Advent 2025

DAY 1

“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37

Promises, promises. Seems the world is full of them. From late night infomercials (money back GUARANTEED if not COMPLETELY SATISFIED!) to business deals (remember when a handshake was as good as a contract?) to vows made at the altar (“as long as we both shall live”) ...We all make them ... and unfortunately, we all break them. We mean well ... don’t we? We certainly don’t mean to forsake our word. But things come up. Plans change. Feelings change. People change. And the words we once spoke with such conviction somehow seem to lose their power over time, when things get hard and we’re not sure why we even made the promise in the first place ... we find we can’t live up to our own ideals ... and so we come away feeling weak, disappointed, and maybe even a little jaded. No one’s perfect, after all. So, we resign ourselves to a life of low expectations. Who can live up to such ideals, anyway?

That’s why the promise of Christmas is so wonderfully disruptive. God’s promise of the Messiah never depended on our ability to keep our promises ... only to receive His Word. The Word who became flesh, Jesus. He knew we could not do it. That’s why Emmanuel (God with us) came. And that’s why His promises never fail. Jesus NEVER fails.

So, if you’re feeling a little disappointed this holiday season ... maybe in someone else who is not living up to what they promised ... or maybe even in yourself ... here’s some good news for you: If God said it, YOU CAN BELIEVE IT. PERIOD.

Lord, please help me to align my life with Your faithfulness, to agree with Your promises, and receive the glorious offer of Christ, the hope of glory, dwelling in me! ~Nancy Carmichael

DAY 2

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light: on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2

Growing up I was afraid of the dark. I would run and jump on my bed, afraid of what could be hiding underneath. Being the youngest child, my siblings took great joy in scaring me. They found innumerable ways to scare me, causing me to be a very fright-filled child.

One night when I was about ten years old, my parents went to a restaurant up the street from our house. My older sisters were told to stay home with me. When it got dark, they took off and left me home alone. I was so frightened, I ran up the street and laid down in the back seat of my parents’ car hoping I would be safe there. Eventually I fell asleep. When my sisters came home and saw I wasn’t there, they panicked and went to the restaurant to tell my parents I was missing. My parents and many neighbors started searching for me. Someone finally found me asleep in my parents’ car. I don’t remember what punishment my sisters received, but I’m sure it wasn’t pleasant!

What I didn’t realize at that young age was I had a darkness inside of me which was much worse than the darkness I was afraid of. Thankfully, there is Someone who can dispel the darkness inside each one of us. Jesus, the light of the world, came to earth to put an end to our darkness. When I surrendered my life to Him, His great light replaced the darkness inside me and filled me with peace.

In heaven there won’t be any darkness and no need of the sun because God’s presence will light up all of heaven. While we’re here on earth, we can choose to either live in darkness or give our lives to Jesus, the very light of the world.

Father, thank You for Your light that shines in my heart, so I never need to be afraid of the dark again. ~ Cathy Forgnone

DAY 3

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6a

Six months before the birth of Jesus, another baby was born. His name was John. He was Jesus’ cousin who was born semi-miraculously as well, in his mother’s “old age.”

The angel told his father, Zechariah, “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17

That is exactly what Malachi prophesied. John was described as “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” Mark 1:3 He called people to repent. John was a herald who was sent ahead to tell people that their King was coming. His voice was prominent in the lives of people, but he never drew attention to himself. He humbly deflected attention from himself as unimportant compared to the One who was coming after him. He was used by God to prepare people to hear the words of their Messiah, their Savior.

God uses people for the same purpose today. Before Jesus comes into our lives, He sends others to prepare us, to call us, to point us to Him. The Holy Spirit uses them to “turn our hearts” in a different direction. And then Jesus comes.

Lord, thank You for sending voices into our lives who point us to You. Help us to be that voice also in the lives of others, not drawing them to us but pointing them to You. ~Pat Jones

DAY 4

“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.’” Luke 1:13a

I sat in my choir rehearsal that fall evening, preparing for our concert. Our two daughters were living together in Los Angeles and doing well, and our son was happy in high school. I felt blessed. Then, in the middle of a song, my contentment was shattered with a frantic phone call from my oldest daughter. Rachel told me that her sister, Tess, was very sick. She asked me what to do. Fear gripped me as my mind swirled with numerous thoughts and fears. I began praying fervently. God gave me a clear mind. I told Rachel to take Tess to the best hospital and not to worry if it wasn’t in our insurance network. Oh Lord, please keep my children safe and get Tess situated at the hospital in a timely fashion. Please arrange the best care for her.

