Prayer December 31

 Dear Jesus,

Thank You for who You are. Thank You for Your example of selflessness and for pouring Yourself out on my behalf. You are the greatest example of selfless love, and I pray that You would continue cultivating in me a heart of servanthood, putting others before myself and desiring more for those around me than I do for my own life.

Forgive me, Jesus, for the times that I place my own selfish thoughts, ambitions, or dreams above what You have placed in front of me. Forgive me when I only see what is best for myself, rather than prioritizing what is best for others. Remind me, Lord, of Your example in Scripture. Help me see more clearly the beauty of a servant's heart.

Protect my mind and heart from the schemes of the enemy. When Satan comes to me and attempts to make me believe that I am more important than others, remind me of Your example. Remind me that I am meant to die to myself in order to live for You.

You are so good, Jesus. You are the greatest example of selfless love, and I thank You.

In Your name, amen

For Our Salvation Jesus Gave His Breath

 Grieved, Jesus went to a garden to pray

He approached the Father about their plan

"Could there be another way?" Jesus beseeched

Sweat droplets of blood filled His shaky hands

But Jesus was resolved to do God's will

Even to the point of abuse and death

Because He came to serve and bring us good

For our salvation, He would give His breath

So Jesus was unjustly arrested

He allowed the mockery and beating

And staggered to the cross in agony

While our well-being He was seeking

The nails plunged into His hands and His feet

Then the suffering servant was raised high

Perhaps He thought on our sure redemption

Could this be a joy beheld in His eyes?

God surrendered His life to help His people

Though in His humility, there was more

He exalted His name above the earth

Jesus glorified, so we are restored

Prayer December 30

 Dear Jesus,

You alone are God. You alone are good. You alone can forgive and redeem. And You have chosen to do so out of love for Your children. Your forgiveness is a gift that we are unable to repay. You do not just forgive, You redeem, You restore all that is broken. You do not just desire us to be forgiven and remain on the stretchers of our former lives, but You invite us to rise, to walk, to display Your forgiveness for all of those around us.

Father, I confess that I do not practice Your forgiveness as I should. I am quick to hold a grudge, quick to dismiss those around me whose sin has hurt me in some way. Lead me, Lord, in Your ways of forgiveness, and help me to see others as You see them. Forgive me when I do not extend forgiveness to others. 

Protect my heart and mind from the enemy. Remind me of Your power and love as You continue to pursue me all the days of my life.

In Your name, amen.

Jesus Melts Our Hard Hearts With His Tender Care

 Legal scholars with faces red and eyes wide

"He is blaspheming!" They rashly accused

Jesus had forgiven a lame man's sin

Authority the God-Man could not lose

His forgiveness was debt cancellation

Breaking heavy metal chains from our feet

So that we can run from sin's deadly grasp

And then escape into freedom's safe retreat

Jesus did not pardon in resentment,

Not because He was offended or mad

He was forbearing and long-suffering

Ready to forgive like a patient dad

A mutinous mob we are in our flesh

With each betrayal, creating distance

As big as a chasm between two cliffs

But in God's kindness, there is no resistance

He melts our hard hearts with His gentleness

And brings down our walls with His tender care

Stirring up repentance by His Spirit

Freely, our knees bend in contrite prayer

Prayer December 29

 Dear Jesus,

As the eternal Son in the flesh, You suffered to the utmost. You came to a fallen world, Your world, Your creation, which was ruined sin. You desired life and abundance for Your creation, but we chose death and destruction. You have reason, more than any, to shed tears over brokenness.

You are the suffering servant who took on every sin of Your people. You held its weight. You did not tell Your disciples to "get over" grief, and You did not overlook sorrow. But You took time to express sadness over life's trials, and You mourned with Your people.

I thank You for enduring the suffering in the wilderness for me. You surpassed the test that I and the Israelites failed. Under harsh conditions, when You were weak and without nourishment, You clung to God's Word as Your source of life. With the Word, You defeated Satan's temptation.

Lord, I confess I often do not feel like I can persevere through hardships. When I face disappointment, prolonged pain, the loss of a loved one, or unemployment, I want to give up. I have no strength in me. I do not search for Your Word, and I do not cling to the cross. I forget the suffering You endured so that I may have hope and joy.

Spirit of Jesus, restore within my heart the joy of Your salvation. Help me to continue to exercise my faith in hard times. Bring to my remembrance Your Word and how I am able to overcome through the gospel. Lord, I desire to endure suffering in a way that mirrors Your sacrifice. Help me grieve honestly while holding on to eternal hope.

In Your name, amen.

No Pain Or Heartbreak Is Beyond Our Saviour’s Understanding

 In the wilderness, fasting and praying,

His face to the ground, Jesus faced the test

Weak and alone for forty days and nights

To silence the buzz of Satan, the pest

Though He overcame Satan's temptation,

The wrestling with evil continued

He mourned the brokenness of God's city

And wept over sin from which death ensued

Jesus was familiar with deep sorrow

The aches of grief and the sting of others' pain

Filled His soul's well with waters of hardship

So much so that His tears He could not feign

Suffered this way because He is our Priest

Who carries His people's burdens and trials

And covers us in His blood that was shed

So that we can come to God reconciled

Jesus knows the pull of melancholy

That makes our condition be Satan's prey

But Jesus gives us His hope and His joy

To make it through suffering day by day

Prayer December 28

 Dear Jesus,

I am resting in You today, in this moment. I am leaning into Your heart and Your grace and Your love. You hear me, You see me, and You alone satisfy my every need. You are the ultimate provider and sustainer. I am not worthy of being held by You, yet You hold me all the same. You are continually working in my life and in my heart, making me more like You, and in that, I find rest. In You and You alone, I find peace, love, and joy.

Help me when I am tempted to lean on the things of this world for temporary satisfaction or fulfilment. Guide me in the ways of Your truth so that I can better reflect Your heart. Allow me opportunities to show the world around me that You are enough, that You alone satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts. Remind me every day of Your sacrifice, Your continued blessings, and Your abounding grace, which You have chosen to lavish on me. I do not deserve these things, Jesus, but You choose to do these things because I am Your child.

Thank You for Your satisfying power and Your all-sustaining hand in my life. I am surrendering it all to You. Fill my cup, satisfy my need for You, and continue to use Your Spirit to guide and direct me in the way that brings You glory.

In Your name, amen.

All That We Need, He Sufficiently is

 Large crowds followed Jesus to hear and see

Like shivering campers near a fire 

The people did not turn away from Him

He was the lfe that their bodies desired

To one crowd,Jesus said, "'I Am the bread"
To another, He said "I Am the light" 

Declaring to fill hunger and quench thirsts
Proclaiming to make a dark path turn bright
The "I Am' statements were not man's ego
They were not narcissistic or untrue
In them, Jesus revealed a remedy 

That He was the answer and the way through
Creator, Sustainer, and vital Source 

All that we need, He sufficiently is
He generously supplies where we lack
And gives in the desert an oasis
Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Do you need to break from the distractions?
Follow Jesus because He can exchange
Your sin for eternal satisfaction

Prayer December 27

 Dear Jesus,

You are here before me. By Your Spirit, You greet me with Your grace. Your greeting is more than surface-level cordialness. It is deep hospitality. You draw me into Your presence, as one friend to another. You are the truest companion who invites Your people into communion.

I thank You, Lord, that You have not turned me away. Though my sin reaches the highest mountain, You still bless me with relationship. I thank You that You have welcomed me and embraced me. Regardless of the wrong things I have done and poor things I have said in the past, You do not hold those sins against me. You do not reject me. I am embarrassed by my rebellion and hold my head down in shame. But Your gaze toward me is always one of compassion and joy. Lord, You are excited that I am here. You are excited that I am in Your presence. Thank You for making it so! Thank You for giving me the faith to stop my wandering and come home.

