Luke 2:8-20 NIV

Let’s take time to reflect on our own Christmas memories. While my experiences around Christmas may not be the same as yours, perhaps my memories will spark an interest with you and together we can be inspired to create new memories centered around the true meaning of Christmas.

When I was elementary school aged, our church would visit a local nursing home once a month to share a worship service with the residents. We would read scripture, sing hymns, and my dad, the minister, would share a brief devotion. At Christmas the service was even more special as we sang Christmas hymns. One particular year I was so proud when I was asked to sing a solo part in the song “Go Tell It On the Mountain.” While I was not really a very talented singer, I remember being very enthusiastic as I belted out the lyrics to the top of my lungs. Not only did I feel special, but the residents felt special as we all shared the love of Christ with them. 

What special Christmas memories do you have that center around the birth of Christ? How can that memory inspire you to create a new Christmas memory this year?

Click here to read about the history of the hymn Go Tell It On the Mountain.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for special Christmas memories that taught me about the true meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to create new Christmas memories that focus on our Savior’s birth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Take time today to read and meditate on the featured scriptures for the week ahead.

Luke 2:8-20 NIV

Luke 2:13-14 NIV — 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.”

Let’s begin our week together by listening to Go Tell It On The Mountain by For King And Country and Go Tell It On The Mountain by The Tabernacle Choir.

Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — ‭Then I remembered what the Lord had said: “‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’”

This week, we have been sharing about Gifts. Let’s pause and savor the gift of the Holy Spirit. In today’s key verse, we know that we are baptized with the Holy Spirit. On Wednesday we talked about love being our motivation. 

5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman includes, words of affirmation, acts of service, giving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. During Christmas, we all enjoy giving and receiving gifts. I encourage us all to take the 5 Love Languages quiz at 5lovelanguages.com. What are ways that we can share our gifts through the love we receive from the Holy Spirit? As I’ve gotten older I find the value of quality time. 

Dear God, thank You for giving me the gift of Your Holy Spirit. I desire to share the gift of Your love through quality time with family and friends this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Our gift back to Jesus is what we do with our planted seeds. In 2019, the year my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, the word of the year was “influence.” As I reflected I realized what a great gift God had given me that year. If Dad had not gotten cancer, I may not have found running. If I had not found running, God could not have used me to be an influence with others through running. I am certainly not grateful that Dad had to suffer through cancer, but I am grateful that God gave me a gift that would get me through the hardest season of my life.

In today’s key verse, we read of the promise that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Even if we don’t understand, God will continue to work through us, for His glory. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me special gifts, handpicked for me. I desire to use my gifts joyfully for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬ — and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Jesus was not the traditional gift that you unwrap and celebrate. His gift did not come wrapped in ribbon and bows but rather swaddling clothes. Our gifts may come disguised just like baby Jesus. It may take years of beautifully wrapped gifts for us to identify them. Over the years our gifts may change, or it may be that we change. God sees our potential through our gifts before the seeds are ever planted in our hearts. Will you make room in your heart for those planted seeds to grow or will you starve them?

In reading today’s key verse, be reminded of the precious gift God gave us through the birth of our savior, Christ Jesus. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me special gifts, handpicked for me. I desire to make room in my heart to nurture the seeds you are planting in me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

I want you to recall your favorite gift you received as a child. You were probably overjoyed with excitement and could not wait to use it. Now I want you to think about a gift you received as a child that was not what you wanted. You were probably ungrateful with a crushed spirit and could not wait to see if you could exchange it. Again, God knows what we will do with our special gifts He gives us Do you think you will nurture that gift, or will you forsake it?

Tara-Leigh Cobble with The Bible Recap says, Paul encourages us to use our gifts with love as the motivation. Otherwise all our good deeds are multiplied by zero or are harmful to the body. In today’s key verse we know that if we do not have love, we have nothing. I encourage us to be grateful for our gifts and steward them with love.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me special gifts, handpicked for me. I desire to use my gifts with love and motivation for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion