2026 New Year's Solution

             Ah, yes. Time once again to make New Year’s Resolutions. Yet I ask myself, “Why?” I could make a resolution about money; but come December 31, 2026, I’m either going to have more money or less money than I do right now. I could make a resolution about my weight; but come December 31, 2026, I’m either going to weigh more or weigh less than I do right now. I could make a resolution involving time management; but come December 31, 2026, I’m still going to have the same number of hours and minutes in a day as I do right now. I think the latest statistics show something like 8% or 9% of resolutions are kept, and something like 80% or 90% of resolutions are broken by February. Whoa! This blog is sounding a bit on the gloomy side, so let’s shift the focus.

            What is the goal or purpose of a resolution? By definition; making a resolution is a way to have or show that you are determined to take a course of action for some future purpose or outcome. In most cases it seems we make a resolution because we perceive a problem that needs to be fixed. Examples might be in the case of too little money—a resolution to save more money; in the case of too much weight—a resolution to lose more weight; in the case of time management—oh well, let’s talk about it later. [Humor intended; yes, you may laugh! We’ve all been there.]

            From the Christian perspective, what is the greatest problem I face, or that you face? My first thought was that we are living in a world desperately in need of a Savior, yet all-the-while desperately trying to ignore their need for a Savior. As we find in the book of Jude:

Jude vs. 17-19 (NLT)  But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.

            I am confident you would agree with me that this is a significant problem. However; let’s go a step further and I think we will discover an even more serious problem invading our world. The prophet Amos warned his people then; and we would do well to heed the warning today:

Amos 8:11-12 (NLT)  “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and strong young men will grow faint in that day, thirsting for the LORD’s word.”

            Now to be clear, there is nothing wrong with making a New Year’s Resolution since it does bring about focus for change. However; I would submit that perhaps what is truly needed is a New Year’s SOLUTION. As Christians, we know the solution to the most serious problem in our world: The world needs to hear the Good News, the Gospel that shares the path to salvation through belief in Jesus Christ our Lord. And WE need to be the spreaders of that Solution! 

1 Peter 3:15-16a (NLT)  ...you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believe, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

2 Timothy 1:8 (NLT)  So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)  Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NLT)  You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Psalm 71:15-18 (NLT)  I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

            Here is my challenge to you, dear Reader:  In the year 2026, rather than make a personal New Year’s Resolution; make every effort to be part of the 2026 New Year’s Solution of spreading the Gospel to a world in need—starting with all those in your immediate circle of influence.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You have mercifully allowed us to complete another year. As we move into the coming year, let us be faithful workers for you. Grant us the courage and boldness to make the most of every opportunity you provide to be your light in the midst of a self-oriented world of darkness.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional 2026 New Year’s Solution appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Wrapping Up 2025 - Ready to Unwrap 2026

Romans 15:4-6, 13 (NIV)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... 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.

            It is my sincerest hope that this devotional series of Brown Paper Packages has given you a new insight and perspective not just on gifts in general...but on our Gracious Heavenly Father who lovingly desires to bless us daily with his good gifts. On this last day of 2025, as we begin wrapping up the past year, recall the blessings God has given you. Make a list; it will amaze you.

            As far as the challenges, disappointments, mistakes, hurts and struggles of 2025—let it go. The past is called “the past” for a reason. Leave it there. Make today the day you settle your accounts with your Heavenly Father and begin anew. Once you have spent quality time in prayer, prepare yourself to unwrap 2026 with:

·         the gift of assurance             

·         the gift of guidance

·         the gift of endurance

·         the gift of promise

·         the gift of wisdom

·         the gift of discernment

·         the gift of calming peace

·         the gift of boldness

·         the gift of credibility

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We come to you with humility and grateful hearts for all the good gifts you long to give us. We ask forgiveness for the many ways in which we have fallen short of your grace during 2025 and ask that you might create in us a clean heart and positive mind for 2026. We have no clue what the year will bring, but we trust you in all things.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Wrapping Up 2025 – Ready to Unwrap 2026 appeared first on

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Shepherds' Brown Paper Packages

           In all honesty, I believe the shepherds are my favorite participants in the original “Christmas” event. Culture and tradition reveal that sheep-herding was about the lowest occupation of the time and generally delegated to the youngest son. Big brothers had the better chores and little brothers were scooted outside to brave the elements and tend the sheep. Perhaps this is why Samuel had to wait for Jesse to bring his youngest son David in from the field; after all, how could Jesse imagine that scruffy young boy was to be anointed as a future king? (cf., 1 Samuel 16:1-13) Being a shepherd was also dangerous, especially during the dark evening hours full of hungry wild animals and ruthless thieves. It is in this setting we find the little band of shepherds.

Luke 2:8 (NIV)  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

            It was the little band of shepherds who opened at least three brown paper packages that night. Can you imagine how frightening it would be out in the darkest night when the first angel appeared and the brightness of the glory of God shone around them? No wonder they were terrified. Just as Mary had done, so too, the shepherds also unwrap their first package to discover the gift of calming peace as the angel brings good news full of joy. To the shepherds’ amazement, when the first angel finishes speaking, a great company of the heavenly host appears and together they sing praises: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (vs. 13-14).”

            Now the shepherds unwrap their second package to discover the gift of boldness.

Luke 2:15-16 (NIV)  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

           Finally, a third brown paper package is unwrapped by the shepherds. This gift is simply amazing. This little group of scruffy boys, most likely filthy and smelling somewhat like the flocks they tended, is given a precious package – the gift of credibility. Placed within a culture who generally despised them and dismiss their stories as incredulous; the shepherds are the ones chosen to sound the Good News—and the crowds believe them and are amazed!

Luke 2:17-18, 20 (NIV)  When they [shepherds] had seen him [Jesus], they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ... The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

            In today’s world full of turmoil, we are given an inner calming peace. When our hearts shrink back for fear of what someone else might think, we are given boldness to proclaim the Good News. And most of all, there will be a day coming when all the world will realize our proclamation of Good News is credible for it will happen just as we have been told.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the brown paper package of calming peace to quiet our fears. Thank you for the brown paper package of boldness to act upon the opportunities you give us to be the light that shines in darkness, and forgive our moments of hesitation. Thank you for trusting us with the brown paper package of credibility that the words we speak are true according to your Word.

                                                                        In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional The Shepherds’ Brown Paper Packages appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

The Magi's Brown Paper Packages

              In 1857, John H. Hopkins, Jr. penned the classic Christmas hymn “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” It is most likely this hymn in combination with three specifically mentioned gifts in the Bible—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—that establishes the image of three wisemen in modern day nativity sets. In truth, many biblical scholars believe the caravan of Magi to be as great as 200 in keeping with historical and cultural traditions of travel at that time.

            Ironically, the Magi are considered the premiere gift-givers of the original Christmas event. Their gifts were extravagant by the day’s standards, and to call their gifts “costly” seems somewhat understated. What possible brown paper packages could they receive? To the Magi, came two brown paper packages; the gift of wisdom and the gift of discernment. Both of which were greatly needed in order to avoid King Herod’s brutal schemes.

Matthew 2:11-12 (NIV)  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 and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

            Some modern denominations today would distort discernment to be some type of prophetic pronouncements, sometimes referred to as “words of knowledge.” Yet holding to the basic definition of discernment indicates the ability to distinguish between two things (e.g., reality v. fiction; truth v. falsehood, etc.). The Magi were given the ability to understand that King Herod’s claim to “Go and make a careful search for the child.  As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him” (c.f., 2:8) was in fact, a falsehood. King Herod’s intention was not to worship but to kill the child for fear the child would become a king.

            All wisdom comes from God; and God will give wisdom liberally to any who ask of sincere motives. He gives generously and without reprimand. (c.f., James 1:5-8)

            Both gifts, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and the amount of wisdom needed for daily circumstances can be ours when we seek God with a sincere heart.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            When we are in need, we ask you to grant us the brown paper package of wisdom in the amount you trust us to handle correctly. In a world so full of misguiding information, thank you for giving us the brown paper package of discernment enabling us to stay focused on you.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional The Magi’s Brown Paper Packages appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Simeon's and Anna's Brown Paper Packages

            Simeon was a righteous and devout man. His age is not mentioned although most biblical scholars agree he was in his advance years.

            Anna was a prophetess and the Bible does reveal her age. She had only been married seven years when her husband died, leaving her a widow until she was 84 years of age. We are told Anna worshiped and prayed night and day, never leaving the temple.

            Although they were two distinctive individuals, Simeon and Anna shared in the common bond of anticipation. They knew the scriptures foretelling the birth of The Messiah. Would they be able to live long enough to welcome the coming Messiah? Senior adults can identify well with all the aches and pains of the aging process that Simeon and Anna must have felt as they waited year after year. Pulling the string off their brown paper packages, they unwrapped the gift of endurance and the gift of promise.

Luke 2:26, 28, and 38 (NIV)  It had been revealed to him [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ... Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.” ... Coming up to them [Mary and Joseph with the infant] at that very moment, she [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

            Today, we are looking for the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. No matter your age, no matter the aches and pains of aging process you are adjusting to, we have the gift of endurance through the daily strength our loving Heavenly Father provides as we anticipate his coming gift of promise. As in the words of an old familiar hymn, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You see the struggles of aging each of your faithful ones endures. Thank you for providing us with the brown paper package of endurance combined with the brown paper package of promise. Thank you for the strength and bright hope we have in you.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Simeon’s and Anna’s Brown Paper Packages appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Mary's Brown Paper Package

                Most scholars of biblical history believe Mary to be a young teenage girl, possibly as young as 13, and betrothed to Joseph according to Jewish customs of the day. One can only imagine the bewilderment gripping Mary as she realizes the enormity of the task facing her—the task of giving birth to and raising the Son of God. Mary has found favor with God. She unwraps her brown paper package to discover the gift of calming peace in the midst of perplexity.

Luke 1:30-31, 35 (NIV)  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” ... The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

            Mary faced something uniquely challenging to only her, and our perplexities could never possibly draw comparison. Yet often we find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty and hesitation. These are the times when God lovingly longs to give us the gift of calming peace as we trust him.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we worry and stress over those things we cannot control. Thank you for providing us with the brown paper package of calming peace as we place our trust in you.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Mary’s Brown Paper Package appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Joseph's Brown Paper Packages

           Joseph was a righteous man, unwilling to publicly disgrace his pregnant teenage fiancée. What should he do? He was a man full of uncertainty regarding the future. His first brown paper package contained the gift of assurance.

Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV)  ...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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.”

            Joseph received a second brown paper package; the gift of guidance in the midst of danger.

Matthew 2:13 (NIV)  When they [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

            Today we learn the gift of assurance can be ours in the midst of whatever uncertainties or challenges we face. Our loving Heavenly Father is always as near as our next whispered prayer. His wisdom is far above our own, and we can find guidance when we turn to him in prayer and when we study his Word. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your loving watch-care over us. Thank you for providing us with the brown paper package of assurance during times of uncertainties and challenges. Thank you for providing us with the brown paper package of guidance as we seek you in all things.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Joseph’s Brown Paper Packages appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Christmas According to The Sound of Music

          The Christmas Story can be found Matthew chapters 1-2 and Luke chapters 1-2. You are most likely busily enjoying the wonderful holiday events and traditions of a joyous Christmas season. However, my challenge to you is that you would take time—make time—to read the entire account of the original “Christmas” story. Today, I am introducing a mini-series that will take us through this week and next week.

            However, I have another special request. I would ask you to join with me in prayer for our many friends and loved ones who struggle each year to manage what I call “The Holiday Blues”. They need our love and support especially at this time of year. Thank you!

            Perhaps you are familiar with the Broadway production of the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music featuring Mary Martin as Maria. Or perhaps you are more familiar with the 1965 film version with Julie Andrews as Maria. One of the most iconic songs from that production is entitled “My Favorite Things.” Along with whiskers on kittens and warm woolen mittens, the character Maria finds comfort in the simple things; even something as simple as brown paper packages tied up with strings.

            It occurs to me that the original story of Christmas (Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2) includes the receiving of many brown paper packages. These little brown paper packages tied up with string—the less obvious, yet special gifts—are the ones we will try to discover as we explore the Christmas story for the next mini-series of devotionals. Starting tomorrow, we will look each day at one of the principal characters in the original Christmas story to see what gift they received, and what gift can be ours today.

            No matter what brightly colored presents adorn your tree this year, my greatest desire is that you will discover many brown paper packages in the original Christmas event that will bring you comfort, guidance, and assurance of God’s love for you.

