GOOD NEWS PEOPLE

Christ was born in a barn and buried in a borrowed tomb. Mary gave birth in Bethlehem when an occupying empire forced her to make the journey. Later, their family fled to Egypt. Today, in our city and around the world, people are vulnerable and in need of care. Pray for them and ask God how He might have you intercede on their behalf.

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth and judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy. – Prov. 31:8-9

GOD WITH US

What’s in a name? One of the names given to Christ in the scriptures is Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” The name conveys the miracle that in Christ, the creator of the universe chose to come close, to dwell with you and me. Pray today, inviting the Lord to help you be aware of His presence through every joy and heartache.

"And they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God with us’." – Matthew 1:23b

FEAR NOT

Angels changed the shepherds’ world that night with the headline: The King of Love is coming! The angels opened their speech by telling the shepherds not to fear, and the book of First John declares that God’s perfect love casts out fear. What fears is the Lord calling you to cast aside as you move toward the coming new year?

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” – Luke 2:10

A PLACE TO DWELL

When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, the baby’s arrival was imminent. They searched the bustling town for a place suitable for the coming Messiah, but there was no room to be found. In this last week before Christmas, how will you make room for Christ to come and dwell in your life?

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room for them. - Isaiah 9:2a

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

The Bible talks a lot about light. God is light and as His people we are carriers of that God-light. There are many ways to spread His light. This week, one way could be to invite friends or family to Church on Christmas Eve to experience the light of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit who He might lead you to invite to join you in worship this year. Make the invitation and trust God with the outcome.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” - Matthew 5:14

AN OPEN INVITATION

“Come and see.” It’s a phrase from the story of Jesus that conveys a simple truth: Lives are changed when people encounter His presence. That’s our hope as we swing open our church doors on Christmas Eve — that friends and neighbors will “come and see.” That as we invite them to celebrate Jesus with us on Christmas Eve, many will be captivated by His story. Pray today about who God might call you to invite on Christmas Eve.

Nathaniel said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Phillip said to him, “Come and see.” – John 1:46

THE SONG OF ANGELS

A HELPING PRAYER

The poor and the vulnerable are close to the heart of Jesus. Tomorrow, families facing financial hardship will participate in Woodmen’s Gift of Love Celebration — an opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas in wonderful ways. Take time today to pray for these precious ones who are valued by our humble King.

The King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” – Matt 25:40

AN INVITATION TO TRUST

God's word invites us to trust Him- to place our lives at His mercy and surrender our own agenda. It might be a scary thought, but because in Christ, God became one of us, fully experiencing the hurts of humanity, we can be sure that we have a savior who is worthy of trust. Think about a circumstance where you need to completely trust God. Invite Him into this part of your life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
— Psalm 3:5

A HOPING HEART

A child awaits Christmas day on tip-toes, anticipating good things to come. When the day finally arrives, it's made sweeter by the waiting. As you wait this advent season, write down a few things you're eagerly hoping and anticipating that Christ will bring to pass. Invite the Lord to encourage your heart in the waiting.

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
— Psalm 31:24

THE SONG OF ANGELS

WORTHY OF OUR PRAYERS

If God was only lofty and Holy, we'd wonder if He could empathize with our deepest longings and sorrows. If He was merely a man, we would doubt His power and authority over circumstances that overwhelm us. In Christ, He is fully God and fully human, so we have a sovereign friend with whom we can trust our deepest prayers. Talk to Him today.

I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
— Isaiah 57:15