READ: LUKE 15:1-32; JOHN 13:34

I said, “Give me my portion of the goods,”

And in my youthful heart I knew he would.

I took, and turned, and quickly walked away

And relished in the freedom of that day.

For pleasures I had dreamed about I’d roam,

Not once regretting ever leaving home.

I traveled far until one fateful day

I found I lost my treasure on the way.

There was no food to eat—no bread, no figs;

I sadly found myself among the pigs.

Where could I go, how could I now survive?

“I hurt my father when I left,” I cried.

But home I went, I’d beg him to forgive,

If only I could have a place to live.

Then, to my unbelievable surprise,

I saw the love within my father’s eyes.

I know now fully what it means to live—

To honor, to do good, and to forgive… • Sharon Roberts

• Today’s poem is based on a parable Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32. Consider taking some time to read this passage slowly. What do you notice? How did the younger son hurt his father? How did his father respond?

• Just as the father in the parable received his long-lost son, running to him and embracing him, God receives us. He longs for us to turn away from sin and come home to Him. That’s why Jesus died for our sins and rose again—because God wants to lavish us with forgiveness and mercy, and welcome us as His own children! Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page.

• God extends compassion and forgiveness to us, even though we could never deserve it. But sometimes, when God gives grace to another sinner like us, we feel resentful. Sometimes we look down on others because we’ve fallen into the trap of thinking we’re not in need of Jesus’s saving grace anymore, like the older son in the parable. How does looking to our good Father, and remembering the love and grace He daily shows us, help us extend that love and grace to others?

“He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (WEB)

READ: PSALM 107:8-9; MATTHEW 13:44-46; JOHN 4:1-30

During Christmas, our hearts are full of expectations. Things like, who we will see, what we will eat, and what we will receive. Then, once all the gifts are opened, the food is gone, and the guests are saying goodbye, we may experience an instant breath of fulfillment. Unfortunately, we often find this fulfillment lasts only till December 26th. On the day after Christmas, we may wish we had asked for something else.

Our desire for fulfillment is never really satisfied, is it? Ecclesiastes 1:7-8 sums it up this way: “Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.”

Thankfully, we find hope in John 4:13-14. Jesus is talking with a Samaritan woman who comes to the well every day to draw water, and He gives her the answer to the age-old question: Where does true fulfillment come from? Jesus says, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

Only Jesus will fulfill us. That’s not to say we shouldn’t enjoy and look forward to presents or food or time with friends and family. But we need to look to the Lord to satisfy us, before we look to anything else. Jesus taught us to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33). And Jesus told parables to show us how the kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything else we could ever want. He said God’s kingdom “is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field” (Matthew 13:44). The man was so excited, he sold everything he had so he could buy the field. Then Jesus told a similar parable about a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found a valuable pearl, the merchant sold all he had and bought it (verse 45-46). When we realize how much God loves us, everything else pales in comparison.

Knowing God is what we were created for. That’s why we will only ever be satisfied in Him. And Jesus came so we could be with Him forever. So, as we’re in the midst of the holidays, we can ask God to fill us with joy this season, to help us enjoy His good gifts, and to teach us to live with a greater awareness of His presence. The Lord truly is our fulfillment. • Ana Johnson

• Can you think of a time something felt really fulfilling in the moment, but then that feeling faded? How is Jesus different?

For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9 (NLT)

READ: ISAIAH 53:2; LUKE 2:4-7; JOHN 3:16-17; 10:10-11

What matters more, the fancy wrapping on a gift or what’s inside? Once the paper and bows are off the present, we rarely think about them again. All we care about is what we’ve just unwrapped.

Jesus proved that all the fancy “wrapping” didn’t matter when He was born where the animals were kept. Jesus is God’s Son. He could have been born anywhere. He could have shown the whole world who He was with fancy clothes and a beautiful palace to live in. Instead, He was humble, wrapped in cloths, and laid in a manger.

Jesus showed us that the greatest thing about Him coming down to earth was Himself. He was the gift. He was born by the will of God the Father so that He could save the world.

Jesus grew up with his parents, Mary and Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus’s life was nothing fancy. But even when He was grown, He never demanded anything fancy. Even though He is God the Son, He didn’t try to look or act like He deserved recognition. He was humble, and He treated people well. In His greatest act of love and humility, Jesus gave up His very life. He died to give us forgiveness. And then He rose again to give us new life.

It’s not what’s on the outside that matters, but it’s the gift that counts. Jesus was the greatest gift on that Christmas so many years ago, and His gift of life will last forever. • Bethany Acker

• Were you ever excited about a gift because of the wrapping, but disappointed by what was inside? Or maybe the wrapping wasn’t exciting, but the gift was much better than expected?

• Especially at Christmas, we have the opportunity to remember how amazing it is that Jesus came in such a humble way, and yet He is the greatest gift of all. Because of Jesus, we can know God, experience His wonderful love for us, be forgiven from all our sin, and live with Him forever. Consider taking some time just to thank Him today.

• If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 4:17-22; 19:10; John 14:6; 18:37; Philippians 2:5-11.

She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger. Luke 2:7 (NLT)

READ: ISAIAH 43:1; LUKE 2:8-20; JOHN 3:16

When Jesus came into the world, God could’ve invited anyone to welcome Him. God could’ve told the angels to invite priests, soldiers, or kings to visit the newborn King. Instead, He sent the angels to proclaim the news of Jesus’s birth to ordinary, everyday shepherds.

It may seem like a strange thing to do. Why not choose some more powerful, rich, important people? But this odd decision only foreshadows what Jesus would do during His ministry—choose ordinary people. He didn’t just come for the famous people, He came for the everyday people like you and me. We don’t need to worry about being significant to Jesus, we’re already priceless in His eyes!

We’re worth so much to Him that He came to earth to die on the cross for our sins. Not only that, but He rose again, promising that He’ll also raise us from the dead one day. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He’s preparing a place for us, and He continues to be with us while we wait for the day He’ll renew the world. He loves us that much. We might view ourselves as not worthy of God’s notice, but He has a place for us in His kingdom. We will never be insignificant in God’s eyes. So-called “ordinary” people are important to Him, so much so that He wanted them to be the first to visit His Son. We all have a place in God’s story. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Have you ever been invited to see a newborn baby? Usually a baby’s parents choose people who are very important to them to be the first to meet their new son or daughter. It’s a big honor. What does it say about God that He wanted shepherds—people who did not serve in the temple, who were not rich or powerful, and who were even looked down upon in society—to be the first ones to meet His newborn Son? (Matthew 10:29-31)

• God created each of us on purpose, and no one is ordinary in His eyes. Jesus embodied this truth when He called people of all walks of life to follow Him. Can you think of a time you felt like you weren’t significant enough for God’s notice? As you read today’s Scripture, consider taking some time to talk to God about this and ask Him to help you see yourself how He sees you.

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15 (NLT)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-13

Do you ever wish you had someone else’s talent? Maybe you have a friend or family member who’s really good at math or basketball or singing. Sometimes, when we look at what others can do, it’s easy to feel like we don’t measure up.

In times like these, it can be helpful to think about Christmas presents. While it can be fun to get everyone the same gift—like handing out candy canes to your friends or getting funny hats for your family—there’s something special about choosing unique gifts for the people who are closest to you, finding presents that suit their personalities. Maybe you give a chess set to one person, and a tool belt to another. Everyone has different interests and talents, so it makes sense to give different presents to different people.

The same is true with the spiritual gifts and natural abilities God has given us. They’re unique and valuable, and everyone will have different ones. It can be tempting to compare our gifts to other’s and think that what we can do isn’t as good or important, but that’s not how God sees it.

God gives His children all sorts of different gifts and abilities. Some people are good at school-related subjects, and others have a knack for fixing and building things. We shouldn’t think less of our talents just because they’re not the same as somebody else’s. God created each of us the way we are, and He loves us regardless of what we can do. So, instead of wishing we had somebody else’s gift, we can thank Him for the gifts He’s given us—and use them to help others. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can do our best at whatever we do, knowing Jesus loves us just the way we are. • A. W. Smith

• Jealousy and discontentment are sneaky. They can work their way in to how we view ourselves and our own gifts. But Jesus and His love are stronger than any discontentment or jealousy. How have you noticed these feelings or thought patterns showing up in your heart? Consider taking a moment to honestly talk to Jesus about the things you wish you could do, but also thank Him for the wonderful gifts and abilities He has given you, and ask Him to help you use them well.

• Do you struggle to notice your own gifts and abilities? That’s okay, lots of us do! Who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help you discover what you’re good at?

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 (CSB)

READ: ACTS 2:42-47; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20

One year, our family faced long months of unemployment. Jobs were scarce. So was money. I did everything I could think of to make ends meet, but a Christmas feast would be out of the question this year. It wasn’t the end of the world. It was only food, after all.

Then, a few days before Christmas, a woman at our church called and asked if we’d like our name added to the list of those receiving Christmas food boxes. Funny how God humbles us from time to time, isn’t it? Just a few years earlier, I had been on the giving end of Christmas giving, happily delivering fudge and goodies to families in need.

And now, behold, our need. I swallowed my pride so that my family could swallow turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, and pie. There was more besides: food for the next several days, and even small gifts, one for each of my children. The heart of the Father, generous and good, displayed through the hands and hearts of His children on earth. This is how He wants His church to be.

God’s master plan was never for us to go it alone. We are each equipped with gifts from God to be the hands of Jesus for one another on this earth. In community, one with the other, sometimes we get to be the hand extended, to help someone stand. Other times, we are allowed seasons of want, where we extend our hand upward, humble to receive. What we receive from others is given from the generosity of God’s own hand.

He gave Himself, and He did so through people. Birthed by Mary, cared for by Joseph, proclaimed by shepherds, adored by Magi, hailed by Anna and Simeon. Each one played their part in God’s plan of ultimate salvation, to bring humankind unto Himself. God’s hand reaching down. Our hands reaching up. To receive the gift of salvation. • Kristen Merrill

• Have you ever been in a low spot, but the people of God delivered something to help—like encouragement, or goods, or a verse, or even a smile or a hug? Are you plugged in to a church or fellowship of believers where you can enjoy this type of community?

• Would you like to be that hand extended? You can be God’s agent for good to those around you today. Consider taking a moment to pray and ask God to help you notice opportunities to bless others.

Yahweh is on my side among those who help me. Psalm 118:7 (WEB)

READ: DEUTERONOMY 15:7-11; PROVERBS 14:20-21; MATTHEW 25:31-46

Seni tossed the ragged orange ball and watched it sail through the hoop at the end of the gym, moving a bit more sluggishly than usual. The gravity controls must be on the fritz again, he thought. This court had been built generations ago, when the first settlers came to the newly terraformed planet. Mars was the only home Seni had ever known, but he was glad they played the same sports his ancestors played on Earth.

“Nice shot!” his friend Calvus called as he stepped into the gym. “Are you ready to go serve dinner at the homeless shelter?” Every third Tuesday, Calvus and Seni went to the shelter on the fringes of their settlement to help serve a meal.

“I decided not to go anymore,” Seni said as he threw the ball again, and missed.

“Really?” Calvus looked surprised. “What made you change your mind?”

“Well, Tarquin says it’s a waste of time because those people don’t deserve help. He says they wouldn’t be poor and homeless if they worked harder and made better decisions.”

“Huh,” muttered Calvus. Then he made a quick motion and stole the ball. “Let’s see who can shoot the most baskets in the next five minutes.”

“You’re on!” said Seni. They took turns shooting, and Seni quickly shot more baskets than Calvus.

“Wow, you’re way better than you were last year!” Calvus said, giving his friend a high five.

