Look Back 

On this first day of Advent, what is something you are looking forward to this season? Pray that God would guide your expectations. 

Look Up 

Read 1 Timothy 3:16. 

What makes Christianity different from other world religions? The simplest answer is this: rather than spending our whole life climbing a metaphorical mountain to please our deity and be declared righteous before them, our God came down to us. Our hope is not reliant upon any action we could take for ourselves, but what Jesus has already done for us. 

1 Timothy 3:16 talks about the mystery of godliness. The Greek word used here for mystery is “musterion.” In the New Testament, musterion is used in reference to things of God that were once hidden from us, but were later revealed by Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Verse 16 goes on to explain the mystery of godliness and what has been revealed to us. This is the heart of Christianity: the fact that God became human to live among us. 

As He walked this earth, Jesus was the embodiment of pure godliness. His life was dedicated to the glory of God (John 8:29), which led Him to lay down His life for us. This is the difference between our God and every other deity of other religions. Our God became flesh and sacrificed Himself for our salvation. Then He rose three days later in victory over death. Because of this, the godliness of Christ is reflected in us. We don’t need to climb any metaphorical mountains. We don’t need to make yearly sacrifices to appease our deity. We have the ultimate hope and it is this: the coming, death, and resurrection of Jesus…this is Advent! 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Annie Denney

Look Back 

What is something you can be thankful for today? How did you experience God’s presence yesterday? Take just a couple minutes to think about this before reading today’s text. 

Look Up 

Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16. 

We can hardly read this portion of 1 Timothy without noticing the action it calls for: “run,” “pursue,” “fight,” “hold tightly”. Paul is sending a charge for proactive, not passive, faith. We may read that and initially think to ourselves, “I am running, pursuing, fighting, holding.” Consider this though – Are they stagnant verbs that have us in a holding pattern as if running on a treadmill, or are they verbs that we are living out in such a way that propel us forward and closer to Christ? 

We know from the story of Christmas that God himself put verbs into action that propelled Him toward us, coming to be present in a new and intimate way that blew apart the previous restrictions regarding His presence, and welcoming all of us to approach what had previously been unapproachable. 

Astoundingly, His coming displayed the magnificence of His unapproachable light while simultaneously welcoming us to take hold of and grow closer to it! If we believe this to be true, why would we stay in stagnant positions on treadmills of faith and not choose to jump onto the track that actively propels us toward Him, closer and closer to his brilliant light? 

Pause for some moments of prayer and reflection, asking the Lord to reveal any areas of your faith walk that may have you holding station on a treadmill and receive his invitation to actively propel yourself toward the magnificence of His brilliant light that He extends to you. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Jody B., global worker

Look Back 

What was something you struggled with yesterday? How did God move in your life yesterday? How can you celebrate ways you obeyed from yesterday’s devotion? 

Look Up 

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8. 

I’ve always hated running. When I run, my feet start to hurt, and my throat feels like I’ve been swallowing sandpaper. It’s not exactly a pleasant experience. However, there are a few times when running is necessary, even somewhat fun. For instance, when my brother and I were little, we would race to the kitchen and fight over Mom’s homemade Christmas mints. Then we’d race to be the first to open presents. It’s moments like these that I don’t mind running because I know what I was running for. 

Paul, an early follower of Jesus, considered his life a race, and he certainly didn’t mind running either. Throughout his ministry, Paul went through the blender. He was beaten, whipped, stoned, shipwrecked, starved, and thrown into prison. He endured hardships like he drew breath, yet he still ran the race. This begs the question: How? How can a man endure such tribulation, yet keep moving forward? The answer is simple. He had hope that someday he would be with Jesus. To Paul, that hope far surmounted anything he might suffer, and that was what motivated him to run. 

That’s why we also run the race. Because at the finish line, we know that we will be rewarded with God’s presence. Jesus came to earth to be with us and walk with us, and now He will take us to be with Him in heaven, and that’s a reward worth running for. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Nikki Berger

Look Back 

What is it that gives you hope? What are some things that make it hard to have hope? How did you do obeying the passage from yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read Titus 2:11-14. 

As a child, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to stretch on forever. The decorations went up, the presents were bought, and each day my anticipation would grow. My mom loves surprises at Christmas, so she had a rule: If you went snooping and found your present…she would return it! It was a tough rule, but the result was always worth it. While we struggled to have patience sometimes, we always experienced great joy together when Christmas morning finally arrived. 

At Christmas, we remember the anticipation of Jesus’ first coming. We can’t help but rejoice alongside the shepherds when we read the angel’s proclamation in Luke 2: “good news of great joy that will be for all the people…a Savior has been born!” In Titus, we are reminded that God’s grace came to us through Jesus, offering salvation to all the people. 