I come home to see a table of sinners like me. Your band is not full of the most righteous, those who take pride in their own moral abilities. Your followers are the humble and the repentant. They are we who are dependent on You. At Your table is a feast fit for kings and queens. You offer us to take a seat there and stay for eternity.

Lord, refill my desire to stay in Your inviting presence. When distractions come, I want to remember the friendship that You offer. When I fall into sin again, do not let me hide or run to the shadows. Restore my faith to seek You again.

In Your name, amen.

Jesus Opens His Arms Like Eagles’ Wings

 Dinner at a loathed tax collector's home

Around the opulence sat his guests

A prostitute, a cheat, and Jesus too

Pharisees looked through the window to jest

Could a man like Jesus dine with sinners?

A man of morality near outcasts?

Jesus sought them to forgive wrongdoing,

Inviting them into a friendship that lasts

A family that does not discriminate

This motley crew was welcomed to a plate

To drink and feast on His intimacy

No one rejected was the rate of acceptancy

"No one" of His own in particular

We who know we shouldn't be invited

And don't deserve a seat at His table

For our crimes in the Judge's book cited

Though we are unable to repay Him

For what it cost to unlock heaven's door,

He still opens His arms like eagles' wings

When we seek, knock, and His presence implore

Prayer December 26

 Dear Jesus,

You are the merciful God. You are abounding in compassion. There is no source of mercy outside of You. You have shown me the most incredible display of Your unending mercy in Your sacrifice on the cross and forgiveness of sin. I know that I am a sinner and am so undeserving of Your merciful love, yet You lavish it on me anyway. What a gift.

Show me in my life how I can show Your mercy to those around me. Guide me, and direct me in the ways of Your mercy so that I can reflect Your heart. Jesus, I know that I fail daily in showing mercy to others, so I ask that You reveal to me opportunities to show mercy to someone today.

Thank You for Your loving-kindness and mercy, which is new every morning and remains steadfast and sure throughout the day. Thank You, Jesus, that although I am totally unworthy to approach Your glorious throne, You have stooped low to me and taken me out of the bondage of darkness and into Your marvellous light by means of Your overflowing mercy. Thank You for seating me together with You in heavenly places and showering me with Your grace and undeserved favour.

Thank You for making me one of Your own.

In Your name, amen.

Jesus’s Mercy Was Heaven’s Kiss Of Kindness

Jesus faced the world's sadness and despair

He beheld and did not shy away

He looked at the blind, the lame, and the poor 

Care toward their condition He relayed

His affection then moved to action

He healed and fed and taught and restored

Relieving the tired from their burdens

Like rain from clouds, His mercy He poured 

His mercy was heaven's kiss of kindness 

On those who were defiled by sin's harm

Even the most diseased leper received

An embrace from the Lord, a touch most warm 

These mirades were prophecies fulfilled

To prove that Jesus was the sent Saviour 

The One to show mercy on sinners' souls

To declare the arrival of favour

Come to Him if you are weak and tired

There is rest for your spirit: salvation

It is good news for a frail body too

For all will heal at consummation

Prayer December 25

 Dear Jesus,

You are upright and faithful. As God, You are the just Judge who established the Law. As a man, You are the only One to prove obedience to the Law. You are morally perfect, never failing the Father's expectation.

Though You are the all-knowing Lord of the universe, You still demonstrated a curiosity to grow in knowledge of the Scriptures. In Your human nature, You sought to listen to godly teaching and memorize the Word. You did so to please the Father, for You took pure delight in Him. As You grew in understanding and wisdom, You gained favour with God and people. Out of this knowledge, You kept the principle of the Law, as You loved God and people sufficiently.

Jesus, in comparison to You, I am the worst of humans. I am a sinner who, without Your grace, will rebel against the Lord. I naturally want to go my own way, even though Your Word leads me to life and blessing. I thank You for Your obedience, which is credited to me through faith. I did not deserve Your record, but You gave it to me anyway. Because of Your steadfast character, the just Judge declared me righteous. I am no longer bound to the Law. I am no longer bound to my moral debts.

Help me to delight in the Father as You do. Help me to obey His Word. Help me to please Him by studying the Scriptures and learning from godly teaching. Give me a heart of faith that wants to honor the Lord and others. I am still imperfect, but continue to guide me under Your perfection.

In Your name, amen.

Jesus Delighted To Please God With Sincerity

 The babe was named Jesus, and then He grew

Into a boy with an interest to learn

He read the Torah and the past Prophets

To sit in the Lord's presence, He did yearn

Though Jesus was Mary and Joseph's son,

He belonged to a heavenly Father

Still, Jesus honoured His earthly parents

For God, He took an obedient posture

Not a rebellious teen or stubborn man

Jesus was sinless at every life stage

The beloved Son desired faithfulness

Kept the fullness of the Law on each page

Jesus was a good human in our place

He was just, compassionate, and truthful

Everything that we fall short to become

He showed what life can be when not futile

Perfection and purity were His walk

Jesus delighted to please God with sincerity

A moral record credited to us

His righteousness was true humanity

Prayer December 24

 Dear Jesus,

You are the perfect Saviour. You are the humble King who seeks His subjects. You are never far from me because You are continually pursuing my heart. Your ultimate sacrifice on Calvary was the single greatest blessing I could have ever received, and yet You continue to show Your love to me daily through Your presence. You are continually drawing me to Yourself, Your heart. Your goodness and grace humble me.

Thank You for Your pursuit. Thank You for choosing to pursue Your creation, even though it is undeserved. I am so unworthy of all You have done. I am not worthy of having Your hand extended to me, yet You extend it. Without Your sacrifice and new morning mercies, I am without hope and beyond help. You are the One who holds all things together, and yet You still choose to love me and pull me into Your everlasting arms.

Help me to reciprocate Your pursuit. Rid me of anything clouding my vision or inhibiting me from running the race effectively for Your glory. Fix my eyes on You, Jesus. May my pursuit of You reflect what You have shown me in Your Word and throughout my life. Continue to change my heart to be more like Yours.

In Your name, amen.

Jesus Made Us His Before All Life Began

Heaven's clock struck at the appointed time

And the Son stood up among the angels

With passion, He departed from the court

Setting flames of fire down the aisle

God was not slow to respond to the cries

His plan was present through signs and shadows

His Spirit was there to offer comfort

To old saints who knew blessing would soon flow

This Blessing crossed heaven and earth to drive

The darkness away and gather His sheep

These ones were we who received His delight

Though lost and broken, we were His to keep 

He made us His before all life began 

Knowing that we would prove to be sinners 

Still, we were the apple of His great eye

He was glad to redeem, nothing could hinder 

The Mighty God came in a humble way

Wrapped Himself in flesh and grew in a womb Born, and then people flocked to His manger 

The bride drawn to the pursuit of her Groom

Prayer December 23

 Dear Jesus,

You are the first and the last, the beginning and the end. There was no god before You, there is no god besides You, and there will be no god after You. You have reigned millennia upon millennia. And You will continue to rule with unmatched power.

Lord, Your majesty is beyond my comprehension. It amazes me that before creation, before there were objects to love, You had love within Yourself. Furthermore, Your self-love was not selfish. It was glorious selflessness. I yearn to picture You in all Your glory. I want to see Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bending to one another in honour and respect. I long to witness the living and active submission that defines the relationship of the Godhead. But You are too holy for my sight. Your love is too pure for my sinful presence.

Thank You for making Your eternal love known through the covenant of redemption. There was no period in time when Your heart was not determined to restore fallen creation. Your disposition was constant care. Out of the Trinity's wellspring, You poured love on Your people, who were not yet born and who would prove to be rebellious sinners. And You were willing to accomplish this plan.

I praise You, Eternal Son, for Your willingness to save out of our love for me. When I reflect on the gospel, I ask to remember its beginnings in eternity. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me consider Your eternal nature again and again. I hope to meditate on Your affectionate character, which compelled You to not only create the world but also save it.