When the angel appeared to Zechariah, it made him fearful, just like my daughter’s phone call made me fearful. Fear comes in many forms these days, fear of the future, a diagnosis, failure, loss, finance and so many other ways, but the angel’s message to Zechariah and to us was, “Your prayer has been heard.”

We know that God hears all of our prayers. The hard part is when we wait years and years for an answer. Maybe it’s not a prayer with a long-awaited answer, but a desperate prayer that needs a quick answer like mine was. No matter what your prayer needs are, these truths about God can help in any situation:

God is faithful. He fulfills all of His promises.

God is always with us. He will never leave us.

God hears all of our prayers and He will answer them in His perfect timing.

God cries with us.

God gives us His perfect peace and comfort.

God knows every detail about us.

God gave us to Jesus as a gift!

God will always do what’s best for us.

God loves us more than we can ever know or imagine.

God worked out Tess’s situation in His perfect way. She’s in good health today, and the hospital was in our network after all. Thank You, Lord, for hearing and answering my prayers!

Dear Lord, thank You for calming our fears with Your perfect peace and for always being with us. Amen. ~Darilyn Thundat

DAY 5

“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1:14-15a

Have you been praying a certain prayer for a long time? For a relationship, a prodigal, a baby, an illness … You love, trust, even serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But … you know that you are powerless to facilitate your prayer. That was Zechariah and Elizabeth; they were at the age where it would be a miracle to have a child!

But God’s ways are higher than ours. At just the right time, God’s time, Zechariah was selected “by lot” to go into the temple, the holy place where an angel announced that his prayer had been heard and that Elizabeth was going to have a son to be named John. Zechariah then asks, “how shall I know this?” God replied, “behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place because you did not believe My words which will be fulfilled in their time!”

Isn’t it just like the Lord to render us speechless to His love, provision, and promise! We pray and respond much like Zechariah with Hope but sometimes secretly wonder how or if the Lord will answer. The Lord loves us enough to set the record straight of His faithfulness and plans which will be fulfilled in their time!

This hits close to home for me as I too have prayed many prayers for my child, who chose to break off any communication. There was nothing I could say or do to change the situation. Only pray. The Lord would ask me every so often if I would trust Him, to which I would reply, “of course”, but like Zechariah asked, “how will I know You will work this out?” Recently at a family wedding we had a breakthrough when my daughter reached out and communicated! I was rendered speechless seeing that the Lord fulfilled His words to me in His time!

Be encouraged! He hears your prayers; He knows your heart; and He is faithful to accomplish His word to you in His time.

Lord, thank You for silencing our fears and doubts. Help our unbelief. These prayers are so near and dear to our hearts. Let your answer and timing be for Your glory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~Roxanne Fretz

DAY 6

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel...” Micah 5:2

The biggest story in the Bible, present in every single verse, is the story of who God is. And this verse is a great example of the kind of things and people He delights in. They honestly don’t have a ton in common with one another, from towns to people to even donkeys…what is the single most common attribute God is attracted to? The underdog. The unchosen. The least likely to succeed.

God, He always seems to be choosing the unchosen, doesn’t He? King David was the youngest brother. Moses had a speech impediment. And here we are, at the grand finale of thousands of years of prophesying the coming Messiah and where does He point us?

At the time of Jesus’ birth Bethlehem Ephrathah was known as a tiny, out of the way place with but one single stand out trait: it was the birthplace of King David. Jesus’ birth taking place here, of all the places in all the world, is its own fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy. Because nothing God does is on accident, and nothing is a coincidence.

This place is mentioned twice in scripture, in both the New and Old Testaments as:

1. Small and insignificant,

2. The birthplace of the two greatest MVPs in all of history: the guy God calls “a man after my own heart”, and God’s only begotten son Jesus Christ.

Which give us two details we can know about God: He chooses the insignificant and He chooses it on purpose, for a purpose.

Dear Lord, help me remember that when I feel like the underdog, You chose me on purpose, for a purpose. ~ Ann McCool

DAY 7

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 1:20

I remember how scared I was when our first child was born. I knew nothing about babies. I don’t recall even ever holding an infant before then. Now, scripture doesn’t tell us how Joseph felt about being a dad, but he had other problems. As you probably know, at this time in history, when a Jewish couple was betrothed, it held the same status as a marriage. Now Joseph finds Mary, his “wife,” is pregnant, and he knows he’s not the father.

One verse prior tells us that, “Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” So, here’s Joseph’s dilemma: he can be faithful to the law, which could require Mary being stoned to death for adultery, or he can show compassion and quietly end the engagement.

But then God!

Because of the angel’s announcement Joseph understood. He was able to be faithful to God while showing his love for Mary. Still, it wouldn’t be easy. People would talk. They might think of him as a fool. But now he knew this was God’s plan and that God would see him through.

If you think about it, Joseph is a foreshadowing of what God is about to do through the birth and sacrifice of His Son. God’s law demands death for sin, but God loves us and because He has taken on the punishment for our sins, through the sacrifice of Jesus, He has given us a way to spend eternity with Him. All we need do is accept the gift of salvation He offers.

That’s what this season is about. Have you accepted God’s Gift? Why not right now?

Jesus, as we celebrate Your birth, help us to remember why You came and to accept You into our lives.~ Bob Arnold

DAY 8

“But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 1:20

Reading this scripture and reflecting on Joseph’s situation, I can’t help but wonder how I might respond. Joseph is looking forward to the special day when he and Mary will become husband and wife. Then out of the blue, he learns that Mary is pregnant, and he is not the father. He doesn’t respond in a harsh way but rather determines to quietly divorce her. Joseph wants to do the honorable thing. But God has other plans. The angel’s first words to Joseph are “do not be afraid.” Just hearing those words would give me pause to consider what am I getting into. However, Joseph didn’t hesitate to take Mary as his wife after that message. Often, we have doubts about our abilities or more specifically what should be our next step, when we hear God give us direction.

A few months ago, I began to ask God about the next mission trip and where we should go. After praying it appeared that He was directing me to take a team to Sri Lanka. I wasn’t sure this was the place to go since I had been to southern India in 2023. However, as I reached out to Cedric Rodrigo, Superintendent of the Church, he validated that this is where we are to go. Not only that, but over a period of 20 minutes, in our third meeting, we were able to outline a detailed agenda for the entire visit, which eliminated any misgivings I continued to have up to that point. When I had doubts, God allayed my concerns and showed me a clear purpose for this trip.

Father, thank You that when we have doubts, You are there to remind us that we can trust You to give us what we need, when we need it. ~ Joe DeLozier

DAY 9

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3

Sometimes we find ourselves in a season of fire, or purification. The Bible uses the process of refining silver to illustrate this for us. These seasons of life can provoke thoughts such as these: Why God? Is this the only way to be purified? Why don’t you refine Your other sons and daughters like this? I’m tired. I don’t know if I can keep going. I’m overwhelmed by my life circumstances right now. Why won’t You change them?

If I found myself in Mary’s place, pregnant with the Lord, I might have had thoughts like this too. Why me? What will people think? This is overwhelming to me. But she didn’t. She chose to trust God while she carried the Messiah.

I can choose to let my negative thoughts fly through my mind like a ball in a pinball machine. Or I can choose this verse. To trust Jesus and fix my thoughts on Him. That could look something like this: You know God’s brought me through a whole lot of storms. I bet He can handle this one. I’m tired, but God’s brought me through difficult seasons in the past, so we’ll make it through this. Yes, these circumstances are difficult, but God is using them to build resilience, endurance, and a strong servant love in me. Isn’t that what life’s all about? Shedding selfishness?

So here we are. Let’s practice this verse. Because the Lord knows it’s a marathon of practice, not a sprint of perfection.

Dear Jesus, would You help us stay in perfect peace as we trust You and fix our thoughts on You? Amen. ~ Jenni Mikula

DAY 10

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

It’s hard to think of peace when our world is so violent. According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights there are, at the time of this writing:

In the Middle East and North Africa: More than 45 armed conflicts.

In Africa: More than 35 armed conflicts.

In Asia: 21 armed conflicts

In Europe: 7 armed conflicts.

In Latin America: 6 armed conflicts.

With wars raging on the outside, we can also have war within. Many times, we wrestle with difficult choices – continuing a pregnancy when the world tells us to abort; reporting a colleague who has done wrong when the world tells us to look the other way; to forgive others when the world says, “never forgive.”

How can we have peace with the world as it is? Peace is not a life free of stress or worry. No one has a problem-free life. The peace of God is an ongoing state of mind, born from studying God’s Word, daily prayer and fellowship with fellow Christians. It comes from the knowledge that God is always with us. He will never leave us. We can be assured that, whatever comes, everything will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Paul was correct when he wrote that the peace of God is beyond all human understanding, repeat – human understanding. God’s way of thinking and our way of thinking are poles apart (Isaiah 55:8-9). Angels spoke of peace on earth that long ago night when Jesus was born. It may not seem like it now, but when Jesus returns, war will be no more.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace – not just earthly peace but inward peace also.