Today we can look back and rejoice in the gifts the first Christmas brought us, but we are still people in waiting. In this case, though, we know what we are waiting for: Christ’s return! Titus calls this our “blessed hope.” This letter reminds us that, even in a season of waiting, we can live well as followers of Jesus. Why? Because we have the grace of God teaching us; because He is at work redeeming and purifying us; and because we have confident, blessed hope in the One for whom we are waiting: our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Molly Bunton, global partner

Look Back 

Are there any fears you are experiencing this Advent season? Pray about those right now. Give them over to the God who cares for you. Did you face any obstacles in obeying yesterday’s Scripture? 

Look Up 

Read Philemon 1:4-7. 

Growing up, winter was Snow Village season for my mom. Maybe you’ve seen the displays before or maybe one graces your mantle each Christmas. My mom was a collector of all sorts of Snow Village pieces, known for creating elaborate displays spread across multiple tables in our living room. And, I loved helping to create the little town with her each year, getting to pick where the carolers traveled to, and what house got what car in the driveway. 

As we read our passage in Philemon today, we get a snapshot of what Philemon and his fellow believers were known for. Similar to my mom’s reputation for Snow Village, they had a reputation for their love and faith in Jesus. But, why? As the Message paraphrase says, they had a faith that “brimmed over” in how they cared for others. 

So, here we sit at the first of December. Maybe you are wading into this season with sadness and trepidation. Maybe you are splashing right in with a list of activities, traditions and commitments. Your lights are up, and your tree is ready. 

Can I make a recommendation for all of us? May we press pause today and ask ourselves, “What do I want to be known for this Christmas season?” 

In the midst of the messiness, busyness and sometimes sheer hardness of this season, let us be known for love and faith. May people see that in how we care for one another. 

And, may Christ be recognized in all of it. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Jessica Clements

Look Back 

Take time to celebrate the ways God has strengthened you to obey His Word from yesterday. 

Look Up 

Read Hebrews 1:1-4. 

Whether it is going to the NCC Children’s Christmas Program, listening to Christmas music or watching my favorite Christmas movies, I’m a big fan of Christmas traditions. One of my very favorite Christmas traditions is loading up the kids into the van, hitting the Braum’s drive-thru for some pumpkin and eggnog ice-cream and driving all over town to look at Christmas lights. There’s just something special about Christmas lights as they shine so brightly, in stark contrast, against the dark winter sky. They hang as a reminder to us that Jesus is our divine light in a world of darkness. 

Our Bible passage today tells us that Jesus is the radiance of the Glory of God. You see, for generations, God only spoke to His people through His prophets, but Jesus shows up and radically changes everything. God’s only Son, His heir, the One who created and sustains all things with His Word, brought Heaven down to us! Jesus, the exact imprint of God’s nature, took on flesh and lived a sinless life. He willingly laid down His life, making a way for the cleansing of our sins, and then took up His rightful place, high above the angels, seated at the right hand of God. Jesus is our divine light, the radiance of God’s Glory and in Him we hope! 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Brady Clevenger

Look Back 

Is there a miracle you need from God? Take this to Him in prayer right now. How did obeying the Scripture go yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read Hebrews 3:1-4. 

What was the Christmas season like for you when you were growing up? Was Jesus talked about? His birth celebrated? If you were like me, probably not. The Christmas season was just about seeing family and exchanging presents with one another. For me, this changed when I met my wife Joy and visited her family for Christmas. 

My fondest memory was at a Christmas Eve service when each person held a lighted candle, and the lights were turned off. We sang the hymn “Silent Night.” It was a special moment pointing our thoughts to Jesus. The writer stresses the importance of this kind of focus on Jesus in Hebrews 3:1b-3: “Fix your thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the One who appointed Him…..Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses.” 

Therefore, in this Christmas season, let us not lose our focus on Jesus, our High Priest. Let us be faithful to Him just as the Hebrews writer says He was faithful to God by dying on the cross for our sins. Let us fix our thoughts and our hope on Jesus and not on earthly things this season. I pray that we hold to our hope in what Christ has done for us. Let’s remember that He is faithful as the Head of the Church. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by John Colvett

Look Back 

What is something you are anticipating this week? Pray that God would guide your expectations. What can you celebrate from yesterday where you saw God working? 

Look Up 

Read Hebrews 6:17-20. 

I really enjoy fishing when I can find the time to go. I just love getting outside in God’s creation, being on the water, breathing in the fresh air, even the rhythmic motion of casting and reeling. But I don’t expect to ACTUALLY catch any fish. I’ve learned I enjoy the experience a lot more that way! And if a fish or two accidentally end up on my hook, it’s an unexpected bonus. But a few years back my father-in-law and I were on Lake Stockton and had about given up for the day when we came into a mess of bass. It was one of those experiences that you dream about. We were catching one after another as quickly as we could reel them in! But just about the same time as we started getting hits, the wind picked up and it started pouring down rain. 

