Devotionals for the Heart: We should remember the miracle of Christmas

The Miracle of Christmas
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

When my mother was employed as a secretary in the chaplaincy department at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, she told me that she made it a priority to visit the neonatal ward a few floors above her office during the Christmas season.

She said she needed to visit the newborns to remind herself of how Jesus Christ came into our world as an innocent newborn baby who was crying and helpless. Why is this baby Jesus so important at Christmas?

First, Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in a virgin named Mary. God was beginning a whole new work in His creation. The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so that He could live and die for the salvation of all who choose to believe in Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all human beings by Adam. Therefore, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, not to violate her, but to gift her with pregnancy despite the fact that she had never been with a man. Secondly, because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being. He was both fully human and fully divine.

Of course it's not logical by our human reasoning. Nothing about the birth of Jesus makes sense. That’s why it’s a miracle. Neither Mary nor Joseph who was engaged to marry her, realized that God had chosen them to be a part in His sovereign plan. Mary had no idea that God picked her to be an unwed mother. Joseph had no idea that he had been tagged as Jesus’s earthly father and that he was to move forward with his plans to marry his beloved when she was pregnant with a child who was obviously not his. That’s why angels visited them to explain those baffling events.

But what they did know and were sure of before they came together in marriage, was the history of God’s faithfulness. Their parents taught them this truth. Joseph and Mary were Jews and among God’s chosen people. They grew up listening to their religious leaders reading the prophesies from Isaiah 9:6 in the Old Testament and several others stating that God would send a Messiah through the lineage of David. This was why Mary and Joseph chose their faith in God over their feelings that could convince them otherwise. They decided to obey Him and trust God’s special plan.

God knew we needed a Savior to save us from our sin. True to His humble character, God sent His Son, Jesus, as baby born not to a wealthy and powerful king and queen in a beautiful palace with servants to wait on him, but to peasants in a village in the middle of nowhere called Bethlehem in a shelter that housed animals. Jesus came with no fanfare or celebration, but quietly one Holy night.

God sent Jesus to make our Christmas season joyful! Jesus came to Earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus came to deliver people not only from their oppression but also from themselves. Jesus was God in the flesh, so that’s how God was (and still is) among us. When we can fully grasp the gravity of our entitlement, our rage, our selfishness, pride, and indifference, we are able to more deeply appreciate the gift of Jesus. Let us remember that He came to give us peace, joy and love.

Call to Action:

When the Amazon delivery of your Christmas order is late, when the malls are teaming with holiday shoppers, when the check-out lines are endless, remember how deeply entrenched our culture is in materialism, and why we need Jesus.

When the Starbucks drive-through line is 20 cars deep and you are running low on caffeine and patience, close your eyes, breathe deeply and remember that instead of feeding your addictions, you can turn to Jesus for rest and peace.

When you are struggling to find that expensive gift to impress the relative who already has everything, instead of falling in the trap of competition and comparison, remember that Jesus has already given you and them everything needed to worship and adore Him.

When families and loved ones gather to rip open your beautifully wrapped gifts that makes a mess in your lovely home, remember how messy your sin is and the forgiveness that Jesus offers you.

Even as adults, we remain messy and stinky in our sin. Our crying has not ceased, either out of grief for a broken world or from selfishness when we don’t get our way. Most importantly, we are still helpless and need a Savior to take our sins upon himself. This is why we have Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for sending your only son, Jesus, to us when we were in a mess of sin and didn’t realize it. We didn’t know we were miserable until the healing hand of Jesus was on us, forgiving us and setting us free from sin’s bondage. Help us to remember what this Christmas season is about and not allow materialism and consumerism to distract us from the real gift of your presence among us now and forever. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Heart of Christmas” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For Unto Us” by Point of Grace. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “His Plan” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like. 

She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began pursuing a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then she got married and later went through a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

Leslie taught English as a second language for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published. It details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce.

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children—one in fifth grade and one in first grade.

Leslie and her husband make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leslie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years and actively growing her writing career alongside her two growing children.

She now maintains a monthly blog of her own and is working toward expanding her writing ministry on Substack. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

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Connect with Leslie:
Website: lesliejoybake.com
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
E-mail address: Leslie.bake@yahoo.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God's perfect timing is worth the wait

Trusting God When His Gifts Are Out of Reach
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts now instead of waiting until Christmas Day arrives?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother was in the kitchen making chocolate fudge and anise candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces while I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deeper longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—that He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and are tempted to take matters into your own hands, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham and his wife Sarah who we read about in the Bible, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough. Read Genesis 16:1-16 for details.

