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When my friend Maritza took a job that required traveling to many different cities by herself, she often felt lonely. But over dinner one night, she leaned in and told me, “Jen, I prayed and asked God to send me His people.” She went on to say it wasn’t long before she’d begun to meet other believers in Jesus on a regular basis. Once, she met three in one day!

When we encounter others who have faith in Jesus, we share a spiritual connection. In a hard-to-explain way, this lights a spark within us. We have the most important thing in common because we believe what the Bible says about Christ and how it’s possible to have a relationship with God through Him (Romans 10:9).

Most importantly, the Spirit of God lives in each believer, knitting us together so powerfully that the Bible compares us to the interconnected parts of the human body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body”—the body of Christ.

God often works in our lives through others who love Him, whether they’re near or far, known, or new acquaintances. In our loneliest times, we can ask Him to send His people—even as we offer ourselves to be used by Him to encourage others.

The post Christmas Play: “Behold The King” appeared first on MGO Radio/Canada's National Bible Hour.

Read: 1 John 4:7-12

Jessie and Grandma clapped as Chloe emerged from backstage long after the audience left. Chloe had spent weeks preparing to audition for the role of Mary in her church’s Christmas musical, but she was instead cast as Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth.

“Wonderful job, Chloe,” Grandma said. “You played an excellent Elizabeth.”

Chloe sighed. “Thanks, Grandma.”

“Do you get to keep the gray wig?” Jessie asked.

“Why would I want to keep that?” Chloe cried.

“You could pretend to be Grandma on her birthday and get all her presents.”

Grandma poked Jessie playfully on the shoulder. “How about instead of stealing presents, we go get frozen yogurt to celebrate Chloe’s performance?”

“Yay!” Jessie exclaimed. Chloe nodded reluctantly.

As they stood in line, Grandma went on and on about how wonderful the musical was. Finally, Chloe couldn’t take it anymore. “Can we stop talking about the musical already? It’s not fair that Shelley got to play Mary and I was stuck playing Elizabeth!” Chloe wailed. “When will I get to play the most important role?”

Jessie’s eyebrows furrowed. “Chloe, what does Ms. Hill say before every rehearsal?”

“There are no small parts, just small actors,” Chloe grumbled.

“Right—your attitude matters more than the part you play. Even though you didn’t get the role you wanted, you can encourage Shelley and be happy for her.”

“And don’t forget what the Christmas story is all about—Jesus’s birth!” Grandma added. “Jesus plays the most important role—in the Christmas story and in our lives. Without His love and sacrifice on the cross to save us from our sins, we wouldn’t get to look forward to eternity with Him or be able to share His love with others on earth. We all have an important role to play, but none of us are capable of filling Jesus’s lead role.”

“You’re right,” Chloe admitted. “Jesus’s role is too big for me.”

“Or any of us,” Jessie added.

They got their frozen yogurt and sat down. “Maybe we should thank Jesus before we eat,” Chloe said.

“Good idea,” Grandma said. “And not just for the yogurt, but for His love too.”

–Hannah Chung

How about you? Do you compare yourself to others? Maybe your friend connects faster with younger kids than you do, or you don’t have as much money to give at church as your older siblings. The good news is Jesus doesn’t love us based on our works. The best news is Jesus already completed the most important work—dying for our sins and coming back to life! Our job is to love Him and love others.

Today's Key Verse: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Only Jesus can save us

While Old Testament genealogies often include lists of fathers and sons, join us to explore the four women who are presented in the genealogy of Jesus. Discover their important stories as you celebrate Christmas! 

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The man was busy harvesting onions when we prayerfully approached him during the home visits we were conducting on our mission trip in Ecuador. In broken Spanish, I told him my friends and I’d like to briefly speak to him about the Bible. He paused to listen as we shared our testimonies with him. One of my teammates took out his Bible and started reading Scripture aloud (in English). What a sacred moment it was to hear Scripture being read on the side of the Andes mountains and to see the man reading along in Spanish with the booklet we had given him!  We talked with him and his family who’d been working off in the distance, prayed for them, and continued to the next house.

As we walked along the mountainside reading Scripture and talking to people about Christ, I thought of Jesus and His disciples walking along the hills and valleys of Israel during His earthly ministry.

Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.”  The prophet was referring to the time when God’s people would return to their homeland after years in exile, but it still applies to us today whenever we share the Good News of Jesus with others.   

Our opportunities may not be in the spectacular Andes, but wherever God has placed us, the Holy Spirit can help us share the message of salvation with those He puts in our path.

It was Christmas all year ‘round for the Snows, who dedicated their lives to running the festive Christmas shop. But were the “magical” trappings of the season keeping them from an even greater miracle? Find out on this listener-favorite holiday classic, The Noel Boutique, coming soon on UNSHACKLED!

Dr. Gary Chapman wants to help you have a loving, stable, vibrant family! He describes five biblical characteristics that create a healthy family environment, like an attitude of service, and shares inspirational stories from his own family that you will enjoy.

5 Traits of a Healthy Family

Best of 2025 Audio Collection

Counseling Consultation and Referrals

Single Parent Resources

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Weekend, please give us your feedback.

We tend to be forgetful people. Perhaps that’s why the Bible instructs us to remember. On this Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, a conversation with author and musical artist, Andrew Osenga. Christmas can bring back rich, warm memories of years gone by, but it can also bring back painful recollections of loss and hard times. Don’t miss the music and inspiration on Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman.

Featured resource: How to Remember

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