Blessed Christmas!
Our prayer is that the presence of Jesus be with you and fill you with hope, peace, and love! In a year of trouble, sorrow, isolation, and loss, our prayer is that you can experience the presence of Immanuel, God with us! All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”) (Matthew 1:22-23). In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God,and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him,and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created,and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness,and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” From his abundance, we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us (John 1:1-18 NLT). May your greatest blessings this Christmas be the family and friends gathered around you, the memories of past Christmases where grace abounded, and your steadfast faith that the One Who came as Immanuel is coming again! Special thanks for the use of images related to Jesus’ ministry from The Lumo Project and Free Bible Images. About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.
Today’s Verse – Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” —Luke 2:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Do not be afraid.” That’s what the angel of the LORD tells the shepherds as they see him and the glory of the LORD” shining around them. They were terrified because the angel was unexpected, glorious, and overwhelming. So, what can cast away fear in such a moment of heaven’s glorious radiance? The joy of knowing that God has come to earth to end the domination of sin, death, and hell over human existence (Hebrews 2:14-15). God has come himself in Jesus as Immanuel (Matthew 1:23) to end the evil one’s curse and bring salvation for all people. Terror must not master our hearts, only holy fear, a deep reverence and awe as we realize that God has broken through every barrier to reach us with his overwhelming grace and presence in Jesus. Yes, we welcome this “news of great joy for all the people,” and pledge to share it with the world because the LORD has come! My Prayer… We praise you, Almighty God, for the gift of joyous love that chases away all of our fear.* Fill our hearts with your joy and fill our minds with reverent wonder as we lean close to comprehend your love for us. Stir us with greater concern for those who have not heard of your Son’s coming, don’t understand the power of his love, and have not yet accepted your offer of grace in him. We pray in thanks, joy, and praise for Jesus’ coming and his intercession for us as we pray. Amen. * 1 John 4:18.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.
Daily Prayer for December 24
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”…Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:10–11, 13–14, NIV Lord God, our Father in heaven, you have sent us the Savior, who was born to bring great joy to all people. Glorify your name, we pray. Give the world the peace you alone can give, the peace that wells up in our hearts. Let your favor rest on us so that we may hold out under our sufferings on earth. We need your loving help to remain inwardly steadfast until everyone can be reached by the message, “Be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.” Amen. Recent articles on Plough Carol of the Birds Marianne Wright Listen to a carol that Pablo Casals considered one of the most beautiful melodies ever created. Read now The Legend of the Christmas Rose Selma Lagerlöf In this Christmas story, an outcast family of robbers, a sympathetic abbot, and a hard-hearted lay brother witness a miracle. Read now God’s Wisdom Made Visible Elizabeth Lev Giotto di Bondone’s Nativity was a revolutionary work in its time. Read now Caroling to Neighbors Bethany Joy Hebbard Caroling with children may feel awkward, but it’s a great way to share Christmas with neighbors – and to recall Mary and Joseph going door to door. Read now The Child Who Turned the World Upside-Down Sigrid Undset The devil, no matter his disguise, is no match for Mary’s son. Read now
Today’s Verse – Luke 2:6-7
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 room for them in the inn. —Luke 2:6-7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Despite Jesus’ miraculous conception in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, the LORD entered our world in the most common of ways. The time came to be born, his mother went into labor, she gave birth to her child, the child was welcomed and wrapped in soft cloths, and placed in a crib. Jesus’ birth wasn’t just “normal”; it was common, even below average conditions for his birth. When the Son of God was born, he wasn’t placed in a crib. Instead, he was placed in a manger where animals ate. His room was not in a house, but a stable. No one made room for him in an inn or a house. Neither of his parents’ families opened their homes or hearts to him, even though Bethlehem was also their likely destination for the census. The holy God who created everything enters our world as baby Jesus to share our way of life as one of us in such low circumstances. Why? He loves us and wants us to know we can come home to him no matter our circumstances. Incredible… incredible story… incredible birth… incredible love… because of our incredible God! My Prayer… O LORD God Almighty, how can I ever show you how much the gift of your Son means to me? I am struck with wonder and joy that you should love me this sacrificially and tenderly. Please accept my praise and adoration for both the gift of your Son, Jesus, and your love in sending him. Praise to you, loving Father, for your indescribable gift! In Jesus’ name I thank you. 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.