“Yeah, Coach has been spending lots of time helping me this year,” said Seni. “I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. Some of the guys even wanted me off the team, but Coach didn’t listen to them.”

“So,” said Calvus thoughtfully, “you’re saying that he didn’t let the other guys decide whether or not you deserved help?”

“No, otherwise I’d still be—oh.” Seni froze, realizing what his friend was getting at.

“You know,” said Calvus, “if help was only given to the people who deserve it, none of us would have received the gift of salvation from Jesus. We were hopeless sinners, but He decided to save us—only He was sinless, so He could die on the cross for our sins, and then be raised from the dead.” He tossed the ball to Seni.

“Well, that’s a good point…” Seni trailed off.

“Honestly, I’m so thankful He did that for us.” Calvus continued. “That’s actually why I help out at the homeless shelter. It’s not up to me to decide whether or not people deserve help. It’s not like I’m any better than they are. I don’t have to judge how they got there—I just have to love them and share the hope Jesus gave me with others who need it. And I’ve gotten to know some pretty cool people there!”

“I guess you’re right. We all need help sometimes,” Seni sighed. “Thanks for reminding me why we do this. Let’s go to the shelter.” Seni took a few steps, then paused, sniffed his shirt, and grimaced. “Can you wait till I change my clothes?”

Calvus smiled. “Good idea.” They both laughed as Seni jogged to the locker rooms. • A. W. Smith

• Are you ever tempted to think that everyone in a difficult life situation deserves to be there? Remember, not everyone has the same opportunities and support. And it’s not our job to judge people based on their life circumstances, no matter how they got there. If Jesus had decided to only help those who deserve it, none of us would have received His forgiveness and salvation. When we remember that truth, we can be moved to help others in need because Jesus showed us love and mercy when we didn’t deserve it, and because He also loves the people we’re serving. Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you see others through His eyes of compassion and mercy, and asking Him where He might be inviting you to serve others.

READ: PSALM 27; LUKE 2:6-20; REVELATION 21:1-5

I used to love Christmas—the lights, the songs, the joyful feeling in the air. But not this year. Rather than filling me with excitement and delight, everything seemed shallow and empty and selfish. How could we celebrate joy and peace when the world is in chaos and people are hurting? How do you suddenly ignore the fact that people are suffering around the world, and even the families closest to you are bombarded with afflictions of grief and difficulties? How do you spend a Christmas celebrating if you personally feel hurt, lonely, and forgotten?

In a world that is so full of hatred, conflicts, pain, and disease, it’s easy to scoff at the idea of there ever being peace on earth. And if all this bad stuff is happening, how could God possibly be showing goodwill toward us? But that’s when I realized my thinking was completely wrong. The very reason we have Christmas is not to make you feel more alone, but to prove how much you are truly loved.

God isn’t ignoring the suffering going on around us. Christmas marks the day that God proved His care for us by sending his Son Jesus, not only to be born as a baby, but also to conquer sin and death once and for all by dying on the cross and rising from the grave, so that anyone who believes in Him can experience His peace, forgiveness, and an eternal future where all hurts will be finally and fully healed.

Joy isn’t ignoring pain—it’s having hope in spite of it. Jesus can be that hope for you.

The story of Christmas is a precious reminder that no matter how bad things get, there is hope for the world, peace for your heart, and the promise of everlasting life to those who put their trust in Jesus—and that is something to celebrate. • Christina Cheng

• Have you ever felt like Christmas was just a cruel reminder of something you lost? It’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating, just remember that Christmas isn’t about tradition or faking happiness, but rather a loving act of God bringing hope and salvation to a broken world. So we can acknowledge and grieve the hurts in our lives and in the world around us, while also celebrating the good news that God cares about those hurts, and He’s doing something about them.

• Do you ever feel like no one sees your pain, Christmas-related or not? The Bible says Jesus does. He loves you, and He understands what you’re feeling. Consider taking a moment to come to Him in prayer, telling Him about your pain and asking for reminders of His hope and care.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)