As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this year, I want to take time to look at the life of Jesus Christ. What child is this? What is special about this child compared to any other? Could He really come from a virgin? Was He actually both God and man?

Who’s excited for Christmas this year?? I know I am! I can enjoy everything when I give myself more time to plan, rather than scrambling last minute to figure every event out. By doing this, it gives me greater room to be creative with meals and gifts, as well as reduce and/or spread out the expenses.  Plus, it helps extend the fun because I can think of things to do to make the holiday last rather than cramming everything into a few days.

Sometimes it’s in the least expected moments that God teaches and uses you.

Remembrance Day is a day of somber reflection with grateful hearts. We have so much freedom in this country. May we never forget where it came from.

One of the greatest things we can hear as believers in Jesus is that it’s not up to us to fix ourselves. We only need to be aware of our brokenness and sin, acknowledge it to the King of kings, and accept His redemptive forgiveness. Then, as His Holy Spirit takes up eternal residence within us, He begins to make room for more of Jesus in our lives. He shapes and molds us to be more like Him. Our job at this point is to surrender ourselves to His leading, to bask in the wonder of His word, and to worship Him all the days of our lives. The more we submit to this, the greater the impact He will have.

The more you can open up about your story, you’ll realize that there are lots of others going through similar trials. This in turns gives you the ability to know how to support them.

I admit that self-control is one of my weak points. It’s something I’ve prayed over and worked on with the Lord. But He is so gracious. He gave me a verse that has held me accountable and helped my perspective in this area

He looked me square in the eye and said, “consider it a sacrifice play.”

The streets were boisterous as people came from all over the country to bring their harvest to the temple. They were about to celebrate the new year together with a great feast. The air smelled of fresh barley. The honey was sweet and the figs fresh. People had their donkeys strapped with carts full to the brim with fresh fruit, oil, and barley as they entered the bustling city. The Inns were sold out and every home was filled with relatives from afar. The noise was intense. The animals tried to make their voices louder than their owners. It was a wonderful time of the year.

What is your heart telling you about your finances? Are you fearful that you don’t have enough? Are you thinking that you’re good and don’t need any help? Let’s explore both of these thoughts today