"The Reason for The Season"

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Devotional of the Week: John 1:6-8
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."

John the Baptist's ministry on earth was to be the one who paved the way for the coming of Christ. His call to repentance and to righteous living was due in large part to his desire to see a people welcome their Messiah in as righteous a way as possible. He knew very well that his role was merely that of messenger and witness, but he took that role seriously and to his credit, he lost his life for it. This Christmas season we should ask ourselves, what am I willing to give up for God? What action can I perform that will glorify and honor my Heavenly Father? John's decision was simple, share the "good news" that Christ was coming. Today we can and should make the same decision. In this day and in this time, we are the ones calling people to repent and make way the path. When they do accept the Lord, heaven rejoices.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for the awesome privilege it is to be Your child. We thank You for the gift You gave us this Christmas, remembering that no matter what, our plans do not prevent us from working in Your will. That Child whom You sent to us is God in human form, may we always remember that in Your omnitpotent power, You saw fit to draw us close. Thank you for salvation and for allowing us to enter Your home in heaven, where we will praise you for ever and ever. We pray all of this in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.


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Mini-Study of the Week: Read Luke 1:26-38

In these verses we see the angel Gabriel appear to Mary and announce to her that she has been chosen to give birth to the Son of God. One of the most telling moments in this set of verses is Mary's question of "how can this be, since I do not know a man?" The angel responds to her with an explanation of what is to occur. He even tells her of her cousin Elizabeth, who after being unable to conceive is now miraculously pregnant with John.

Mary's response is not one of skepticism or doubt, but instead is a response we should all be prepared to give when God comes to us with a task. Her words are "Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word." We know that with God all things are possible. Here we see that our response to God should always be one of confidence and submission to His will. He will sustain and protect us.

Not only was Mary willing to do God's will, but in doing so she became God's vessel by which the plan of salvation was set into motion. What a glorious privilege and gift for her. Thus it can be for any of God's children who are willing to do his bidding. Next week we will look at the first half of this story and learn more about who our Savior is.

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Video of the Week:

"Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word."

"Sing Mary Sing" - Jennifer Knapp



Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!

In His Service,
Sergio