WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 – 1 DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Don’t Miss It.

Every day in this 25-day countdown, simple and sincere reflections have been waiting for us each morning. None of these words could ever fully capture the glory due to God for His great love for us, but today, I implore you:

Don’t miss it.
Don’t miss Christmas.

Something will likely happen today that is irritating, unexpected, or even painful. Something will try to pull your attention—and your heart—away from the gift God has given us: Himself.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

And yet, for a little while longer, darkness still lingers in our world. Disasters strike. Innocents are wronged. Injustice persists. And on the most wonderful day of the year, evil will even try to creep into your hope and joy—stealing a bit of truth from your heart and mind.

Don’t miss Christmas.

Choose today to let your light shine. Choose to be a place where goodness and love can enter—and flow outward. Choose patience with cranky in-laws. Choose grace when a terrible driver takes the parking spot you’ve been waiting for at Kroger.

Don’t let anything steal your joy.

Christ came into a hurting world,, to show us that God has more in store. Through Christ, lives are changed, and hope is restored. But we must choose—not only to receive this gift—but to cling to it.

Until Christ returns, we are the light:
the light that comforts the broken,
the light that helps the poor,
the light that welcomes the hurting, the innocent, and the rejected.

Don’t miss Christmas.

Joy, hope, peace, and love were never meant to be kept secret—they are for the world. Invite someone to Christmas Eve worship. Share your table with a lonely neighbor or coworker. Be Christ this Christmas.

The greatest gift we can give is ourselves. Christ came because God wanted to be with us. This year, we are invited to be with God as we become His light to the world.

The Light is coming.
Don’t miss it.

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” - John 1:9

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23 – 2 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
“Turn back the years… live the simple life once again, live the days of remember-when…”

As mentioned in earlier devotions, I love old animation. I love Christmas movies. I love the nostalgia of holiday traditions. In Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, Father Time—voiced by Red Skelton—sings an invitation for us to remember the good of holidays and years past.

And right now, we are beginning to slow down.

The parties are over as we finish our wrapping. Meetings are concluded.  . We aren’t quite ready to settle in for a long winter’s nap, but the pace is changing. Are we ready to exhale or are we still holding our breath?  

I breathe a soft sigh when I think of my fond Christmas memories. Do you?   One of God’s beautiful gifts to humanity is the capacity to remember. Our minds hold sights, sounds, tastes, and moments that shaped us. I can remember the flavor of my mother’s recipes, the smell of my grandmother’s house, the words of a familiar carol, and the look on my parents’ faces when a certain gift was opened.

Memories can make us misty-eyed.
Memories can awaken longing.
Memories remind us that we have lived, loved, and learned along the way.

Memories aren’t meant to trap us in the past. They are meant to teach us how to love in the present.

What will you carry forward from your memories into Christmas this year? What feeling—comfort, joy, patience, wonder—can you pass along to someone else?

Turn back the years for a moment today. Remember the simplicity. Revisit the joy. Then take what mattered most and give it away—to a child, a friend, a neighbor, or someone who needs the warmth of a shared memory.

The Past blesses the Present.  Remembering becomes a gift.  Love continues.

Remember: The Light is Coming!

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” — Psalm 77:11

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 – 3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Have you stopped to look at the lights yet? All shapes and sizes, all varieties of color. Occasionally, one flickers low as if about to give out, but then, somehow restored, it lights up again and shines 24/7.

You know the ones I mean… right?

GOTCHA!  You thought I was talking about electric twinkle lights.

The brightest lights of the season are not on the tree; they are people. The spirit of the season is not powered by General Electric, but by the real people who “bring good things to life.”

Have you stopped to really look at these lights?

Salvation Army bell ringers who smile and keep ringing their bells despite rejection.  Store clerks who still offer cheer while customers complain. Waitstaff who greet guests with joy—even after being stiffed on a bill. Firefighters, electricians, police officers, and ER staff called to a special ministry of service, sacrificing their own Christmas to serve others. Church secretaries who say, “Yes, I can,” long after deadlines have passed or plans have changed. Volunteers repairing leaky bathrooms or cleaning up messes so the sanctuary is ready to welcome worshipers on Christmas Eve.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  It’s also the most stressful time of the year.

