God chose the people who celebrated the first Christmas because they responded with contemplation on His word, cooperation with His will, celebration of His presence, and dedication of their best to Him. 

How will you celebrate Christmas this year?

Our attitude as we approach Christmas and the new year needs to be a willingness to cooperate with God's will.

What can you pinpoint in your life that you know is God's will for you but you've been unwilling to cooperate with? No matter what you face in 2025, God is with you. Depend on His presence daily.

The magi gave up years of their lives just to come and see Jesus and give gifts; they responded to Christmas with dedication.

Today we challenge you to celebrate Christmas the way Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the magi, and the wise men did.

Joseph responded with cooperation. When Joseph woke up after his dream, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him. Then, the shepherds responded with celebration.

Is there something God is calling you to cooperate with or celebrate? 

Very few people were in on the very first Christmas. Why did God choose Mary, and Joseph, and the Shepherds, and the Magi?

On Christmas, Mary contemplated all the things God was doing in her life. I would call you to do the same. Take some time to celebrate the good things and to accept the challenging things like Mary did. 

Maybe life hasn't turned out the way you planned, but because of the living hope we have in Jesus Christ, you can get a new identity. Put your hope in the right box: the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. 

Do you know someone who needs hope and peace today?

As the disciples in Luke 24 thought about what happened in Jerusalem, Jesus surprised them by joining them and telling them his death and resurrection were all part of the plan all along.

God not only understands our pain; He can transform our pain. 

In Luke 24, there is a story of hope; two people walk down a 7-mile road and encounter a surprise guest. All the hopes and fears are dealt with and fulfilled in Jesus. When you get your hope in the right person, in the risen Jesus, you become a new creation. Your past does not define you any more.

What if today you put your hope in the right box?

Today we look at the story of two followers of Jesus walking on a road, pouring out their grief to each other about Jesus’ death. God shows up with hope in surprising, even impossible ways, and we hope you want to embrace the hope Christmas brings.

All of us have hopes. What box have you decided to put your hope in, and have you placed your hope in the right box? This week we’ll look at Luke 24, when some were losing hope.