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Today's daily devotion

To Whom Much Is Given

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Romans 5:8 (NIV)

THE BIBLE TELLS us: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” (Luke 12:48) On this glorious eve of the coming of our Savior, demonstrate your love—and God’s—to those around you.

Lord, today and every day help me show my gratitude in loving deeds.

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A Deeper Meaning of Christmas

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.—1 John 4:12 (ESV)

BELOVED LONGTIME GUIDEPOSTS editor and former editor-in-chief Van Varner said, “At last all the candles of our Advent Wreath are burning, and we stand in their glow, contemplating their meaning for us. We see their blazing light, and know that it proclaims the coming of the Great Light, Jesus Christ. We feel the heat of the candle flames, and know the warmth of Jesus in a cold world. We watch the way the wax melts, diminishing each candle, symbolizing the deepest meaning of Christmas: for as these tapers give away their light, they also give away themselves.”

Heavenly Father, help me greet the One who came to give us light with the true spirit of Christmas, which is selfless giving.

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Angel Alert

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.”—Luke 1:19 (NIV)

THIS TIME OF year, angels are everywhere: on Christmas cards and wrapping paper; in countless store windows and Nativity scenes. Take time this holiday season to turn back to the tremendous events of these celestial beings chronicled in Luke and Matthew. Listen carefully, the angels may have something to say to you.

Lord, open my ears and heart to the good news of Your angels of long ago…and the angels of today.

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Embrace Imperfections

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

NOBODY IS PERFECT. Yet, many of us suffer from negative thoughts about our self-image—maybe it’s our reflection in the mirror or that nagging feeling like we’re falling short on making the holidays wonderful for our loved ones. The fact is that we are completely beautiful in God’s eyes—right now, exactly as we are. He loves and accepts us.

Lord, free me from unrealistic expectations and unhealthy judgements. Help me to see myself with Your eyes of acceptance and love.

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Mend a Relationship

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.—1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)

IS THERE A relationship in your life that could use mending? Perhaps a friend that has drifted away or a dispute with a loved one. Mending bruised and broken relationships is Christ’s work. He can go before you and make the crooked ways straight. Pray for help straightening out misunderstandings between yourself and others.

Heavenly Father, I confess my heart is not always tender and kind to those in my life. I ask You to give me as a gift, Your tenderness, Your kindness and generosity of Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Gift of Forgiveness

…And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.—Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
GIVE YOURSELF AN early holiday gift, a forgiving heart! Are there situations where you feel you have been cheated or duped? Release any bitterness or anger you may be feeling towards others or even yourself. Pray that God will help you heal your heart and give you the grace to move forward in a positive direction.

Lord, You know how to forgive. Help me to follow Your footsteps.

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White as Snow

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”—Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

NOTHING PAINTS THE earth cleaner than fresh snow. A blanket of snow can be a trigger to reflect on Isaiah 1:18. Only God can take the imperfections of our hearts and turn them into something pure, clean and lovely. He can forgive and help heal our anger, resentments, and addictions. He can help us dissolve the blocks so that we may grow closer to Him.

Forgive my transgressions, Lord, and keep me from repeating them.

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The Way to Christmas

Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.—Matthew 18:3 (ESV)
THERE IS A story that says at Christmas time “an enchantment falls upon the earth. It is a time when the Spirit of a newborn Child whose name is Love, possesses the world. The way to Christmas lies through an ancient gate…a little gate, child-high, child-wide, and there is a password: Peace on earth to men of good will.”

Heavenly Father, this season may I recapture the awe of the season and receive the kingdom of God with the humility of a child.

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Gifts of the Season

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 (ESV)

ON THIS THIRD Sunday of Advent, as you gather gifts for one another and answer the question of “What do you want for Christmas?”, it’s important to remember Whose birthday it is and what can you do to help honor and celebrate Jesus. Share your generosity and thoughtfulness. Share His message and goodness with others.

In this holy Christmas season, Lord, show me how to best communicate Your love.

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The Source of Inspiration

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.—1 Corinthians 2:13 (NIV)

DO YOU KNOW the story behind the Christmas song Silent Night? On Christmas Eve in 1818, Pastor Joseph Mohr had a problem: his church’s organ was broken. Worried about how to celebrate Christ’s birth without music, he found a poem he had written and brought it to his organist, who spontaneously put the words to music using his guitar. In just a few short hours, Silent Night was composed. If you’re feeling at a loss about something, find the song God has placed in your heart.

Heavenly Father, You are the source of inspiration, You are the music that moves us.

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God’s Will

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.—Matthew 1:24 NIV

CHRISTMAS IS A time of renewal. Pause and ask yourself: How obedient am I to God’s Will and His Word? When defiance or selfish impulses crowd your thoughts, remember an honest, uncomplaining carpenter named Joseph and try to follow the example he has left us.

Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to know Your Will for us and the obedience to follow.

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Beat the Holiday Blues

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

THERE CAN BE moments during the holiday season where you feel disheartened. If that happens remember this: Over 2,000 years ago, God made a supreme effort to let us know that He cares about each of us! To remind us, to reassure us, He gave us His perfect Christmas gift—and laid it in a manger.

Lord, fill my heart with Your heavenly peace.

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Woman walking outdoors

Keep Moving

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)

Smiling woman enjoying the outdoors

I’m Just Fine

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV

A jogging woman

Take Care of Your Whole Self

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)

A women gazes out her window

Free Yourself from Sin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

An abundant harvest of fresh vegetables

Surrender to Trust

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will
eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”—Luke 12:22 (NIV)

gratitude_woman

Sacred Simplicity

Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.—Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NIV)

Woman singing in a car

The Song of the City

As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”—Psalm 87:7 (NIV)

Man with his arm outstretched saying his spring prayers outside

Overflowing Love and Grace

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.—1 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)

A child smiles at the rain from the shelter of her umbrella

Gifts from Above

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

Choose Peace

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.—Titus 3:1–2 (NIV)

Celebrate Freedom and Love

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God…—1 Peter 2:16–17 (NIV)

Honor Your Heavenly Father

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!—1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Bless Mothers Everywhere

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”—Luke 1:46–47 (NIV)

Knit to the Soul

As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.—1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)

Two women engage in a forigiving hug

Accept One Another

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)

Senior friends having coffee outdoors

A Village

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)

Dog sniffing a flower

Four-Legged Love

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

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