Dear God, help us to remember that we can take everything to You in prayer and, in return, we will have peace in our souls. Amen. ~ Roberta Nylen

DAY 11

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:9

Terrified, scared, nervous, anxious, we’ve all been there. They were simple shepherds, doing their job tending their sheep. An angel suddenly appears surrounding them with a brilliant glowing light. They were terrified!

Our world is filled with many things that frighten us - heights, darkness, spiders, illness, even dentists! We’re all familiar with feeling scared and can understand how the shepherds must have felt. I know I can. I’m what some might call a scaredy cat. Recently, I faced a big one … major surgery. In the weeks prior I prayed a LOT and had received an outpouring of encouragement and prayers from friends and family. As the day arrived, I found myself in an unexpected place. I was ready. I felt a peace about it, and I wasn’t afraid! For the “scaredy cat” this was nothing short of a miracle. I could definitely relate to those shepherds. A little nervous, naturally, but the “Glory of the Lord” shone around and through me. Surgery was a success and the peace along with the prayers and encouragement has followed me through my recovery. Praise God!!

If you know the story, you know the shepherds weren’t afraid for long. The angel’s terrifying appearance was followed by the announcement of the birth of our Savior. A message of comfort and joy - for us as well as them. Praise God!!

In times of fear and anxiety, reach out to God with your needs. Give it to Him and allow His peace to come upon you. Be surrounded by the “glory of God,” let go and see your fear turn to joy just as the shepherds found joy in the message the angel proclaimed to them. By changing our worries into prayers and praises, we open ourselves to experiencing God’s love, grace, mercy, and peace through this Christmas season and beyond!

Lord, we thank You for Your constant and unconditional love and ask for Your help to seek Your peace and find Your joy in times of worry and fear. ~Sue DeLozier

DAY 12

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b

During Advent, we wait for the Light of Christ to break into our darkness. This promise of God’s presence became real to me as I cared for my 92-year-old mother during her final days in hospice.

At my sister’s home, creation itself seemed to gather around us. Cardinals filled the yard, a rare bluebird lingered, and white butterflies danced in the air. Then, unexpectedly, a coyote leapt over the fence. My sister had lived there for three years and had never seen such a sight.

In that sacred moment, I sensed God whispering through His creation. Cardinals have long been seen as reminders of God’s nearness—their bright red feathers like a nod from heaven saying, “She is not alone.” Butterflies symbolize transformation and resurrection, and their white wings evoke a sense of purity and peace. The bluebird’s presence carried a quiet joy, as if God was reminding us that even in sorrow, His goodness remains. And the startling arrival of the coyote became, in its own way, a holy interruption—like Moses before the burning bush, it urged us to pay attention: “I am here.”

When all these signs appeared in one day, I could no longer call it a coincidence. It was as if heaven bent low, wrapping my mother and our grieving hearts in divine love. In the stillness, grief and hope held hands, reminding us that death is not the end, but a doorway to eternal life with Christ.

Advent holds this same tension. We wait in a world shadowed by sorrow, yet we cling to the promise of morning joy. The Christ Child entered our brokenness to assure us that even in the valley of grief, God is near. He comes as Emmanuel—God with us.

As my mother’s earthly life closed, I was given this gift: a holy memory of God showing up through His creation, comforting us with signs of His presence. This is the heartbeat of Advent—hope for the hopeless, peace for the anxious, joy for the sorrowful, and love for the brokenhearted.

Dearest Father, thank You for drawing near in our grief and for the promise of rejoicing in the morning. May we recognize Your presence this Advent season, and rest in the hope of Christ, our Emmanuel. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~Robin Schara

DAY 13

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” Luke 2:10

Being a shepherd in the days that Jesus was on the earth, or just any time, was not all it’s cracked up to be. A shepherd’s job is difficult, dirty, and filled with cuts and bruises. In fact, because of this, shepherds were most often not allowed into the temple for worship with other believers. Imagine that … those responsible for herding and keeping the very sheep being sacrificed not being allowed to be there for the sacrifices! Talk about feeling like an outsider and feeling hopeless! Well, now let us remember what we read in Luke 2 about shepherds. This group of shepherds was minding their sheep one night when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared unto them. Yes, the outcasts … the unimportant. These were the men that received the birth announcement of our Savior! Luke 2:10 says, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” The angel’s message to the shepherds mentions a couple of things worth noting during Advent: hope and joy! The good news the angel brought was the message of a Savior who had come for ALL! And not only is that message for everyone, but this Savior is also meant to bring joy for all people!

