A Bee Lesson
by Lisa Gard

     My brother and I are beekeepers.  We bought 2 hives, bees and all the equipment we needed last spring and got into the bee business.  I love the bees! My family and friends will tell you that I can't stop talking about them....they are so amazing.  And the payoff is really sweet.. ..honey! All was well with the bees.
     But as rookie beekeepers,  we made a terrible mistake.  We were in a hurry one day when checking a hive and we got careless. We believe we must have accidentally killed the queen bee in that hive, because bad things began to happen.
     A week after checking the hive we began noticing dead bees....hundreds of them. Bees were fighting in front of the hive. We investigated and asked questions of our fellow beekeepers and found out that we had a bad robbing situation  on our hands. The bees from our other hive were coming over and killing the bees and robbing their honey. Without a queen, the colony had become weak and was not strong enough to defend itself against a stronger colony. In two weeks the queenless hive was completely destroyed. ...empty of bees and honey. How very sad!
     I was sharing this with a friend and she said, "I wonder if that's how God sees us?" I thought about that....
     I think our hearts are sort of like a beehive. We need to keep our king - Jesus - alive in our hearts so that we can be strong enough to defend ourselves against the attacks of satan. He is out to seek, kill and destroy...just like the robber bees. He wants to steal our joy (our honey). But with Jesus alive in our heart we need have no fear because He has power over satan! Our defense is strong, because He who is in us is stonger than he who is in the world!

     Thank you, Jesus, for defeating satan and for giving us power, strength and wisdom against his evil schemes. We desire to make and keep you King in our hearts. Please bless us and keep us in your care as we daily walk with you. In your precious name we pray, Amen

      The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10.

     I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you  with power through His spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell  in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16,17a

Fan or Follower?

by Charity Pence

This Week's Verse: "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?" (NKJ)

Have you ever asked yourself if you're a fan or a follower of Jesus? There's a big difference between the two. You can like something, or someone in this case, without taking any action. In other words, you can be a fan. However, to be a follower means more than just liking something. A true Jesus follower doesn't just read about Jesus; he or she displays characteristics that Jesus displayed.

It's so easy for us to act contrary to what a Christian should be. We get mad. We hold grudges. We treat those who have hurt as as our worst enemies. But Jesus said, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44 (NKJ) A fan says behaving as Jesus commanded is a good idea. But a follower goes further by striving to be obedient to that command.

Being like Jesus is what being a Christian is all about.

Dear Heavenly Father, So often I act in a way that goes against You and who You are. Please forgive me for being hasty in my anger, for not being concerned as I should be for those who have hurt me. I call myself a Christian, Lord. So please help me to be that. Make me more aware of how I treat others so that Your light will shine through me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1 Peter 3:8: "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." (NKJ)

Celebrate

by Charity Pence

This Week’s Verse: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

“There’s a party going on right here, a celebration to last throughout the years. So bring your good times and your laughter too, we’re gonna celebrate your party with you.

Cel-e-brate good times, come on!”

You know that song, right? It’s often played at weddings and birthday parties. Every time I hear it, I just want to…celebrate. It’s such a catchy tune.

Amidst today’s chaos, finding something to celebrate can be difficult. But as Christians, we should celebrate every day. We have nothing to fear. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (KJV) We never have to face anything alone. “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12 (KJV) Isn’t that worth celebrating? How about this: we have eternal salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:21 assures us, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (KJV) That alone should make us want to dance.

Even on our worst days, we have something to celebrate. We have reason to be joyful. Jesus told the disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 (NKJ)

So come on ~ let’s celebrate!

Dear Heavenly Father, please fill us with Your joy. Remind us even when our lives seem to be spiraling out of control, we have reason to be glad; our security comes from Jesus, not the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application: This week, don’t let Satan steal your joy. You have nothing to fear; you are a child of God!

Power Verses:
1 Chronicles 16:31 “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’” (NKJ)
Psalm 47:1 “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” (NKJ)
Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” (NIV)

Jesus Loves Us

by Charity Pence

This Week's Verse: John 19:30 "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." (NKJV)

No matter how many times I read the story of Jesus' death on the cross, I cannot fully wrap my mind around what Jesus did for all of mankind. Jesus' physical walk here on Earth did not last long, but consider the agony He must have felt as He took that final walk. He carried His cross alone for as long as He could. And with each step, He knew what He would come to but kept walking. What love He must have held in His heart for humanity!

