Team Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts for December 2023

316Judith

Bible Reading

Matthew chapter 2

Commentary Thoughts ADVENT

The word “advent” refers to the coming or arrival of someone or something. It is traditionally and liturgically connected with Christmas. Christmas is about an arrival—the most significant arrival in history. It is about the Advent—the coming of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 2:6 we see that the Advent of Jesus is associated with Him ruling and shepherding people. He has come to rule our lives and to shepherd our souls. He is the true Shepherd-King.

When we invite Jesus Christ into our hearts, He establishes His rule over us. He helps us understand what is good for us and what is destructive to us. He provides us with principles to live by and boundaries to live within. His rule over us is one of love. He guides us tenderly, as a good shepherd oversees his sheep.

Take a moment to give praise and thanks to the Lord for coming as your Ruler and Shepherd. Determine to give Him unrestricted reign over your mind, will and emotions. Choose to trust and follow Him wholeheartedly as your Heavenly Shepherd. Thank Him for His Advent in your life!

PRAYER

Lord, how grateful we are that you have come to rule over us. Left to our own rule, we always make a mess of life. Thank you for bringing guidance, truth and structure to us. Thank you that you rule as a loving Shepherd, always looking after our needs and providing for our best. Jesus, thank you for coming! In your name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading, Matthew 3

Commentary Thoughts

PREPARATION

If you met him once, you would never forget him. His appearance was a bit unusual, and his message straightforward. He was a no-nonsense kind of guy—a man on a mission. His name? John the Baptist.

John had a unique calling from God. He was given the task of preparing Israel for the coming ministry of Jesus Christ. He confronted spiritual hypocrisy and hardness, instructing people to confess their sins and return to God. He prepared the way for the Lord.

As we think of Christmas, we can’t help but think of preparations. Getting ready for the holidays usually involves putting up decorations, purchasing gifts, making meal plans, scheduling travel—all kinds of preparations.

Unfortunately, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of such natural preparations, we sometimes forget about the most important preparation. We fail to spiritually prepare.

Let this Christmas season be a time of preparing the way for the Lord in your life. Set aside some time to take a spiritual inventory, to account for your sins and to return with renewed passion to Jesus Christ. Get ready for the good things God has planned for your future.

PRAYER

Lord, in the midst of all the busyness of our holiday preparations, we ask that you help us find moments of quietness and reflection. Help us to take the time to prepare our hearts before you. Show us how we need to get ready for the good things you have planned for our future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke chapter 1

Commentary Thoughts

MARY

These words of Mary follow a startling message from the angel Gabriel to her. The angel told Mary that she was to be the mother of the Christ-child.

Mary inquired as to how this would happen, since she was a virgin. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her in a unique way. He promised her that God’s power would make this miracle come to pass. He encouraged her not to fear God’s plan.

Mary could have responded many different ways to the angel’s message, but she responded the right way. When God called on Mary for this assignment, she willingly and enthusiastically said yes. Risking embarrassment, misunderstanding and ridicule; even chancing the rejection of her fiancé, Joseph, she said yes to God. She became an available and appreciative vessel. She was willing to change her plans to fit God’s plans.

Mary’s example of willingly and joyously accepting God’s call should inspire us to do the same. Just as Mary physically carried the Christ-child, risking all the potential persecution this could involve, so we should willingly and joyously carry and present Jesus to the people we interact with everyday. We must be ready to risk misunderstanding, ridicule and rejection for Christ’s sake. Let this Christmas be a time when we learn a lesson from Mary’s life. May we always be available and appreciative servants of the Lord.

PRAYER

Lord, how often we have failed to willingly and joyously bear your name before others. At times we have retreated in the face of our fears—fear of misunderstanding, ridicule and rejection. Please forgive us. Help us to be like Mary. During this Christmas season bring boldness of faith to us. Help us not to shrink from the privilege of sharing you with others. Let us always be willing to change our plans to fit your plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke 2:8-11

Commentary Thoughts

JOY

While joy is usually associated with births, there was something about the birth of Jesus Christ that created a special joy. This joy was available, not just for a few family members and friends, but for the whole world, for time immemorial.

One of the favorite songs of the Christmas season reflects the angel’s birth announcement to the shepherds, “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.” Why did the angel of the Lord proclaim such joy at the Jesus’ birth?