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah in the Bible story, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you too can trust God to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

My waiting season began several years ago after I suffered three concussions. While I saw nothing good about my suffering, God used it to prepare me for my calling. By the time I recovered, God had already opened several doors for me to minister to women. My experience taught me this: Even when it seems like nothing is happening, God is working behind the scenes to prepare us for our ultimate purpose: to glorify Him.

As hard as it is to wait, I hope you let God use this time to prepare you for your promised land. And don’t forget to enjoy the present because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful you love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "We Are the Reason" by AVALON. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s passion to follow Jesus Christ is woven throughout her writing. She loves using words to encourage women to embrace their identity in Christ so they can experience victory in every area of their life. 

In 2024, Sarah was a featured speaker in the 28-Day Devotional Challenge. She also launched her new Substack newsletter, "A Peaceful Pace", which inspires her readers to let Jesus Christ set their pace in a world that values speed at all costs.

Sarah’s short stories have appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. Her latest short story is featured in a new book published by Guideposts, titled Too Amazing For Coincidence.

Her devotionals have appeared in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts.

Sarah is a dog sitter who lives in Minneapolis with her dachshund Frank. Her hobbies include cooking and vacationing each year on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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Connect with Sarah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52
Substack: https://colebopper58.substack.com/publish/home

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should look up to Jesus Christ

Look Up
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

—Matthew 2:10 (ESV)

I have an early memory of being in a very crowded store with my mom during the holiday rush. As a small child, all I could see was a jungle of feet, legs, purses, and shopping bags all around me.

As we waited in the long checkout line, I must have been fascinated by my surroundings because I remember reaching out distractedly to grab my mother’s hand, only to realize that the hand I grabbed did not belong to my mother! Fear seized me in that moment, but fortunately, I looked up and saw a kind stranger’s face, and then my mother’s face smiling down at me, and all was made right.

The Christmas season can be overwhelming. Everywhere you turn, signs of the season are on non-stop full display, vying for your attention. Store displays, television commercials, radio playlists, neighborhood lights, and more bombard us from every direction. That’s not to mention all the holiday parties, pageants, potlucks, and other events that fill our Christmas calendars. All good things, but with so much going on at once, it’s easy to get swept up in the festivities and lose sight of what’s most important.

The Magi, or “wise men,” are familiar characters from the Bible’s Christmas story. They were educated men from an eastern land who recognized a new star in the night sky as an announcement of the Messiah’s birth. They followed the star in search of the newborn king. When they reached Jerusalem, they knew they were close, so they asked around for specific directions, saying, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2 NIV).

I wonder what it was like for the Magi when they arrived in the big, bustling city of Jerusalem, a place foreign to them where they knew no one, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds. Were they expecting the people to already know about the birth of the Messiah, since the star they’d followed was there for all to see? That doesn’t seem to have been the case, since the questions they asked in town caused quite a stir. The Bible says in Matthew 2:3 (ESV), “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” The arrival of the wise men and the things they spoke of must have been huge news in Jerusalem. People were probably talking about it in the streets, spreading rumors, and crowding around the Magi, offering their unsolicited advice. Even King Herod heard about it. He summoned the wise men to meet him and gave them his own underhanded instructions.

I imagine the Magi left the buzzing city feeling a bit overwhelmed. They’d been told where to go by Herod, and probably others, too, but it wasn’t until they looked up and saw the star that they knew they were back on the right track. The Bible says in Matthew 2:9-10 (ESV), “After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” It was by keeping their eyes on the star that they found Jesus Christ.

As you enjoy all the trimmings and trappings of the Christmas season, remember to look up and keep your eyes on the holy light that still shines in the darkness so that you will find Jesus in the midst of it all.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for sending your son Jesus into the world to save us from our sins. When we feel overwhelmed or distracted by the world’s expectations and distractions during this busy time of year, help us to pause and look up to You to guide us to the true joy and meaning of Christmas. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Oh, Holy Night” by Nat King Cole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Look Up, Child” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Light of the World” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

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Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you're too busy to breathe at Christmas

Too Busy to Breathe at Christmas?
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy, peace, and hope.

But if we’re honest, many of us enter December with good intentions only to arrive at Christmas Eve feeling exhausted, frazzled, and secretly counting down the minutes until everything is over.

Between decorating, shopping, family gatherings, church events, end-of-year deadlines, meal planning, and making everything “special", Christmas can become one big swirl of stress. And while we’re running around trying to create the perfect Christmas, our joy quietly slips away.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas season, please hear this: You are not failing. You are simply carrying more than God ever asked you to. Even in the bustle of Bethlehem, God was creating a moment of holy stillness. And He invites you into that same stillness now.

