Christmas and Advent Devotionals

The first time, a star marked His arrival. But the next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, all of the stars will fall from the sky, and He himself will light it.

When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart of a person, God replaces the old heart of stone, with a new, fleshy heart—and a new person emerges.

God, prompted by grace, chose to fulfill the holy human standard himself. The incarnate Deity chose to live the life we should have lived – the perfect childhood, the spotless teenage years and the righteous adult life.

Jesus was so will­ing to do whatever was required in order to redeem us from Satan and sin that He humbled Himself even unto death on a Cross! That is what Christmas is all about!

Today, let’s chase down some Christmas cheer. But not just keep it to ourselves. Parking our minds on the truth of salvation through Jesus helps us show joy to the world during the Christmas season. A spotless house and homemade fruitcake are optional.

Can you imagine for a moment how the Christmas story might have been written if Mary and Joseph lacked the capacity to adjust to things beyond their circumstances? Where was hope in the middle of their scandalous story?

As you focus on the manger scene with your family, encourage each other with the bigger story of Genesis to the end of time, knowing that this little baby redeemed every moment in time. May your Christmas be big as your consider the grandeur of redemptive history on both sides of the manger!

Looking at all that God has given us despite what we have done to him humbles us. It makes us want to give generouslybecause he gave everything for us.

This Christmas, Pastor Rick Warren invites you to receive the best gift ever given - God's gift of salvation. By accepting Jesus as your Master and Savior, you can experience a deeper relationship with God and find peace, purpose, and forgiveness for your past mistakes and hurts.

You and your spouse may not always feel “in sync” this time of year—but with these simple, Christ-centered shifts, you can walk through Christmas in step with each other and the Spirit.

Because of His steadfast love, we can remember we are loved even when we feel we are not. We can find our confidence in who He says we are, not in what a family member may say. Because of the power of God within us, we can extend forgiveness even if we don't experience reconciliation this holiday season.

Christmas, commercially at least, cannot live up to the promise, to the standards we’ve set in our minds. At best, Christmas is a promise of greater things to come. However, it’s not Christmas that will give us life; it’s Christ.

As Christians and believers in Christ, we carry a flicker of light through all of the frustration and darkness. A hope that carries us through grief and hardship, especially when magnified by the holiday season.