Do remember getting into trouble when you were a kid? Were you called in for a scolding? The best thing you could do was to look down at your shoes. God's blessing in Numbers assures us that, through faith, we can look up from our shoes and see the forgiving face that is looking upon us.

What is God doing right now? That may seem like an unusual question. He daily forgives our sins. He hears our prayers and He answers them according to His will. He upholds and sustains the world He created, and so much more. But God is also at work in a unique way that we may not always recognize.

Throughout Advent, the season leading up to Christmas, we heard just some of the many promises God spoke through the prophets concerning the coming of our Savior. And now, we hear the familiar refrain in Scripture, "And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet." We have a God who keeps all His promises.

For you and me, one week after Christmas brings us to the beginning of a new calendar year. For Jesus, one week after Christmas brought Him to the day He was circumcised and given His name. By His grace, these two events tie together nicely.

I know what the score of the Super Bowl will be in 2020 before the game begins. And that's not all. God's Word gives us the certainty of knowing some marvelous things as well.

There's a real temptation to want to leave the Christmas story with Jesus in the manger - a moment frozen in time. But the importance of our Savior's incarnation doesn't end at the stable.

Tomorrow in church the candles will be lit and the tree will be sparkling. Christmas is such a wonderful festival that we set aside twelve days to celebrate it. There's so much good news that it's not a day – it's a season!

Have you returned any gifts yet? The temptation of our culture – now that Christmas Day has passed – is to pack baby Jesus off, and the Good News of the season, and exchange it all for the latest toy that catches our attention. But John wants you to know that God's great Gift is a keeper.

Happy Boxing Day! Has anyone shared this greeting with you today?

He's here! Today, you and I hear the happiest news that could ever ring in our ears! Merry Christmas!