If you often feel like an unimportant person or one who is not included, remember this truth we see in Luke 2. God sent the message of His son’s birth first to people who were treated the same way. Hope abounds for all people; and that hope is named Jesus Christ!

Dear Father, we thank You for the HOPE and JOY that Your precious Son Jesus Christ has brought to our world. Amen. ~Pete Gabucci

DAY 14

“Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14

I was in a building, on the top floor on a gray and gloomy day. I was sitting in a small alcove off the main hallway. There was a small table and two chairs. Next to the table, there was a very large window looking over the city and the water. I was there by myself, waiting for this horrible day to be over. Either this darkness was going to end, or it was going to run much longer depending on the outcome.

It seemed like hours went by as I sat there watching the rain come down over the city. I stood up and went to the window. I felt so very alone and scared. I began to pray again. I begged with God to please let me know He was there with me! As I waited for Him to answer, I got very bold and asked, God if you are with me, show me a sign! I asked Him to show me a cross in the sky! I knew it was impossible with a sheet of gray across the skyline. But I really needed to hear from Him.

Then just as if I were in a movie, where the camera pans, my head panned right, then down. AND THERE IT WAS! Just miraculous! A Cross … on top of a church directly below me! I grabbed my camera and took a picture so that I would never forget! The outcome didn’t matter anymore. I knew no matter what, He was there with me. I was peaceful and comforted.

Speaking directly to God for our needs is because of Jesus! To be able to ask for protection, comfort, or healing from the Holy Spirit is because of Jesus! I thank God for the birth, sacrifice on the cross, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I pray every person asks Jesus into their lives. To have the gift of salvation and be sanctified by our Lord and Savior. That the Lord changes your life and amazes you with His Presence, Peace, and Love! ~Maureen Pesono

DAY 15

“Though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8

Advertising in today’s climate is like marketing on steroids and consumers are asked to believe in a lot of outrageous claims. We have baby food manufacturers claiming that their baby food could prevent allergies, weight loss products stating additives-enhanced flavor caused consumers to feel full faster and eat less. We have five-hour energy drinks promising their beverage is more stimulating than coffee and that doctors recommend it.

As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s unseen plans and promises without physical evidence, but does God really give us nothing in return for our faith? In contrast to ads, Jesus is not in the business of making false claims; His love is sacrificial, and HIS plans are ALWAYS for our good.

Jesus’s sacrifice for our sins brings the message of Hope in a fallen world. Our sufferings and trials bring us closer to him, refining us, and allowing our faith to deepen each day. We have to remember that when our faith is tested, we will become stronger and purer to face the challenges in our future. No one wants to deal with difficult experiences, hardships or challenges, but we become resilient when Jesus Christ is revealed in us.

The Christmas season is one time for us to experience inexpressible, glorious joy, but really it can happen for ANY of us at ANY time. I do not actually see HIM, but I experience HIM in the smallest things and major milestones ALL THE TIME. He is worthy of our praises!

Lord, please continue to strengthen my faith and allow me to experience inexpressible glorious joy that could only be accomplished with You. We give You praise and thanks for all the blessings, protections, and delights You offer in Christ Jesus! ~ Carla Catalano

DAY 16

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30

So often when I hear the word, favor, in the Bible, I tend to feel it is reserved for only the greatest of God’s followers: Mary, Moses, David, Esther. Was being practically perfect their qualification for blessings from God? Then I have to pause to take off my rose-tinted glasses and open my Bible. Mary was negligent and lost Jesus as a child and did not find him for three days. Moses murdered someone. David had an affair. Esther procrastinated saving the lives of her people when she was the only person who could do it.

I have to admit that God’s favor cannot be limited to His perfect children. Because outside of Jesus, there are none.

Lisa Harper, an author and speaker, shared a story from her last week of grad classes at Denver Seminary. Her older professor was organizing himself at the lecture podium. Then, to her shock, he walked over, cupped her face in his hands, and asked, “Lisa, do you know that you are God’s favorite?” The awkwardness was palpable in the class, and with every eye watching, she had no idea what she was supposed to say! He asked again, “Do you know that you are God’s favorite?” She realized that if she didn’t say something, he was going to repeat the question again. To avoid any more attention, she simply said, “Yes, sir.” To her relief, he walked over to the next student and did the same. Then the next student, then the next, until he had asked the entire class, “Do you know that you are God’s favorite?” He then began his lecture on the great compassion of God and His deep love for every single one of his children.

