We can all pretend to be something when people are looking, and many of us do. But when we are when no one is watching reveals who we really are and what we really believe. Integrity is a hallmark of the life that is submitted to Jesus.

Sometimes if seems like God is silent, uninvolved and a million miles away. But when I remain faithful and pursue him, even in the silence, I will soon learn that regardless of what I feel or see, God is fully engaged in my life.

When life doesn’t seem to go as planned, or worse when circumstances bring pain, difficulty, and sorrow, we can play the blame game, feel sorry for ourselves, and call it fate. Or we can recognize that even in our pain, God is in control and is good and He is at work to reveal his glory and bring his blessing into our lives.

When life is good and we find ourselves blessed, we need to pause and give thanks. Then we need to use the blessings God has given to be a blessing to others.

THROUGH JESUS WE CAN BE BORN AGAIN AND LIVE RADICALLY TRANSFORMED LIVES.

Most of us like to share our good news. Whether it’s a promotion at work, being accepted to the school of our dreams or the birth of a new child, we love to tell others about it. But when it comes to the most beautiful news of all, the birth of Jesus, we tend to keep it quiet because we aren’t sure how to share it. But it isn’t complicated. Sharing the beautiful news of Jesus is simply showing and telling others what you yourself know.

Everyone wants to be happy, especially at the holidays. But happiness is fleeting. Happiness is based on what happens to us. That’s why happiness fades. What we need is Joy. Joy isn’t based on what happens around us, but what is inside of us and Joy based on Jesus never fades. If you want joy, stop chasing happiness and pursue Jesus instead.

Everyone wants to be loved. But for most of us, love is conditional. However, Jesus loves us with an unconditional love. He doesn’t love us because of what we have done, but because of who he is.

Life is filled with turmoil. Things don’t go as planned. We face pain, loss and disappointment. When life is painful and uncertain it can disturb our peace. Jesus offers us a peace that the world doesn’t understand and can’t take away. He may or may not calm the storms around us, but he will always calm the storm inside us.

The world can be a very dark place. Sometimes, in the darkness, it’s easy to lose hope. But Christmas points us to the hope we can have in Jesus. He came into a world of darkness and was a ray of hope for those who needed it most. He offers that same hope to us today.