Despite all the miracles He performed and the lessons He taught, Jesus was hated by many. But He loved them all in return. "And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgatha, where they crucified Him." John 19:17, 18 (NKJV) By the time of Jesus' death, he'd been betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was a friend and disciple, and He was denied by Peter three times. He'd been beaten, spit on, had a crown of thorns forced into His head, but He loved each of His offenders. And before giving up His spirit, He made one simple request. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 (KJV)

Jesus' love was so great, it's inconceivable. But it's the truth; it's real. Celebrate that this weekend as you celebrate Easter.




Dear Jesus, thank You for dying upon the cross to save me from my sins. Thank You for loving me even when I haven't deserved it. I pray, Lord, that You will help me to take that love and spread it to Your children so that all will see Your glory. In Your name, Amen.



There's nothing wrong with egg hunting and eating chocolate bunnies, but make sure you take time to reflect on everything Jesus went through to give you everlasting life. We, as Christians, bear Jesus' name. So please honor Him today.





Power Verses:
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'" (NIV)
Mark 15:38, 39 "Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this Man was the Son of God!'" (NKJ)

A Merry Christmas Indeed

by Charity Pence

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

My dad read the Christmas story to me and my sister every year when we were children. It was a great reminder of the true reason we were celebrating. Opening presents was fun, but listening to my dad read from the Bible Christmas morning was always a special time.

As the month of December has flown by, I hope you have had plenty of opportunity to take time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. This is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-- which means God with us.” (NIV) On the night Jesus was born, God blessed us with the greatest gift we would ever know.

Without Jesus, our lives would be void of hope. But thank God, we do have Jesus. In John 8, verse 12, Jesus tells the people, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV) What awesome news!

Dear Heavenly Father, what joy it is to know You love us so much that You brought Jesus to us, that through him we would come to know You and have an eternally blessed life with You. Thank You for this gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Applications: As you celebrate this weekend, take time to thank God for all that He has blessed you with. Thank Him for Jesus-- our wonderful counselor and prince of peace.

Power Verses:
Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” “NKJV)
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (NKJV)

*A quick note. The next devotion will not be posted until the weekend of January 14th. Have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Not One...

By Mollie Thompson

Today’s Verse:
John 19: 36, "These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (NIV)

Have you ever wondered what the big deal was about none of Jesus’ bones being broken when He died on the cross? Well, yes, there’s the prophecy in Exodus 12:46 that says none of the bones of the Passover lamb were to be broken. But have you ever wondered why? This sent me on a quest to find out why. I searched through reference books. I asked any pastor or person I thought might know. I even went to the Open Door and asked them. They told me to feel free to look through all the books they had, and let them know what I found. I couldn’t find anything. I kept seeking the Lord, only by now He would probably call it hounding.

One day my mind was wandering and I was following it. I remembered as a child riding down the road with my father in his pickup. We went by this house we passed often. It was always vacant and I never could figure out why. It looked perfectly good to me. So I finally asked my father about it. He told me the frame of the house was broken, and when that happens the house is condemned.

All of a sudden I got it! If any of the bones of Jesus’ body were broken he would have been condemned. But there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus – not for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. If any of his bones would have been broken there would have been a break in his blood flow. The blood is made in the marrow of the bones. We are made pure by the blood of the lamb. He is perfect in every way and never did that change.

Now get this. Think about a time when you felt embarrassed, ashamed, guilty, or just really low because of something you did that was wrong. Remember how heavy that weight pulls you down? Now multiply that by every time you felt that way or should have felt that way during your whole life. Now multiply that by all the people that have lived, are living, and have yet to live. Try imagining how heavy that would be. I can’t even begin to fathom it. Jesus took all that weight on himself AND HE DID NOT BREAK!!! Is that not amazing?!! (Yes, it is.)

Jesus took all the shame and pain and guilt and blame that I so justly deserved on himself just so I could be set free. It is for freedom we have been set free. And what must I do to get this grace? All I have to do is believe and receive him as a child would. All I have to do is believe he is the son of God and receive him as my Lord and Savior. Then it is my purpose to work out that salvation with fear and trembling, and to become all God created me to be. What a deal!

Father God, in the name of Jesus, please help us not make a mockery of the price you paid on the cross for us to be set free. Help us take advantage of all you bought and paid for us there.

Application: Are you feeling shame, guilt, despair? Jesus paid the price for us to be released from the weight of our sins. We have only to turn to him and ask forgiveness, believe that we have received it, and then to walk in that forgiveness. It is also ours to extend that forgiveness to others, but it’s kind of hard to do until we fully accept and receive it for ourselves first. That takes an incredible amount of humility to admit our guilt and shame to ourselves or to another.

I once took God through the Bible for a day and a half telling him just why I didn’t need to share any of my stuff with another person. When I paused, he seemed to be asking me if I was done. Being in a snotty state of mind, I answered him, “Yeah, for now.” Then James 5: 16 popped in my mind so I looked it up. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Erg!!!