There are a few words in the Bible that mean favor. In this passage where Mary finds favor, the original translation is the Greek word, “Charis,” which means “Grace.” Grace is the greatest gift we all receive this Christmas as Mary received it directly into her arms. Grace, so much better than mercy we receive beyond what we could ever deserve.

Father, please help me to approach You as Your unabashed favored child, and receive the gift of grace You so freely give. Amen. ~ Ruthie Principato

DAY 17

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30

Fear. A common feeling we all experience, especially in today’s world. Between the never-ending news clips on the tragedies of the day, to the hardships we face in day-to-day life, fear is easy to fall into.

But we aren’t called to fear. As Christians, we have hope in God. Through Him, He gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding.

We can imagine that Mary had her own expectations and plans for her life. But God’s plan was greater - the Son of God was born to a virgin to bring salvation to the world. There were many reasons she could fear, but her faith in God’s Word remained.

God has chosen us for a special purpose in His plan, not because we earned it, but by His sovereign grace. Walking in the calling of God is not promised to be easy, but it is promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

This Christmas season, we can stand firm in the knowledge that God is with us, and He is bigger than all our fears. He has already gone before us and has set our path. He has plans for us that are greater than we can ask, think, or imagine. We just need to trust in Him and have faith that He has our best in mind.

Lord, help us to remember that You walk with us, guide us, and have wonderful plans for our lives - plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future! ~ Mary Schriever

DAY 18

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38

Of all the incredible people in the Bible Mary, the mother of Jesus, stands out to me the most. It’s amazing to imagine what her life was like after the angel Gabriel appeared to her. She was so young, just a teenager, yet her faith was extraordinary. We don’t know much about her parents, but it’s clear she had been taught to trust in God and knew the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah.

Still, who could have imagined she would be the one chosen to carry the Son of God? Her response to the angel reveals a heart that was humble, obedient, and full of faith.

Mary’s journey wasn’t easy. She gave birth in a stable, surrounded by animals. Shepherds came, having been told by angels about Jesus’ birth. Later wise men traveled from the East to bring gifts. Then, she and Joseph had to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod’s wrath. Years later, she stood and watched her beloved son die on a cruel cross.

Her willingness to say yes challenges me. Would I have had the courage to surrender my dreams the way she did? Even explaining the situation to Joseph must have been overwhelming, yet God confirmed everything to him in a dream.

There are times I’ve asked God to make life easier, but just like with Mary, His answers often come in unexpected ways. He knows our hearts and calls us to trust Him, even when the path is unclear. Mary wasn’t chosen by accident. God knew she was the right person for His plan.

Dear God, this Christmas, may we remember Mary’s words when God leads us down unfamiliar roads. When He speaks, everything changes. His timing is perfect, His plans are greater than ours, and He still does the impossible, often when we least expect it. ~ Marie Romano

DAY 19

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Christmas is a time we show our love with the gifts we give to our friends and neighbors. It is an act of love and yet falls short of the mark. There is something wrong with this imitation of the profound gift of love God gave.

It is a love that is impossible to duplicate. How could mankind truly understand when man is dead in trespasses and sins? Man is unlovely and undeserving, but God gave us His Son. This is a love we cannot really fathom in all its splendor and majesty. He gave of Himself by presenting His Son as atonement for our sins.

This is the only time the present was involved in decision and action. Christ gave himself freely for our sins not because of works of righteousness we had done. A Holy God gave Himself to first be born in a stable. He lowered himself so He could reach us. As an adult, the perfect God man in His incarnation, passionate without deviation, headed to the cross to free us from the bondage of sin.

We have to remember. We are guilty. In Adam, all die. But God said, “Come now, let us settle the matter,” and He did just that. The penalty of sin had to be paid. Through God’s infinite wisdom, He sent His son born of a woman, born under the law to die to redeem us. With the penalty paid, all we have to do is believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, behind all the modern trappings, is God’s eternal plan. If you struggle during this Advent with thoughts of fear and uncertainty, this is a hope that will encourage: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

If you have never accepted God’s free gift, now is the day of Salvation. All you have to do is come to God in faith and accept Jesus Christ.

Father in heaven, may we be filled with Your love and realize this season is not about ourselves but what Jesus has done for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ Nick Weimer

DAY 20

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

I have a friend who isn’t always the nicest friend. He’ll lie to me, boss me around, ditch me while we are hanging out … stuff like that. One particular time, we were playing, and I slipped on ice, and my knee was bleeding, so I told my friend, “Hey, I’ll be right back” and I ran inside to grab a Band-Aid. When I came back out, he was nowhere in sight. I had to bike down the street to find him. It was really frustrating, and I was sad that he didn’t really care he had ditched me. Sometimes it’s hard to be his friend. It would be easier to just walk away and not play with him.