John 3:16-17 (NIV)  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:13 (NIV)  Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your great gift of love, and thank you the gift of salvation through Christ. Prepare our hearts to discover all the additional gifts you long to give us.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Christmas According to The Sound of Music appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Christmas According to Credit Donkey

            If you have been a regular reader of my blog; you know I love to look at some of the more obscure details in life. You are familiar with my style of writing; perhaps not always grammatically correct, but more conversational in nature and function. You also know to start by reading the title as it often gives you a hint into the topic, and sometimes an interesting twist, as is the case today. I am also very well aware that most people do not carry a Bible with them; instead reading my blog via their phone, and because I believe reading the appropriate Scriptures is important for understanding; I will almost always print out the entire Bible text as a convenience to you. This brings us to today!

            Ah, yes! Christmas week! The season of holiday cheer, festive decorations, strings of bright lights, fancy wrapped packages with glittering bows, cookies, parties, shopping, shopping, shopping... It’s a wonderful time—a busy time—a time when, according to The Statistic Portal, Americans will spend an average of approximately $794 on Christmas gifts. Out of curiosity, I investigated another online site, CreditDonkey.com (yes, there really is such a site and it can be accessed at https://www.creditdonkey.com/gift-giving.html). It seems Credit Donkey polled 1,076 Americans age 18 and over during October 7-11, 2013, just over ten years ago. At that time, the following percentages were discovered:

·         Gift cards: 82% want to receive gift cards; 69% plan to give gift cards

·         Electronics: 76% want to receive electronics; 63% plan to give electronics

·         Clothing: 68% want to receive clothing; 59% plan to give clothing

·         Books: 62% want to receive books; 58% plan to give books

·         Toys: 56% plan to give toys; with 79% of parents planning to give toys

·         43% of those polled admitted they will get a gift for themselves

·         54% will return gifts given to them (unless it is a gift card)

            That was a little more than 10 years ago. I am certain the percentage of people wanting books now would be considerably reduced, especially given that most people if they read, use an electronic device.

            For the Christian, our perspective on Christmas gifts takes a different focus.

John 3:16-17 (NIV)  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:13 (NIV)  Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

            For us, the primary gift given on the very first “Christmas” day was the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. On that First Advent, he came as a baby to begin the plan of salvation that will eventually culminate in his Second Advent—the Blessed Hope for which we wait. No other gift to us, no matter how ornamentally wrapped, could ever compare with God’s gift of his Beloved Son.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            While the frenzied shopping continues for just the right gift to give someone...we humbly and gratefully thank you for giving us the Perfect Gift. Help us to share the Good News of your Perfect Gift with others.                                               

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Christmas According to Credit Donkey appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Christmas Simplicity

            If you are in any way familiar with my blog and style of writing, then you know the first place to start reading is at the title. It often provides a clue to the blog content. Okay, you’ve had a moment to glance back at the title “Christmas Simplicity” and by now you are thinking, “What an oxymoron!” [def. oxymoron: figure of speech in which contrary terms are combined] How in the world am I able to combine the word Christmas with any form of the word simple? It would seem, at least from the world’s view, that Christmas is utter chaos packed with shopping, parties, events, cooking, decorations—you name it, the list goes on and on.

            For me, Christmas is the simple reminder that God so loved me that He sent his One and Only Son to earth to bring me the free gift of salvation. In addition, endurance, encouragement, hope, joy, peace—these are all mine because God promised them to me if I will follow Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:4-6, 13 (NIV)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... 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.

            To me, the simplicity of Christmas is this:

·         The Bible is truth. It is God’s Holy Word. I can fully trust its promises.

·         The Bible teaches me endurance (e.g., how to continue, persevere, remain steadfast, how to put up with, how to withstand pain, distress, fatigue). As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of endurance, I find the promised gift of peace. Endurance leads to peace!

·         The Bible teaches me encouragement (e.g., hope, confidence, support). As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of encouragement, I find the promised gift of joy. Encouragement leads to joy!

Christmas is a time to step back from the clutter, chaos, and hubbub of the secular interpretation of the season, and remember the TRUE reason for celebrating Christmas. The simple reason: Christ’s birth brings us salvation. Christ’s birth brings hope, joy, and peace. To me, this is the most amazing part of celebrating Christmas! It is our opportunity to glorify our Heavenly Father by showing Christ to the world so desperately in need of hope, joy, and peace!

Christmas Simplicity = The Birth of Christ = Glory to God!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We humbly thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. May everything we think, say, and do—our primary focus—be reflecting the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of a Savior. Thank you for the promise gifts of endurance, encouragement, hope, joy, and peace.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Christmas Simplicity appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.