I continued on in counseling spilling my guts with stuff I had even hidden from myself. I must say I am much freer today than I’ve ever been. I also have much more understanding and grace towards others than I have ever had. Have I arrived yet? Is there such a thing this side of Heaven? All I can say is the joy I feel is more unspeakable and full of glory in Christ Jesus. I have more peace than I’ve ever had.

Power Verses (NIV):
John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

John 6: 29, “Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

John 8:11, “’Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Happy Easter

By Bethany Lashbrook

Last week on a morning radio show, the two co-hosts were discussing Easter Eggs. Apparently, a school in Portland had a complaint about the usage of the term "Easter eggs" and had suggested the term be completely wiped out from future use. The verdict: spring spheres. Say again?

So, along with replacing Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays, we are now to use the term spring spheres for Easter eggs? I think not! Beyond that, the true meaning of Easter is the cross, not the egg.

Every Christian holiday has been replaced by a secular counterpart (Easter Bunny, Santa). I don't see us replacing the Thanksgiving turkey with the chicken or Independence Day fireworks with the much safer blowing bubbles. What is it that upsets people so much about Jesus?

His message was clearly to love rather than hate (Matthew 22:39). He said to build others up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29). He asked us to give to the poor rather than hoard all of our money (Matthew 6:19,20).

This year, let's celebrate Easter - well, the Easter way. Let's smile, laugh, love our family, love our neighbors, help those less fortunate, be less sarcastic, sincere and give thanks to the One who made it all happen - Jesus!

Dear Lord, because of the Cross, we know we are never alone. Thank you for Your story. Help us to share it with others bravely, clearly, and with Jesus-like actions. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application: Enjoy Easter with family and friends. Try to center your weekend around Jesus, and not all the secular counterparts of Easter.

Power Verses:

Mark 15:33-40, "At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there." (NIV)

Mark 16:1-8, "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."(NIV)

It's all about Spring

By Bethany Lashbrook

This week's verse: Isaiah 58:11, "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose water will never fail." (NIV)

Devotion:
As I sat to write this devotion, I thought "spring" (even though this monstrous weather we are having is anything but). As I typed "spring" at biblegateway.com to find some verses to go with my devotion, I was amazed with more what I saw spring as.

Spring - a sense of renewal; a season of growth
Spring - a natural flow of ground water
to Spring - moving forward by leaps and bounds
Sprang - produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectadly

Then I thought of the cross.

We celebrate Easter during Spring because Spring gives everyone a sense of renewal. Everything is fresh and new - the world becomes alive again.

The waters begin to move - and the springs are flowing over with water.

To Spring forward with leaps and bounds - to move past winter's blaws and bounce towards something fresh, something new, something warm.

Jesus Sprang the news on his disciples that He was the Chosen One. He would be crucified by those who once cheered for him to come to Jerusalem. Then, he would shock the world for generations to come by rising from the ground. The temple's curtain was torn from top to bottom, yet the Temple (Jesus himself) would rise just as Jesus had promised.

Little did the disciples know that Jesus' references to spring water meant eternal life. John 4:14 states, "but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (NIV)

Jesus is Spring. Spring is Jesus.

I love this time of year!

Dear Lord, thank you for the different seasons you give us here on Earth, as well as the different seasons in our lives. You amaze us in all of your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application: Make a list of your five most favorite things of Spring - and then promise yourself to enjoy them each day from now until Easter.

Power Verses:
Revelation 7:17, "For the lamb on the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." (NLT)

Isaiah 61:11, "As surely as seeds sprout and grow, the Sovereign Lord will save his people, And all the nations will praise him." (Good News Translation)

Romans 15:12, "And in another place Isaiah said, 'The heir to David's throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope in him."' (NLT)

Don’t You Understand?

by Missy Milbourn

**This is a re-run of a wonderful reminder to celebrate our Heavenly Father. It was originally posted in December of 2008.

This Week’s Verse: Mark 8:33, … “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (NLT)

Sometimes I think we forget just who it is that we serve. I think we forget how magnificent, and powerful, and faithful, our God is. The following scripture is a historical account that depicts the greatness and faithfulness of our Jesus…let’s take a journey through the Word. “Father, as others read this, may your Word be alive and active in them.”

In Mark chapter 6:30-44, we see an account of how Jesus took two fish, and fives loaves of bread and miraculously fed 5,000 people.

Two chapters later we see the same thing happen AGAIN. Mark 8:1-3 says this: "About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, 'I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.'"

