Challenges are a part of life, but they don’t need to be your sole focus. Shift your mind away from turmoil. Turn to your Heavenly Father. He knows what you are going through. He can help you rise above your confusing emotions to a place of order and peace.

Soon after Christ’s birth, the Wise Men followed the star that led them directly to where the Holy Family was staying. What was that miraculous light in the sky that we call the Star of Bethlehem? In a sermon, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale speculated that perhaps that important star was actually an angel. “Look for angelic messages in your life,” he advised, “not just at Christmas but every single day of the year.”

This verse is what Christmas is all about; our Savior has come! Someone who loves and guides us, who forgives our sins and helps us live purposefully and faithfully. When you seek God everything else that you need is provided for you.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, take a moment and ponder what Jesus wants most. What gift can you offer? Is it forgiveness, gratitude, humility, or possibly more time dedicated to studying His Word and growing closer to Him?

In the above verse, Elijah is feeling down and the angel of the Lord nudges him toward self-care. As you go out of your way doing good deeds and finding the perfect gifts for others, don’t forget to give yourself something special, maybe a new prayer journal or a book that touches your spirit. Or send a donation in your name to a charity that means a lot to you. Treat yourself. You deserve it.

Joseph was facing a very difficult decision when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Throughout the Bible there are a number of instances where God uses dreams to guide and protect. If you are in need of God’s guidance, ask for His help right before bedtime.