Wondering what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? The key is to put your priorities back at the feet of Jesus Christ. Christmas often turns us into Martha as described in the Bible (Luke 10:38-42). She was busy, distracted, and convinced everything depends on us. But Jesus gently reminds us now as He reminded Martha then that “only one thing is needed.” Mary (Martha’s sister) chose the better portion because she chose to spend time with Jesus first.

When the Christmas holiday calendar starts to run you instead of you running it, pause and realign your priorities. Here’s a way to remember this important life lesson (See the “priority” acronym with descriptions for each letter below):

P – Pray

Ask God to reveal what really matters for this season. Every December is different; your capacity this year may not match last year, and that’s okay.

R – Review

Go back to Scripture. Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about His presence. What does God say should anchor your life right now?

I – Inventory

Look at the activities, responsibilities, and even traditions on your calendar. Which ones bring life? Which ones drain it?

O – Order

Put things in their proper place. Some tasks are essential; others are optional. Let God show you the difference.

R – Resist

Resist the “tyranny of the urgent,” the pressure to say yes just because something is happening.

I – Input

Ask trusted friends or family: “Is this something I really need to do right now?” God often speaks through wise voices.

T – Take Advantage

Use your time intentionally. There are only 24 hours in a day (even during the busy Christmas season). Ask God to show you how to use them with purpose.

Y – Yield

Lay your plans at His feet. Christmas belongs to Him. Your life belongs to Him. Yielding brings peace.

Still not sure of what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? Here are a few more points to help you (see headings in bold below):

Say “No” Without Guilt – Even During the Holidays

Some of the greatest gifts you can give this Christmas are the words: “No, not this time.” Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship. God’s grace teaches us to say no to anything that pulls us away from living with peace, joy, and self-control. That includes unrealistic expectations, overwhelming commitments, and traditions that no longer bless your soul. You don’t need long explanations or apologies. A simple, “I won’t be able to do that this year,” is enough. Remember: If God didn’t assign it, He’s not requiring you to carry it.

Let Go of the Unessential

There truly is a season for everything, but not everything belongs in this season. Maybe this isn’t the year to handmake all the Christmas gifts. Maybe this isn’t the year to host every gathering. Maybe this isn’t the year to try a new recipe, decorate every room, or attend every event. Sometimes Christmas requires the courage to let go. Ask the Lord what can wait until another time. Good things are not always God-timed things. Release what no longer fits the capacity, peace, and purpose God has given you for this moment.

No matter how full your life feels right now, God has not abandoned you to busyness. If you put these principles into practice, you’ll experience more joy, more peace, and more hope than you expected.

Remember this beautiful promise: God will never put more on you than He gives you grace to carry. This Christmas, may you choose the better portion, not the perfect holiday, but the holy One who came to bring you rest, renewal, and life.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me slow down enough to see You in this season. Show me what to release, what to rearrange, and what to embrace so my heart can rest in You. Restore my joy, renew my peace, and let my Christmas be more about Christ than the chaos. Fill me with hope as I trust in You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need a Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to handle it when Christmastime hurts

When Christmas Hurts: Celebrating Through Loss and Change
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

—John 13:35 NIV

Turn on the radio or flip on the television, and it doesn’t take long to be reminded this is the happiest time of the year. Except …what if it’s not?

What if, in many ways, this is the hardest time of year for you?

I’ve always looked forward to Christmastime. As a kid, I remember being absolutely giddy with excitement, and it often had nothing to do with what was waiting under the Christmas tree. What caught me up was that glorious buzz of joyful energy from the loved ones all around me—all the laughing grown-ups excited to see each other, everyone dressed up in something festive, all the whispered secrets about gifts and hopes, spinning together to create what felt like a magical time.

Later, when I grew up and had my own kids, it was exciting just to watch them experience that Christmas joy for themselves—going to church, singing the hymns and lighting the candles, picking out gifts for each other. As the years have passed, though, my circle is slowly growing smaller. My grandparents have all passed away, as have my dad, my stepmom, and my favorite aunt. Beloved in-laws, too. My sister lives hours away, my uncle is clear across the country, and I can’t remember the last time I saw the cousin who used to be my best childhood friend.

Loved ones I used to see every holiday are now people I haven’t seen in ages. Two of our four kids are now off to college, and though they’ll be home for Christmas break, it’s different now that the kids are older. Everything feels different, smaller, slightly off-kilter. More subdued. I’m still joyful, still blessed. Yet the difference feels palpable somehow.

Maybe that’s you—maybe you normally love Christmastime, yet the pang of loss cuts deep right now. Maybe you’ve lost a spouse, children, siblings, or a close friend this year, and there’s little laughter this season. Every gleam of joy brings along with it a sharp and painful reminder of the one you’ve lost. Or perhaps you’re struggling with difficult health diagnosis, a broken relationship, financial catastrophe, or mental illness. Whatever it is, the holidays are hard for you, and you struggle to gain even a glimmer of cheer.

The truth is that despite the messages around us trying to tell us what Christmas is “supposed” to be and how we’re “supposed” to feel, the reality is that Christmas is none of those things. The expectations we’ve created around this time of year pale in comparison to the perfect truth about why we celebrate it in the first place. We celebrate Christmas because we celebrate the birth of our Savior (Jesus Christ) who is God in human form, word become flesh who lived, suffered, and then died as a sacrifice for our sins…only to rise again and lead us to eternal life (John 3:16).

And so—even as my heart sometimes aches for those I’ve lost this time of year, while all the songs on the radio tell me how things should be—what helps is remembering the real reason for the season. What helps is loving the ones who are around me now, even as I miss the ones who are no longer with me.

Loving the people in my world today is not only a way that I can claim joy in the season, but it’s also a way that I can honor the gift of Jesus Christ and the birth of my Savior. After all, Jesus told His disciples the world will know who they are—His—by their love for one another (John 13:35). Love really is the greatest truth of all and the most important thing to remember.

Wherever you are this holiday season—grieving and heartbroken, happy and content, or a little bit gloomy and cynical—remember this: Love is the one thing that carries on from Christmas to Christmas. The love of Jesus Christ for all of us, and the love we have for each other in His name.

If you’re struggling this year, can I pray for you? Reach out to me privately.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas. It’s not the lights or the gifts or the celebrations but the fact that You came into this world, Emmanuel—God with us. You chose to live as a human, then suffer and die as a sacrifice so that we could join You in eternity. What a true gift that is. No matter what my feelings right now, please help me remember this. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “We Are the Reason” by AVALON. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be a bright STAR for Jesus Christ

Be the Light
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

—John 8:12 (NIV)

I love the beautiful and bright displays of Christmas holiday lights that are up during this time of year!

As I see them in my neighborhood, on the exterior of local buildings, inside local businesses, on the lampposts in the parking lots of places like the mall and grocery stores, and in other locations, I smile because they remind me of the reason for this season: celebrating our Savior and King (Jesus Christ).

But did you ever notice that some lights sparkle and some shine? Shining lights appear as steady, radiating beams. Sparkling and glistening lights usually have irregular or interrupted flashes. For example, we may say the stars shine and sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. Those are always steady, shining lights. Regardless of the type, all lights dispel darkness when they are on.

Jesus is the Light of the world. He is the ultimate light. He encourages us to also be a light by allowing His Light to shine through us so we can shine His love into the lives of others. According to John 8:12 (NIV), Jesus is the light of the world and people who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light in the world around us.

What kind of light (sparkling or shining) do you reflect?

Since a sparkling light is an irregular emission of light, if you sparkle, you might have times when God is not reflected through you. It could be because of a struggle, hurt, fatigue, doubt, or even busyness. But a shining light is consistent in its glow. It may be dimmer sometimes, but the light never flickers despite challenges, insecurities, and busyness.

Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:8 (NIV), “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” For us to walk as children of the light means living in a way that reflects the character of God. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV), “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The good deeds Jesus refers to are those actions that demonstrate love and acceptance. God said to love Him and others. When we do this to the best of our abilities, we shine.

Sometimes, the stresses of life may cause us to sparkle instead of shine. I remember one Christmas when my husband was unemployed. It was a challenge, and our lights flickered quite a bit. We had to make a change. Others surrounded us with love and helped us to see the gifts in relationships rather than things. Our light became stronger through prayer, trusting God, and experiencing His faithfulness.

Here are four ways to help you remember how to shine for Jesus that make an acronym (STAR):

Seek Him first: “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

Trust Him completely: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).

Align your heart with His: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Rely on His Word: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Instead of sparkling this season, be the light of Jesus and shine like a STAR.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the Light of the World. Help us reflect His light in our lives, whether in steady shining or brief moments of sparkle. Strengthen us to seek You first, trust You fully, and love others as You have called us. May our actions glorify You and point others to Your hope and peace. Guide us by Your Word and help us shine like stars in the darkness for Your glory.

In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Hold Up the Light” by New Jersey Mass Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

~*~
Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: How to make a Christmas to remember

How to Experience the Wonder of Christ’s Presence This Christmas
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”— Matthew 2:9-11 (NIV)

We’ve all heard it said a thousand times that Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but for many of us, the holiday rush only magnifies our grief, disappointment, and loneliness.