In the midst of all the excitement and joy, take time today to notice the Light shining through God’s best creation: people. Buy them a Starbucks or a Sonic, leave an extra tip or a small gift card, and—most of all—take a moment to offer a sincere, “I appreciate you.”

God gave the greatest gift to the world by coming among us, showing us what it means to live with grace, love, faithfulness, and sacrifice—even in the face of rejection. With three days until Christmas, let’s give God our best by expressing gratitude to those who live and love the way Christ loves us.

The Light is coming.  Give thanks for the sparks that are already shining.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” -  Matthew 5:14–16

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 – 4 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Love Remains

Four days until Christmas—and one final theme in our preparation: Love.

Most of us are prepared, at least in our minds. Sure, there are still grocery items to grab and last-minute wrapping or purchases to finish. But inwardly, we know what we want Christmas to be. We know what we are hoping for. Four days away, it makes sense that we turn our hearts toward love.

Love is born of hope: hope for a relationship, for a child, for a partner, for a family. Love begins in longing for what we do not yet fully have. Before anything is fulfilled, love dares to hope.

When hope is fulfilled, joy arrives. With joy comes peace. Our joy and peace are held together by love, giving meaning to everything else.

Christmas is near. Many are hoping for joy around the table, laughter in familiar places, and moments that feel whole. Others know joy may be delayed—by distance, strained relationships, or loss.  

This is where Advent leads us: God is love. Not simply loving us or being generous, but that God is love itself. Because God is love, and God is eternal, love does not disappear when hope or joy feels incomplete. Love remains because God is always with us.

Wherever you find yourself, trust the love of God. God does not change in His love for you or in His promises. Rest in knowing that God holds you.

God’s love took on flesh in the manger, not just to show us love, but to be love among us, to hold us, and to bring love to all of the world.

God is love. God with us—Immanuel—remains. Love is here, always and forever.

“God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son.” - 1 John 4:9–10

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 - 5 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

I left my phone at home last night. I knew it within blocks. And for a moment, I felt the tug—Should I turn around? 

I didn’t have time. I had people to meet, places to go, and a dinner reservation waiting.  And sure enough, I found a blessing!

Unplugged.

No family tracking on Life360. No one knowing exactly when I’d arrive or pick them up. No “let me Google that” at the table. No buzz of a text message pulling my attention away.

Holy moments.

By choice or by chance, unplugging—even briefly—is like adjusting to the light in a dark room. Our habits of technology often feel automatic, not chosen. And just as our eyes need time to adjust in the dark, our souls need time to settle when we unplug. After a few minutes, something shifts.

Conversations change.  Time feels different.  There is surrender—and clarity.

Sometimes we forget that God is with us. It’s never that God isn’t there; it’s that other things shine so brightly that we become distracted from the True Light of the world. It’s not that God isn’t shining—it’s that everything else is turned up too bright for us to notice.

God didn’t send a message. God didn’t post an update. 

God showed up.

“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14)

Christ—the Light of the world—doesn’t shout to get our attention. He comes near and stays. But sometimes we have to unclog our ears to hear what He is saying.

On this last Saturday before Christmas, what might you need to leave at home—or intentionally unplug from? An hour? A meal? An evening?  Not as an act of discipline, but as an invitation to be available.

The Light didn’t come demanding attention. Christ comes gently, like candlelight. He didn’t arrive with noise and fanfare, notifications or reels—He came quietly, as a child. 

Where might you unplug today and experience more of God’s fullness, as He gently calls, faithfully listens, and whispers to you along the way?

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 – 6 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

It’s finally here: Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! Who knew ugly sweaters would earn an official place in the Advent countdown?

Thanks to office parties, school spirit days, Clark Griswold, and Buddy the Elf, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day has its own official place in our culture on the third Friday of December. And honestly, it makes sense. As Christmas gets closer, even the stuffiest workplace needs something lighthearted to lift the mood and push us toward joy.

Holiday gatherings can be tricky. Potlucks make me quietly wonder about handwashing and refrigeration. Gift swap games are fun… unless someone really hates reindeer games. Work parties can feel awkward or exhausting. But sweaters? Sweaters are simple. Outrageous, tacky, bold, or barely festive at all—everyone can participate at their own comfort level.

And maybe that’s the gift.

Ugly sweaters remind us that joy doesn’t have to be perfect to be real. It doesn’t require polished plans or flawless execution. Sometimes joy is simply choosing to show up—bright, mismatched, and a little ridiculous—in the middle of an ordinary, stressful day.

That’s part of the Christmas story, too. God didn’t wait for the world to be ready or beautiful. He entered it as it was. Emmanuel—God with us—right in the mess.

So today, where might you find a bit of joy in the traffic, the grocery lines, the calendar overload, or the year-end deadlines? Do you “need a little Christmas”?

Joy doesn’t need a dress code. Sometimes joy surprises us—or even looks a little silly. Put on that sweater today, even if it’s just a good, solid red. We all need a little Christmas, and God delights in meeting us right where we are.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” — Proverbs 17:22

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 – 7 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
“Lucky 7”

Seven days to go! This time next week, we’ll be sneaking glances to see if the Christmas cookies are gone, peeking into stockings, and watching the clock to see how much longer until family arrives.

We often hear the phrase “Lucky 7.” Across cultures, seven has long been associated with good fortune, completeness, and things going just the way they’re supposed to. But the Bible gives seven a much deeper meaning than luck.

In Scripture, seven is the number of completeness and wholeness — God’s perfect work. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. The seventh day was set apart as holy. Seven times around the walls of Jericho, and they fell. Seven lamps burned in the tabernacle. Jesus spoke of forgiving not seven times, but seventy-seven times — a picture of grace without limit. Again and again, seven marks moments when God brings His work to fulfillment.

God can do a lot in seven days.

Between now and Christmas morning, there are still lists to finish and plans to finalize. But there is also goodness waiting to be noticed — laughter around the table, quiet moments of peace, familiar songs, old stories, and the steady reminder that God is still at work.

What if, instead of racing through these final days, we received them as a gift? Seven days — not of luck, but of God’s faithful presence — leading us straight to the manger.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”- Ecclesiastes 3:11

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 – 8 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Set the Table!

Eight days until Christmas — and it’s going fast. Have you set the table? Planned the menu? Finished the wrapping? Are you even done shopping?

This year, my preparations at home were in reverse. No sooner had I put away Thanksgiving food than I put out the Christmas dishes and set the table for the season. Sure, they’ll need a quick rinse on Christmas Day, but the table is festive.

Decorations? Everything came down Thanksgiving night, though it took another week before it was all unpacked.

Gifts? Done. Having three adult children means online gift lists — not as much surprise, but no disappointment either.

Tree? Check. Though now that the pre-lit trees are up, wouldn’t you know it — lights are already going out just a week before the big day.

Bulletins are ready. Three sermons in 8 days, but they are coming together!  One more church event, one more Advent Bible study… but then there’s the table. Every time I walk past empty seats, I wonder who will be there alongside my family.

Did you catch which table I’m talking about?

Not the one at home. I’m wondering who will join us at God’s Table this Christmas.

We spend so much time preparing our homes, but sometimes forget to prepare our guest list for church. Family dynamics change. Kids grow up and travel. Seasons shift. Some people are simply looking for something meaningful to fill the long hours of Christmas Eve.

Church as an activity? Maybe. But I don’t think God minds at all. I think God delights in anything that draws us closer.

Who have you set a place for at God’s Table this year?

Decide — and then follow through. Preferably in the next 48 hours. (They have to plan too!)

The Light is coming: Share the Light this Christmas!

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” - Romans 15:7

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 – 9 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
National Reconciliation Day

Don’t worry — you haven’t missed a major federal holiday here in the United States. But if you happen to be in South Africa today, you know this date carries deep meaning.

December 16 is the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa. Established in 1994, it was created to help heal the deep wounds left by apartheid, as well as centuries of violence and division that came before it. What was once a day marked by conflict has become a day set aside for reflection, healing, and the rebuilding of trust.

To reconcile simply means to restore relationship.

Every person needs connection, no matter how private or introverted they may be. And no community truly thrives on division — whether at home, at work, or within the wider world. Healing rarely happens by accident; more often, it begins when people choose understanding, humility, and peace.

This is where Christmas speaks so gently and clearly into our lives. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, entered a divided world. His birth is God’s reminder that broken relationships — between people and with God — are not beyond hope or repair.

As we move closer to Christmas, today offers a simple, but meaningful invitation:  Where might reconciliation begin with you?

It could be a word spoken. A grudge released. A message sent. Or a relationship simply held in prayer, even if restoration feels far away. Peace often begins quietly — with a willing heart.

This Christmas, may we receive the peace Christ brings and allow it to move through us into the world.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:18

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 – 10 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Among the many choices on TV this season, one channel running nonstop Christmas movies has put “The Santa Clause” series in sequence for multiple nights. It’s one of my favorites and such a fun trilogy. The first begins when an average guy unexpectedly becomes the next Santa when the current Santa Claus… well, I won’t spoil it in case you haven’t seen it.

What would it be like to be Santa Claus? What if you had the ability to deliver a gift to everyone — whether you had a personal relationship with them or not? What would you give to the person you love most? What would you give to your (gulp) enemy?

In some ways, we all play a similar role. Not just at Christmas, but all year long, we notice the naughty and the nice — in ourselves and in others. Our actions and reactions, our generosity, and especially our words can shape someone’s day, week, or even their life… often far more than we realize this side of heaven.

God gives us so many “gifts” at Christmas. Some are imaginative and magical, reminding us of the joy of giving and receiving. And yes, much of the “Christ” in Christmas can feel sidelined in our culture. Still, is there any other time of year when nearly the entire world slows down for a single day? Even those who never step into a church understand this much: the magic culminates on a day that matters deeply to God.

You may not be Santa Claus, but you can share the “magic” that isn’t magic at all — you can share Christ this Christmas. Through your actions and reactions. Through your words. Through patience with an angry shopper or driver. Through an invitation to church, or an open seat at your table.

Joy to the world can come through you this Christmas season.  All it takes is remembering that God’s greatest gift was never meant to be kept — but shared.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”  - 1 John 4:9

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 - 11 Days Until Christmas

Are you having a Merry Christmas?

It’s a cheerful question — and a sneaky one!  “Merry” assumes calm schedules, happy hearts, and everything falling neatly into place. For most of us, December doesn’t work like that.

Christmas movies get it. Every one of them promises joy, but only after the chaos. Clark Griswold finally gets the lights to turn on. Kevin’s family makes it home. George Bailey realizes his life mattered. Cue the music. Roll the credits. Joy achieved.

Advent tells a different story.

Advent joy doesn’t wait until everything is fixed. It shows up before the ending, before the answers, and sometimes before we feel ready. Advent invites us to notice that God is already at work, even when life feels messy or unfinished.

That’s why the Church slows down a tad at Christmas. We light candles. We wait. We sing songs of hope before the miracle arrives. Not because everything is merry… but because the Light has begun to dawn.

You don’t have to feel happy to live in Advent joy. Joy isn’t something we force. It’s something we receive!  

Christmas joy isn’t just the finale. It’s the promise that carries us through the waiting.

The Light is Coming… And joy comes with it!  Will you receive it?

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 – 12 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

December Saturdays. Getting closer, but still plenty of time.
What are you looking forward to today?

Hope. Peace. Joy.

As Christmas approaches, joy begins to rise — not only in our faith, but across culture itself. Anticipation builds. Lights glow a little brighter. Expectations quietly grow.

But Advent invites us to do more than feel the season — it calls us to center ourselves in it.

What will you center on today? Your schedule, or God’s presence? Your to-do list, or the people in front of you? Your anticipation, or the Giver behind it?

Whether today is full or unplanned, quiet or busy, pause long enough to notice where God is already at work. Let one moment — a conversation, a breath, a small kindness, a quiet prayer — become a place where joy is rooted rather than rushed.  In the midst of whatever the day brings, choose to find one moment to slow down and intentionally thank God for His presence in it.

Joy doesn’t have to be loud to be real.  And God doesn’t need perfect conditions to draw near — only our attention.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  Find the Joy around you… and give thanks to the one who provides it and the reason — The Christ Child — for the Joy we receive.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 — 13 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

It’s official — we are halfway to Christmas!

Halfway is a mixed bag. Is the glass half full or half empty? Half-baked ideas don’t do the job, and half-cooked chicken can make you sick! Halfway can feel unsatisfying and exhausting, especially when the Christmas list is still long and our energy is running low.

Halfway is hard any time of year, and December is no different. The early excitement fades as the pace catches up with us, and fatigue begins to set in — physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Something has to kick in when we start to tire, cut corners, or go numb… yet we’re farther than when we began.