In Your name, amen.

His Love Has No Beginning And No End

 God existed in eternity past

And there, He was far from being alone

Father with Son and Son with the Spirit

Relational God ruling on His throne

We peek and peer into the mysteries

Trying to grasp knowledge of three in one

He is too great, too complex, too simple

to behold the dynamics of His love

Love is not found in songs or greeting cards

Real and pure love is seen in the Godhead

Agape, selfless and sacrifcial

On creation, He chose His love to spread

Each person formed the earth and the waters

A cosmic dance of mutuality

There was division in roles yet no fuss

For there was union in divinity

But the Son was chosen for a unique task

A plan to save a people from their sin

An eternal Word for a dying world

Love of the loving God, His heart within

Trusting God With My Future

Note 

This entry discusses feelings of worry and anxiety, which we all experience from time to time. However, at times, anxiety can become particularly overwhelming, debilitating, and all-consuming. If this feels like what you are currently experiencing, please tell a parent or trusted adult, and with them, seek out the help of a qualified biblical counsellor or your doctor. Together, these professionals can direct you to the truths of God's Word and attend to your specific physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

TRUSTING GOD WITH MY FUTURE

Read Luke 12.22-34, Revelation 21.3-4

As a teenager in today's world, anxiety may be a regular feature of your life. There are many pressures that come with being a teenager, mostly relating to the future. But the Bible tells us to not be anxious about our lives or futures, instead, it offers us hope. Today, on Christmas Day, we'll discuss how Jesus's birth gives us hope for the future because we know He is in control over all things.

Our Anxieties of the Future

Your current stage of life is probably full of excitement and anticipation. Like Mary before the angel visited her, you're young and have your whole life ahead of you. But the many unknowns may cause you anxiety, Will I pass that big test coming up? Will my new friendship last? What colleges will I get into, and which one should I attend? The list goes on and on. The future is a scary place- and for the most part, it's out of your control. Our natural human response to things outside of our control is to worry, but the Bible tells us there is a better way.

Jesus Offers Us Hope for the Future

In today's passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they don't need to worry about what they'll eat or what they'll wear (Luke 12.22). He assures them that God sees them and their needs, and He will provide for them. Maybe you, like the disciples, are worried about where you'll find your next meal or if your family can afford new clothes for you to wear to school this year. Maybe your worries involve friends, health, grades, or big decisions. Whatever your worries may

be, Jesus's message applies.

We may not be in complete control of our lives and our futures, but God is. God will provide for our needs according to His good will. He provides for the birds, the flowers, and He surely provides for His children.

Remember how Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1.1-17) taught us that God has been working throughout history to bring about His good plan? 

This is evident in the Christmas story: God provided His Son (John 3.16) to pay for the sins of the world, restore creation, and make it possible for Him to have a relationship with humanity again. Because of this, we can trust that Jesus will fulfill God's promise to return and set all things right, bringing His plan to completion. Revelation 21.4 tells us that on this day, God will wipe all tears away and remove all grief and pain. This promise offers us great hope.

Jesus is coming again to bring ultimate redemption, and this time, He'll come in great glory and power (Luke 21.27-28). For those of us who trust in Christ, we don't need to worry about our future and what it may bring, for we know that our future is secure, Christ is coming to set all things right and reign for all eternity.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Still, overcoming worry isn't something that is easily done. Even if you're ready to trust God with all aspects of your life, this will take time and effort. Worry is our natural response to a lack of control, and responding differently requires practice.

The best thing you can do to combat this instinct and trust God with your future is to diligently study Scripture. The more you read and study God's Word, the easier it'll be to dwell on His promises. The goodness of Christ and His plan to return and redeem all things will give you peace and hope for the future.

Another helpful practice is to memorize and meditate on Scripture.

Throughout this study, we've encouraged you to start each week by memorizing a verse or two. This practice is a great way to combat worry. And if you haven't started yet, a good verse to begin with is Luke 12.32, which says, 

"Don't be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom." 

What a beautiful reminder of God's love and care for you, and of the hope we have in Christ's return when He will fully establish His kingdom. Lastly, a good way to practice placing your trust in God for the future is to pray when anxious thoughts begin filling your mind. Philippians 4:6–7 says, 

“Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." 

Hand your anxieties over to God through prayer and thanksgiving, and He will give you peace in your circumstances. This true peace comes from Jesus Christ. In Him and His sovereign control of all things, our future rests secure.

Application Questions

What about the future causes you to worry?

How does the fact that God is in control of all things encourage you?

Pray and lift your worries up to the Lord. Ask Him to remind you of the hope you have in His Son and to guard your mind with peace.

What Is The Gospel

 WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? 

We are abundantly grateful for the Word of God, the instruction we glean from it, and the ever-growing understanding it provides for us of God's character. We are also thankful that Scripture continually points to one thing in innumerable ways, the gospel.

We remember our brokenness when we read about the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), where sin entered into a perfect world and maimed it. We remember the necessity that something innocent must die to pay for our sin when we read about the atoning sacrifices in the Old Testament. We read that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3.23) and that the penalty for our brokenness, the wages of our sin, is death (Romans 6.23). We all need grace and mercy, but most importantly, we all need a Saviour.

We consider the goodness of God when we realise that He did not plan to leave us in this dire state. We see His promise to buy us back from the clutches of sin and death in Genesis 3.15. And we see that promise accomplished with Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus Christ knew no sin yet became sin so that we might become righteous through His sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5.21). Jesus was tempted in every way that we are and lived sinlessly. He was reviled yet still yielded Himself for our sake, that we may have life abundant in Him. Jesus lived the perfect life that we could not live and died the death that we deserved.

The gospel is profound yet simple. There are many mysteries in it that we will never understand this side of heaven, but there is still overwhelming weight to its implications in this life. The gospel tells of our sinfulness and God's goodness and a gracious gift that compels a response. We are saved by grace through faith, which means that we rest with faith in the grace that Jesus Christ displayed on the cross (Ephesians 2.8-9). We cannot save ourselves from our brokenness or do any amount of good works to merit God's favor. Still, we can have faith that what Jesus accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection was more than enough for our salvation and our eternal delight. When we accept God, we are commanded to die to ourselves and our sinful desires and live a life worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4.1). The gospel compels us to be sanctified, and in so doing, we are conformed to the likeness of Christ Himself. This is hope. This is redemption. This is the gospel.

Scriptures to Reference

Genesis 3.15

I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

Romans 3.23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6.23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5.21

He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Ephesians 2.8-9

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift - not from works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 4.1-3

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Trusting God With My Present

 TRUSTING GOD WITH MY PRESENT

Read Hebrews 4.14-16

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your present circumstances? Maybe you're currently experiencing something, or many things, that are causing stress, frustration, or other negative feelings or reactions. It's easy to be so overwhelmed by what we're experiencing that we shut down. When this happens, we often feel alone, like there's no one who understands. However, the gospel teaches that we can find joy by trusting God with our present circumstances.

The Struggles of the Present

The teenage years come with some very unique struggles. You're young enough that you're not given complete freedom but old enough that you're expected to carry a heavy load of responsibility. You're not fully treated like an adult, but you're rebuked when you act like a child. This stage of life can be frustrating and confusing, and all of this comes on top of the physical changes you experience, the emotional complexities you wrestle with, and the social dynamics that you're constantly navigating.

Your present situations may feel incredibly overwhelming at times. In fact, it can be tempting to think you're totally alone in these feelings and that no one, especially not the God of the universe, understands what you're going through. That's why it's important in these hard seasons to remember where we find our true joy.

Jesus Gives Joy in the Present

Hebrews 4.14-16 offers us encouragement for when we feel overwhelmed in these seasons of frustration or confusion about the present. This passage reminds us that our High Priest, the One who stands between us and God, is not some angelic, other-worldly being but is Jesus Christ, God in human flesh. He experienced what it's like to live a life on earth. He is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses and our human experiences (Hebrews 4.15).

Jesus understands what we're experiencing, and more than that, He offers us help as we walk through those experiences. Nothing we walk through is too small for Him. Remember the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, whom God saw and chose to use (Luke 2.8-15). Others considered them insignificant, but God deemed them worthy of being the first to proclaim the birth of Jesus!

On the other hand, nothing we walk through is too big for God to handle, either. Remember the wise men, to whom God revealed the birth of His Son using the stars in the sky (Matthew 2.1-2). Their story reminds us that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, He is the Maker of all creation and in control of all things. Surely, He can handle the situations in our lives that feel overwhelming and impossible to us.

Truly, if this great God chose to take on human flesh and experience all the things we experience as a human, we have every reason to rejoice. And as we face our present circumstances, we have every reason to put our trust in Him.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Practically, there are three ways to actively trust God with your present circumstances.

First, you can acknowledge and admit that you are unable to face your present circumstances alone. You need Jesus to help you through not only this moment but also every moment of your life.

Second, you can set aside a regular time in your everyday life for prayer. Prayer focuses your heart on God and His will for your life. It allows you to slow down, reflect on and thank the Lord for the blessings He has given you, and regularly ask Him to guide you through your present situations.

Third, you can set aside time for studying the Bible. Just by making it this far in this study, you are well on your way to forming a habit that will greatly impact you for the rest of your life. When you finish this study, ask a parent, pastor, or mentor for guidance on what to read in your Bible next. Regular time in Scripture reminds us of God's goodness and love for us, which compels us to trust Him with all aspects of our lives.

Application Questions

In what areas of your life do you currently feel most alone?

How does knowing that Christ can empathize with you encourage you?

Pray and ask God for help as you learn to trust Him with your present.

Trusting God With My Past

 TRUSTING GOD WITH MY PAST

Read Philippians 3.12-14

Because of the effects of the Fall, we will all experience hurt in this world. For some of you, this may have happened early in your life. For others, it might have happened later. There's no doubt, however, that by your teenage years, you've tasted the brokenness of the world and have also contributed to it. Yet, there is good news, Jesus came to earth to die and rise again so that the sins of our past can be forgiven. Therefore, we can rest in God's forgiveness, no matter what our past may hold.

Meet the Apostle Paul

The passage we read today was written by the Apostle Paul, an incredibly important leader in the early Church. Paul served as one of the first Christian missionaries and wrote a large portion of the New Testament. But Paul (also called Saul) wasn't always a follower of Jesus. In fact, the Bible first introduces us to him as a devout Jewish man who wanted to stop the spread of Christianity (Acts 7.58-8.3). He personally persecuted Christians, "breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord" (Acts 9.1).

What changed in Paul's life? He experienced the gospel. Paul had a radical encounter with Jesus (Acts 9.1-22) that led him to spend the rest of his life proclaiming the good news, often to people in far-away places who had never heard it before. But even amid all these great things Paul went on to do for Christ, he still had to live with the reality of what he had done in his past, things he was now ashamed of (Galatians 1.13, 1 Timothy 1.13-16).

Forgetting What Is Behind You

In the passage you read today, however, Paul says he has forgotten "what is behind" and is “reaching forward to what is ahead" (Philippians 3.13). That is certainly easier said than done. Like Paul, our pasts are often full of hurt and regret.

We have all, in one way or another, committed offenses against someone else, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Maybe you've lied or gossiped about someone behind their back or said hurtful things to someone's face. Maybe you've accidentally hurt someone's feelings or left someone out.

But the good news is that there is hope beyond whatever hurt, pain, regret, or guilt your past may hold. You, like the Apostle Paul, can say that you have left that all behind and are reaching ahead for, 

"the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3.14).

Jesus Gives Us Peace About Our Past

The message of Advent is that Jesus has come to make the hurt, regret, and mistakes from our past right, He has come to redeem them. He has come to shine light in the darkness and guide us into peace, as Zechariah sings in Luke 1.79. Jesus brought light to a dark world when He was born two thousand years ago, and Jesus can bring light to your past, no matter how dark and broken it may feel.

Remember Zechariah's experience of doubting God? Yet he moved past his doubt when John was finally born, and he proclaimed his trust in God's plan to send Jesus, who was born to redeem all who place their trust in Him (Luke 1.63-79).

Jesus came to offer His life to pay the price for our sins (Romans 6.23). His resurrection from the dead defeated sin, death, and evil once and for all, assuring us that final redemption is coming when He returns. As a result, we can trust Him with our lives, even with the hurt and regret from our past, knowing that He died and was resurrected to bring redemption to even the darkest parts of our stories.

What Does This Mean for Me?

We hope you have seen, through the story of Jesus's birth, that God has proven His faithfulness time and time again. And He will continue to be faithful to you no matter what your past looks like. You can trust Him!

One way you can practically trust God with your past is through confession (1 John 1.9). This is the practice of admitting your sin. This can be done in private prayer; however, you may also confess your sins aloud to others, either because you personally hurt them or because you need others to come alongside you to help you overcome a particu-

larly challenging sin.

Another way to trust God with your past is repentance. This is closely related to confession, as it is the act of acknowledging your sin and actively turning away from it. This might involve establishing boundaries or asking others to hold you accountable (Galatians 5.16-25).

Finally, you can trust God with your past by accepting Christ's forgiveness (Ephesians 1.7). It can be tempting to wallow in self-pity, guilt, shame, or regret about your past, but trusting God with it means truly letting go of the control and weight of those things. We can experience His healing by surrendering the past to Christ and trusting that His death covers it all (Romans 8.1).

The past does not have to haunt us. Jesus made it possible for our past to be truly redeemed, for us to rest in the peace of His forgiveness.

Application Questions

What elements of your past do you need to leave behind you?

Which of the three ways of practically trusting God with your past comes easiest to you, confession, repentance, or accepting Christ's forgiveness?

Which is the most difficult?

Pray and ask God to help you leave the past behind and walk in His forgiveness and peace.

What Does This Story Have To Do With Me?

 WHAT DOES THIS STORY HAVE TO DO WITH ME?

Read John 3.16

You've made it! This is the last week of Advent. We hope that you've been both encouraged and challenged by the people you've read about over the last few weeks. You've met people in their high moments and in their low moments. Some were young, some were old. Some were Israelites, while others were not. But they all had one thing in common, they were faced with the question Will I trust God? Some answered yes, and others, no.

The theme for this final week of Advent is love. How fitting this is as we approach Christmas Day  the day when we celebrate the birth of God's Son. John 3.16 tells us that, 

"God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son,so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." 

It's because of God's love that we've been

given the gift of Jesus Christ. And a crucial aspect of that love is the invitation to trust God.

Throughout this study, you've witnessed many examples of what it might look like for you to trust God. But this week, as we prepare for Christmas Day, we'll walk through the practical ways you can trust God with every aspect of your life in response to the good news of Jesus's birth.

We'll begin tomorrow by exploring what it might look like for you to trust God with your past. You've likely experienced hurt, disappointment, or regret in your life at some point or another. On this day, we'll look at what it looks like to accept God's love and trust Him in spite of your past. Then, on Christmas Eve, we'll look at what it means to trust God with your present. We'll discuss how God truly understands all that we're going through and is with us in every moment. And finally, on Christmas Day, we'll discuss trusting God with your future. In these teenage years, there's a lot of life ahead of you still, and that can come with a lot of fear. We'll encourage you to entrust those worries and fears to your heavenly Father.

As you reach Christmas Day and the end of this study, we hope that you'll be able to look upon the celebration of Christmas with fresh eyes, truly embracing the hope, peace, joy, and love offered through the wonderful event of Jesus's birth. Most of all, we hope that you've had an opportunity to taste and see God's goodness, learn of His great trustworthiness, and move forward into each day making the decision to trust Him with every aspect of your life, past, present, and future.

Reflect on the word "love." 

What does it mean to you? 

What makes you feel loved? 

How does the world's view of love compare to a biblical view of love? 

What comes to mind when you read the phrase "God is love"?

Pray and ask God to reveal His love for you through Jesus Christ this week.

Song to Reflect On, "Seasons" from the album Christmas: The Peace Project by Hillsong Worship

Only God’s Way Is Perfect

 HEROD: ONLY GOD'S WAY IS PERFECT

Read Matthew 2.1-18

We have all experienced something that hasn't quite gone according to plan. Maybe you've had a big game cancelled due to rain. Maybe you planned to get your homework finished but got completely distracted and missed the deadline.

Unexpected challenges constantly arise and throw off our plans, it's just part of life. But the story of King Herod we read today shows us that God's sovereign plans are never derailed even in the face of challenges.

Meet Herod

At this point in history, Herod has been the king of the Jews for about forty years, but he actually has very little power. Since the Jewish nation is part of the Roman Empire during this time, Herod himself is actually under the control of Caesar and the Roman governors. This means he would have had to answer to both the Jewish people, who he ruled over, and the Roman rulers, who ruled over him.

Herod is not a man of good character. He is full of pride and a lust for power, which makes him a terribly fearful and weak leader. He is known for his hunger for power and demonstrations of violence to provoke fear and will go so far as to kill anyone who even remotely threatens his position of leadership, even his own family members.

Naturally then, Herod is displeased when he, the king of the Jews, hears that there are men in Jerusalem asking,

"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matthew 2.2). 

In his paranoia, he calls for the chief priests and scribes, the religious leaders and teachers of the Old Testament Scriptures, and asks where the promised Messiah is to be born (Matthew 2.3-4).

We don't want to miss the significance of this, Herod fully believes that a king has been born, and He knows this King is the promised Messiah. This is why he asks the priests and scribes where He can be found. But even though he knows what the prophets prophesied about this King and the restoration He would bring for Israel (Micah 5.2), he is determined to stop Him.

Herod's pride, fear, and hunger for power keep him from surrendering to God's plan. Instead, he tries to stop it, first by ordering the wise men to report the child's location back to him (Matthew 2.7-8). When that doesn't work, he gives the terrible order that all male babies under two years old in Bethlehem must be killed (Matthew 2.16).

God's Sovereign Plans

While Herod's efforts to murder Jesus might initially seem like a threat to God's plans, we see that God is in complete control. He isn't surprised by Herod's pride or his desperate attempts to stop His plans. He sees Herod's heart and knows what he will do before he even does it, for nothing is outside of God's sovereign knowledge. God then speaks to Joseph in a dream and warns him of Herod's coming decree (Matthew 2.13). The young Jesus is saved, and God's plan to save His people will continue.

The whole story of the Bible reveals this same truth: God is in control, and His plans will never be stopped. His plan has always been to send Jesus to earth. Nothing could prevent that plan from being carried out, not even an evil and murderous king like Herod. Even when Jesus is later arrested and crucified, it is all a part of God's sovereign plan to save His people (Acts 2.23).

What Does This Mean for Me?

Herod may have had his own plan to stop Jesus from taking His place as King, but God's plans are always bigger and better. Nothing and no one could prevent Him from carrying out His good plan to bring redemption and restoration to the earth. In fact, Romans 8:28 says, 

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

Jesus came to earth for us. He died and rose again for those who place their trust in Him, and He will return to bring ultimate restoration in the future, a promise that no earthly power, now or then, can obstruct. In response to this truth, we can find joy in knowing that God's sovereign plans can't be derailed and that those sovereign plans are ultimately for our good.

Application Questions

Herod was afraid of losing his power. Are there aspects of your life that you are afraid to give up? 

What would it look like for you to trust in God's sovereignty and surrender those things to Him?

How does it comfort you to know that God's plans for your life cannot be derailed?

Pray and ask God to help you trust Him with all aspects of your life.

The Joy Of Finding Christ

 WISE MEN: THE JOY OF FINDING CHRIST

Read Matthew 2.1-12

Have you ever been really excited about something? Maybe you landed tickets to see your favorite band, or your sports team made it to the championship. The wise men we meet in our reading today are excited, too, because they know something big and important has happened: Jesus has been born! But the birth of Christ is better than any other earthly thing. Through the story of the wise men, we learn that finding Christ brings overwhelming joy, for He is more valuable than anything else this world has to offer.

Meet the Wise Men

The wise men are typically included in most every depiction of Jesus's birth. But while the nativity scenes you see on coffee tables and in people's yards will most often feature three wise men, the Bible doesn't actually tell us how many there were. In fact, the Bible tells us very little about these men at all.

When we meet them in Matthew's Gospel, we do know that they are not Jewish; they are from another country to the east of Jerusalem (Matthew 2.1). This is incredibly important as it reveals their excitement about and commitment to finding Jesus, they are willing to travel a really long way to find Him. And even more so, it reveals that the news of Jesus is for all people. God reveals the coming of His Son to the people of Israel, the shepherds and the Jewish people of Bethlehem, but He also reveals Jesus to these non-Jewish wise men.

We also know that they are likely very wealthy and influential, and some commentators have even speculated that they are kings. The Bible doesn't say that, but it does call them "magi" or "wise men," which is a title of honor and importance (Matthew 2.1). We see that they give Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh - very precious and expensive gifts (Matthew 2.11). We also know they are wealthy and important because King Herod, the king of the Jews during the time Jesus was born-hears of their arrival and invites them to come speak with him (Matthew 2.3, 7).

Finally, we know that these men are students of the stars (Matthew 2:2). This means that they are like modern-day scientists and scholars. They are intelligent, studious, and full of wisdom. Through their studies, they encounter a rising star and know whether through God's revelation to them or through their own knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures (Numbers 24.15-19), that this star signifies the birth of the Jewish Messiah. This explains their arrival in Jerusalem, as it is the royal city of the Israelites, where kings live and reign.

The Trust of the Wise Men

At this point in history, the wise men have no reason to trust God because they aren't Jewish. The Messiah was thought to be the King of Israel only. It wouldn't be until after Jesus's death, resurrection, and ascension that it would become entirely clear that He is the Savior of all humanity, when the Holy Spirit would fall on Jews and non-Jews alike (Acts 10). Indeed, the wise men themselves refer to Jesus not as their king but as the “king of the Jews" (Matthew 2.2).

But these men come to worship Him anyway. They recognize His power and majesty. He has control of the stars, which means He is incredibly special, and they know He deserves their worship. As we read this part of the story, we shouldn't be surprised because Scripture tells us that the skies and all creation declare God's glory (Psalm 19.1). When the wise men see the star, they can't help but recognize God's glory and go searching for His Son.

At the end of their long journey, the star leads these men directly to Jesus. Immediately, they're “overwhelmed with joy" (Matthew 2:10). They see Him, and they fall to their knees in excitement and worship, lavishing Him with expensive, precious gifts-gifts fit only for a king (Matthew 2.11).

What Does This Mean for Me?

Later, in the book of Matthew, Jesus tells this short story,

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field" (Matthew 13.44). 

This parable summarizes the message of the wise men's story. Knowing Jesus and putting our trust in Him is far more valuable than anything else the world has to offer, so much so that when we truly encounter Him, like the wise men, we can't help but be overwhelmed with joy.

God was faithful to the wise men, and He will be faithful to you, too. If you haven't yet experienced the excitement and joy that come from knowing Christ, He invites you now to know Him, just as He did the wise men. We encourage you to spend time reading the Gospels and getting to know your Saviour. You can ask Him to help you see more of His character and His beauty. In doing so, you, like the wise men and the man in the parable, will see God's glory revealed through Jesus. You will be compelled to worship Him and give Him your everything, including your trust, for indeed, He is truly more valuable than anything else this world has to offer.

Application Questions

What is the most surprising thing you learned about the wise men in today's reading?

What about Jesus and the gospel makes you the most excited?

Pray and ask God to reveal more about Jesus to you so that you, too, can be overwhelmed with the joy that only comes from knowing Him.

God Can Use Anyone

Shepherds God Can Use Anyone 

Read Luke 2.1–20 

People often say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Maybe you’ve experienced this in your own life. Perhaps you have an old shirt you love, but your mum thinks it should be thrown away. Or maybe your mum has home decor she loves, but you think it’s incredibly outdated. Something’s value is typically a matter of individual taste, but we know all too well that value can also be determined by earthly standards. 

The men we meet in our reading today have a job, shepherding, that their culture does not value. However, as we will learn, God chooses what is considered unimportant by the people of their day and makes it something to be treasured. In this way, the shepherds’ story reminds us that we can have joy because God cares for us and desires to use us, no matter our earthly status. 

Meet the Shepherds 

The scene is set. Jesus has been born in Bethlehem, and at the same time, right outside the city, a group of shepherds watches over their flocks. These men would not have had rooms to sleep in or beds to keep them comfortable. Like their sheep, they stayed out in the fields of grass, sleeping on the ground. Their job was to keep watch over the sheep, to keep them from running off and to protect them from predators. They had to care for the sheep outside the city gates and often only had each other (and their sheep) for company. 

Shepherds were typically poor, and they were considered social outcasts because of their nomadic lifestyles and because they were often smelly and disheveled in appearance. 

The Shepherds Were Chosen 

But God doesn’t send His angels to the elite to announce Jesus’s birth; He lets the religious leaders and the governors of the region sleep comfortably in their beds on the night His Son is born. Instead, He sends His angels to these lowly shepherds. 

They are minding their own business, likely on edge as they have to be prepared for anything that might attack their sheep. And then, suddenly, an angel appears to them, and they become terrified (Luke 2.9). The angel tells them about good news of great joy that is for all people, not just for them (Luke 2.10). 

Amazingly, God has chosen these lowly, smelly, outcast shepherds to be the first people to hear about Jesus’s birth. And the implication is clear: if God is proclaiming this news to the shepherds, of all people, the ones who are on the bottom of the social ladder, then surely, this news is for everyone, no matter their status or perceived value in society. 

After the angel’s announcement, a multitude of angels also appear, giving glory to God in a magnificent display before returning to heaven. And the shepherds are amazed. They go and see Jesus, and then they spread the news of His birth to others (Luke 2.16–17). They return to their duty, praising and glorifying God, knowing that He values them enough for them to have been witnesses to the angels’ good tidings (Luke 2.20). 

God’s choice to declare the news of Jesus’s birth to shepherds aligns with the overall message of the Christmas story. We, like the shepherds, were lowly and unworthy in our sinful state. Yet God sent His Son, Jesus, to deliver and redeem us. Jesus came to these shepherds as the true Good Shepherd, who lays His life down for His sheep (John 10.10). He took on our lowly humanity, and then He willingly died on the cross so that we might be made valuable in His sight. 

What Does This Mean for Me? 

Maybe you’ve found yourself feeling like these shepherds, up all night, on edge about the tasks in front of you. Maybe you feel alone, outside of the action, or you struggle to feel valued. The message that the angel brought to the shepherds is for you, too,

“good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2.10). 

That includes you! Just as God chose lowly shepherds to be the first people to hear and share the news of Jesus, He has chosen you to play a part in His plans, no matter how you measure up to the world’s standards. Jesus came to earth for you, and this news brings great joy! 

We encourage you to share this joy with all of those around you, just as the shepherds joyfully shared the news of the Saviour’s birth! 

Application Questions 

Are there areas in your life where you feel like an outcast or second best? 

How does this story of the shepherds encourage you?

List some people in your life who need to hear the good news and great joy of Jesus.

Pray for those people and ask God to give you the boldness of the shepherds to share Jesus with them.

Mythbusting Wisemen Edition

 WISEMEN EDITION

Christmas has been celebrated for hundreds of years. And as the story of Jesus's birth has been told again and again through story, art, songs, and more - people have had the opportunity to embellish the facts of the narrative we find in the Bible. The following are some common misconceptions about the Christmas story and the real facts behind them.

Myth Jesus was born in a stable.

Fact The Bible does say that there was no guest room for Mary and Joseph, so they had to spend the night by a manger, which was a feeding trough for animals (Luke 2.7). However, in that day, they didn't have stables detached from homes in the way we typically think about it. Animals would have more likely been kept in a lower room or cave attached to the main home. This is where Mary and Joseph would have been.

Myth There were three wise men.

Fact The Bible doesn't say how many wise men there were, just that there was a group of men from the East (Matthew 2.1-12). The Bible mentions three gifts being given, which has caused people to assume there were three men.

Myth The wise men visited Jesus when He was a baby.

Fact Most manger scenes depict the wise men standing around the manger on the night of Jesus's birth, but the Bible doesn't tell us exactly when the wise men arrived. Historically, it is more likely that they arrived later, when Jesus was a young toddler.

God’s Plans Are Perfect

 JOSEPH GOD'S PLANS ARE PERFECT

Read Matthew 1.18-24

Have you ever been surprised by God's plans for you? Maybe you've unexpectedly had to move or switch schools or jobs. Maybe you stumbled upon a hobby or sport you never imagined yourself being interested in. Maybe God has brought unlikely friendships into your life. Joseph's story teaches us that we can trust that God's plans are perfect and rejoice in them, even if they take us by surprise, for His plans are always greater than our own.

Meet Joseph

The Bible tells us very little about Joseph, but it does tell us what kind of a man he is. In Matthew, he is described as "a righteous man" (1.19), which doesn't just mean he is a good guy. In Joseph's Jewish context, righteousness isn't only about being a decent human, it specifically refers to a person's commitment to the Jewish Law and customs. Joseph, then, participates in the Jewish festivals, keeps the Sabbath and other laws, and offers sacrifices regularly. In a pre-Christ world, these are the things required to maintain a relationship with God. Joseph loves and trusts God and is determined to obey Him.

Being a devout and righteous Jewish man who follows the normal Jewish customs, Joseph is betrothed to a young Jewish girl, Mary, who also loves God. As we learned yesterday, betrothals in this day were legally binding, as legally binding as marriage itself. In fact, a formal divorce would be necessary to break off such an engagement, even before the official marriage ceremony took place.

So Joseph finds himself in quite the predicament in Matthew's Gospel. Mary is pregnant. As they've not yet consummated their marriage, he likely assumes the worst and is naturally concerned about the situation. He is a righteous man desiring to keep the Law, and marrying a girl who is already pregnant would not be considered a righteous practice.

But in his reaction to this news, we see another aspect of Joseph's character, his kindness. For all Joseph knows, Mary is pregnant with another man's child. But instead of making a scene, he resolves to secretly divorce her because he doesn't want to bring public shame upon her. This resolution will keep her from the town's judgment but will also allow him to marry someone else and go on with his life.

Imagine Joseph's surprise when he goes to sleep one night after making this resolution and an angel appears to him, sharing with him that Mary has not been unfaithful to him but is instead carrying the child of God who will save His people from their sins! The angel instructs Joseph to marry her, raise this child as his own, and name Him Jesus.

Joseph's Trust in God

With these two facts alone, that Mary is carrying the Son of God who will save people from their sins, Joseph trusts the words of God spoken through the angel and takes Mary to be his wife (Matthew 1.24).

God chooses to intervene in Joseph's life, using Joseph in His plan to redeem the world through Jesus. Joseph trusts God's plan, even when it comes as a great surprise to him, and he can rejoice in what God will accomplish through that plan. Divorcing Mary quietly would certainly be the easiest and most natural thing to do, but as a righteous man who loves God, he chooses to trust that God's way is perfect, even if it didn't make sense to others.

God uses Joseph as Jesus's earthly father, to raise Him and teach Him as He grows. Joseph would teach Him the Old Testament Scriptures, and later in the Gospels, we also see that he seems to teach Jesus his own trade of carpentry (Matthew 13.55, Mark 6.3). But all the while, Joseph knows this child does not solely belong to him but to the Father above his son is the Savior of the world.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Throughout your life, there will likely be many times when God's plan surprises you. But even then, you can rejoice that His ways are greater than your own (Isaiah 55.8-9). God is a good God, and His plans are for the good of His people. Although these surprises may be confusing in the moment, God has promised to work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him (Romans 8.28).

We can look at the life of Joseph, Jesus's earthly father, to see how this plays out. Joseph did not expect to raise the Son of God, yet he walked in trust and obedience to God's plan. He could rejoice as he watched Jesus, our Saviour up to one day give His life for the sins of many. grow.

Application Questions

In what ways have you been surprised by God's plans for your life? 

How do you see God working in those situations?

What does it look like for you to personally practice rejoicing when things do not go according to your plans?

Pray and thank God that His plans are greater than yours and that He is in control of all things.

Faith In A Trustworthy God

 MARY FAITH IN A TRUSTWORTHY GOD

Read Luke 1.26-56

Trust is a funny thing, sometimes it's easy, and sometimes it can be rather difficult. Maybe you've trusted someone with a secret, like a surprise party or some big news. Maybe you've trusted someone with a material possession letting someone borrow your phone, drive your car, or use your favorite pen in class. It can be hard to trust someone you don't know well with an important secret or treasured item, but for someone you know well someone who has proven themselves trustworthy, trust likely comes much easier.

Today, we meet Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is asked to trust God with her physical body, her social status, and her

whole life, and she willingly and joyfully gives her all in trust to Him, for she knows He is trustworthy. Mary's story teaches us that we can find joy in trusting God with everything because He alone is trustworthy.

Meet Mary

Mary is perhaps one of the most well-known figures in the Christmas story. The story opens with her as a young Jewish girl-probably close in age to you! - living in a small town. She is likely not wealthy, but she is betrothed to a young man from her town, which means that her financial security and social status are already taken care of. In Mary's day, that was all a woman needed to be considered well-off, especially in her impoverished town in Galilee.

Today, we might compare Mary to a young girl making good grades, about to graduate high school, and already accepted into a good college. She has her whole life ahead of her, and according to her culture's standards, is set up for success. But then, something incredibly strange happens. An angel appears to her in a dream and tells her she is going to become pregnant.

Two thousand years ago-like today, there was a stigma around pregnancies out of wedlock. But this stigma was far worse back then than it is today. In Mary's day, pregnancy outside of marriage made a woman a social outcast, unsuitable for marriage, and if she was betrothed, her prospects would be much worse. Betrothal was more than just an engagement. It was a formal legal agreement that was as binding as a marriage. This meant that if her pregnancy was discovered, her betrothed could accuse her of adultery, and she could be put to death (Deuteronomy 22.22-24).

With this historical context in mind, we understand the gravity of Mary's situation. We don't know for sure if Mary has the option to say no to the angel, but she doesn't even try. Naturally, she wonders how the angel's prophecy could possibly come to pass - and this much she asks (Luke 1.34). The angel responds to Mary with patience and grace, assuring her that the Holy Spirit will make what's impossible possible, for she is favored by God (Luke 1.35-37). Even though this will be hard for people to believe and could be a great risk to her, Mary chooses to joyfully trust God and accepts this message with humility. She responds, "I am the Lord's servant" (Luke 1.38).

She then hurries off to visit her much older cousin, Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. During this visit, Elizabeth encourages and affirms the Lord's favour upon Mary (Luke 1:45). But instead of succumbing to self-centered pride, Mary shows us that her pride and joy come from God alone (Luke 1:46-55).

What Mary Teaches Us about God's Trustworthiness

Through her song, we see Mary's heart for and belief in God. He is a trustworthy God who cares for His people. He shows favor upon her, a humble young girl (Luke 1.48). He is who He says He is, He is merciful (Luke 1.50). He does what He says He will do, He opposes the proud and exalts the humble (Luke 1.52, Proverbs 3.34). He satisfies the longings of His people, and He helps them (Luke 1.53-55). Mary trusts God because she knows He is worthy of trust,

He promised to send a Saviour to His people, and He has chosen to use her in His plan.

It's through the child in Mary's womb that God will ultimately show His trustworthiness. God was faithful to fulfill His promise to send a Messiah to defeat sin and death and offer salvation to all who trust in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Christ confirms what Mary knew to be true of God,

"His mercy is from generation to generation" (Luke 1.50).

What Does This Mean for Me?

Mary understands that joy, satisfaction, and success are not found in earthly circumstances but in relationship with God. Because of this understanding, she joyfully trusts Him, though what He has asked of her feels daunting. Even if His plan for her would cause Mary earthly risk, she knew His plan would bring her eternal salvation and joy.

As followers of Jesus, we all need this reminder. Trusting God and living like Jesus is sometimes risky, but it is only in trusting Him that we will find eternal joy.

Trust that brings joy

 Trust That Brings Joy 

Read Luke 2:10 

The Christmas season usually comes with a lot of talk about joy. We take Christmas card photos where everyone shows off their best smile. We watch movies with comforting plots and happy endings where two characters fall in love or the town grouch learns to love Christmas. The word that probably best describes this aspect of Christmas is “joy.” When we think of joy, we probably think of happiness and smiles and laughter. 

But while that’s how we express joy, joy itself isn’t an emotion; it is a disposition — a state of the heart. 

You’ve likely heard the song “Joy to the World.” This classic and familiar Christmas hymn reminds us that Jesus’s birth brings joy to all who live on earth. The joy the Bible talks about is stronger and deeper than a temporary positive feeling: it’s a constant state of being, no matter what situation you might face. It’s a cheerful disposition of the heart, even when your circumstances themselves aren’t cheerful. It could also be described as contentment motivated by belief and confidence in God’s control of all things. 

This joy ultimately comes from the good news of God’s plan of redemption: that Jesus has come to save us. In fact, in Luke 2:10, an angel declares that this news is great joy and that it will be for all people! 

This week, we’ll continue our journey through the events of Jesus’s birth, as told by Luke and Matthew. We’ll meet Jesus’s earthly parents and some other people they interacted with at the time of His birth. Mary, Jesus’s mother, will teach us about the joy we can have through knowing and trusting God, even in difficult and scary situations. Joseph, Mary’s fiancé and Jesus’s earthly father, will teach us what it looks like to find joy in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with our own. We’ll also meet shepherds entrusted by God to deliver His joyful news, wise men who journey a long way to experience God’s joy for themselves, and a king who refuses to accept the joy God has offered him. 

Through each of these figures, we’ll learn more about God’s heart and the significance of Jesus coming as a baby over two thousand years ago. The reality of Jesus’s birth is the best news, and when we trust God and accept this news, we’re granted great joy that surpasses all other emotions we may face. 

Reflect on the word “joy.” What does it mean to you?

What are some things that give you joy? 

What songs or movies make you think about joy? 

What comes to mind when you read the phrase “rejoice in the Lord”?

Pray and ask God to reveal how He offers you joy through Jesus Christ this week.

Song to Reflect On “Joy Joy” from the album A Child Is Born by Sojourn

Someone Greater

 JOHN THE BAPTIST, SOMEONE GREATER

Read: Luke 1.57-80

In spite of what we might like to believe, we don't always get to be the centre of attention. There are plenty of times when we have to take a step back and playa supporting role instead of the main role. We experience this often, sometimes in obvious ways, like being audience members at theatrical performances or fans at sporting events. But this also happens in more subtle ways. If you've ever been in a play, you know that it's not always your turn to speak or be on stage. In the same way, if you play sports, you know that you're not always the one to score the goal. We don't always get the spotlight.

 The character we meet today teaches us a great deal about how to play a supporting role. God chose John the Baptist to play a part in His great story of redemption, but John knew that his role was to point to Someone greater than himself.

Meet John

Luke's Gospel, like all the Gospels, is about Jesus Christ. But instead of beginning the story with Jesus's birth, Luke first tells us of the birth of another baby boy: Jesus's cousin, whose name is John.

Everything about John prepares us for and points us to Jesus. As we've already read this week, the angel Gabriel foretells John's birth to his father, Zechariah. The same angel, as wwe'll see next week, tells Jesus's parents of His coming birth. Additionally, Scripture tells us that John's parents are righteous and faithful to God, as are Jesus's parents. John's birth is miraculous, as his mother is old and seemingly unable to have children. But as we will see, Jesus's birth is even more miraculous, for His mother is a virgin. What's more, the Old Testament told of John's birth in Isaiah 40.3 and Malachi 3.1, just as it frequently foretold of Jesus's birth. And finally, when John grows up, his ministry prepares the way for Jesus's ministry to begin, for John was chosen and sent by God specifically to prepare the way for Jesus's coming.

John's father rejoices after his birth, singing that his son has been called to bring God's people “knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1.77). But John is not the source of salvation, he only tells of the source. As the story progresses, Luke moves past the birth of John to the true focal point of the story: the birth of Jesus, which is what Advent and Christmas are all about.

 John himself, as an adult, says of Jesus,

"He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to untie" (John 1.27). 

When the time comes for Jesus to take the stage and spotlight, John willingly and excitedly steps aside. His purpose is given to him before he is even born. He is to point us all to Jesus Christ, and he does so with joy and humility.

What Does This Mean for Me?

We can learn a lot from John about what it looks like to trust God. Just like John, we each have to face the fact that we're not the center of God's story, Jesus is. But just like John, we've each been given a significant role to play. God, in His kindness and love, has seen us all and invited us into His story.

Following John's example, we also can prepare the hearts of those around us to receive the message of Jesus, who has come to earth to offer salvation and forgiveness of sins. Trusting God means seeing His plan of redemption and believing that it's truly greater than the plans we have for ourselves. It means recognizing that we can boast in nothing except the Lord (1 Corinthians 1.31, 2 Corinthians 12.9-10).

Like John, we're also invited to joyfully and humbly point others to Jesus. For some of you, this might be a relief. You might not enjoy being the center of attention and would rather sit on the sidelines. However, there's a challenge here for you, too, Jesus is the center of the story, but you are still given a part to play. Pray for the boldness to step into the role God has given you.

For others, you might enjoy the spotlight and find the idea of playing a supporting role disappointing. For you, the challenge is to acknowledge Christ for who He is, the true star of the show. But there's also encouragement. The world is broken and hurting, but you're not responsible for its healing and restoration. Rather, Jesus is.

Trusting God means recognizing that He is God and you aren't. Trusting God also gives you the opportunity to joyfully play the unique role He has called you to as part of His plan. You get to play a part in the restoration of the world through pointing those around you to Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

Application Questions

Do you enjoy being the center of attention, or would you rather be on the sidelines? 

How does the call to partnerwith Jesus in a supporting role challenge or encourage you?

In what practical ways can you point those around you to Jesus?

Pray and thank God that you are not the main character in His story and ask Him to reveal to you what specific part He has for you to play today.

Peace In The Waiting

 ELIZABETH PEACE IN THE WAITING

Read Luke 1.24-25, 39-45, 57–61

Have you ever had to wait for something you really wanted? Maybe you're waiting for something now - whether it's a new phone or your high school graduation. Waiting is hard. Waiting with a good attitude, though, is even harder. Not many people can do that, but the woman we meet in our reading today shows us what this looks like.

Through her story, Elizabeth teaches us that we can trust and obey God, even in the midst of our longing and waiting, because He sees us, cares for us, and offers us the answer to our deepest longings through Jesus Christ.

Meet Elizabeth

When we were introduced to Elizabeth in yesterday's reading, we learned that she is a very old woman and that she like everyone around her, believes she can't have children. Like we read in Abraham's story, children were a sign of God's favour, and they gave one's life meaning. Not having children, then, would have made Elizabeth feel like an outcast. In fact, she likely spent her days wondering what was wrong with her and why she was unable to have children.

Because people in Elizabeth's day lived in very close quarters with each other, she would have had to watch all her friends and family members announce pregnancies, give birth, and raise children, all the while feeling disgrace amoung the people for never having her own longing for children met (Luke 1.25). But we read yesterday that even in the midst of her hurt and longing, Elizabeth remained righteous and was considered faithful in the eyes of God (Luke 1.6-7). She wasn't invisible to Him. God didn't see her as shameful but as righteous and worthy to be part of His plan.

One day, Elizabeth's husband comes home from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the holy place in the temple, and he can't speak. Elizabeth was likely quite confused and frustrated. We aren't told what happens next, whether or not Zechariah finds a way to tell his wife what happened to him in the temple and why he can't speak. But we do know that sometime after this event, Elizabeth realizes she is miraculously pregnant and hides herself away for five months.

While it would have been natural for Elizabeth to feel fear or worry during this time, Luke highlights quite the opposite. Instead, he shows us how she was full of joy and gratitude, saying to herself, 

"The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favour in these days to take away my disgrace among the people" (Luke 1.25). 

She doesn't respond with, "It's about time!" Instead, she immediately acknowledges that God is good and has granted her this blessing. 

God continues to bless Elizabeth and show His favor upon her. Her young cousin Mary, who is pregnant with Jesus, soon comes to visit her, and when Elizabeth hears Mary's voice, she is filled with the Holy Spirit. She realizes who Mary's baby is, recognizing that she is in the presence of her Lord. In response, she offers a humble blessing over Mary,

"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!" (Luke 1.45).

Elizabeth then plays a part in one final act in this story when, at last, her son is born. Once again she faces the challenges and pressures of the society around her. Her husband can't speak, and all her relatives surround her, telling her how things ought to be. The tradition in her day was that firstborn sons should be named after their fathers, but Elizabeth does not budge. She knows what God has said and is determined to be faithful and obey His command. "He will be called John," she says (Luke 1.60).

Elizabeth's Trust in God

It's easy to think that this kind of pure trust in God can only be demonstrated by great people in rare and important circumstances. But the important thing about Elizabeth's story isn't that she is miraculously given a child when she is a very old woman. Elizabeth's story begins long before that, in her waiting and longing. She chooses to pursue righteousness and trust God even before she receives His blessing. Her response to the good things in her life is an outpouring of her response to the hard things.

What Does This Mean for Me?

From Elizabeth, we can learn that God sees us in all stages of our lives, whether we're experiencing disappointment, shame, and difficulty or whether we're experiencing joy and blessing. We can trust and obey God in all seasons, knowing that He is faithful. He sees us, He sees our longings and our hurts, and He knows what is best for us.

Maybe God will provide those specific things we long for in our future as He did for Elizabeth, but maybe, in His perfect wisdom, He won't. Yet we can still rejoice, like Elizabeth, at the coming of our Lord Jesus. For He is the true fulfilment of all our longings. In Him, we find acceptance, freedom from shame, and a call to live a meaningful life. When we embrace the gift of Jesus Christ and choose to trust Him, we can have peace in the face of all circumstances.

Application Questions

What are you currently waiting and longing for? 

How can you be faithful and obedient to God in this season?

In what ways is Jesus the answer to your specific desires and longings?

Pray and ask God to give you His peace in your current season of life.