I’ve been on my own since my parents passed away several years ago. As an only child, I’m used to it, but I often feel like an orphan longing for somewhere to call home. While everyone else has a place to celebrate this month, I am content sitting before the fireplace with a bowl of popcorn and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

I’ll admit that I sometimes lose sight of the Christmas story when mine disappoints me. Don’t get me wrong. I love shopping, sipping hot chocolate, attending parties, and singing carols. Still, when I feel like my Christmas plans are not enough, Jesus Christ reassures me that His presence always is.

Christmas is less about finding the perfect gift and more about encountering Jesus with the same wonder the three wise men experienced that cold, starry night.

Imagine the anticipation as they followed the star to Bethlehem on their journey to meet the newborn King promised centuries before. When they arrived with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, it was clear they spared no expense to honor Him.

As you reflect on that miraculous night, imagine being present at the manger worshipping Jesus. Dictionary.com defines the word "present" as:

1. a thing presented as a gift: Christmas presents.

2. focused on or involved in what one is doing at a particular moment.

Jesus Christ entered this world not so we could cross everything off our lists, but so we could receive His invitation to join His forever family.

If, like me, your heart longs for more this season, escape the holiday rat race for a moment and sit at the feet of Jesus. You’ll find you don’t have to be a wise man to make this a Christmas to remember.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, when I compare my Christmas to everyone else’s, help me remember that the reason I celebrate is because Your Son (Jesus Christ) came to this Earth to be my Savior and Lord. When the world tempts me to focus on earthly treasures, Christ is the greatest gift of all, and the joy I feel when I enter His presence is always enough for me. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Light A Candle” by AVALON. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread.

 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: God will always keep all of His promises

God is Faithful to Keep His Promises
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts right now?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother stood in the kitchen making chocolate fudge candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces. I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and yet having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deepest longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. This Bible verse tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and tempted to seize control, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough (Genesis 16:1-4).

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you can trust Him to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

Friend, as hard as it is to wait, let God use this season to prepare you for your promised land. Take time to enjoy the gift of today because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly, as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful You love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Celebrating Jesus Christ after Christmas is over

Keeping the Christ of Christmas in Our Hearts
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”—Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Decorations begin to make their descent, lights dim, schedules free, excitement wanes and things settle back into a more regular rhythm. If we’re honest, it can feel downright depressing to realize the sparkle and celebration of the Christmas season and anticipation of the new year are gone and we have 364 days till we encounter it again.

Countless posts pop up on social media surveying the acceptable time to take down decorations as if searching for someone to grant them permission to leave them up just a little longer. Radio stations have resumed their regularly scheduled programming, replacing the familiar melodies of Christmas carols, strains of "Silent Night", and pondering “Mary Did You Know?” Store shelves are lined with products for the upcoming holidays: red and pink hearts for Valentine’s Day in February, green shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day in March, and in some stores, colorful eggs and bunnies for Easter in April!

It makes me wonder…have we compartmentalized Christmas to a day or few weeks in December or a cameo appearance in July? Are we being intentional about making Jesus Christ “the reason for the season” but not letting Him be Lord in our everyday lives? As we move away from December 25 and step over the threshold of a new year, are we intimately aware that Immanuel (“God with us”) is not just the baby in the manger but He is actually with us always, every day in every year? Do we remember that the birth of Jesus is just the beginning of His rescue mission here on Earth?

God has always desired to be with us. From the first moments with humankind’s First Parents (Adam and Eve) in the Garden of Eden, to the first Christmas when Jesus made His debut in the manger located in Bethlehem. God has always been about fellowship with His children. When Adam and Eve chose to sin over obeying God, an act that threatened to permanently separate humans from their Creator, He immediately set in motion a plan to win us back. When our sin separated us from Him, Jesus came to Earth to be here with us (John 3:16-17).

But that is not the end of the story! It’s what Jesus did after His arrival on Earth that secured our salvation and a promised home in Heaven when Jesus returns to take us there. The miracle of the virgin birth was followed by a myriad of miracles carried out by Jesus during His earthly ministry, culminating in the resurrection that fulfilled countless prophecies. All of these are worth celebrating and great reasons to focus on Jesus all year long, not just at Christmastime.