God meets us in the midst of our journeys, no matter how fast or slow we arrive. Whether we’re still running on adrenaline, fueled by motivation, or completely running on fumes, God walks beside us — ready to strengthen us, steady us, and carry us when needed.

Maybe the halfway point isn’t about doing it all or racing to the end. Perhaps it’s meant to remind us that one more step brings us closer. Forward — however small the step — is still forward. Today is enough. We are enough. God will provide all that we need.

We may feel the weight of the world as we manage the middle, but we are not stuck. We are closer, and the best is on the way.  

The Light is coming!

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“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  - Galatians 6:9

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 — 14 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Doesn’t everyone enjoy the magic of Christmas lights? It would seem that even people who don’t celebrate Christmas can appreciate the glow of lights cutting through a dark winter night.

In 7th grade, my family moved across town, which meant we drove Arkansas Highway 10 every day in December. And every day, we checked on the Christmas house—one man’s growing masterpiece that eventually stretched past two additional dwellings, purchased just to expand his display. By the time I was in high school, it had grown to over 3.5 million lights. There were carousels, steam engines driven by Mickey Mouse, and an 80-foot tree. Tens of thousands visited each year, parking along the four-lane road to stroll through the yard.

To give you scale: Silver Dollar City uses about 6 million lights each Christmas. Our neighbor had over half that—on one property.  It was so massive that it could be seen for miles in the air.  The glow was so bright it needed its own transformers so the neighbors wouldn’t lose power.  For us teenagers, it became part of our Christmas rhythm—family nights, first dates, girls’ nights… tradition woven into the season. 

Eventually, the traffic and disruptions were too overwhelming.  After a two-year legal battle, the Arkansas Supreme Court shut it down in 1995. Then Disney World signed a deal to bring it to Florida for ten years.  I was thrilled to take my own children to see it: millions of lights packed into a small space, along with a globe that read, “Peace on Earth.”

Do Christmas lights bring world peace? No. Sometimes they even bring conflict. But peace often begins with small choices—how we respond and if we offer grace. Parenting three adult children, I’m learning that much tension can fade with a good meal, a full night’s sleep, a little breathing grace, and a commitment to trust a good heart over imperfect words.

The Prince of Peace came to restore and heal. Maybe choosing grace is how we help light the world… Isn’t that what Jesus was bringing all along?  

The Light is Coming! Where will you bring peace today?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” — Matthew 5:14–15

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 — 15 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

There’s something about this time of year that fills every corner of life with more—more decorations, more lists, more places to be, more emotions than we planned for. Even the sweetest parts of Christmas can feel a little overwhelming.

Every December, we start with the best intentions: We will be ready… maybe even ahead. We will stay on budget.  We will keep it simple and be present.  We will enjoy our time with everyone we love. But before we know it, the overwhelm sets in. The list grows longer, the margin shrinks, and we find ourselves asking, Where do I begin? How am I supposed to do it all?

It’s Christmas… but really, it’s life. Plans change. Disappointments slip in. Things don’t unfold the way we expected. And suddenly we’re standing in the middle of our own story, wondering whether to freeze, search, push harder, or just start over. Where do we begin?

Advent steps into the darker days of the season and whispers a steady reminder of the Light God brings into empty places. Before the angel songs, before the shepherds and Wise Men, even before Mary and Joseph, there were simply people waiting and watching. And in that waiting—long before anyone saw proof—God was already working. In the space that felt silent, God was.

What seems like a jumble to us is often the beginning of something new with God. When you don’t know what’s next, small steps of faith are still faithful steps:

• Begin with what you still know is true.

• Begin by turning your heart toward God, even if your mind isn’t there yet. 

• Begin with the next right step, even if you don’t have the whole plan. 

• Begin with obedience, not certainty.

The miracle of Christmas is not that the world suddenly became less broken—but that Jesus stepped into the brokenness with us. Emmanuel—God With Us—is already in the midst.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… His mercies are new every morning...”  - Lamentations 3:22–23

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Tuesday, December 9 - 16 Days Until Christmas

Tonight is the ABC Bethlehem Special with Kevin Costner. Yesterday was both a Holy Feast Day for many Christians and National Put Up Your Christmas Tree Day for those needing an extra nudge into the season. Christmas is coming fast, and before we know it, everything will go back in the attic as quickly as it came out. Yesterday we asked: What one thing could you do to make this Christmas more?

