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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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Read: James 2:1-4

On a bright winter day, Evelyn stopped by her Grandma’s house after school. She found her in the kitchen, pulling a batch of cookies out of the oven.

“Hello, sweetheart,” Grandma said. “Grab a cookie. How was school?”

“Pretty good,” Evelyn said. “But there’s a new girl in my class. She just moved here. I don’t like her.”

“Oh? That doesn’t sound like my kind granddaughter. Why don’t you like her? Is she mean to you?”

Evelyn blushed. “I’m sorry, Grandma, I didn’t mean to sound unkind. I haven’t talked to her, but she just looks so grumpy! She never smiles.”

Grandma put a hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. “Would you do me a favor, honey? Run upstairs to my bedroom and get the box underneath my bed.”

Soon Evelyn was back downstairs with the box. “What is it?” she asked.

Grandma opened the box and pulled out a very old violin. It was dirty and missing parts, and all the strings were broken.

“Oh, ew!” Evelyn exclaimed.

Grandma smiled. “Yes, this old thing has been through some rough times. I haven’t touched it in years. Tell you what—come back in a week and I’ll show it to you again.”

The next week, Evelyn was back. “I want to see that violin again,” she reminded her grandma. “Did you clean it up some?”

“Yes, I did,” Grandma said. “In fact…” She pulled the violin out of a case and handed it to Evelyn. “It looks like a different instrument.”

Evelyn gasped. “Grandma! This is beautiful! I had no idea.”

"It just needed some love,” Grandma said. “You know, Evelyn, I showed you this because I thought it might change your mind about the girl from your school. Sometimes people seem mean or grumpy because they’ve been through rough times or are having a bad day. They need love and care, just like my old violin. That’s one reason the Bible says we shouldn’t judge by what we see on the outside. Everyone, no matter what they act like, needs Jesus just like we do, and He wants us to show them His love by caring for them.” Grandma gave Evelyn a wink. “See if you can’t make that girl smile tomorrow.”

Evelyn smiled. “Thanks, Grandma. I will!”

–Lucy Alessio

How about you? Do you know someone who doesn’t seem very likable from a distance? Instead of holding it against them, maybe you need to get to know them. God commands us not to judge people by how they look or act but to treat people equally and show love to everyone. We all need Jesus, and He died for our sins when none of us were very likeable. Follow His example by showing everyone His love.

Today's Key Verse: Stop judging by the way things look. Be fair and judge by what is really right. John 7:24 (ERV)

Today's Key Thought: Love instead of judging

Enjoy the deeper quality of life that Jesus came to provide for all who follow Him.

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Henry David Thoreau described a city as a place where many people are “lonesome together.” Those words have the ring of truth. In my youth, songs like “Mr. Lonely,” “Only the Lonely,” and “Eleanor Rigby” focused on isolation and loneliness. In recent years the pandemic was one of the most isolating seasons the world has known. And social media can feed that loneliness, giving us connection without relationship. Perhaps loneliness is the new pandemic.

As Matthew shared the story of the birth of Jesus (1:18-25), he told us, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet [Isaiah]: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’” (vv. 22-23). Ponder that for a moment. God with us!

As believers in Jesus, we’re never alone. We’ve been born again into the family of Christ, a family that spans the globe and the ages. The apostle Paul said, “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19). We’re loved by the ever-present God, who said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Whatever you’re facing today, your heavenly Father is present with you. Allow Him to help you as you step into life’s uncertainties and challenges. He’s with you.

As Christmas Day draws near, we often hear stories of generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving. But perhaps no story has inspired these virtues more than the tale of Saint Nicholas. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West explores the story of a man whose life was a testament to selfless love and generosity. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live—biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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Segment 1

• What are you rules for discussing a fallen pastor on air? – Todd

Segment 2

• Is there any biblical reason to believe that saints who are in heaven can hear the prayers of us still on earth? – Jordan

Segment 3

• Have you heard of the “soul care” movement? Do you have any thoughts on it? – Rachel

Segment 4

• How can we draw the line between audibly hearing a revelation from God and being given a gut-feeling or hunch about something? – Tamara

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From inside their barn, the Elias family discuss the "W"'s of Christmas, along with beautiful music with a country flavour.

*** Program#K935.

Real Life. Real People. Real Hope.

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When God sent His Son into the world, it wasn't random—it was purposeful. In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld unpacks four reasons why the Father sent Jesus at Christmas: to redeem us from the curse of the law, to adopt us as His children, to place His Spirit in our hearts, and to free us from slavery forever. This isn't just the story of a baby in a manger—it's the story of a God who planned our rescue with precision and love.

Christmas From Galatians: This Christmas, Dr. John takes an unprecedented approach to the season by exploring why Jesus' coming was absolutely necessary. Through the book of Galatians, this series traces God's plan from Abraham's promise through the giving of the Law to the arrival of Christ. Discover why the Law was never meant to save us but to diagnose our condition, how Jesus fulfilled what we could never accomplish, and how Christmas opened the door for all people to become sons and daughters of God.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Babies Change Everything." Enjoy!