So how do we prevent losing the wonder and awe of the Christmas season after the decorative lights have dimmed, the nativity scenes have been stored away, and the trees have been taken down? We spend time in God’s Word (The Holy Bible) regularly. We speak to Him in prayer continuously. We remember that the birth of Jesus, while miraculous, is anticlimactic if He had never made it to the Cross, was laid in the tomb, or rose again on the third day. The excitement that builds during Advent doesn’t reach its peak with the birth of Jesus. On the contrary, that signals He is just getting started. It simply sets in motion the earthly journey of our Jesus to fulfill His rescue mission for us.

So this year, amidst the setting of resolutions and choosing a word of the year, let’s not forget to keep Jesus at the forefront of our minds and a priority in our daily activities. As the calendar continues its march forward let’s allow our minds to rest not solely on the baby in the manger but on the risen Christ and everything in between. Let’s remember what it took to win us back, the sacrifice He made, and the price He paid. You see, Jesus is “God with us” from the cradle to the cross, from everlasting to everlasting. He is the reason for every season. Salvation could not have happened had He not incarnated in humble circumstances and chose to stay on that Cross until His work was finished. And that’s worth celebrating every day!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, Holy God: Thank you for being Immanuel, God with us, at Christmas and all year long. As our hearts reflect on Jesus Christ’s incarnation at Christmas, help us remember that He didn’t stay in the manger. Remind us that His life on Earth was for a specific purpose: to secure our salvation so we could spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Help us keep Jesus the number one priority in our lives every day of the year, immersing ourselves in His Holy Presence and perfect peace. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Day After Christmas” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt, founder of Walking the Walk Ministries, is a Kingdom-focused writer, speaker, and coach, passionate about helping women worldwide awaken their hearts to see their God-given purpose and thrive in their walk with Christ.

With a desire to cultivate a craving for God's Word, her writing is saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing, speaking, and coaching she hopes to ignite your eagerness to pursue God passionately, invite your heart to experience God’s love personally, and inspire you to live your life “souled” out to the One whose love has no limits.

Cyndi lives in Central Florida with her two kitties and is a Jesus-loving, adventure enthusiast devoted to living her life for Jesus until the day she is living with Him.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkingtheWalkMinistries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkingthewalkministries/
Website: https://walkingthewalkministries.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Immanuel

Rendering a Response to Immanuel
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” 

–Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Waking up the day after Thanksgiving ushers in a host of holiday traditions. One of my favorites has to be the mysterious overnight transition of radio stations to all Christmas music, all the time. While I have many “favorites”, one that moves my heart annually is “Mary Did You Know?” Its soul-stirring lyrics never cease to move my heart to ponder what Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, actually might have known.

It seems most Israelites studied then Torah and had extensive book knowledge and teaching about the Messiah. They had passages memorized about how He would come to the world, how He would leave the world, and highlights of what He would accomplish through His incarnation. Yet it still seems many missed the main messages taught in the temple and written in the scrolls. And when Jesus actually arrived on the scene, many missed Him completely and reacted in ways we can hardly fathom. In fact, in the Bible, we see as many responses to the arrival of Immanuel as there are people engaged in the experience.

As the Gospel of Luke recounts the story, we encounter an angel delivering the sensational news of the arrival of Jesus to shepherds in the fields. Proclaiming His arrival, pacifying the frightened shepherds, and praising God with a host of angels joining in, these messengers expressed adoration, appreciation, and joy at the magnificent news they were entrusted to deliver.

We find the shepherds went through a range of emotions and reactions. Their initial fear turned into curiosity that drove them to “hurry” to Bethlehem. Upon seeing Jesus with his new parents, the shepherds became evangelists, sharing the astonishing news with everyone they could. Finally, they returned to the fields glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.

One might miss the short sentence thrown in the middle of this exciting account of Christ’s birth if they weren’t paying attention. Nestled in Luke 2:19 (NIV) we learn that while all of this was happening around her, Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” While the angels made a heavenly and earthly commotion, Mary chose to store the events in the recesses of her heart. When the shepherds visited, and with excitement shared the news about Jesus with everyone they could, Mary quietly contained her thoughts and emotions to process and ponder them internally.

In the Book of Matthew, we learn King Herod’s jealousy of what he heard about Jesus moved him to deceit and plotting murder. Fearing (quite illogically) that Jesus would eventually take over his throne, Herod tried to trick the wise men into revealing where they found Jesus. When they failed to return with the information he desired, Herod ordered the death of every child in Bethlehem under the age of two, hoping he would kill the child everyone was worshipping and claiming to be king of the Jews.

At the same time, wise men traveled approximately 400 miles, estimated to have taken months as they traveled by night, following the star which “filled them with joy”. When they finally made it to Jesus, they offered gifts and bowed down to worship the baby in a manger. In the midst of this we are only told that Mary thought carefully about all these things but seemingly kept her reactions and emotions inside.

