Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 12:18-20
But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. —1 Corinthians 12:18-20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The Apostle Paul reminds us that God assigns our roles in the Body of Christ. Several principles interact with God’s choice: First, be faithful in what God has given us to do — until we are faithful in and with little things, he will not entrust us with big ones (Luke 16:10-13). Second, if we don’t use what he has given us, it will be taken away from us (Matt. 25:14-30). Third, we reap what we sow — sinful or irresponsible behavior can create consequences that limit the effectiveness of our service, ministry, and use of our gifts (Galatians 6:7-8). Bottom line: Let’s be faithful to what God has given us. Let’s serve him when given new opportunities using the gifts he has blessed us with and the opportunities he places before us. Let’s honor him with our choices so that Satan cannot use our failure to interfere with our service to others and our faithfulness to the LORD! My Prayer… Dear Father and LORD of heaven and earth, please help me see my opportunities to serve in your Kingdom using the gifts you have given me. Please grow my effectiveness in your service so that I can bring you glory and bless others. In Jesus’ name, I thank you and pray this. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
It’s Always Special When Angels Show Up
Note from Jesus Dear Child of the King, When you open your Bible and you see the appearance of angels, know that the Father is up to something special in your world. So marvel at the message and the work of the angels in the story of My birth. At the same time, realize that those same heavenly messengers are still present in your world serving you. You see, angels are heaven’s messengers, servants sent to help you in special ways to receive the salvation I came to bring: The heavenly messengers are… spirits and servants, sent out to minister to those who will certainly inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:14) Verses to Live Five times, angels (the Father’s heavenly messengers) had a role in the events associated with My Advent. The unfolding of My story begins with the appearance of an angel to Zacharias, who became the father of John the Baptizer. John the Baptizer was My human cousin and also the primary messenger sent to announce My coming: One day Zacharias was chosen to perform his priestly duties in God’s presence, according to the temple’s normal schedule and routine. He had been selected from all the priests by the customary procedure of casting lots for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the sacred precincts of the temple. There he burned sweet incense, while outside a large crowd of people prayed. Suddenly Zacharias realized he was not alone: a messenger of the Lord was there with him. The messenger stood just to the right of the altar of incense. Zacharias was shocked and afraid, but the messenger reassured him. Messenger: Zacharias, calm down! Don’t be afraid! Zacharias, your prayers have been heard. Your wife is going to have a son, and you will name him John. He will bring you great joy and happiness — and many will share your joy at John’s birth. … Zacharias: How can I be sure of what you’re telling me? I am an old man, and my wife is far past the normal age for women to bear children. This is hard to believe! Messenger (sternly): I am Gabriel, the messenger who inhabits God’s presence. I was sent here to talk with you and bring you this good news. Because you didn’t believe my message, you will not be able to talk — not another word — until you experience the fulfillment of my words. (Luke 1:8-14; Luke 1:18-20) Later, one of God’s messengers told My mother, Mary, the most amazing news: She would have God’s Son, Me, and carry Me in her womb. Six months later in Nazareth, a city in the rural province of Galilee, the heavenly messenger Gabriel made another appearance. This time the messenger was sent by God to meet with a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David himself. The messenger entered her home. Messenger: Greetings! You are favored, and the Lord is with you! Among all women on the earth, you have been blessed. The heavenly messenger’s words baffled Mary, and she wondered what type of greeting this was. Messenger: Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God. Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him “Savior,” or Jesus. Jesus will become the greatest among men. He will be known as the Son of the Highest God. God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over the covenant family of Jacob forever. Mary: But I have never been with a man. How can this be possible? Messenger: The Holy Spirit will come upon you. The Most High will overshadow you. That’s why this holy child will be known, as not just your son, but also as the Son of God. It sounds impossible, but listen — you know your relative Elizabeth has been unable to bear children and is now far too old to be a mother. Yet she has become pregnant, as God willed it. Yes, in three months, she will have a son. So the impossible is possible with God. Mary (deciding in her heart): Here I am, the Lord’s humble servant. As you have said, let it be done to me. (Luke 1:26-38) God’s messenger also came in a vision to tell Joseph not to abandon My mother in her pregnancy, but to walk beside her and raise Me as his own son! Joseph, because he was kind and upstanding and honorable, wanted to spare Mary shame. He did not wish to cause her more embarrassment than necessary. Now when Joseph had decided to act on his instincts, a messenger of the Lord came to him in a dream. Messenger of the Lord: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to wed Mary and bring her into your home and family as your wife. She did not sneak off and sleep with someone else — rather, she conceived the baby she now carries through the miraculous wonderworking of the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you will name Him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves,” because this Jesus is the person Who will save all of His people from sin. Joseph woke up from his dream and did exactly what the messenger had told him to do: he married Mary and brought her into his home as his wife. (Matthew 1:19-24) After My birth, angels announced to the shepherds where to find Me, their Savior, the One bringing glory and grace to earth. Nearby, in the fields outside of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds were guarding their flocks from predators in the darkness of night. Suddenly a messenger of the Lord stood in front of them, and the darkness was replaced by a glorious light — the shining light of God’s glory. They were terrified! Messenger: Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere. Today, in