Before we knew it, we had drifted off course and by the time we looked up from our casting and catching busyness, we were perilously close to the rocky embankment! Without an anchor, we were forced to throw our fishing rods down and take evasive action to save the boat. Like the Sea of Galilee, Stockton can get dangerous in a hurry. 

This passage in Hebrews offers those of us looking for refuge during the storms of this life a firm and secure anchor for our soul. That peace and security comes from the knowledge that our God is true to His promises, and that we have a Savior who is willing to enter the Holy of Holies to intervene on our behalf. What’s more, He was willing to leave the security of heaven to enter into our story as a vulnerable infant to save us from ourselves. 

What is it in your life that might be causing you to drift off course, to lose focus long enough to draw near to destruction? Christmas can be full of exciting distractions like gifts and family gatherings and food, but it can also be overshadowed by the dark clouds of grief, loneliness and disappointment. Both can cause us to lose our hold on the One who can keep us anchored and secure. 

I pray that whatever storms come your way during this busy Christmas season, that you will find peace in the promises and protection of our Savior and hold fast to the anchor that He offers us. 

Look Forward

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Corbin VanDeWege

Look Back 

What is something you can be thankful for today? How did you experience God’s presence yesterday? Take just a couple minutes to think about this before reading today’s text. 

Look Up 

Read Hebrews 7:22-28. 

The role of a priest has always been to intercede for the people he represents. Throughout the Old Testament, we hear of many priests providing sacrifices to try and atone for the sins of the people of Israel. The problem with this system is that it required constant sacrifice and always left the forgiveness of the people up to the most recent sacrifice. Jesus became the solution to the problem of needing someone to represent us and needing a sufficient sacrifice. 

As the High Priest, Jesus was able to offer the sacrifice that forgave us of all of our past sins and the sins we would commit. He was able to intercede for us and pay the debt that was owed. Christ provided not only a sacrifice for our sins, but also a High Priest, who is able to intercede on our behalf. It is important during this Christmas season to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, the High Priest whose sacrifice provided the forgiveness of sins. 

Throughout this season, it can be easy to focus on the many other things going on, like parties and giving gifts and all the busyness that comes with. It is important to keep our hearts set on things above. Christ intercedes for us and saves us completely without stipulation or expiration. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Mitchell Denney

Look Back 

What was something you struggled with yesterday? How did God move in your life yesterday? How can you celebrate ways you obeyed from yesterday’s devotion? 

Look Up 

Read Hebrews 10:19-25. 

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the field, 

Not one sheep was stirring; they all lay still. 

But a wolf lay waiting for the right time to pounce. 

Like a thief in the night, he was quiet as a mouse. 

The shepherd was there protecting His flock, 

When the wolf came back, he needed to be stopped. 

The shepherd knew what had to be done, 

He knew it would break Him–it would cost Him His Son. 

The Shepherd knew He must stay with His sheep, 

So someone must find where this wolf sleeps. 

The Shepherd’s Son knew what He had to do, 

To bring peace to the sheep and make them brand new. 

He set out on His journey to kill the wolf where he slept 

Because He loved the sheep and couldn’t leave them un-kept. 

He put His life on the line while fighting the enemy, 

They fought night and day, both battling for victory. 

After three days, as the sun began to rise, 

The Shepherd looked in the distance (what He found was no surprise). 

His Son had appeared at the top of the hill, 

He was bruised and scarred but, ALIVE and well! 

The triumphant Son had returned home in glory, 

And I’m excited to tell you this is not just a story. 

Jesus came down to Earth, God’s one and only Son. 

He defeated sin and death and showed the world who won. 

We, as God’s sheep, have confidence in Him. 

Because fear is no more and we’re freed from our sin! 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Ethan Scott

Look Back 

What is it that gives you peace? What are some things that make it hard to have peace? How did you do obeying the passage from yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read Hebrews 12:7-14. 

When thinking of discipline, peace is not usually a word that comes to mind. In today’s passage, the writer of Hebrews allows us to remember this concept of discipline. The feelings of confinement and anger may begin to spread as we reflect on our own upbringing. However, this discipline the writer reflects on is not one of shame, fear, or hatred. Instead, we are reminded that as followers of Christ, our Father constantly disciplines us in order to make us holy. To be holy is to be set apart, and when we read this truth, I cannot help but be in awe of the fact that my God desires to purify me and make me set apart as well. 

The God of the universe, the Creator of all things, the One who I am unworthy to call my Savior, not only wants a relationship with me but wants to continuously make me holy. What a gift! Yet the writer does not end here. Instead, he continues by relating this discipline with the word we often forget–peace. As we are disciplined, purified, and put back on our path of righteousness, Jesus, who continues to make us holy through His sacrifice, leads us to an overwhelming sense of peace as we fall to our knees in awe of the perfect, Holy, and just King. 

He came as an infant wrapped in peace and holiness so that one day, we may become the same. The discipline we receive through Christ is not one that confines us, but one that leads us closer to the throne of our Savior. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Milana Hainline

Look Back 

Are there any fears you are experiencing this Advent season? Pray about those right now. Give them over to the God who cares for you. Did you face any obstacles in obeying yesterday’s Scripture? 

Look Up 

Read James 1:1-8. 

A tradition of baking and decorating sugar cookies with my grandchildren began in our home about 10 years ago. It was an event that I looked forward to every Christmas season. The grandchildren were gifted their very own rolling pins to use in rolling out the dough. In the beginning, there were only three grandchildren, so I could easily control the chaos and mess. However, as more grandchildren were added and eventually the adults got in on the action, the cookie number increased and so did the chaos. Little by little, I had to let go of control over who was doing what and how much mess there would be when it was all done. I learned to find joy and peace in the company of my family, in the laughter and mess making going on around me. 

You see finding joy and peace is a choice and one that James welcomed when he decided to serve God with his whole heart. James tells us in chapter 1 verse 2, to consider it pure joy when we face trials of all kinds. For some of us, the messes of life can steal our joy, if we let them. However, James demonstrates that his joy was found in the Lord and peace came to him knowing that no matter what chaos ensued, Jesus would be there to help him persevere. 

So, in this chaotic Christmas season, let us focus on the joy we have in Jesus and embrace the peace He brings into our lives. Let us not be distracted by the messes and chaos, but rather let us relish in the company of Jesus. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Libbie Hampton

Look Back 

Take time to celebrate the ways God has strengthened you to obey His Word from yesterday. 

Look Up 

Read James 3:13-18. 

In my favorite Christmas movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000), Jim Carrey’s Grinch is brutal and jealous. His brutality, though, was cemented in the hypocrisy of the Whos down in Whoville. The Grinch had tendencies toward mischief and rough edges, but he was ultimately disenchanted by the Whos supposed values versus how they actually treated him. Cindy Lou Who breaks through this bitterness by being truly loving and caring; by not being a hypocrite. She truly wants to share Christmas with the Grinch and wants him to belong. “No one should be alone on Christmas!” 

In the passage, James asks us to look for the people who are wise, gentle and understanding. He then warns us that no one marked by selfish ambition and jealousy can find this wisdom and peace, but instead will find “chaos and evil thriving under its rule” (verse 16). 

How do we demonstrate the peace and wisdom of Christmas? Our “good fruits” must be “untainted by hypocrisy” (verse 17). Maybe the way for you to experience peace today is to let go of the idea of what you should do and feel at Christmas, and instead embrace the purity that we found in Cindy Lou. Who cares what others say and think? Jesus is here, and that produces a peace that can overcome the wounds of hypocrisy and division. Let us lean into that, and see what grows! Whether that’s your Grinch heart or your “flowers of righteousness” planted by those who embrace peace. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Garrett Holle

Look Back 

Is there a miracle you need from God? Take this to Him in prayer right now. How did obeying the Scripture go yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read 1 Peter 2:21-25. 

In Luke’s history of the life of Jesus, we see a common thread woven through his account of Jesus’ birth—the thread of salvation. Even before Jesus’ birth, the parents of John the baptizer referred to Jesus as “God my Savior” and as being a “horn of salvation.” When Simeon, a priest in the temple was presented with the baby Jesus to be circumcised at 8 days old, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he exclaimed to God, “dismiss your servant in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation.” 

Little did they understand the high cost that salvation would bring. Peter, having observed the sacrificial death of Jesus, wrote, “He, Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (I Peter 2:24). Peter understood that Jesus could only become our Savior by becoming our substitute. He came to do what we were incapable of doing for ourselves. 

There was a price to be paid for sin—He paid it. 

There was a victory to be won over Satan—He won it. 

There was a penalty to be borne—He bore it. 

There was a judgment to be faced—He faced it. 

There was peace with God that was desperately needed—He provided it. 

Redemption, justification, reconciliation, the removal of our sin—they all depend on the substitutionary death of Jesus. Paul said, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). No wonder God told Mary to give Him the name “Jesus,” which means Savior—“For He shall save the people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). 

God, during this season in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may we demonstrate our love for You and appreciation for the greatest of all gifts—our salvation—by reflecting to the world the righteousness and peace that has been given to us in Jesus Christ. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Ed Holt

Look Back 

What is something you are anticipating this week? Pray that God would guide your expectations. What can you celebrate from yesterday where you saw God working? 

Look Up 

Read 1 Peter 3:8; 4:7-11. 

Belief about tomorrow drives actions today. On Christmas Eve, we believe the next day will be Christmas, and we act like it! We wrap gifts, make food, play Christmas music, attend Christmas Eve services, tease our kids with hints about their gifts that don’t really help them guess the gifts at all, and re-read the Gospel passages leading up to the birth of Christ. 

Speaking of beliefs, do we believe other people are eternal beings whom Jesus loved so much that He died on a cross to make a way for them to be together with the Father? If we believe humanity is loved by God, but that sin severed that relationship, our actions should reflect a deep love for lost people and an unquenchable desire that they know the eternal love of the Father through salvation in Christ. 

How do we go about living out that kind of love? Jesus tells us what that love looks like in John 15:12. In this passage, Jesus gives His followers a new command: “Love each other as I have loved you.” How did Jesus love? Unselfishly, sacrificially, unconditionally, relentlessly, mercifully, graciously, truthfully, faithfully, tenderly, without change and without end. 

As broken, sinful people, our own strength will fail us as we try love like that. However, by the strength of the Spirit in us and driven by our belief in the eternal nature of humanity, we can love with the heart changing, eternal love of Christ to the glory of God. 

Look Forward

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Wyatt Jenkins

Look Back 

What is something you can be thankful for today? How did you experience God’s presence yesterday? Take just a couple minutes to think about this before reading today’s text. 

Look Up 

Read 2 Peter 1:1-11. 

The lyrics in Steven Curtis Chapman’s Christmas song, “Precious Promise,” recount the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The song opens with the lines, “Oh what a precious promise, Oh what a gift of love…” The song concludes, “Oh what a precious promise, lying in a manger in Bethlehem.” What a powerful reminder of the perfect and loving way God fulfilled His promise of a Savior. 

In 2 Peter 1:4, the apostle Peter tells us God has given us great and precious promises because of His glory and excellence. God desires for us to share in His own eternal life and love. Not only does God want us to join in His divine nature, but He wants us to be productive for Him. God’s love for us is so wonderful and complete that the divine power of Christ came down to earth and equips us to grow in all the qualities of God. 

The passage in 2 Peter encourages us to enhance our faith through developing character traits of goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. The blessings of growing in these areas include knowing God more fully, being useful for Him, and bringing glory to Him. 

Throughout the Old Testament, Scripture weaves a narrative pointing us to God’s promise of Jesus. Scripture in the New Testament reveals how God keeps His promise and shows us the ultimate gift of love through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Cheryl Kepes

Look Back 

What was something you struggled with yesterday? How did God move in your life yesterday? How can you celebrate ways you obeyed from yesterday’s devotion? 

Look Up 

Read 1 John 2:28-29. 

When Jesus was born, He was without sin. During all of His life, He was obedient to the Father in every way, even when it wasn’t easy. In fact, Jesus said, “I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father” (John 14:31). This is the true sign that we are Christians: we must persevere in loving God and obeying His commands (John 14:21-24). Even when they’re not easy. Even when they could require great personal sacrifice. Even when they go against societal norms and human reasoning. 

Our love for God should push us beyond these limitations. Just like Jesus who out of love for the Father took on flesh to do the Father’s will, we too must be born again and filled with love for God to do His will so we can be unashamed and confident before Him when Jesus returns. For it is through our words, as we proclaim Christ, and through our actions, as we obey His commands, that the world will know we belong to Him. He will return. Make sure you’re ready. 

Whether you look into His face right now with love or you feel shame, now is the time to grow your love for Him and renew your faithfulness to His commands. Ask the Lord what practical step you could take today to grow in this way. Now DO IT. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Kyle and Rebecca Koval, global workers

Look Back 

What is it that makes you feel loved? What are some things that make it hard to love others? How did you do obeying the passage from yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read 1 John 4:7-11. 

Love. This has become one of the most overused words in the English language. Love has been used so much that it has essentially lost meaning. Love should be the thing that points our eyes back to the cross and back to Jesus, but instead, love has led a lot of people to heartbreak and sadness. Love is meant to be a joyful and happy thing and love ultimately comes from God. In the passage 1 John 4:7-11, it says that love comes from God, therefore we should love one another. I think so often that because we have made love such a substandard term, we do not fully grasp and understand the concept of how God wants to love us. God sent His one and only Son to die an excruciating death on a cross because He loved us. Because of what God has done for us, we have the opportunity to choose love and not the love that we see on Hallmark Christmas movies at this time of year, but a genuine, raw and true love that we will only find through God and His Son. So, during this Advent season, I encourage you to look around and find ways that God has loved you. I encourage you to choose to love others in the extravagant way that God has chosen to love us, even with our sinful nature. Choose to love others, and maybe this Advent season your perspective on love will become just a little bit different. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Lisa Kruger

Look Back 

Are there any fears you are experiencing so far this season? Pray about those right now. Give them over to the God who cares for you. Did you face any obstacles in obeying yesterday’s Scripture? 

Look Up 

Read 2 John 1:4-9. 

Christmas is an interesting holiday, isn’t it? When fall comes around, we start thinking about the holidays and get excited about Christmas, the festivities, family, food, etc! But what about after the New Year? The excitement, the joy, the adrenaline…just kind of slows down. What about the love we feel during this time? Do you stop loving Christmas because it’s over? Do you stop loving all the things Christmas is about because you must wait another 12 months? How do you keep loving something for so long every single day? 

Our text today talks about how God’s command is to love, even when it stands opposed. God reminds us that His greatest commandment is to love one another, even when it’s hard. Verse 6 tells us what love is: that we walk in obedience to His commands, since from the beginning His very command was for us to walk in love. Because Christ was born, we can always have a reason to obey in love and in truth. The great thing about Christmas is that it is the story of Jesus’ birth, and when Christ came into this world, love had a whole new meaning to it. 

Christmas is such an important day, not only because our Messiah was born, but also to remind us that through Him, we can obey God’s commands to walk in truth and in love. May this Advent season remind you to obey our Messiah’s primary command to love others. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Eric Longing

Look Back 

Take time to celebrate the ways God has strengthened you to obey His Word from yesterday. 

Look Up 

Read Jude 1:20-25. 

As a child, I found myself wanting to please anyone and everyone that I met and to some degree, I still do that today. I am a peacekeeper and I will do anything to avoid confrontation and I would also do anything to keep others happy. So, when I look at this passage, it’s a good reminder that we don’t have to do anything to merit God’s love for us. He just simply loves us. It’s the truest form of unconditional love, so why don’t we live that way, accepting this love and in turn loving others? 

We need to keep ourselves in a place where He can actively bless us so that in turn, we can bless others and be the hands and feet of Christ. We are celebrating Christmas, and God loves us so much that He sent His Son to earth to die on a cross for our sins. I am so thankful for the mercy that has been given to us in Jesus, because honestly who deserves it? Not me, but there weren’t any stipulations to His love. He just loves us. 

In this holiday season, remember God’s great love for us, and just how He loves us, we should love others because we are walking in the love and protection of His unconditional love. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Kasey Longing

Look Back 

Is there a miracle you need from God? Take this to Him in prayer right now. How did obeying the Scripture go yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 1:4-8. 

“Grace and peace to you!” Though Revelation is a letter filled with mystery, debated by scholars and often avoided out of fear, it begins with a greeting of “grace and peace” directly from the One who is, who was and who is to come (God the Father), the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ, our faithful witness and resurrected King! 

To the original audience, this letter was filled with hope and assurance! Its purpose was to strengthen and encourage believers to persevere through a clear message of victory. Over the years, however, we’ve gotten stuck in details, causing us to miss the main point altogether. For most of us, an invitation of “confusion and fear” seems more appropriate, but this was never our Lord’s intention. 

Instead, He chose to begin with “Grace and peace.” Verse 5 further reveals that this unexpected greeting is set on the foundation of love and sacrifice. It is out of His abundant love for us that Jesus humbly came into this world, willingly laid down His life, and invites us into His kingdom to serve and glorify Him. And while this invitation into a life of freedom comes from His past sacrifice, His love remains in the present tense. This means that His love is still welcoming us into His presence, even today! 

So as you enter into His presence this Christmas season, may His love faithfully guide you in the Truth, hope, and assurance preserved for you in this letter! 

Look Forward

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Leah Scott

Look Back 

In this final week of Advent, what is something you are anticipating this week? Pray that God would guide your expectations. What can you celebrate from yesterday where you saw God working? 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 5:11-14.

I struggle with worship. I love it but I’m not good at it. When I was in choir in high school, they asked me to mouth it. I honestly was the only one in the history of my high school that was excused from contests. To this day I feel intimidated in worship settings lest my “joyful noise” offends someone’s ears and interferes with their experience. It’s kind of ironic that the text assigned to me is about singing angels testifying to the glory of Christ.

These angels were a constant witness to and part of the life Jesus lived on Earth as our Emmanuel. Angels announced the good news of His birth. Angels strengthened Him as He prayed on the Mount of Olives for the Father’s will to be done. Angels joyfully announced His Resurrection, reminding the women of Jesus’ words that He would be betrayed by sinful men and crucified, but HE WOULD RISE AGAIN!

This heavenly scene recorded in our text for today goes beyond my ability to imagine or comprehend. Millions of angel witnesses singing, in a mighty chorus, of the worthiness, blessing, honor, glory and power of our Savior Jesus Christ, our eternal Lord. Often my personal attempts to worship come up short and feel inadequate. I long for the time I will join this heavenly choir, along with all of creation, worshiping the Lamb without hesitation or limitations, but instead with abandon and great joy. For today I will, as the elders did, just fall down and worship. Amen.

Look Forward

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Penny Cox, global partner, Maranatha Bible Camp

Look Back 

What is something you can be thankful for today? How did you experience God’s presence yesterday? Take just a couple minutes to think about this before reading today’s text. 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 7:9-12. 

Whenever I read these verses there are a couple of memories here on this earth that come to mind. The first is being in a packed stadium for college football with 75,000 to 100,000 crazy fans and in unison the crowd is chanting “in a loud voice” a cheer for their team. I always imagine what it will be like in heaven as we join the angels in worshiping and cheering on our God and Savior. 

The other experience is being in a foreign country for a worship service. Oftentimes when I have been with a group of Americans at a church service on the mission field, the worship team will make an effort to sing part of a song in the native language, then in English, and then mixed in both languages. Lately on our trips to Mexico we have actually been with many nations as there are immigrants from Honduras, Venezuela, Columbia and even from the continent of Africa. I often have a smile on my face and wonder what it will be like in heaven. What I do know is that these times of worship with other nations and languages is preparing me for heaven and to open my heart to those who are different from me. 

This holiday season I pray that you will take time to love those who are different from you. Make an effort to ask others what their holiday experiences are like. Invite someone from a different country to join your holiday celebrations, because someday we will all be celebrating our Savior together in heaven so why not get a head start here on earth. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by John Presko

Look Back 

What was something you struggled with yesterday? How did God move in your life yesterday? How can you celebrate ways you obeyed from yesterday’s devotion? 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 11:15-19.

Christmas brings up a variety of emotions for many people. Traditional Christmas music declares, “It is the most wonderful time of the year!” For some, Christmas brings memories of family gatherings, presents, and delicious food. For others, Christmas brings up less joyful memories. Maybe this is the first Christmas since a loved one passed away. Maybe this Christmas you were let go from your job. Maybe this Christmas the family drama has flared up again. Maybe this Christmas you just feel all alone.

I have no doubt that the churches reading John’s words probably felt some of these emotions of loneliness and despair. At the time of John’s vision in Revelation, Christians were a heavily persecuted minority group. They were ridiculed by society, and those in power sought to kill them. It seemed this group of Jesus followers were destined to fade into distant history.

But John shares a vision of hope and joy. He sees Jesus as King over all and reigning over all forever. When the supremacy of Christ is revealed, it results in a chorus of voices with thankfulness and praise to our God. Regardless of the emotions surrounding you this Christmas, we can be filled with thankfulness and joy because Jesus is the King. One day He will bring His kingdom to earth and reign forever and ever.

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Kevin Punch

Look Back 

What is it that gives you joy? What are some things that make it hard to have joy? How did you do obeying the passage from yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 12:1-5, 13-17. 

I usually watch “The Lord of the Rings” at some point during the Christmas season. It’s not exactly a Christmas trilogy, but I often have more time during the Christmas season to watch these longer movies, and I love a classic good-conquering-evil story. These passages in Revelation 12 feel similar in that, at first glance, they don’t seem to relate to the Christmas story. But they do tell a tale of good-conquering-evil and even include dragons pursuing and eagle’s wings rescuing just like my not-so-Christmas-y films. 

In this section of Scripture, we get a glimpse into the spiritual realm and what Christ’s birth set in motion. A baby boy from the nation of Israel was born to rule the nations. The enemy did what he could do to keep this from happening and to destroy God’s plan, but he was defeated then and is still defeated now. Christ was born, despite difficult circumstances, fear and shame. He lived without sin, He defeated death, and rose to live and rule with God the Father. 

Those of us who follow Him face opposition from the dragon who knows his time is short, but we will have the victory living by the Spirit of God who dwelt among us. Good conquers evil, Jesus has won, and there is great joy ahead! 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Lynne S., global worker

Look Back 

Are there any fears you are experiencing so far this season? Pray about those right now. Give them over to the God who cares for you. Did you face any obstacles in obeying yesterday’s Scripture? 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 14:1-5; 15:1-4.

Revelation 14 -15 tells us of the loud roar of joyful songs from the harps and voices of all the heavenly redeemed. The angel proclaimed it to the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”…the joy that the shepherd’s felt to be invited to see this child… the joy on Mary’s and Joseph’s faces. When the Magi saw the star, they were overjoyed. The great joy felt in wise Simeon’s aging heart led by the Spirit to finally see our promised Savior before his death: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The amazing joy of the lame man walking, or leprosy removed, or the blind man’s sight for the first time! 