What if today you could make Christmas happen for someone else?

I love the old TV stop-motion/clay-mation specials—Frosty, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, and especially the Rudolph stories. Rudolph is my favorite because he’s the underdog. He feels unwanted and unseen, convinced his bright red nose is more of a burden than a blessing. But everything changes when Clarice notices him with kindness instead of criticism. Hermey the Elf becomes a friend who helps him accept himself. And finally, Santa sees what was true all along: Rudolph is exactly the one needed to make a difference.

That little spiral of encouragement gives Rudolph courage, and in the end, he becomes the one who saves Christmas for everyone else. One moment of believing in someone helps them shine—and that light can bless more people than we realize.

Christmas brings joy and memories for many of us, but it can also highlight the quiet hurts we still carry. Our struggles don’t magically disappear just because the calendar says December.

That’s why blessing others matters. Sometimes helping someone “shine” is as simple as noticing them, lifting them, or offering a word of kindness that turns their burden into a blessing. That’s what Christmas is really about: a Light that shines for everyone, a Light that comes for the unseen, a Light that stays.

May we be that light for someone today—and may someone be that light for us.

“Let your light shine before others…” — Matthew 5:16

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Monday, December 8 – 17 Days Until Christmas

I was probably ten or eleven the year Santa brought the Domino kit. Santa in the pre-teen years is always a delicate spot… children still want toys, but pre-technology toys had to work hard to hold a kid’s imagination. My kit came with miniature, brightly colored dominos and cardstock templates—figure-eights, letters, spirals, even larger connected designs. There were little bridges, too—tiny platforms to build up and down until everything was ready.

It took more than an hour to set up the design. And then, in one moment—the instant you tapped the first domino with a fingertip (or released a marble you’d positioned just right)—the whole masterpiece came to life. One nudge, and everything moved.

My father, an avid runner, often says the hardest part of running is the first step. We know that one candle can change a dark room, and a plane just one degree off course can end up hundreds of miles away.

One push. One light. One degree.  The power of one small action can shift an entire outcome—especially when that “one thing” is repeated day after day.

Advent is a time of arrival—waiting for the Christ child—but also a time of preparation. Like an athlete striving to be just 1% better each day, Advent invites small, intentional change: to make a little more room in our hearts so we can fully receive God’s gift of Christmas. God doesn’t ask for perfection; He simply asks for the next faithful step.

Along the way, we feel joy, anticipation, longing, and hope… and we’re also given moments to offer a gift back to God: the gift of ourselves.

What can you give God this Christmas? What one thing could you begin today—one step, one habit, one act of faith—that might open your heart to the greatest Christmas you’ve ever experienced?

God gave His best through Jesus. Maybe today we choose one thing—just one—to offer back. Not to change everything overnight, but to take one small step toward the Savior who has already taken every step toward us.

Begin today. Walk toward Christmas with one thing for God. One small step can begin something beautiful—something God will continue long after the presents are unwrapped.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” - Zechariah 4:10a

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Sunday, December 7 - 18 Days Until Christmas

Peace: The Second Sunday of Advent

If you’ve spent much of your life in church, you’re probably familiar with Advent — the season of preparing our hearts for the arrival of Jesus. Each of the four Sundays carries a theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. But why do we observe them?

Advent means “arrival.” It’s a season that helps us reflect on who God is, the gift of Jesus, and how we can make room to welcome Christ into our lives. Step into most sanctuaries today and you’ll see reminders of this sacred preparation — decorations, clergy colors, and especially the Advent wreath.

But where did the wreath come from?

Long before Christianity, ancient Europeans lit candles among evergreens during the dark winter months, hoping for the return of the sun’s light and warmth. Christians later adapted this practice to tell a far brighter story: Just as the sun rises again, the Son of God comes into the darkest moments of history to bring eternal light.

The wreath’s shape reminds us that Christ is King, and the unbroken circle symbolizes His eternal love and reign. The evergreens — green even in the cold — speak of God’s steadfast, never-failing love.

Each Sunday, we light another candle, watching the light grow brighter as Christmas draws near. The purple candles remind us of Christ’s royalty and our call to prepare our hearts. The pink candle represents joy in the waiting (or in some traditions, the deep love of God).

