

The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - Day 20
Psalm 71:23 ~ I will shout for joy, singing songs of praise to you for saving me. Christmas is a season full of songs: carols, hymns, and tunes that celebrate the birth of Jesus. But beyond the music and festivities, Christmas is about a story of salvation. Jesus came to save us, and that’s worth shouting about! In Psalm 71, the psalmist bursts out in JOY because of the saving work of God in their life. This is exactly what we’re celebrating at Christmas: the incredible gift of salvation, wrapped in a humble manger. Jesus, the Savior of the world, entered our story, bringing hope and rescue from sin and death. This Christmas, we have reason to shout for JOY, too. Jesus didn’t just come to bring us a feel-good holiday; He came to bring us life, abundant life, full of grace and peace. He saved us, and that’s something worth praising! Take a moment today to reflect on the JOY of your salvation. Sing a carol, shout a prayer of thanks, or simply pause to praise Him for what He’s done. Turn up the tunes and let this season fill your heart with JOY, knowing that the Savior has come. During the Christmas hustle, remember the real reason to celebrate—Jesus, who brings us JOY and salvation that lasts forever. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus. In the chaos of the season, help me slow down and remember why we celebrate. Fill my heart with JOY and gratitude for the life You’ve given me. Thank You for bringing hope, peace, and grace. This Christmas, help me shout with JOY for all You’ve done ~ Amen.
The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - Day 19
Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." When life starts to feel overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in anxiety. The weight of everything, work, family, to-do lists, can feel like too much to carry. But here’s the truth: Jesus is right there with us, offering something different. He isn’t distant or hard to reach; He’s a friend who is always near, ready to take on our burdens and replace our anxiety with JOY. His JOY doesn’t mean everything in our lives will be perfect. It doesn’t mean our circumstances magically change. But it does mean He takes our anxiety and offers us something better—His presence. In the middle of stress, when you pause to pray, read the Bible, or even just sit quietly, Jesus steps in and fills our hearts with peace and JOY. It’s a JOY that doesn’t depend on our situation, but on His love and care for us. This Christmas, when the stress of the season tries to steal your peace, remember that you don’t have to carry it alone. Jesus is offering you His JOY no matter what’s on your plate. So take a moment to breathe, let His presence calm your heart, and let His JOY replace your anxiety. His JOY isn’t just a feeling, it’s the strength that carries us through the chaos. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being my constant source of peace and JOY. When anxiety tries to take over, help me remember that You are with me, ready to replace my worry with Your love. Fill my heart with Your JOY today, no matter what comes my way. ~Amen.
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