Today’s Verse – Romans 12:17-18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:17-18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… REDEMPTIVELY — That’s how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of everyone he met — friends, sinners, and adversaries. His goal wasn’t getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments he had. Jesus focused on interacting with people redemptively. His mission was to leave them more blessed than where he first found them. The apostle Paul lived with the same goal. He could say, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). In our passage today, he challenges us to do the same! My Prayer… Forgive me, O God, for the grudges I’ve harbored and the evil things I’ve thought about others. Help me to see others and value them as Jesus does- how he valued them when he ministered to them while on earth. Please use me to be a redemptive influence on all my life touches. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
The Wise Still Worship Me!
Note from Jesus Dear Precious Follower, David spoke the truth and We — Father, Son, and Spirit — wanted it emphasized, so you will find it included twice in the Psalms: A wicked and foolish man truly believes there is no God. (Psalm 14:1; Psalm 53:1) This is a sad truth. There is, however, some really good news: Many hunger to know Me, the Living and True God. Many seek Me and come to know Me just as I AM! Like most generations, you live in a world where religious hatred is found. But even in this world of hatred, an event similar to what happened at My birth is being reenacted daily. Just like the magi from the East saw the star rise in the east and came to worship Me when I was born, Muslims are finding things written in the Quran about Me. This discovery gives them a glimpse of truth, and so they begin to seek to know Me fully. Hundreds of thousands of them are searching for Me! So please remember to pray for those who see you as their enemy. Pray for them to find Me in their scriptures and to come looking for the truth about Me — the very One, Who is the Way and the Truth and the Life that leads to the Father (John 14:6 NIV). Remember, I took Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted Christians and turned him into the greatest Christian missionary to ever live. That means that I can reach the hearts of those you may think are least likely to believe in Me! Pray for their hearts to open to Me. Pray that I can share My grace with them. I long to come into their world and bring them close to the Father. Wise people hungering to know God still seek to worship Me, just as the magi from the East did so many years ago. Please be ready to help them find Me! Verses to Live Anytime you hear this precious story about My birth, let the magi remind you that people all over the world still yearn to know and worship Me! Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in the province of Judea, at the time when King Herod reigned. Not long after Jesus was born, magi, wise men or seers from the East, made their way from the East to Jerusalem. These wise men made inquiries. Wise Men: Where is this newborn, Who is the King of the Jews? When we were far away in the East we saw His star, and we have followed its glisten and gleam all this way to worship Him. (Matthew 2:1-2) The wise men left Herod’s chambers and went on their way. The star they had first seen in the East reappeared — a miracle that, of course, overjoyed and enraptured the wise men. The star led them to the house where Jesus lay; and as soon as the wise men arrived, they saw Him with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. They unpacked their satchels and gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11) Response in Prayer Almighty God, Father of all peoples, please use me to share your message with those who are seeking You — especially those in places where darkness reigns, and it is dangerous to believe in Jesus. Open my heart to see all people as You see them, recognizing that Jesus died for all to bring them into Your family with us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today’s Verse – Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. —Romans 12:16 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Don’t be conceited!” That’s a command for someone else, right? I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who genuinely felt they were conceited. But, when looking for someone we want to associate with, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others. We want to “hang around with” those who are important, loved on social media, recognized as superstars, known as successful athletes, or beloved entertainers. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, I guess that’s why Paul wrote this command for us. Remember who Jesus associated with. Remember what his brother, James, said about not showing favoritism or bias because people are considered “less than” (James 2:1-13). Jesus wants his church to have many different kinds of people because harmony only happens when people sing different notes in tune! My Prayer… Father, thank you for making me in your image, designed personally by you to do something to bring you glory. At the same time, Father, I don’t want to be a snob, thinking too much of myself and my importance. Please help me see those with whom you want me to associate with. Help me love people as Jesus did! In his name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Move Beyond the God Talk