Today, the Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Peace. Peace in Christ is far more than a “peaceful, easy feeling”; it is deep, restoring wholeness — peace for our hearts, minds, and weary souls. It is the promise that God is healing what is broken and that Christ will one day bring an end to conflict, pain, and suffering forever.

So how will you experience Advent this year? Couldn’t we all use a fresh hope of peace?

Wherever you are today — whatever your week has held — make space to worship with others. For a few short weeks, the whole world leans toward the same moment on the calendar: the celebration of Christ’s arrival.

And in preparing for His coming, you just might discover a new kind of peace God has been longing to give you.

“For He Himself is our peace.” — Ephesians 2:14

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Saturday, December 6 — 19 Days Until Christmas

National Microwave Oven Day

In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer was working with radar equipment when the unexpected happened — a chocolate bar in his pocket melted. Curious as to what might happen next, he placed popcorn kernels near the magnetron he was testing and watched them pop. This accidental discovery became the foundation of the microwave oven.

The first microwave, released in 1947, was massive: six feet tall and far too expensive for any home kitchen. But as the technology developed, what began as a surprising moment in a laboratory turned into a tool that reshaped daily life. By the mid-1970s, microwaves were suddenly everywhere, promising speed, convenience, and instant results.

Unlike the microwave, the most important arrival of all — the coming of Christ — did not happen in an instant. The birth of Christ came after centuries of promise and preparation.  God's plan didn’t happen with the push of a button but unfolded slowly, quietly, and deliberately across generations. While we are accustomed to quick fixes and fast solutions, the story of Christmas teaches that God’s purposes often grow in hidden ways before they ever become visible. 

Even now, the Holy Spirit often works quietly from within—warming, shaping, convicting, and renewing the heart before outward change becomes visible.  Just like the microwave,  God’s grace often begins deep beneath the surface where no one else can see.

Advent means “arrival,” but it also calls us to patient anticipation. While the world rushes toward Christmas with noise and hurry, God invites us into a slower rhythm—one that pays attention to the subtle stirrings of God. We watch for the signs of Christ’s presence, trusting that the Spirit is already preparing something holy in hidden places.

Even when nothing seems to be happening, Christ is drawing near. If we stay attentive, we may discover that God is already doing far more than we realized.

What can you do today to watch for the signs? 

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“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” -  Isaiah 64:4

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Friday, December 5 — 20 Days Until Christmas

Peace Out!

It’s the first Friday of Advent, and we are now less than three weeks from Christmas. Can you feel the frenzy? The parties are already underway, calendars are filling with plans to see loved ones, and many of us feel the pressure to finish the year strong at work. In a season that moves faster every year, we find ourselves longing for peace — peace of mind, peace of heart, and, before long, a quiet place where silence can settle our souls.

We often think of peace simply as the absence of conflict or as a general sense of calm. But for the first hearers of Isaiah’s promise of a coming “Prince of Peace,” the word meant much more. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, conveys wholeness, well-being, completeness, and restoration. When someone greeted another with shalom, it wasn’t just a polite wish for a pleasant afternoon — it was a blessing that every part of life would be made whole again.

Jesus comes to us at Christmas as the Prince of Peace — the Ruler of all Shalom. He is the One with authority to bring peace into every corner of our world: our relationships, our work, our families, our inner lives. But He does not force His way in. The Prince of Peace does not storm the gates of the heart; He stands ready to enter wherever He is welcomed, bringing restoration and calm that no circumstance can take away.

Christmas reminds us not only of how He came, but also why He came — to make us whole, and to assure us that one day He will return to restore all creation in perfect, eternal peace.

So let me ask you: could you use a little shalom today?  Not just quiet… not just a calmer calendar… but the deep, steadying wholeness only Christ can bring?

Take a breath. Open your hands. Invite Him to rule your heart with His peace.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and He will be called the Prince of Peace.”   — Isaiah 9:6

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Thursday, December 4 - 21 Days Until Christmas

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called… Everlasting Father..”  - Isaiah 9:6

Read it again… A child to be born to us who will be called the Everlasting Father.  The destiny of this infant is to be eternal (everlasting) AND to be a Father to His people.  The concept of the Trinity is woven throughout scripture without using the word (Trinity) itself.  Here in Isaiah, we catch a glimpse that this Infant Messiah is also one with the Eternal God, Father God, and that He will carry the character of God within Him.