1 John 4:10 says “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God’s love is unconditional love. We didn’t do anything to deserve it. He was willing to give up His Son to save us! His only Son! There’s another verse in the Bible that says while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That is amazing love!

I think my friend does a lot of the things he does because he’s insecure. Maybe you feel like my friend. Maybe you feel like you did too many wrong things, said too many mean words, lied too many times. You are still loved! Everyone is included in this promise, no fine print. And if you don’t feel like my friend, go love somebody who needs it. It’s Christmas after all. Jesus, God’s Son, was born at Christmas. The greatest gift of love that has ever been given. There’s no better time to love!

Dear Jesus, help everyone to feel loved and to love. ~ Judah Jones

DAY 21

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:4-5

Do you have a green thumb? Ever tried growing something from a seed? The seed contains just enough stored energy to burst a shoot up through the surface of the soil. After that, sunlight is needed to continue producing the energy to sustain healthy growth. All things need light to live – even humans, to live eternally that is.

At the start of creation, God said “Let there be light.” Ever since then, all mankind has been given enough light to motivate their consciences to know more about this source of light. John begins his Gospel by referencing the creation of the world; he tells us that the life within Christ is the light of men. Jesus brings us eternal life by shining the light of his truth and goodness flowing from His very being into our lives, allowing us to live to the fullest – spiritually and eternally.

Everyone who comes into the world encounters light. Some receive light and search for more of it, while others reject it and want to quench it. There will always be those who love the light and want more of it, and those who love darkness and want more of it.

There has been no shortage of this love of darkness from the wickedness of Cain, to the rebellious people of Noah’s day, to Caiaphas and the Pharisees who hated Jesus Christ, to the wicked light haters of our present day. Modern days are not much different from ancient days, and just as the light shined in the darkness back then, it still does today! Darkness didn’t overcome it then, and it won’t overcome it now. Evil will never overcome the light, and we will all be held accountable for our response to the Light.

As light lovers, we are called to stay true and faithful to its source–Christ, our King. As gardens grow with sunlight, our Christian growth also needs light, Son-light!

As we celebrate the Word becoming flesh this Christmas season, let’s challenge ourselves to let our light shine every day to everyone!

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending the ultimate source of Light, Your Son Jesus Christ, the Light of the world to not only save us, but to use us to further the gospel of the Kingdom. Amen. ~ Greg Collins

DAY 22

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Oh, what a beautiful verse this is!

It speaks to the incredible gift of salvation that is offered to all who accept Jesus and believe in Him.

We become children of God by receiving Jesus into our lives and placing our faith in Him. This means that we are accepted into God’s family, loved beyond measure, and given the blessings and inheritance that come with being a child of the Most High.

This verse reminds us of the abundant grace and love that God has for each one of us.

It also challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with Jesus and how we are embracing our identity as children of God in our daily lives. We should rejoice in the incredible gift of salvation and strive to live as beloved children of God, sharing His love and light with the world around us.

Poet Harriet E. Buell, in her poem, A Child of the King shared these reflections:

My father’s own son, the Savior of men,

Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them,

But now he is pleading our pardon on high

That we may be His when He comes by and by.

I am a child of the King, a child of the King

with Jesus my Savior, I’m a child of the King!

God’s abundant love towards us delivers us hope, peace, and joy!

Lord, as we look forward to celebrating Your birth, please help us to apprehend daily, moment by moment, the incredible height, and depth of Your love for us and the abundant blessings You have for all of us who believe. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen. ~ Jim Sams

DAY 23

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.” Luke 2:25

There are three things that stand out to me about Simeon and his story. He was righteous and devout. He was waiting for Jesus. And the Holy Spirit was on him. We don’t know much about him except that he was a godly man and was watching for the Holy One and the comfort to come. He knew he wouldn’t die before he saw the Messiah.

In our day, we all hear fellow believers say that they are looking forward to Christ’s return. Our world seems lost and is not getting any better. The Bible tells us it won’t, especially as we get closer to the final days. However, we have the blessing of looking forward to the One who will return and take us to heaven. His return is what we look forward to. Simeon looked for His first coming and believed what the scriptures promised would happen. We believe the scriptures of what will happen when He comes again to take us home. What hope we can have in that truth! In the midst of the troubles we experience, He is the hope of eternity.