Note from Jesus Dear Partner in the Kingdom, People can speak in “God talk” and live in anti-God ways. Unfortunately, Christmas is a time when a lot of that happens. This method of speaking goes all the way back to My birth and early days as a toddler. Herod had his religious wise guys use the writings of the prophets that are now in your Bible to determine the location of My birth so he could try to kill Me. This account of the despicable slaughter of boy babies is a reminder that knowing the Bible and engaging in “God talk” can be dangerous if your heart doesn’t belong to the Father. There is, however, another way to use the Scriptures. You can come to Me and let your faith in Me open your eyes to the full and powerful message of God that leads to life! Move beyond the “God talk” this Christmas: come and discover Me. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NLT). Verses to Live As joyous as the story is for you, parts of My birth story are extremely sad for the Father and for some families in and around Bethlehem. Some people used the very Scriptures and words of the prophets — words intended to give them hope — to bring evil of the worst kind: murder. Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in the province of Judea, at the time when King Herod reigned. Not long after Jesus was born, magi, wise men or seers from the East, made their way from the East to Jerusalem. These wise men made inquiries. Wise Men: Where is this newborn, Who is the King of the Jews? When we were far away in the East we saw His star, and we have followed its glisten and gleam all this way to worship Him. King Herod began to hear rumors of the wise men’s quest, and he, and all of his followers in Jerusalem, were worried. So Herod called all of the leading Jewish teachers, the chief priests and head scribes, and he asked them where Hebrew tradition claimed the long-awaited Anointed One would be born. Scribes and Priests: An ancient Hebrew prophet, Micah, said this: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are no poor relation — For from your people will come a Ruler Who will be the shepherd of My people Israel”. (Matthew 2:1-6) After a few months had passed, Herod realized he’d been tricked. The wise men were not coming back [to tell him exactly where Jesus was]. Herod, of course, was furious. He simply ordered that all boys who lived in or near Bethlehem and were two years of age and younger be killed. He knew the baby King was this age because of what the wise men told him. This sad event had long been foretold by the prophet Jeremiah: A voice will be heard in Ramah, weeping and wailing and mourning out loud all day and night. The voice is Rachel’s, weeping for her children, her children who have been killed; she weeps, and she will not be comforted. (Matthew 2:16-18) When My word is ignored, when the Father’s will is abandoned, and when the Spirit’s inspired message is used for evil, death can be the result. But, when you come to Me, believe in Me, and follow Me, the result is life. Here’s what I said to some religious folks who were using Scripture to bring harm. His [God’s] word does not abide in you because you do not believe in the One sent by the Father. Here you are scouring through the Scriptures, hoping that you will find eternal life among a pile of scrolls. What you don’t seem to understand is that the Scriptures point to Me. Here I am with you, and still you reject the truth contained in the law and prophets by refusing to come to Me so that you can have life. (John 5:38-40) Don’t lose the focus of this season in a lot of religious words. Remember, the point of the season is to come to Me and find life! Response in Prayer Lord Jesus, I confess that I can sometimes get so caught up in trying to read the Bible that I forget to listen for You in the words that I read. Father God, thank You for having Your words come to life in Your Word, Jesus the Son. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for inspiring the message of God and breathing these words of life through people so we can understand the truth. But most of all, dear God, I pray that I keep Jesus as the center and use the Bible to help others find life. It is in Jesus’ name, and by His authority that I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today’s Verse – Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. —Romans 12:15 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… While misery may love company, grief can lead many of us to withdraw and hide. So, let’s remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year. Let them know how you value and miss their loved ones, too. As you talk about their loved ones, please mention them by name. Don’t feel like you need to explain the why behind their death or give advice to the grieving — remember, Job’s counselors were a blessing until they started talking, trying to defend God and explain why Job was suffering. Love serves, encourages, and waits; so, serve, encourage, and wait. Do it with both the grieving and the rejoicing people in your fellowship. Make this a season of true joy and comfort. Affirm their grief while sharing their laughs and rejoicing with them in their good surprises. They need to know it is ok to have moments of joy in their sadness. Also, dear friend in Jesus, make sure you are around people full of joy and rejoice with them, too! It’s hard to serve if you don’t rejoice. My Prayer… Holy God and comforting Father, please give us eyes to see and hearts to offer loving care to those around us who are grieving. During this special time of year, please use us to bless those in sorrow and help us as we join those who are rejoicing. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our source of comfort and joy. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
So Who Will Share the Good News?