Yes, the reactions to Jesus were many and it makes me wonder: What is my reaction to Jesus Christ's arrival into the world? What is yours? Each year we have an opportunity to revisit this and remind ourselves that the Christmas holiday is far more than decked halls and trimmed trees. His miraculous manifestation onto the Earth can’t be ignored and demands a response. What will ours be this year? While it may not go as far as deceit and plotting murder, we might get so caught up in finding the perfect gift, making the perfect holiday menu, or perfectly decorating our house that we lose sight of the perfect baby born in a manger on a rescue mission for us.

I think Mary had the right idea with her pondering and treasuring. This year let’s commit to making time to sit with The Holy Spirit, pondering Christ’s arrival, treasuring His selfless incarnation, and refocusing our hearts on the reason for the season.

Let’s Pray:

Holy Lord, as we enter the Christmas season, we invite You into our hearts and homes with joy and expectancy, celebrating Your selfless arrival into our earthly experience. You could have opted out of the rescue mission that would cost You everything, but You decided we were worth it, choosing to leave Your home in Heaven for a humble manger stall. Pour Your presence into our hearts, prompting peace and gratitude for You while reminding us of the real reason for this special season. We love You, we adore You, and we worship You. Thank You for Your indescribable gift. In Jesus’s precious name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Jesus Born On This Day” by AVALON. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him. 

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: Advent

Advent Season
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

Advent season is such a special season.

It’s a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. According to Crosswalk.com, the word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus which means, “coming” or “arrival”.

This season is also used to celebrate the new life, such as when someone accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and also the anticipation of Jesus coming again. Like it says in Hebrews 9:28 (NIV), “so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

There are different ways people celebrate the Advent season, but it’s usually based on the themes of the four weeks of Advent. According to Crosswalk.com, “The purpose of each theme is to spend time reflecting on the true meaning of the season – the life of Jesus Christ.” People read scriptures on their own and in church, that reflect the theme of each week. Week 1 is “Hope”, Week 2 is “Preparation”, Week 3 is “Joy”, and Week 4 is “Love.” There are also four candles lit for each Sunday of Advent, which correspond to the themes of each week as well. The candles are usually placed around a wreath.

This year is the first year my family and I are starting an Advent tradition. My husband and I started reading an Advent Bible plan on YouVersion called “Advent: The Journey to Christmas.” It’s 25-day plan where we read a devotional and a few Bible verses each day. We started the plan on Dec. 1 and will finish on Christmas Day (Dec 25). I’m hoping that we can continue this tradition every year. I also hope that as my daughter gets older and understands more of the Bible, we can include her in reading the plan with us.

The plan really breaks down the meaning of Jesus coming to this world. One day that stood out to me was the devotional named “The Great Exchange.” It says that Jesus came to give us the gifts of forgiveness, healing, acceptance, and peace. But those gifts were not cheap. Jesus paid the price for us (John 3:16) by experiencing the most significant rejection. And because of this, we don’t have to pay the price (Romans 6:23). How wonderful is that? It’s not something we can ever repay nor something that we deserve, but God loves us so much that He sent His Son to save us and reconcile us to Him.

The devotional is followed by the verse Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV), “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely, he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

This Advent season, I hope you take some time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Dig deep and ask God to reveal to you how deep His love is for you and how much it meant for Jesus to come down to Earth to save us all.

Let’s Pray: God, I pray for those who are lost and need to find their way to You. I pray for those who want to grow closer to You and are unsure how. I pray that You will lead them to You. I want to thank You for your covenant, promises, and love for us because it is truly unconditional. I pray that in this Advent season, more people are saved and learn who Jesus was. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hello, my name is Heidy (Reynoso) De La Cruz.

I am Dominican-American and I’m passionate about writing! I write poetry, encouraging blog posts about personal experiences and any message that God has stored in my heart. I am working on publishing my first poetry book.

First and foremost, I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am also a wife and a mother. I have my master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Belhaven University’s online course. I have my bachelor’s degree in Science with the concentration of Psychology and Healthcare Administration.

I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last six years. I love my career!

My hobbies include writing, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with my family.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Read my poetry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidyspoems/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidyreynoso13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13

Devotionals for the Heart: Holiday Conflict, Cheer and Hope

How to Handle Holiday Conflict 
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“…if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” –Proverbs 2:3-6 (ESV)

Before the Thanksgiving holiday, the airport, stores, banks and even some gas stations near where I live had begun decorating for Christmas. These signs foretell the joys of holiday cheer, food, family reunions, generational traditions and introductions of new members of the family.

