Philippians 4:4-7 NIV — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Now that Christmas is over, let’s turn our attention toward our word of the year for 2025. Have you chosen a word to focus on throughout 2025? 

This year God has led me to two words because one leads to the other. My words for 2025 are peace and joy. As I prayed about my word for 2025, God quickly led me to the word peace. As I read over scriptures and continued to pray, He showed me that peace in Him leads to joy.  

Today’s featured scripture is a formula for peace and joy. In short, we must turn our worries into prayers, present them to God, and He will give us peace. Peace in Him gives us an untouchable joy.

We would love to hear from you about your word or words for 2025. What has God led you to focus on in the year ahead? Choosing a word of the year is a great practice to stay rooted and grounded in Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your promise of peace and joy. May I be intentional about turning my worries into prayers and allow You to guard my heart and mind with peace and joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Luke 2:1-21 NIV

Today is Christmas day. Take some time to read the above scripture and praise God for the true meaning of Christmas. Focus on versus 13 and 14 — 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.”

Choosing a life of walking on water with God, hand in hand with Jesus, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, gives you and I a peace that is hard for nonbelievers to fathom. Being favored by God doesn’t mean we will live a life that is free of troubles or struggles. It means we have confidence in the presence of our Lord, trust His direction, and have faith that His plan is better than ours.

On this Christmas Day, take time to reflect on the first Christmas. If today isn’t as joyous as you would like, allow God to comfort and strengthen you. Most of all, have confidence in His presence, faith in His love, and rest in His peace.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you for sending Your Son to be my Savior. Help me to feel Your peace that passeth all understanding. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Isaiah 9:6 NIV — For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Today is Christmas Eve. Children and adults are filled with excitement about gifts, good food, and the fellowship tomorrow brings. Let’s take a moment to ponder Christmas Eve in Bethlehem thousands of years ago.

Imagine how Mary and Joseph must have felt. They were surely exhausted from their travels and ready to rest for the night. The two of them had been visited by the angel and told of the holy child Mary was carrying, but did they really understand? Did Joseph and Mary realize the son she was carrying would deliver each of us from our sins? Did they comprehend the heartache they would later face? Think of the worries each of them carried.

As we go about our Christmas Eve, let’s be mindful of the true meaning of this day for Christians. Today is the day before our Savior’s birthday, which in turn should be a birthday celebration for each of us. Take a moment to listen to Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant before you spend some time in prayer.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for today and the blessing today holds. I am so thankful for the willingness of Mary and Joseph to be the earthly parents of our Savior. As I go throughout my day, help me to be mindful of the true meaning today holds for me as a Christian. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Spend some time reading and meditating on our featured scripture for this week.

Isaiah 9:6 NIV — For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:1-21 NIV

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:13 NIV — May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:9 NIV — Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

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Let’s join in worship today by listening to the following songs. May the words and music prepare our hearts for our Savior’s birth.

Make Room by Casting Crowns featuring Matt Maher

I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

Matthew 28:16-20 — Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This week I have challenged you to give Christmas away this year. In reality, Jesus charged us with giving away the true meaning of Christmas in the Great Commission. In every season, we are to make disciples through our words and actions. Spend some time in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in ways you can intentionally spread the Good News. Take a moment to read the article 5 Fresh Ways To Spread the Gospel for some practical ways to share Christ with others. As we continue to move toward Christmas Day, let’s pause, seek, and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide each of us to give Christmas away to others.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for trusting me to spread Your love to others. Guide and direct my words and actions as I strive to give Christmas away to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Luke 2:10-11 NIV — 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 year, let’s give Christmas away. Yesterday we pondered ways to give Christmas away to those in need. How can we spread Christmas to those around us? 

Throughout the Christmas season there are various programs, sponsored by churches, that share the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps there is a Christmas cantata, singing Christmas tree, or live nativity at your church or one nearby. Take advantage of these opportunities to refocus on the true meaning of the season. Give Christmas away by inviting others to go with you and share Christmas joy with them. By sharing Christmas with others, you will also increase your joy. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the true meaning of Christmas. Guide me as I invite others to join me in refocusing our attention this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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