The coming of Jesus makes available to us a relationship with the Source of joy. In a dark world, percolating with bad news and threatening potential; in the dark moments of life, when facing hard times and tough trials, we need something to sustain us. We need genuine joy to get us through—not superficial substitutes, but a real, deep, abiding, Holy Spirit-inspired sense that everything is going to be okay.

Christmas is about receiving more than a temporary fix of happiness; it is about a relationship with the King of Joy-Jesus Christ. It is about having and living in a supernatural joy that supersedes our circumstances and strengthens us; spirit, soul and body.

During this Christmas season, welcome the King of Joy into your heart again. Let the sunlight of His joy drive your dark clouds away

PRAYER

Lord, just as the angel proclaimed the great joy of your birth, let us experience the joy of your coming. Forgive us for allowing the darkness of the world and trials of life to cloud the joy found in you. Restore to us the joy of our salvation this Christmas, and help us share this joy with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke 1:46-49

Commentary Thoughts

SWEET

In recent years a new term has come in vogue.

When something good or exciting happens, it is not uncommon to hear a person speak one simple word that expresses their delight—“Sweet!”

It is impossible for most people to think of Christmas without some thought of sweet things—literally and metaphorically. Sweetness is part of the holiday.

Mary understood the sweetness of Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth. As Mary reflected on the fact that God had chosen her as the vessel through whom Jesus Christ would come into the world, she was so overwhelmed with praise that she wrote a song.

In Mary’s song we find an expression of her gratitude for God’s kindness to her. In bearing the Christ-child, Mary knew that she was blessed.

Her response, in modern vernacular, was “Sweet!”

We need the same perspective Mary possessed.

If we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, Jesus lives in us. Jesus’ presence in us makes us sweet people.

Everywhere we go, we go as a person blessed of God. With Mary we too can exclaim, “Sweet!”

When we live this way, others are able to taste the sweetness of the Lord through our lives.

Every time something sweet touches your taste buds this Christmas—the cake, the pie, the chocolate, the peppermints—thank God that Jesus in you is the best sweet of all!

PRAYER

Lord, how sweet it is to know you. With you in us, even the bitter things of life are made sweet. Please renew our awareness of how blessed we are. Please forgive us when we complain about life. Take away the ugly spirit of discontentment and replace it with a spirit of praise. May we live our lives in such a way that through our actions, words and attitudes others can taste of your sweetness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Isaiah 9:2-6

Commentary Thoughts

HOPE

Hope is a powerful force. It can keep us going when everything is falling apart. Hope is the expectation that even though life might be tough right now, somehow, at some time, everything will be fine.

Hope comes from the recognition that our past failures are not fatal or final. It gives us strength for the present and an excitement about our future. Hope senses that the best is yet to come.

If you have ever lost your hope you know how hard it is to keep handling life’s simplest duties.

Hopeless people feel like the sun has departed and will never return. They are caught in the grip of a nightmare that seems to never end.

Hopeless people have little energy and no enthusiasm.

Isaiah prophesied about the difference the coming of Jesus would make for people living in despair. He proclaimed that Jesus’ coming would “break the chains” that restrict our freedom and “break the … whip” that emotionally lacerates our souls.

When Jesus came into the world, hope entered. In Jesus we find a never-ending supply of grace for the mistakes of the past and precious promises from God for our present and future. In Him we find hope!

Perhaps you have been hopeless recently. Let Christmas remind you of the fountain of hope that is available in Jesus Christ. Drink deeply from this well. Get excited about the fantastic future God has planned for you. Be filled with hope!

PRAYER

Lord, often the chains of hopelessness have restricted us. Many times we have been beaten by the whips of anxiety and fear. We are grateful that you came to free us from these oppressors. We are grateful that you came to give us enduring hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Matthew chapter 1

Commentary Thoughts

IMMANUEL

When a child feels disturbed or distressed, their first reaction is to look or cry for mom or dad. A parent’s presence has a comforting effect on a discomforted little one.

In the promise of Jesus Christ’s birth we find the same kind of comfort for our lives. One of the names God assigned to His Son and announced to us at His coming is Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”

This name teaches us many truths about God’s nature and commitment to us. It helps us to see that God does not distance Himself from people. In the birth of Jesus Christ, God stepped into our world to provide us with all the benefits of His presence and power. He came to “be with us.”

