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with God

Christmas


This week's devotional will be this same one all week, so you can share this with others.

If you are depressed with all of Christmas and the commercialism of it, just turn it around and use the commercialism for God's glory.
How you ask?

Here are some ideas, but I know you can also think of a lot more.

We all have Christmas trees. Each time you see the tree, remember that Jesus was hung on a tree to pay for our sins.

  • 1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.


    • What about the star on top of the tree? We think of the star as when the shepherds followed the star to where Jesus was.
    But you can also think of the star and the lights on the tree and around the outside of your house as this.
    Jesus is the light of the world shinning for all to see, and we are the little lights on the tree, a reflection of the true light Jesus Christ.

  • John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."


  • Matt 5:14-16 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


    • Now we come to the presents and gift giving, which we associate with the gift of Jesus.
    This one I can't mess with, because we should all remember the ultimate gift from God, His only Son Jesus.
    But as you're out shopping for gifts, remember that God thought very carefully about His gift to us, His Son Jesus. As you search for the right gift, remember that God searched for the right gift to pay the price for our sins. What better gift then the gift of true love, God's Son, Jesus!

  • James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.


  • Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,


    • How about all the specials on TV about Christmas, and Santa Claus, and Scrooge, and coming home, with snow and happily ever after stories?
    Have you ever thought about praying for the people acting, or that did the cartoon, or commercial? Pray for their salvation and that they will come to know the true meaning of Christmas that God intended to be remembered.

  • Luke 2:10-14 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"


    • Then there's the food, the turkey or ham, with all the fixings.
    Remember that Jesus is the bread of life.

  • John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.


    • What about if you are lonely this year? Maybe you have lost someone that you love, or you are to far away to be with your family and loved ones this year.
    Jesus knows exactly what you are feeling right now. Remember the 12 disciples that were with Jesus?
    One betrayed Him, one denied Him, and all ran away when He was in trouble. Even on the cross Jesus felt the ultimate loneliness, the separation from the Father.

  • Luke 22:47-48 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"


  • Mark 14:50 Then they all forsook Him and fled.


  • Matt 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"


    • What about the Christmas cards you receive or mail out?
    Think of it like the New Testament were letters were sent to other churches or people proclaiming the good news of Jesus and eternal life through Him.
    Isn't that what we are doing with these cards, telling others about Jesus? If not then you should be.

  • 1 Tim 1:2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.


  • 3 John 1:1-2 1 THE ELDER, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.


    • Do you now get the idea?
    Don't let the world or satan ruin what God has done. Remember that He did it for you, the world and me.
    If only the world would believe. That's the most awesome Christmas gift I could ever receive! Even more, that's the Fathers desire.

  • John 3:16-17 16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.


    • How about giving a gift to the Giver, God.
    He gave His Son's life for you; wont you give your life to Him?

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