How do we stay hopeful? Simeon’s life demonstrates a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. What a good biblical example he is to us today. Because he was led by the Spirit, he was led to be at the temple that day to see Jesus and hold this baby who was and is the hope of the world.

Jesus, I pray that we may we be filled with the Holy Spirit as we wait for Your return and live in this blessed hope. ~ Pam Jones

DAY 24

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christmas is the night hope became flesh. The long-awaited Messiah arrives with the cry of a newborn in Bethlehem. Yet Jesus’ birth points to something even greater: transformation.

When Christ comes, the old passes away. Our sin, our shame, our very selves are called to die with Him, to be burned away in the refining fire of His love. And what rises from those ashes is something brand new. I think of Gandalf the Grey from Lord of the Rings, who entered the dark abyss to face the Balrog. When he returned, he was almost unrecognizable — not just restored but renewed.

“Gandalf? Oh yes. That’s what they used to call me, Gandalf the Grey. That was my name. I am Gandalf the White.”

In a much greater way, Jesus went into the grave carrying the weight of the world’s sin. When He rose, even His closest friends didn’t recognize Him at first. He was glorified, no longer bound by death.

Christmas is the beginning of this story for us. The child in the manger came so that we might be made new. Today, we stand on the threshold, the old year behind us, the new creation before us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming near, for stepping into our darkness so that we might share in Your light. Today, as we wait for Christmas morning, help us lay down our old selves; our fears, our sins, our pride, and clothe us in Your righteousness. Make us new, now and forever. Amen. ~Joe Principato

DAY 25

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:5a

Have you ever felt like life has passed you by, like you’re just working behind the scenes while others seem to shine? Maybe you’ve been quietly faithful at home, at work, or in relationships, without much recognition. If that’s you, take heart, the Christmas story reminds us that God’s most powerful miracles happen in ways that are far from ordinary.

God chose Mary, a young unwed girl from a small town to carry His son. Then came along the man that the Lord selected to stand by her side, a man named Joseph who’s often seen as a background figure. He provided stability, love, and guidance for his growing family. The shepherds who were present at the scene of Jesus’ birth were simply tending to their flocks at night when heaven erupted in song. Each of these characters reminds us that God does His greatest work in the lives of the “ordinary.”

In Revelation 21:5, Jesus, who entered the world in the most undesirable way, is proclaiming His mission for eternity to make all things new. This is a promise from the mouth of the Lord, spoken in the present tense. “I AM making all things new.” Not “someday …” Not “I’ll get to that …” Not “I used to …”

As we step into a new year, we often hear the phrase “new year, new me.” The truth is, we can’t make ourselves new through resolutions alone, but God can. When He speaks, things change.

So, this season, hold onto His promise. “I am making everything new.” Not just the world around you, but your heart, your mind, your life. With Christ, it’s not just a slogan—it’s a reality we can tap into at any moment. “New year, new me, because of Christ in me,” available to us not just once a year, but every day, every hour, every moment.

Lord, remind us this Christmas that You are at work in our lives, even when it feels like we’re just ordinary background characters. Fill us with Your hope, surround us with Your peace, stir up joy in our hearts, and let us rest in Your unfailing love. As we step into this new year, let our lives reflect the light of Christ and the promise that you are making all things new. ~ Emmalee Kick

EPILOGUE

Well, that’s a wrap (pun intended). Another Christmas in the books…

But of course, the Season is not over. Not yet. We still have that glorious “in between” week before the New Year starts. A few more carols on the radio. A few more cookies to consume … gifts to unwrap … loved ones to visit … And of course, a little reflection on the year behind us, as well as anticipating the year to come.

As you spend this week reflecting … what has this Advent Season been like for you? Maybe it’s been ideal, filled with Hope, Peace, Joy, Love … and all of the wonderful sentiments expressed in all of the greeting cards we’ve received throughout this month? Perhaps it’s had its share of stress, disappointment, sadness, even chaos?

Whatever this season has held for you, here’s some Good News:

Emmanuel has come to meet you in the midst of it! All of it: the good, the bad, and everything in between. And not only meet you, but stay with you … dwell in you, through His Holy Spirit. And most of all transform you from the inside out. That is the invitation of Christmas. That is what this season is all about.

Have you accepted His invitation? It’s as easy as simply saying “YES” to Him. Scripture says, “If you confess with your mouth that, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) That’s just the launching point. From there, Jesus invites us to walk with Him for more than a season, but a whole new life. Starting now!

If you are ready to learn more about this New Life in Christ, please reach out and text the word NEW to (833) 264-3557 so that we can help you get started.