Note from Jesus Dear Friend of God, Today, I AM asking you to do something important. I know you are busy with all your Christmas plans, but there is one important gift I’d like you to give to someone. I want you to share the good news story of My birth with that person. The person could be a man or woman, adult or child, old or young, rich or poor, but no matter who that person is, all people need to be reminded that I came to earth from heaven for them. Please share that story with a couple of people who are special to you. Verses to Live An angel first told the story of God’s good news of My coming to Joseph and Mary. While it was unbelievable good news, it was also news that would change their world, and yours, forever: [I]n Nazareth, a city in the rural province of Galilee, the heavenly messenger Gabriel made another appearance. This time the messenger was sent by God to meet with a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David himself. The messenger entered her home. Messenger: Greetings! You are favored, and the Lord is with you! Among all women on the earth, you have been blessed. The heavenly messenger’s words baffled Mary, and she wondered what type of greeting this was. Messenger: Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God. Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him “Savior,” or Jesus. Jesus will become the greatest among men. He will be known as the Son of the Highest God. God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over the covenant family of Jacob forever. (Luke 1:26-33) Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, son of David. They hadn’t married. And yet, some time well before their wedding date, Mary learned that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, because he was kind and upstanding and honorable, wanted to spare Mary shame. He did not wish to cause her more embarrassment than necessary. Now when Joseph had decided to act on his instincts, a messenger of the Lord came to him in a dream. Messenger of the Lord: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to wed Mary and bring her into your home and family as your wife. She did not sneak off and sleep with someone else — rather, she conceived the baby she now carries through the miraculous wonderworking of the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you will name Him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves,” because this Jesus is the person Who will save all of His people from sin. (Matthew 1:18-21) Angels (heavenly messengers) also announced the good news to a group of shepherds out in the fields tending their flocks. It was such good news for them that they had to go to see if it was really true and then tell others about this good news they had seen! Nearby, in the fields outside of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds were guarding their flocks from predators in the darkness of night. Suddenly a messenger of the Lord stood in front of them, and the darkness was replaced by a glorious light — the shining light of God’s glory. They were terrified! Messenger: Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere. Today, in the city of David, a Liberator has been born for you! He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! You will know you have found Him when you see a baby, wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough. At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined by thousands of other messengers — a vast heavenly choir. They praised God. Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God! And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God! As soon as the heavenly messengers disappeared into heaven, the shepherds were buzzing with conversation. Shepherds: Let’s rush down to Bethlehem right now! Let’s see what’s happening! Let’s experience what the Lord has told us about! (Luke 2:8-15) The Father even used a star to announce the good news of My birth to foreigners, wise men from the East, who came to worship Me because of this good news. The wise men left Herod’s chambers and went on their way. The star they had first seen in the East reappeared — a miracle that, of course, overjoyed and enraptured the wise men. The star led them to the house where Jesus lay; and as soon as the wise men arrived, they saw Him with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. They unpacked their satchels and gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11) This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King, the Son of God. Isaiah the prophet told us what would happen before He came: Watch, I will send My messenger in front of You to prepare Your way and make it clear and straight. You’ll hear him, a voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Eternal One, a straight way in the wandering desert, a highway for our God.” That messenger was John the Baptist, who appeared in the desert near the Jordan River preaching that people should be ritually cleansed through baptism with water as a sign of both their changed hearts and God’s forgiveness of their sins. (Mark 1:1-4) If angels, stars, and shepherds can find a way to sing, shine, and share the good news of My birth, won’t you? Response in Prayer O Father in heaven and the One True and Living God, open my eyes to see the people You have placed around me who need to
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 12:14
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. —1 Corinthians 12:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The human body is an amazing arrangement of parts, members, vital organs, systems, and interdependent structures. When the body is healthy, these many different organic structures and systems work together, and the human body can do amazing things. The same is true with the Body of Christ! As long as we each do our part and offer our gifts and abilities for the good of the whole, Christ can do amazing things through us! Both the Body as a whole, functioning as the presence of Christ, and each structure and system and part working as it is gifted to do are essential and interdependent. You, in your role, using your giftedness and fulfilling your purpose, are essential if we, the Body of Christ as a whole, are going to be able to serve the world as Jesus’ presence among people he longs to seek, serve, and save! My Prayer… Holy and loving Father, please help us each know our place and purpose in the Body of Christ so we can serve faithfully and productively to seek, serve, and save those in the world who need to know your Son’s grace and so we can bring glory to you, dear Father. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we use the giftedness the Spirit gave us, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
When Is Worship A Lie?