Today’s Verse – Luke 2:4-5
So 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. —Luke 2:4-5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… For the next few days, let’s journey with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God in the miraculous birth of God’s Son to their family. These verses give us the basics: They took a trip south from their home. The expectant couple went to Bethlehem, which was King David’s home city as well as their own. The two were “betrothed” (legally pledged in marriage), but not yet married. The time for Jesus to be born was quickly approaching. Joseph and Mary were going there to register with the Roman government in Bethlehem as required by the census. Intrigue about Jesus’ biological father hinted at scandal associated with Mary’s pregnancy. Themes of promise and fulfillment from the prophets frame the story, reminding us that this is God’s story. Human faithfulness amid social, religious, and familial storms echoes throughout the story. The Roman census provides a real historical context for real everyday people who journeyed, risked, sacrificed, and welcomed the newborn Messiah. The LORD enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves. God has chosen to enter our world in Jesus, Immanuel, as one of us. The Messiah born into such a mess is certainly a Savior and LORD we can reach, follow, and love. This Jesus is one of us. My Prayer… Holy and loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for entering our messy world with all its contradictions, ironies, and conflicts. Thank you for not being aloof or immune to our struggles, but for sharing in them with us as our Immanuel, “God with us”! 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.
22 Dec 2025
As we come to the end of the year, I hope we can look back and thank God for carrying us through. It may have been smooth sailing for some, tough for others. Whatever the case, He has allowed us to get to the end. I pray that we can look at the future with hope and optimism. May we get to know Him more and also understand ourselves better. 2 Peter 1:3-8 Merry Christmas and a blessed 2026! We shall resume our devotions on January 5th, God willing.
Today’s Verse – Acts 2:21, 40-41
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. … With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. —Acts 2:21, 40-41 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Call on the name of the LORD to save you! Proclaim Jesus as your risen LORD! Share with him in baptism as the first Christians did. Have God add you to his holy people. Know that Jesus will save you from the corruption that plagues our world and so many of our lives. You see, God sent Jesus to save, redeem, restore, and bless us. Share in the joy of that salvation. Don’t wait! Today is the day of salvation! Rejoice in it. Pass it on to others. Christ our King has come to bring his salvation to all of us who will truly believe! My Prayer… Father, thank you for sending Jesus the first time to die for my sins! Thank you for sending Jesus into my heart to comfort and strengthen me as he works in my life! Thank you most of all for my salvation, which will be fully realized when Jesus returns. So, I pray in Jesus’ name, with anticipation. 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.
Today’s Verse – Acts 13:38-39
Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. —Acts 13:38-39 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Law couldn’t do it. Sacrifices couldn’t do it. Piety couldn’t achieve it. Religious practices couldn’t make it happen. Only Jesus could bring complete salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. Only Jesus can make us fully righteous and holy. Forgiveness and righteousness come through him, and faith in him. Jesus is God’s most complete revelation of himself and his grace, and the sacrifice he made for our sins brings us forgiveness and eternal life (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 John 2:2, 4:10). My Prayer… Holy and Righteous Father, God Almighty, I confess that your Son is my Savior and LORD, Jesus the Christ. I thank you, Jesus, for being my LORD and paying the price for my sins. I ask, blessed Holy Spirit, that you fashion more of Jesus’ character and compassion in my life as I pursue him in my daily life and in the Scriptures. In Jesus’ name, I ask you for this grace, and I ask for this blessing. 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.
Today’s Verse – Psalm 80:19
Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. —Psalm 80:19 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In the days of Jesus’ birth, a group of devout and lowly people called the “pious poor” were looking for God’s redemption of his people. We meet some of them in the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel – Zechariah and Elizabeth, Anna and Simeon, along with Mary and Joseph. They knew that salvation could not, and would not, come without great cost – not just to themselves, but also to God. Isaiah had prophesied about this redemption in his Servant Songs (Isaiah 53:1-12). They had experienced suffering and hardship in their own history. So with honest hearts, they confessed that they didn’t have the power to bring their own salvation and deliverance. This power had to come from their almighty God. They believed God would release this power for the powerless, yet righteous and devout, people seeking God’s transformation in their lives and waiting for God to console and redeem Israel (Luke 2:25; 24:21). They knew they needed to ask God for it! They knew to seek his face and find his presence in their daily lives. So we join them as we cry out, “Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Ruler of all creation, I praise you. I praise you for your power and glory. I praise you for your wisdom and creativity. I praise you for your mercy and righteousness. I praise you, because you alone are worthy of my praise. O LORD, you alone can bring full salvation to me, to the lost, and to my brothers and sisters in need. Please, shine your face upon me. Please, make your presence known in our lives and shine your face upon us. In Jesus’ 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.
19 Dec 2025
Are you walking the journey of life alone? Do you have companions you can fellowship and face the challenges of life together with? David had Jonathan, Jesus had the disciples, Moses had Aaron. May the Lord always avail brethren who can stand with you, solution providers who can facilitate you, resourceful people who can support you. And you in turn should be a blessing to them too. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.