Now, just having seen Jesus feed 5,000, you would think the disciples would respond with great faith and expectation, eagerly anticipating how Jesus is going to handle this current situation! Instead, their response is this, “His disciples replied, ‘How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?’” (verse 4).

As I read this, I thought, you have got to be kidding me! Did the disciples just totally forget how Jesus had previously fed 5,000?!

Jesus, very graciously, took the seven loaves, and a couple of fish, and miraculously fed this large group as well. “They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were about 4,000 people in the crowd that day, and Jesus sent them home after they had eaten. Immediately after this, he got into a boat with his disciples and crossed over to the region of Dalmanutha” (Mark 8:8-10).

Now hang with me here, I’ve got one more Biblical account that I want to share….so, Jesus and the disciples get in this boat and they head off for the other side of the lake. Mark 8 continues, “But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food.” (Oh my, not again!) They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread (verses 14-16).

This time Jesus responded with “you’ve got to be kidding me!” Read on…

“Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear? Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”

“Twelve,” they said.

“And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”

“Seven,” they said.

“Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them (verses 17-21).

As I read all of this, it’s easy for me to say, “you crazy disciples…how could you not see?” However, I would never say that, because I’ve seen a similar pattern in my own life. I too forget what God has done for me. For instance, every time He calls me to step out in a new way for Him, I panic. I too have a crisis of belief, even though every time previously He has been faithful to me. I don’t want to forget! I want to remember His faithful ways. I want to remember how He proved himself faithful in Bible days as we see in the above account, and I want to remember how He daily proves himself faithful in my life. I want to approach every situation with faith, not fear, knowing that He’s brought me through before, and He’ll do it again!

Later in Mark 8, Jesus tells Peter, “You are seeing things from merely a human point of view, not from God’s”.

I think that we often get caught in that trap. We see things from our perspective, and not God’s. “You have eyes, can’t you see?”

Dear Lord, as we enter into a new year, let us not forget how great and faithful You are. Help us remember WhoYou are and How You’ve met our needs. Let us learn the lessons that You have for us today, so that we can grow on to full maturity in Christ. Let us know the truth that nothing is impossible with You, our great and faithful God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application
Identify times in your life when you’ve experienced your own crisis of belief. Re-read the above story in Mark from various translations and allow Jesus’ words to the disciples to sink into your heart. Ask for His help in gaining understanding and acceptance of His work in your life.

Power Verses
Lamentations 3:23, “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (NLT)
Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (NLT)
Ephesians 1:8, “He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” (NLT)

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

By Bethany Lashbrook

This Week’s Verse: Luke 1:30-32, “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High’”. (NIV)

Devotion:I wonder what exactly Mary was thinking at this moment? To become pregnant is amazing, but to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit – now how is that for a Christmas present? The bible tells us “For you [Lord] created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13, NIV). God had it all worked out in His plan. He would send His son, Jesus, to walk the Earth, teach His word, spread the Gospel, be baptized with water, save others through baptism of the Holy Spirit, and then ultimately die on the cross to save us from our sins.

And, his mother was to be Mary.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not putting more emphasis on Mary than Jesus. But, I am recognizing how she must have felt. I am a mother. I know God entrusted Clint and I to care for our children and teach them about Him.

Now, imagine your child WAS Him.

We don’t know much about Jesus’ birth beyond what little there is to say in the gospels. Luke records that “Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (2:4-7, NIV) He goes on to say in verses 14-19 “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Mary knew He was special and although she couldn’t guess as to what was to become of her son, Jesus, she did manage to hold these moments near and dear to her heart. I can see Mary as Jesus turns into a toddler, then into a boy, and ultimately a young man – treasuring these little details of Jesus in her heart. Instead of worrying, she trusted. Instead of scolding, she took pride. Instead of being angry, she rejoiced.

I know with all the hoopla of Christmas, sometimes we get distracted with the small stuff. But, this year especially, Mary has been weighing on my mind. Let us try to remember Mary this year at Christmas. Let’s rejoice with Mary, in the delight of her Son, Jesus. Let us proclaim to the world with Mary that Jesus was here – that because of Jesus, we now could live with the Holy Spirit within us. Let us delight in little baby Jesus born in a manger (Luke 2:7). Let us learn from the Boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). And let us mourn with Mary as she watches her Son die on the cross (Mark 15:37). But – let us rejoice with Mary to proclaim, “He is Risen, He is Risen…” (Mark 16:5).

And He was named Jesus.

What a mighty God you are, Lord. How do we ever say thank you? May we all be blessed this Christmas by baby Jesus.

Applications: Celebrate Jesus with your family this week and enjoy the holiday blessings each and every one of us have. Merry Christmas!

Power Verses:

Luke 2:8-14, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)