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, I love all people. That’s why I came. At the same time, I have to tell you something — and yes, I’m sorry to have to do this near Christmas, but it’s part of My story. Hypocrisy makes me want to throw up (Revelation 3:15-16) — when people pretend to love the Father, say they live by the Spirit, and talk as if they love Me, yet their lives are lived in a totally different way. Some of My harshest words in My earthly ministry were targeted at hypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-39). Herod even used the Scriptures for evil purposes to try to kill me. Something Herod said was nothing but a bald-faced lie: Go to Bethlehem and search high and low for this Savior child; and as soon as you know where He is, report it to me so that I may go and worship Him. (Matthew 2:8) Herod’s actions were a preview of what would happen during My ministry: the religious power brokers felt jealous and threatened, so they tried to have Me killed. In fact, they were successful. They just didn’t know that after crucifying Me the Father would raise Me and then they would be in a real mess — people who saw Me alive after My resurrection couldn’t be stopped! So please remember during this time when people celebrate My birth that there is a war going on. It’s not just a war between good and evil, but a war with an extreme form of evil: religiosity and people who want to turn religion into a system that makes them feel better than others and gives them power over others rather than a holy life lived in submission to the Father and in service to others. Remember, religious leaders were the ones who conspired with political leaders to murder Me. So don’t lose Me in something that purports to be religion. I came because God wanted lost people to be saved, the last people in line to be included, and the least people to be recognized for their kind acts of service. On the other hand, Herod was an evil, murderous, superficially religious, political weasel. He built great buildings and murdered children — some of them his own. When worship loses sight of God’s grace and My coming to save the lost, the last, and the least, then it is a lie. But when it celebrates the salvation of the lost, the inclusion of the last, and the service of the least… well, that’s a foretaste of heaven! Verses to Live These following two sets of verses stand in sharp contrast. The first one is something that I said to the outwardly religious bunch, the Scribes and Pharisees: Isaiah prophesied wisely about your religious pretensions when he wrote: These people honor Me with words off their lips; meanwhile their hearts are far from Me. Their worship is empty, void of true devotion. They teach a human commandment, memorized and practiced by rote. (Mark 7:6-7) The second one comes from My description of the final judgment and is said to those who have lived like Me: Come here, you beloved, you people whom My Father has blessed. Claim your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of creation. You shall be richly rewarded, for when I was hungry, you fed Me. And when I was thirsty, you gave Me something to drink. I was alone as a stranger, and you welcomed Me into your homes and into your lives. I was naked, and you gave Me clothes to wear; I was sick, and you tended to My needs; I was in prison, and you comforted Me. (Matthew 25:34-36) The last sounds a whole lot more like Christmas than it does like Herod! Response in Prayer I am sorry, dear God, that Jesus’ birth story has to have some of the junk and crud of our human hypocrisy and evil. But it does comfort me, dear Father, that Jesus entered this kind of mess and redeemed it and brought Your grace to give us living hope. As I worship and give thanks during this season, tune my heart to Yours as I seek to honor You for Your indescribable gift of Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.