The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - A Reflection
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Now that Christmas is over and it’s time to pack the decorations away, it’s easy to think the magic of the season is gone. But the spirit of Advent: HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE, doesn’t end when the tree comes down. These gifts are meant to stay with us, guiding us throughout the year. Advent isn’t just about waiting for Christmas, it’s about living out these gifts every day, it’s about embracing the transformation Jesus brought to the world. Even though the season has passed, we can carry the four Advent themes with us as we move into the months ahead.
Hope: The Light That Still Shines The Advent season begins with HOPE, the promise of a Savior. Though the Christmas lights are gone, Jesus’ light still shines in our hearts. No matter what challenges we face, we can trust that God is with us and His promises remain true. Peace: A Lasting Gift Advent brings PEACE, not just peace between humanity and God, but peace with each other. The peace Jesus offers isn’t based on circumstances; it’s a deep, lasting peace that comes from knowing God is in control. Let’s make room for peace in our hearts and spread it in our relationships throughout the year.
Joy: A Joy That Endures The JOY of Advent is not just holiday excitement, but a deep, lasting joy in knowing we are loved by God. This joy doesn’t fade with the season, it’s always there, no matter what life throws our way. Let’s carry that JOY into the new year and share it with others.
Love: A Gift to Share All Year Finally, Advent reminds us of the LOVE God showed us through Jesus. This love isn’t seasonal, it’s sacrificial, unconditional, and forever. We are called to reflect this love in our lives, sharing it with those around us.
As we move into the new year, let’s hold onto HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. Let’s share them with everyone we meet. May the spirit of Advent stay with you all year long! Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE through Jesus. Help me to carry these gifts into the new year and share them with others. ~ Amen. LASTLY, Thank YOU! To everyone who read through “The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional” with me. My HOPE for you is much PEACE, JOY, and LOVE in the New Year! ~ Chris
The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - Day 25
Luke 2:10-11 ~ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Christmas is here! The season of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. A time to celebrate THE ARRIVAL and the incredible gift of Jesus Christ, who was born to bring light into our world. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, the gifts, and the traditions, but at its core, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior, who came to bring us all those things we long for most: HOPE in the midst of uncertainty, PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the struggle, and LOVE that never ends. When Jesus was born, He didn’t just change the world for that one night. His birth marked the beginning of something eternal. He came to show us that no matter what’s going on around us, we can experience true PEACE and lasting JOY because of His LOVE. Jesus didn’t come just for a select few, He came for all of us. His message was clear: Goodwill toward men. He brought PEACE between God and humanity, and His life is the perfect example of the LOVE we’re called to share with one another. So, as we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that the story doesn’t end when the decorations come down. The birth of Jesus is a daily reason for us to live with HOPE. Even when things get hard, we know that His LOVE is unshakable. It’s a reason to live with PEACE knowing that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. God is with us, every step of the way. Christmas is also a reason to live with JOY because the good news of Jesus’ birth is a reason to celebrate every single day. And finally, it’s a reason to live with LOVE, as we reflect His LOVE to those around us, not just in December, but all year long. The true spirit of Christmas is about more than just one day, it’s about living out these gifts of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE every day. As we focus on Jesus' birth, let’s also think about how we can keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout the year. How can we continue to show goodwill toward men in our everyday lives? How can we bring HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE to those who need it most, especially when the holiday season feels like a distant memory? This Christmas, let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus not just with our words, but through our actions. Let’s keep the spirit of Christmas alive in the way we treat others—showing kindness, offering forgiveness, and sharing the love of Christ wherever we go. May the peace and joy of Christmas stay with you all year long! Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Jesus, who brought HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE to the world. Help me to carry the spirit of Christmas with me every day, reflecting Your love to everyone I meet. May I always be a source of goodness and light, just as You’ve called me to be. ~ Amen.
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