The first hearers of this prophecy were those in exile, conquered and away from home.  Isaiah delivers God’s word, the first explicit declaration of a heavenly Father, and that this Father would be lasting, permanent, forever their guardian king.  It is significant to us that the word “father” would have meant protector and leader, as well as “guardian king” to the original hearers.  Where human fathers might fall short, this eternal and everlasting Father would protect and lead His children, guarding them all the way as a King guards His nation.

Today, take a moment to remember that your God is, indeed, your Eternal Father.  God is protecting you and leading you, even if you may not hear or follow His call; no matter what our response, God remains faithful to guard us and longs to share with us.

Christmas is Coming.  The LIGHT is coming!  Where will you welcome your Father to lead and guide you today? 

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Wednesday, December 3 - 22 Days Until Christmas

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called… Mighty God..”  - Isaiah 9:6

Today, we examine the second of the four royal names given to our Messiah - “Mighty God”.  For the ancient people, the Hebrew word “El Gibbor” would have evoked defender, warrior, champion, protector.  This is a God who battles and defeats darkness.

Personal or spiritual attack, anxiety, depression, addiction, deteriorating relationships… Darkness is defeated by the Mighty God that fights for his people! 

Though the prophecy was delivered to a people in oppression, the Truth of God is timeless!  God never changes, nor do his promises fail.  God keeps His Word. 

As the season begins to take traction, as your list begins to grow and your calendar busies, remember today that your Mighty Warrior God goes before you and fights for you.  Find the place of quiet to rest in His protection.

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Tuesday, December 2 - 23 Days Until Christmas

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor….” - Isaiah 9:6

You might know it best from hearing it in music in Handel’s Messiah, but this verse of scripture is just one of the 360-something prophecies in Scripture that point to the coming Christ child.  Isaiah gives four royal titles to the Messiah in this one verse, but today we focus on the first name: Wonderful Counselor.

Wonderful Counselor: The Miracle-Working Strategist whose wisdom comes from God Himself.

When you don’t know the answer, God does… and God speaks through His Word, those around you, and the silent little nudges in your spirit to guide your steps.

When you aren’t sure how to handle a loss or disappointment, God does… and is ready to hear your heart and prayers, comforting you and restoring you.

When you can’t see door number three or plan B, guess what… God does.  Not only does God work in the unseen to make a way possible, but God also provides exactly what you need to accomplish the task.

Wonderful Counselor.  It’s not a poetic name, it’s a promise about how Jesus comes to you!

Where do you need the Wonderful Counselor today?  Speak it aloud throughout the day.  Jesus Messiah is there to bring you peace!

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Monday, December 1 - 24 Days Until Christmas

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” - Isaiah 9:2

Darkness in the Bible includes confusion, grief, fear, and uncertainty. Isaiah does not minimize the darkness; he simply declares that God steps into it.

You do not have to pretend things are fine.  You do not have to “fix” your own darkness.  Before there is a solution, before there is healing, before the answers are before you… God – “I AM” – is with you!  The Light comes to you.

Maybe there is a corner of your life, a relationship, or a situation that feels too tangled, too wounded, or too “small” to matter.  Advent begins with the assurance that God knows how to bring dawn to unlikely places.

Christmas is coming… The Light is coming!  Spend a few minutes today quietly reflecting on the Promise that is before you.  Invite God into the dark or uncertain place and trust that God is walking with you today!

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Sunday, November 30, 2025 - 25 Days Until Christmas

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time, he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” - Isaiah 9:1–2

Today begins the season of Advent – the four Sundays of preparation as the Church focuses on Christ’s birth at Christmas. Each Sunday brings a celebration of the blessings of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, which God delivers through Christ’s birth at Christmas.

We begin with the gift of Hope and pause to remember that God’s light is already breaking into our world. The Scripture invites us to wait with expectancy, trusting that God is working even when we cannot see it. Advent is not about rushing; it is about slowing down long enough to notice the quiet ways God draws near. We remember that Divine light always finds its way into human darkness, bringing hope, peace, joy, and love in ways that reshape our hearts.

Christmas is coming. The Light is Coming! As you move through today and throughout these weeks, hold onto the truth that God meets you right where you are, carrying you with grace. Spend time in quiet reflection, noticing where you see God’s light today!