The wonder of Christmas was beautiful to me as a child. A special annual concert at church, both for kids and adult choirs. Meals around the tables of my relatives while us grandkids ran around oblivious to any weight of the holiday. There was the excitement of presents under the tree, of a special neighbour who kindly dressed up as Santa Claus every year and blessed my brother and I with gifts on Christmas Eve (a special stop on his way around the world, of course). Then there was the pinnacle of it all: the awe of Jesus’ birth.

Have you ever prayed about something for years and received seemingly no results, but because it’s now part of your daily rhythm, you still utter the words? Your heart has grown numb to the request, but your mind still goes through the motions? Eventually, that numbness moves into other areas of your spiritual life, and it feels dry altogether? Well, there’s good news! God is still in the business of reviving hearts and lives!

Do you find it easy or challenging to make decisions? What’s your normal plan in making a difficult choice? Do you make it on the spot, ponder the outcomes for a time, follow a friend or two’s advice, see what the popular trend is, or a mix of these?

A young woman was faced with an incredibly phenomenal, beautiful, and yet gut-wrenchingly hard assignment – to mother the Son of God. Unless inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself, no one would believe this woman was impregnated by Him. This story oozed perceived scandal, one that should have led to her death. How did this woman survive such a weighty commitment?

God has so graciously allowed the world the opportunity to join together with His people, the Israelites, to be one family, to those who accept Jesus’ gift of salvation. As we discovered last month, we also are united together as one army under the Lord of Armies. He’s given us Holy Spirit to counsel and defend us, His heavenly army to fight alongside us, as well as our brothers and sisters on earth. One of the most vital things to protect in this family is our unity. The Devil works hard to create division among us, so that we won’t be the Christ’s example of hope, light, or love to this hurting world. When we become aware of this, we can make, “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 When we do keep the unity, God does mighty work through His body of…

Do you still use cash for most purchases, or are credit cards your most frequent way of spending? It’s easy; just tap, insert, or swipe your card and the product is yours without having to think or feel the difference of how much you spent. Let Jennifer teach you how best to use your credit card, to keep yourself from racking up a bunch of debt, and what better time to learn/be reminded in the highest spending week of the entire year!

Upon asking the Lord for refreshed eyes and heart to understand the deeper truths of His divine conception, I am marveling at the Lord’s work in humble people. His direction this year in studying the Christmas story has highlighted the sacrifice and reward of being a follower of Jesus, no matter the cost. This first takes you and me to the incredible story of Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, in Matthew 1

The battle rages in your mind. What if you caused the infertility? Questions beyond a humanly possible answer. lies, and other discouragements try to drive you into despair when it comes to your infertility. Where is it all coming from and how do you make it stop? Did you know there’s a way to claim victory and find peace and joy while working through infertility?

Matthew 1 is a common list read around Christmastime as it significantly marks the end of one covenant and the beginning of the other. It’s like a pause of breath takes place, the blackened silence in a scene change, before reaching the climax of the show.

Thank you to every Air Force, Army, Marine, National Guard, Navy, Reservist, Chaplain, and Veteran who is and/or has served your country, and thank you to each of your family members as well. We truly appreciate the sacrifices you make every day for your country and our freedom.