? What are you wanting to change? Where can you find glimpses of God’s love for you at this moment?
Notes:
December 18th- Finding Hope in the Excitement of Shepherds
Connie Garrison
Luke 2:8-20
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Have you ever felt unqualified for a calling or even a job— like you’re not the obvious choice for a task?
You’re not alone. We all have moments of doubt, feeling out of place or underprepared for what God calls us to do. But God doesn’t wait for us to have perfect qualifications — He equips those He calls. Throughout the Bible, God works through unlikely people and unexpected moments. These ordinary people couldn’t see the big picture but chose to trust Him anyway; this couldn’t be anymore true for the shepherds who came to see Jesus after His birth. The shepherds were an unlikely witness to History. Picture that night outside Bethlehem: Shepherds, men on the outskirts of society. As they stood in total darkness, eyes adjusted as they guarded their sheep. Their work was simple. Their lives were humble. No one expected much from them — they were outsiders, unnoticed, doing their duty far from the public eye. Suddenly, an angel shattered the silence, and “… the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid” (Luke 2:9, NKJV). Yet these shepherds — ordinary men — became the first to hear history’s greatest news: The Messiah was born! Without hesitation, they hurried to Bethlehem. After seeing Christ, as a baby in a manger, the shepherds couldn’t keep the news to themselves. They told everyone, and “all who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished” (Luke 2:18,NLT). These men, not scholars or religious leaders, became God’s unexpected messengers to proclaim the birth of His Son.
The Story of the shepherds is a powerful reminder of the hope and excitement that can come from ordinary people. The shepherds, despite their humble backgrounds, were chosen to witness the birth of Jesus Christ. This choice symbolizes the universal accessibility of Christ’s message, that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of social standing. The shepherds’ encounter with the angels proclamation of Jesus’ birth became a beacon of hope, accessible to every heart that is yearning for significance. By choosing shepherds, God emphasized a deeper revelation that the ordinary and overlooked, have not escaped God’s sight. Through the inclusion of shepherds, the birth of Jesus became a testament to God’s grace and His willingness to extend His love to anyone, even those who may feel forgotten. Like the shepherds, you have a story to share! God can use your voice in ways beyond what you might expect.
Notes:
December 19th: Waiting with Joy
Nathan Palmer
I want to start this by giving you the definition of joy that I’ve come to realize in my own life. Joy is an all encompassing feeling that God is with you and that He is ultimately in control of everything. No matter the outcome of anything, God is good and is working all things out for His glory! With that out of the way, I want to try and make sense of using “waiting” and “joy” in the same sentence.
When God answers a prayer, it falls in three categories, those being yes, no, and wait. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather get a yes or no answer. Wait is an answer that I struggle with. I want things answered quickly and without much trouble. Joy is not my first thought when it comes to waiting for God to answer a prayer.
Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” God calls us to wait patiently for Him. When we have eternity with Him, another day, week, month, year, or even lifetime will seem really short in the long run. Remember what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do while you wait. God wants to bless us and provide for us, but we have to slow down, take things one day at a time, and appreciate what we have now.
Lamentations 3:25 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Use the time you have to wait to draw closer to God in other ways. It can be an invitation to pray, to serve, to find a new ministry, or something else entirely. Don’t let a season of waiting keep you from joy. Choose to seek God and bring Him the glory however you can each day.
Notes:
December 20th: Christmas Excitement
Landree Palmer
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! Philippians 4:4
I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on my wedding day. Not because I was nervous, but because I needed to drive four hours to actually arrive at the place where I was going to be married. On the way up north, we had to take a really weird detour because a bridge was out, we had to stop at the gas station for an emergency bathroom break (ask Connie about it), and I was late arriving because leaving the house with a million children is hard (just ask my parents). Needless to say, my wedding day was far from perfect, however, it still remains the best day of my entire life.
The joy of marriage and spending the rest of my life with my best friend, overshadowed the negative parts of that day. It’s like all those Christmases as a kid, where everything seemed perfect with the glow of the lights, the presents under the tree, and the smell of treats from the kitchen. It isn’t until you are older that you begin to see all of the bumps of the holidays.
It isn’t a coincidence that the second fruit of the Spirit is joy. It isn’t by mistake that the Bible mentions joy over 150 times. God commands us to be joyful. It is difficult to create joy within ourselves, especially when worry, anxiety, depression, and the things of life weigh on our hearts, but it is actually the Spirit who can give us that joy. Don’t allow that worry, anxiety, and depression rule your life and let the Spirit lead.
I’m aware that is easier said than done. You are likely in the middle of something that is weighing on you, and the “joy of Christmas” feels more like the “stress of Christmas.” Planning my wedding had the tendency to feel more stressful than exciting which took away from the anticipation of what was coming. Take it one moment at a time. Those moments when stress and day after day worry take over, thank God for sending his Son. If that is the one thing you can find joy in, then praise God!
Thinking about my wedding day, the biggest and most wonderful part was being up at the altar and making those vows to Nathan. In that moment, no amount of chaos could have stopped that overwhelming joy. This Christmas, let the excitement and joy of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for you cover the grief of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!