What are the benefits of God’s presence? Let’s take a look at a few:

Because He is with us, we have nothing to fear.
Because He is with us, we are never alone.
Because He is with us, we have a guide to lead us.
Because He is with us, no situation is impossible or hopeless.
Because He is with us, His help is always available.
Because He is with us, we can rest securely in His care.
Because He is with us, no enemy can defeat us.
Because He is with us, He is our ever-vigilant protector.
Because He is with us, we can resist temptation.
Because He is with us, we always have Someone who will listen to us.

This Christmas, consider all the blessings that are available to you because Jesus is your Immanuel.

If you have never asked Him into your life, do it now. The Lord wants to be your eternal companion.

PRAYER

Lord, how reassuring it is to know that you are with us always. Forgive us when we forget about your presence. Help us turn to you and trust in you. During this Christmas season, we celebrate the promise that you will never leave or forsake us. Help us to always recognize and worship you as our Immanuel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Isaiah 12:1-4

Commentary Thoughts

SINGING

What is your favorite Christmas carol?

One of the special things about this time of year is the music. There is no other holiday that has inspired more songs than Christmas.

When the prophet spoke of the coming of Messiah he linked it with songs of praise. He told us that Jesus’ entrance into the world would prompt us to sing. When we understand who He is and what He came to do, we cannot help but sing.

Why do we sing at Christmas? The reasons are innumerable! We sing because we are forgiven people. We no longer live under the burden of guilt and shame!

We sing because we have a Savior—we have been saved from sin, saved from ourselves and saved from Satan’s grip!

We sing because it is the right response to the great deeds God has done for us!

Something happens when we sing our Savior’s praise. The Bible says that it refreshes and refuels our spirits. God blesses when we worship Him in song. There is something wonderfully satisfying abut praising God.

During this Christmas season decide to be a singer. Use the familiar Christmas carols and worships choruses. Lift your voice in a hymn of praise. Make up your own song and sing it to Him. As you sing your praise, get ready for a fresh filling of His love.

PRAYER

Lord, you have done mighty things in our lives. You deserve unending praise. We commit ourselves to sing your praise regularly and joyously. We commit ourselves to tell the world who you are and all that you have done for us. Thank you for renewing us as we lift our hands, hearts and voices in songs of praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Like chapter 2

Commentary Thoughts

MANGER

The innkeeper had nothing to offer except a small stable where the animals bedded. Joseph took what he could get. At least it would be a roof over their heads; a covering from the elements. He and his wife Mary settled in for the evening.

Suddenly Mary announced to Joseph that the time had come. The baby was on its way. There, in that stable, surrounded by God’s creatures, the Son of God entered the world. His first cradle was an animal feeding trough. In an obscure and humble setting, the King of Glory came to earth.

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth foreshadowed a theme that continued through His ministry. It revealed a tremendous character trait in our Lord—the spirit of humility. Pride is the tendency of humanity.

Pride promotes one’s own interests, even if it hurts others. Pride seeks promotion, at the expense of principles and people. Pride demands attention and accolades. Pride strives for position, power and prestige. Pride is always right and has to have the last word. Pride shows off possessions and relishes superiority. Pride seeks to be served.

Jesus’ spirit was so different. When He was placed in the manger it was a statement that, although He had the right to claim privilege, His choice was the low path of humility.

What word describes your personality, pride or humility? Do you look for the suite or the stable, the place of majesty or the manger?

PRAYER

Lord, as we reflect on your humble birth, forgive us for the pride that permeates so much of our lives. We want to follow your example of humility and selflessness. Help us die to ourselves and live for you. Let us choose the path you chose. Thank you, Jesus, for the reminder of the manger. In your name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke chapter 1 and 2

Commentary Thoughts

SAVIOR

What’s in a name? Most couples preparing for a birth spend a lot of time reviewing and deciding on a name. Naming a child is a special privilege and responsibility.


When God the Father sent His Son into the world, He chose His name. Mary and Joseph did not have the freedom to give the child any name they desired. As the angel of the Lord described to Joseph the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy, he gave Joseph this divine mandate, “… and you are to name Him Jesus …”


Why did God give this name to His Son? The name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua,” which means, “The Lord saves.”

Following Moses’ death, it was Joshua who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He guided them from a life of wilderness wandering into the occupation of God’s promised possession.

Through Joshua, the Lord saved His people from wasting their lives and missing their potential.


While the primary ministry of Jesus is to save us from our sins, He saves us from ourselves as well. Left to ourselves we end up wasting our potential on things that have little or no eternal value. When Jesus comes into our lives He prepares and empowers us to enter into the Promised Land He has planned for us.


