The Life Devotional

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

Go Deeper — Have you ever experienced something so unexpected and unbelievable that you were at a loss for words? God never intends to confound us. He wishes to bless us. Take some time today to reflect on those things God surprised you with, seeing them as gifts instead of burdens.

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“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Go Deeper — Think about light and darkness. Consider how light reveals, dispels darkness, cheers you, warms you and allows you to see. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what Jesus’ light shining into your darkness means.

Read Further — Does the Christmas story still matter today? If anyone asks you that, shine a light on their darkness by telling them why it does, with the help of the facts in this article.

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“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Go Deeper — What stronghold does the enemy hold in your life right now? In this Christmas season, pray for Christ to invade enemy territory to the end that He may shine more brightly in and through your life.

Read Further — Are you finding it hard to feel joyful this Christmas? This article, Turn Christmas Upside Down might give you new insight.

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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Go Deeper — Reflect on how having your hope in Jesus should change the way you think and feel today. Does it really matter in your life?

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“When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written…”

Go Deeper — Open this list of Scripture about heaven. Scan through some of the verses and pick a few that mean the most to you. When this world gets a bit too much, reread them to keep you focused on your destination.

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“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Go Deeper — Does the darkness of December seem overwhelming? Does it seem like the light will never return? Take time to read anew the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2. Rejoice! God is with us. The Light has come!

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“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Go Deeper — As the holiday season draws near, think about ways to give and serve others. Find some activities that you know you won’t receive recognition for and do them with joy because it pleases God and not man.

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“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Go Deeper — Make it a goal to do something for someone this week without them knowing you were the source. When it is done, give God all the glory.

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“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

Go Deeper — Look at the fruit in your life as objectively as you can, and determine the root of both the good and bad fruit . . . Think about how you can replicate or eradicate it respectively.

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“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”

Go Deeper — If you are struggling to let go an offense today, consider writing a letter to express the pain and anguish the situation has caused you. As you write, choose to end the letter by releasing the offense. This is for your eyes only unless you are instructed by the Lord to share it.

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