Notes:
December 21st- Waiting On Answers
Eden White
Matthew 5:16;
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Deep dive: In waiting for answers from God, we pray, hope, and sometimes we hear silence. In this verse, Jesus reminds us to shine through our waiting. We do not need to pretend everything is fine when it isn’t or pretend to know all the answers. All we need to do is choose to trust in God in the waiting. Shining through our waiting means showing kindness in our frustration, worshiping when we’re weary, and trusting when we’re unsure. In being this light around other people in waiting, others will see something different, they will see God’s patience, peace, and perseverance through us.
Challenge: Do not focus on what you do not know but focus on what you do know: God is faithful. Look for ways each day to shine more like Jesus. Focus on patience through the waiting, kindness through the frustration, and evaluate your words, attitude, and actions in waiting for your prayers to be answered.
Question: How can you shine more like Jesus this week while waiting for your prayers to be answered?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being present even when I’m waiting on answers. Help me to trust that you’re working even when I cannot see how. I pray you will open my eyes to the opportunities you give me to shine more like you through my words, attitude, and actions. Use my waiting to draw closer to you. In Jesus name, amen.
Notes:
December 22nd: Praising God and Proclaiming His Name
Craig Bellomy
Psalm 103:1
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
This Psalm is believed to have been written by King David. It seems to be a time of deep contemplation when David was looking at his life. About all the times God had forgiven him. He was giving thanks because God had blessed him so much in his life despite all the sin David had committed. We too as Christians should have an attitude of thankfulness at God’s amazing forgiveness of all our sins. We should humbly come daily to the cross asking for forgiveness. We should be thankful for this gift God has given us with Jesus paying the price for our sin by dying on the cross. There is no greater reason for Praising God! We should be singing “Bless the Lord, Oh my Soul” often if not always. If not aloud like my brother Garland, then silently in your heart. Remember, this is the season for showing the love of Jesus. We should give the gift of God’s love to a dying world as Jesus gave the gift of Calvary for our salvation. May God bless you as you praise Him!
Notes:
December 23rd: Waiting For Answers
Marsha Jarman and Kaitlyn Kerrins
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shown around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.“ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, Praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14
I love this passage because God didn’t send the announcement of Jesus’ birth to kings, nobles, or important leaders. He sent it to shepherds. Ordinary people, working through the night, out in a lonely field. And yet that is where the glory of the Lord showed up. It reminds us that God meets us in places we don’t expect. In the quiet, in the routine, in the moments that feel overlooked. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy for all people.” The message wasn’t just for the important or the prepared. It was for everyone. And that includes us today. Even when life feels ordinary, God is still speaking. Even when we feel unseen, His glory can break into our lives in a moment. The birth of Jesus is our reminder that heaven still reaches for the humble, the tired, and the ones standing in dark fields just trying to get through the night.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for meeting us right where we are. Open our eyes to see Your glory in the everyday moments. Fill our hearts with the joy and peace that the angels proclaimed, and remind us that through Jesus, Your love reaches all people — including us.
Amen.
Notes:
December 24th: A Name Above All Names
Jeff Bucklew
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
The Prophet Isaiah recorded these words of prophecy some 700 years before the miraculous birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph surely spent precious time together as new expecting parents, with their hands on Mary’s belly, feeling the miraculous movement of the new life within her. The Angel told Mary that she was highly favored, and that the little baby growing inside her would be called “the Son of the Most High”. Do you think that Joseph, a righteous man, who knew the scriptures would remember the title of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace” presented by the Prophet Isaiah? They just had to wait and wonder. Are you waiting for answers to life’s questions? As you celebrate Advent – preparing yourself to celebrate the birthday of Jesus are you able to call Him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace? After Jesus was born, the Apostle Luke records Mary’s prayer of thanks giving which begins with praise to God her Savior. Are you ready today to worship Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?
Can you offer a joyful prayer today as you recognize and acknowledge that Jesus is indeed;
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Notes:
December 25th: A Song Of Remembering
Olivia Jones
Merry Christmas! Let us remember all that Christ has done for us today. Olivia has written a song to remind us that no matter the season of life we are in today, let us remember Jesus and what he has done for us.
Remembering You
Verse 1-
I praise You in the ups and I praise You in the downs
I just sit here and wait
But it’s hard to be patient
I remember to praise you and I try to hear your voice
But it all falls apart when life hits me hard
Just way too hard
Chorus-
I’m going to pray
Even when it feels like I can’t go on
I want to hear your voice
Why can’t I hear your voice?
I turn away with my heart distracted
Lord bring me back to praise no matter what happens
Verse 2-
There’s beauty all around so why is it so dark
I fake a smile but it’s hard
To keep pretending
What I really need is just to praise you
Even when I can’t and life gets in the way
‘cause it’s just too hard
Bridge-
I can’t go on, I’m nothing special
I know I’m broke but you can make me new
40 days have passed but the 41st is coming
Even if it’s not what I want to hear
I’m going to listen anyway
The Crossing Springfield 