When I was young, my mother would make a cranberry relish as a savory garnish for the holiday meal. I watched and learned. Soon it was my task. She supervised closely, but I did the work. Recently, I bought fresh cranberries and oranges. When my granddaughters saw them, they became joyous!

One of our traditions is to make the cranberry garnish for holiday dinners that my mother made. At the end of the process, they taste the fruit of their labor. When dinner is served, they proudly bring their dish to the table.

I hope that we will build many more fond rituals and family traditions that mark the festivities of the Advent season. I have become aware that there are many negative triggers that mar the revelry of the holiday seasons for some people: Empty seats, due to the deaths of loved ones or relationships may hover over holidays. Memories of abusive experiences or other negative drama can be the killjoys of festivities.

If something is killing your Advent joy, I have a few recommendations that may be helpful to you. I have been through some negative seasons. Yet, I have experienced and learned how to have and enjoy happy endings.

There are five steps in my methodology of restoration:

Step One: Use the Bible as your guide. Proverbs 2:3-6 (ESV) says: “…if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

The wisdom writer is offering a spiritual elixir created by blending insight, understanding and wisdom. The best preparation for reducing the apprehension of negative triggers is to prayerfully seek new perspectives about the painful situations. Relationships are like kaleidoscopes, meaning that shifting the aperture can change the entire perspective.

Step Two: Own the depth of your woundedness.

Two pearls of mother wit from my counselor seem appropriate now:

1. What you bury alive, inside, doesn’t die. It metastasizes.

2. If you don’t feel it, you can’t heal it.

Step Three: Shift your focus.

Instead of looking at the old wounds and feeling past pain, aim at a different target. Make your focus Heaven instead of the hell that you have been through. Matthew 6:33 (ESV) may have been one of the first texts that I memorized. It says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When we find Heaven, we find love and love heals. Even if the person who wounded and broke your spirit is dead, love can heal your heart and reignite joy in your life. Love is contagious. When it fills you, it oozes out.

Step Four: Seek support.

Feeling wounded can result in isolation. Don't isolate yourself! Seek support! A good support team can dull your pain and expedite your healing. Just be careful that you choose supporters who will uplift you rather than wallow with you in your despair.

Step Five: Grow beyond!

Your wounds are part of who you are, but you are much more than that instance or those times. Grow beyond!

You have survived, so there is much more in front of you than behind you. Lean forward and live into your capacity rather than the crucible that formed you. When I travel, I have begun to use ride share services rather than renting a car. What I like about these services is that I don’t have to leave an event in the same car that brought me.

You have arrived at this juncture of your life. The experiences that formed and informed you do not have to limit you. Seeking wisdom and Heaven can create a vehicle and venue for a better holiday season, a better quality of life and a destiny seasoned by the savory garnish of God’s grace.

Let’s Pray: O Lord, during this holiday season, please bind up the hearts of the wounded and free them from the triggers of past traumas and drama. Bless each individual and family with joyful connections, peace and love. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Stories of Love: A Christmas Promise

Today, we're featuring my author friend Tamera Lynn Kraft's book, 

A Christmas Promise.

~*~

Book Blurb:

A Moravian Holiday Story, Circa 1773. 

During colonial times, John and Anna settle in an Ohio village to become Moravian missionaries to the Lenape. When John is called away two days before Christmas to help at another settlement, he promises he'll be back by Christmas Day.

When he doesn't show up, Anna works hard to not fear the worst while she provides her children with a traditional Moravian Christmas.

Through it all, she discovers a Christmas promise that will give her the peace she craves.

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Author Bio:

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. 

She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. 

There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. 

She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest. 

Tamera is also director of a children's ministry called Revival Fire for Kids.

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Connect with Tamera:
Website: http://tameralynnkraft.net
Blog: http://tameralynnkraft.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/tameralynnkraft
Newsletter Sign-up: http://eepurl.com/cdybpb

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this holiday book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stories of Love: 12 Christmas Romances (Introduction post)

Dear Blog Readers,

I'd like to introduce you to a NEW Christmas holiday book series to be featured on my blog next month! 

"Stories of Love: 12 Christmas Romances" is a 12-day series that will start on Dec. 1 and end on Dec. 12, 2021. 

Each day, a Christmas holiday book written by one of my author friends, will be featured here on my blog! 

Here's where it gets extra special: Each of the featured authors have agreed to give away one signed, paperback copy of their book to the winner of their book giveaway contest that will be hosted via Rafflecopter. If you're one of the winners then you should have the book in your hands before Christmas Eve!

I hope that you will enjoy "meeting" these authors and falling in love with their beautiful stories!

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog