Day 23 – Matthew 1:20-21/John 14:27

by Jason

Today we have two very short verses that both focus on ‘Do not be afraid ‘. We have focused on this a little at youth group this term, but one thing I noticed with the way it is said is both of these passages is closer to saying, ‘Do not be afraid of what the future will bring if you go down this harder route, if you follow God’s ways.’

The trouble with our own plans a lot of the time is that they are very safe, and comfortable. I should know, I’ve made too many of these plans when I was younger. Which plan for my life will give me the most financial security, what will give me the most success, how can I get the most fame? But I realised these aren’t the questions I should be asking.

Jesus does not give plans like these, because He is interested in something far more important. He is interested how we love each other, and treat each other, He is interested in what we prioritise in life, and the rest of it will come from that.

This time of year is amazing, as we looked at in church last week, when our love for each other is more evident. But it can also bring about a fear. Maybe some family relationships aren’t so amazing and you are afraid of a big conflict over the Christmas turkey, maybe your family is without someone special this year and you are afraid how to cope or not sure if you can at all.

Ask Jesus to give you strength this year for these moments, and as you look forwards to the year ahead. Pray for those you know who are in those situations too.

Day 22 – Philippians 4:4-7
by Niels

This text is one of my favourites. Whenever I am anxious about something, I like to read it. It reassure me that God is in control and protecting me. Just thinking about this fact is enough to make me rejoice.

It is important, however, to consider the importance of prayer in this. Like the text states, prayer, petition and thanksgiving are the ways we need to present our requests. By using these methods, God can and will protect us from anxiousness.

Remember that God is capable of unthinkable things. Having someone like that on your side is quite comforting.

Listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Our God”, and consider how great our God is.

Day 21 – Romans 15:12-13
by Niels

Jesse was Daniel’s father, so the “root of jesse” refers to Christ as the heir from David’s family line. This text reassures us that Jesus will rule all nations and tells us to put our faith in Him.

The last verse fills me with hope, and is a good verse to remember. God loves us, and our trust in him will be rewarded. We will be filled with joy, peace and hope by Him.

Take some time to appreciate the strength that God gives you.

Day 20 – Luke 1:39-56
by Meg

This passage follows immediately after Mary received and accepted the news that she was to give birth to the Son of God (the reading from 1st December). She now travels to see her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.

The first thing we note is that the coming of Jesus brings joy – in v44 Elizabeth says “the baby in my womb leaped for joy”. Reflect for a time on the wonder that the God of Creation would come down to earth and be born as a human, just like us.

Consider also how Mary responds: she sings and glorifies God in praise. In her song she gives God glory for all that he has done. As we reflect on the amazing truth of Jesus’ birth, praise God for all that He has done. You might want to sing, write, draw or dance – whatever you do, spend time praising God today.

There’s one final thing I want to draw to your attention from this passage. In v45, Elizabeth blesses Mary as “she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished”. Because of Mary’s faith in God despite the impossible, the whole world was changed. Mary was just a young person, but she had faith that God would do what He said, and she was part of one of the most incredible events of all of history. Our faith in God can do so much more than we imagine.

Day 19 – Isaiah 9:6/Zephaniah 3:14-15
by Jason

I think of all the titles and names that Jesus goes by, King and that of royality is the hardest for me to see Him as. Even coming from the UK, who have had a King or Queen for over 1000 years, in my life time the politics has been done by the Prime Minister, and the monarchy hasn’t been as active. At least not in the way that we read of Kings in the Old Testament or might see in medieval TV shows. So this is not surprising that I don’t relate to a monarchy so well.

Today our focus is on Jesus as a King and a ruler. The title, ‘Wonderful Counselor’ shows that Jesus is a King who will take action, and will rule in a way that all will marvel at Him. No wonder people who read this prophesy were expecting Jesus to arrive as a great and mighty King on chariots, and not in the humble way He did.

Jesus had to come the way He did in order to turn the old way of ruling on it’s head. To live amongst us, live as us, deal with what we deal with, and suffer how we suffer to really know us and empathise with us.

Think today, who is Jesus to you? what titles does he have that you relate best to, and which not so much? Then ask God to help you see Jesus in the ways you aren’t used to. This can be really helpful in our desire to grow closer to Him.

Hebrews 12:1-2

by Lizzy

Have you ever ran a race, competed in a tough sport or been in a competition of some kind?

I can remember the first 5k race I ever ran quite vividly. They don’t call the trail “Psycho Path” for no reason. I can remember times in the race when I legitimately thought I was going to pass out or my legs were going to give in. Now, of course this was no marathon by any means (I’m sure Jason can give a much better idea of what that feels like!). However, when you are running uphill on the side of a mountain, a completely flat marathon would have been much more inviting.

I love that God gave us these passages and was using it as a metaphor for life. We are in one long race. Sometimes there will be moments that seem like an uphill battle. Sometimes we’ll be coasting along at a nice pace and then boom you’ve sprained your ankle. Other times you’ll be running downhill having the time of your life. In those tough moments, fix your eyes on Jesus and run the race as well as you can. There will be no greater reward than hearing the Lord say “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

I hope these verses can be a challenge to you to do everything in life with vigor and throw off anything that might be a hindrance.

Luke 2:10-14
by Jason

Today we see another visit from the angel, but this time to the shepherds who were watching their flocks of sheep overnight. The first point you all might notice is how the angel says again ‘Do not be afraid’… He goes on saying that this is amazing news for all the people and that this is the saviour that they have all been waiting for, before breaking into a huge heavenly choir that might have even upstaged anyone from Melodifestivalen.

The astounding thing here is that this is revealed to simple shepherds and not the temple leaders who would have known the scriptures inside out and understand the angels more. Why is that do you think? Perhaps one reason is that this good news is for all of us. The wise and the fool, the smart and the educationally challenged, the rich and poor. It is for everyone, and for the night shepherds (one of the lesser desired roles of society) to be invited to the birth of Jesus is an invition to us all to come to God

Jesus is for everyone. He came to save everyone, including the lost, the broken, the homeless, the refugee, the poor, the sick, the rich in pocket, the sucessful, the talented… the list goes on. They just don’t know it. Jesus came for you. Let that sink in today. Jesus is inviting you be a witness of His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection.

Pray today for anyone who doesn’t know that Jesus is here for them, and that God will find a way to show himself to them.

Day 16 – Psalm 16:11
by Jason

Today’s passage is from a beautiful psalm, that talks in depth how wonderful God is, and the amazing things He gives to us. The gifts God gives are not like the ones we find under our trees at the this time of year, but are gifts for life and gifts to bring joy to our hearts.

God’s gifts are not material, they are are spiritual, and everlasting. If you picture your entire Christmas list, how many items are there that will last forever? I doubt many, and if I’m honest there weren’t many on my list either. But as today’s passage tells us, His gifts for us give us knowledge of life, complete joy, and eternal pleasures from His right hand.

Elsewhere we read that once Jesus was crucified, resurrected then ascended back to heaven, He took His place at God’s right hand. Could this eternal gift from God’s right hand be the simple gift of Jesus himself? I think so. Thank God today for this Gift that is for the whole of our lives and into eternity. This is the Good News.

Day 15 – Nehemiah 8:10
by Niels

Christmas is a time for celebration. However in our materialistic, consumeristic society, the focus often falls on ourselves. It’s about what kind of presents, food, feelings we want to have this time.

This verse reminds us to refocus our celebration. Our celebration needs to be about giving, rather than receiving. Especially in these times, where a lot of people need help more than ever, we should try to give from our excess.

Remember that giving is just as rewarding (if not a lot more) as receiving. If you start to honour God during these celebrations by sharing your excess, he will reward you with a lot of joy and spiritual strength.

Day 14 – 1 John 1:4-7
by Niels

This short text is powerful and tells the truth directly. It takes away the grey areas that are easy to find comfort in. We read about God’s perfection and our need to follow His example.

The light stands for all that is good, it is truth and purity. Darkness symbolises the evil and sinfulness of the world.

A pretty clear picture is painted in this text, telling us to stay away from all darkness. Living a sinful life does not work when having a relationship with God. We need to stay in the light, and stay pure in order to be with God. But we can’t do this on by our own strength. It’s impossible. But we can’t ask for God’s help, and know that it is Jesus’ sacrifice that keeps us pure. We have to accept it from Him. 

However, it is important to remember the last part of the text, where we’re told that going into the light, purifies us from all the darkness in our lives. Jesus cleans us from our sin.

Consider for yourself: Are you staying in the light?