Everyone wants joy and everyone is looking for it. It might surprise you that joy is a big topic in the Bible. Simply put: God wants us, as His children, to be joy-filled. But the joy offered by God is different than the one promised by this world.

God is not interested in putting a “temporary smile” on our face…He wants to deposit a “permanent hope” and joy in our hearts. What Jesus said to His followers, He says to you. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Open your heart to the joy from heaven; the same joy that came to us as a “gift” that starry night when suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Greg Stephenson, NCC elder

Look Back 

Take time to celebrate the ways God has strengthened you to obey His Word from yesterday. 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 18:17b-20. 

What an odd passage. 

If you look at the surrounding context of today’s passage, you’ll find essentially three groups of people and three reasons for their fear and mourning. Kings are mourning the loss of the source of their sensuality. Merchants are mourning the loss of their material possessions. Sailors are mourning the loss of their trade/income. Sensuality. Possessions. Money. These were the priorities of the Babylon of Revelation. Sound familiar? 

But there is a fourth group of people: those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven (i.e. saints, apostles, and prophets). These are told not to mourn, but to rejoice. Why? In Revelation 18:20, the angel tells God’s people to rejoice that the enemy has been judged rightly by God. While we would never want to wish harm on anyone, we can rightly celebrate when God’s righteousness is revealed in this world… especially against the enemy of the ages. 

Jesus’ coming into this world gives us reason to rejoice. Mary celebrated in her own song of praise, as Luke recorded for us (Luke 1:51). She rejoiced with the victory of God over the proud of the earth. You see, rightness began to reign when Jesus was born. Up until that point, the justice of God had been revealed on earth through imperfect people. In Christ, the righteousness of God was perfect, whole and triumphant. That’s a reason to rejoice this Advent season. 

Look Forward 

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with? 

Written by Corey Scott

Look Back 

Is there a miracle you need from God? Take this to Him in prayer right now. How did obeying the Scripture go yesterday? 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 19:1-8.

Christmas is always on my mind. So, as I write this in October, I’m already in the Christmas spirit. I believe there’s only three seasons in a year: not Christmas, prepping for Christmas, and Christmas itself. There is nothing like the anticipation I feel as it approaches.

This year, as my anticipation for Christmas builds, I’m also anticipating my wedding coming. Growing up, I often dreamt of this day. I pictured every moment. Having a beautiful wedding day takes a lot of planning and preparation. I can’t just show up and hope that everything will be taken care of. However, if I showed up to my wedding, got married, and only then realized there is a lifetime of marriage to come, there would be problems. As special as my wedding day will be, the true beauty will come after that day. 

Verse 7 says “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.”

It is important that the bride has made herself ready. As we anticipate Christmas and His coming, the Church must prepare our hearts. But, the best happens after the wedding. Advent helps us to not only look back on His coming, but also look forward at what will come. Our joy is found in the marriage of Jesus to His Bride, the Church.

Pray that God would not only help you prepare your heart for His coming, but that He would also help you look forward to what is yet to come

Look Forward

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Lexie Stevenson Thomason

Look Back 

Merry Christmas! Take a few minutes to give thanks for what God has done for you this Advent season. For any challenges you’ve experienced, bring those to Him before reading the text for today. 

Look Up 

Read Revelation 21:22-24; 22:1-5, 16. 

You could say anticipation is my favorite feeling, whether planning for a trip, looking forward to an event, or just getting stoked about where I’m having lunch the next day. Growing up, Christmas was filled with anticipation, and every year I bought into the hype. 

I’m reminded of that old movie “The Christmas Story” where Ralphie and his family have a catastrophic Christmas break: from a scandalous package at the doorstep to the power outage, a destroyed holiday turkey to dinner at the Japanese restaurant. Who could forget the PJs and fighting school bullies. No doubt, that Christmas was not what anyone had anticipated. The movie’s climax (when Ralphie does nearly shoot his eye out) all but confirms what we don’t want to admit. Rarely are high expectations met. Often, we’ve anticipated so much, and we’re left with letdown eating leftovers. 

Did this Christmas meet your expectations? Were you expecting the whole family together, only for someone to get sick? Did your package get delayed and the perfect surprise gift was ruined? Is it your first year without a loved one? Do you sit in an empty house today longing for joy everyone else seems to have this time of year? 

As someone who feels constantly let down by my anticipation, take heart. This morning we are not celebrating perfectly set tables, gorgeously wrapped presents or whatever else this season hyped up. We celebrate the only event in history that has fully met expectations. The coming of the Messiah. A present wrapped in cloth. God’s presence wrapped in a body. No words can describe, no hype is too much. What the Prophets anticipate, the Gospels deliver. Merry Christmas, God is here! 

Look Forward

What is one thing you will do to obey this passage today? Who can you share this with?

Written by Allen Tyger