Today’s Verse – John 1:11
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. —John 1:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus came to his own things – the world he had created and the land God had promised his people – and his very own people didn’t receive him. Sometimes we are misled by OUR desires and OUR dreams for what Jesus will do for us that we miss what God wants for us and from us. Let’s not let the following be true in our lives. “Jesus came to me, but I wasn’t ready to receive him. I had other things I wanted to do and other things I wanted to experience before I fully surrendered my heart to him.” Each time we put off surrendering our will to Jesus, each time we push him away as LORD, we allow our hearts to harden, and it becomes easier and easier to push him away. Now, while our hearts are still attentive to his grace, let’s renew our commitment to him, wholly and afresh, offering Jesus our hearts and lives to be used for his glory and grace. Let’s not put it off. It may be too late for us if we do! My Prayer… Holy God, I surrender my heart to your will. Precious Jesus, now more than ever, I recognize you as my LORD. I want to serve you and honor you in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for resisting your guidance or turning away from your commands. I know you left everything and gave up everything to save me. So now, dear LORD, please mold me into the person you want me to be and use me in ways that bless others and bring you glory. 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 – John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only [Son], who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. —John 1:18 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus IS God’s greatest message. He not only proclaims and declares God’s love, mercy, and grace, but he has also made them known to us. Only Jesus can display God to us fully, for he is one with the Father. When we “see” Jesus ministering in the Gospels, we “see” God ministering. If we want to know how God feels about us, all we have to do is look at how Jesus ministers to others. If we want to know what God would do for us, we can notice what Jesus does to bless others. Jesus is our window to the Father’s heart. So, as this year winds down, and as you stand in the afterglow of Christmas, why not make a commitment to get to know Jesus better in this coming year by spending more time with him in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). If you read one chapter a day, you can go through all four gospels four times in the coming year – and have a day or two left over. When you do, you will not only better know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will also help you better know the heart of the Father! My Prayer… Thank you, Father, for giving me a window to your heart through the life and ministry of Jesus. Please bless me as I seek to know you better by knowing, understanding, and following Jesus more passionately. O Father, please make me more JESUShaped* as I seek to know him more completely. I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, my LORD and Savior. Amen. * JESUShaped is being transformed by the Holy Spirit to more closely resemble Jesus in word, thought, and deeds (Luke 6:40; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28-29).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 2:20
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. —Luke 2:20 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Can you imagine the shepherds returning to their flocks after the night they had? They had seen God’s glory. They had experienced the presence of the angel of the LORD. They had seen the newborn King, the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. It was just as they had been told by the holy heavenly messenger. As amazing as the angel’s words of announcement had been, they were gloriously fulfilled. Jesus the Christ was newly born; he was also the absolute answer to God’s greatest promises and the greatest assurance that God keeps his word. Incredibly, God had chosen shepherds, unnamed to us and unimportant to their peers, to be the first human witnesses and participants in God’s glorious story of salvation in sending his Messiah. I believe Luke wanted to remind us that no matter who we are or where we seem to be on the social pecking order, Jesus came for us. Joseph and Mary were peasants. The shepherds were young and outcasts. Simeon and Anna were old and devout frequenters of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Magi were foreigners from Persia. The coming of Jesus to our world tells us immediately that Jesus came for all people – young and old, insider or outsider, powerful or powerless, influential or inconsequential in influence. Jesus came for us… for you… for me! My Prayer… LORD God Almighty, I can only imagine what it was like for those shepherds who experienced your glory. However, dear Father, I do know how much Jesus means to me. I praise you for loving me and reaching my heart with your grace. In Jesus’ glorious name, I offer you my life and praise. 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 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” —Luke 2:14 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… There is only one proper response for God’s gift of Jesus – our praise and adoration. Heaven’s angels worship with praise and adoration at Jesus’ birth. So should we! God’s love, grace, favor, blessing, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation come to us through the incredible gift of Jesus’ coming to earth. How can we not praise him? How can our hearts remain still and voices remain silent before such an amazing and gracious God? They can’t, or at least they shouldn’t, at least right now! Let’s see our joyous worship of Christ our King as the reminder that we need to reach as many other people as possible so they can join our chorus of praise. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is LORD to the glory of the Father (Philippians 2:10-11)! Those who welcome that day of salvation will do so because they had bowed and confessed Jesus before his glorious return. So, let’s say it loudly: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace on those on whom God’s favor rests.” Amen. Hallelujah! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, you are glorious. Your grace is marvelous. Your gift of Jesus is magnificent. We give you all of our praise for sharing your glory and grace with us by sending Jesus to earth. Now, we offer our prayer to him who intercedes at your right hand (Romans 8:34), and we offer you and him our praise. 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 2:11
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” —Luke 2:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Look at all the angel reveals in this verse. Jesus is a descendant of David, the king of eternal promise (1 Kings 8:25-26). He is the Savior of all peoples. He is Christ, the Messiah, the promised hope of Israel. He is LORD, ruler of all creation and master of our lives. The real question is not who is this one placed in a manger, but whether we have decided that this Jesus means all those things to us today? If he is not your Savior today, why not ask him to be and seek him? And if he is, then with whom do you need to share his amazing love and grace? My Prayer… Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to be our LORD and Savior. Help us as we seek to share your grace and Jesus’ story with those we love and long to find him as their Savior and honor him as their LORD. O God, the following specific people are on my heart, and I ask you to use the Holy Spirit to open their hearts to Jesus… (Let’s each name specific people we know that need to come to Jesus!) In the precious name of the Savior, 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.
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.
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.
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.