Whether you identify as the younger brother who has gone astray or the older brother who remains distant from God, this story is for you – it’s an invitation to return to the Father who is merciful and gracious toward you. Then my prayer for you is that you’ll come and experience His extravagant love for you today.

The greatest gift we receive at Christmas is Jesus Christ. He is the horn of our salvation and the light of the world that rescues us from our sin and darkness. Then may this Christmas be not just a sentimental holiday but an opportunity for us to experience the power of God so that we may erupt in worship to Him.

In this broken world, God desires to extend His mercy and grace – which is why He sent Jesus Christ to us. His Kingdom has come, and His Kingdom will one day be completed. Then until that day comes, let’s spur one another on to sing this song of joy knowing that the mighty One has done great things for us.

When the gospel comes to us, we can ask questions and we can even express our doubts – but it also bids us to come and die so that we may live a life pleasing to the Lord. Then may the Spirit give us the courage and strength to count the cost and surrender our lives to Jesus because we can’t do this on our own.

Zechariah’s story reminds us that our God is faithful. The wait is finally over – we get to meet the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the only One who is able to save us from sin and satisfy our souls. Then let’s turn and place our hope in Him today.

The gospel reminds us that we have endless reasons to be thankful in all circumstances. Then no matter what kind of situation you may be in today, I invite you to fix your eyes on Christ so that you would learn to cultivate a heart of gratitude for your life. Do this knowing that the feeling of joy begins in our act of thanksgiving.

The wait is over – Jesus Christ is born on this day. He is all that we need – and He will satisfy our souls completely. Then let us lay our worries, troubles, sorrows, and anger at His feet as we surrender the throne of our life to Him – the Savior King.

The Christmas message tells us that Jesus came to bring peace to our world – and this will turn our fear into great joy. May we ponder and declare this message as we fix our eyes on the Savior of the world, the Prince of peace.

The first Christmas was God’s salvation story unfolding in our history in an unexpected way – the Savior King coming as a baby to be placed in a manger – to show us that our salvation will be achieved in an unexpected way – the Savior King dying as a criminal in our place. He is the reason we celebrate and rejoice.