As you celebrate this Christmas, pause and give thanks to the Lord for saving you—from your sins and yourself. Thank Him for preparing you to possess your Promised Land.

PRAYER

Lord, how grateful we are for your name. Thank you for caring for us so tenderly and completely. Thank you for saving us from our sins and ourselves. Thank you for preventing us from wasting our potential. Thank you for empowering us to invest in things that really matter. Thank you for leading us into our Promised Land. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 39:7
2 Peter 3:9

Commentary Thoughts

We live in such a fast-moving society, don’t we? We are likely experiencing that to its fullest right
now during the Christmas season. The holiday season tests our patience. We want things now, and if shopping isn’t our thing, Amazon Prime is right there to ship us what we need overnight.

Amazon is, in fact, not slow to fulfill its promise of free shipping and overnight service.

Unfortunately, this is how we count slowness.

Something that doesn’t happen or arrive exactly as fast as we desire it to. We don’t want Amazon to be patient toward us, as much as we usually don’t want God to be patient with anyone else but us.

But God, in all of His perceived slowness, is actually patient toward you. And them. Think of it like this: if it is in the heart of God to draw close to His hell-bound creatures, then it means He will be patient toward those whose paths have not yet been rerouted.

How do you count slowness when it comes to your view of how God acts in the affairs of humanity? If you were honest, could you say that you lack patience with God’s pacing? Are there people you’d like to see come to justice? Are there relationships you wish could be resolved?

Are there loved ones long gone who you want to be reunited with? Are there family members far from God who you wish He would finally intervene and save?

Why does God wait? We’re going to have to wait to know the answer to that question. What we do know is that the hand of God is only slow inasmuch as His heart is patiently seeking to save the lost.

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Ps. 39:7)

Waiting for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises keeps us hoping for what we cannot see. We never hope for what we already have.

We don’t need to have patience for something we have already received. God makes us wait for those very reasons, so that hope and patience produce a character that brings about the joy and happiness of Christ in us. God is not slow like we define slowness. In the same way that you are able to wait for Christmas morning much better than a child because the waiting and anticipating are as much a part of the joy as the receiving, God wants you to know a joy that can only come through a patient heart immersed in the surety of hope.

He is not slow. But He is slowing us down to become more like His Son.

Hope in Him.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Hebrews 4:15
1Corinthians 10:13:

Commentary Thoughts

Most of us have likely had the experience of a person who, for whatever reason, was not able to sympathize very well with us.

As amazing as some of our close friends are when it comes to sympathizing with our weaknesses and temptations, they will never hold a candle to how deeply and perfectly Jesus is able to sympathize with us.

Pause on that for a moment, if you would. We have a high priest, an intercessor who sits at the right hand of our heavenly Father. What we do not have is One who has separated Himself from the anguish of our humanness.

What separated Jesus from the Israelite high priests is that He walked in the same shoes as the people He ministered to but did so as the sinless Son of God.

Imagine what this means for you and me who are confronted with an endless cycle of hard-to-resist temptations that are as relentless as they are irresistible.

Imagine what this means as you consider your beloved friend and high priest. It means that Jesus, the spotless lamb who came to atone for the sins of the world, “gets you.”

One of the things we look for in a friend is someone who “gets us.” They know us for who we are so there’s no need for any posturing. We can be vulnerable because we have a friend in our corner who suspends judgment and just listens.

We don’t have to feel shame because we have someone who sees us and accepts us even at our absolute lowest.

Of course, there are limitations to this because none of our friends can sympathize with us without sin. So imagine, for a moment, someone like Jesus knowing exactly what you went through because He went through it too but didn’t give in to the temptation like you and I do.

Because He never gave in to the temptation, He has a particular, one-of-a-kind heart for you that is untainted by the sin your human friends are susceptible to.

It means His love for you is unprocessed. It means His compassion for you is full.

It means His joy for you is boundless.

It means His forgiveness for you is all-encompassing.

As much as others can sympathize with your weaknesses, they can’t offer you what Jesus our high priest can offer.

This is the kind of high priestly friendship you need.

Now consider this: the sympathetic and empathetic heart of Jesus. In every respect, He has gone through what you have gone through.

In all the ways you have failed when it comes to temptation, He has been faithful. His faithfulness is the very thing that covers your shame-filled failures, paper-thin faith, and Mount Everest-like fears.

In all your inabilities and instabilities, He is able and willing to stand close.

In all your insecurities and vulnerabilities, He is able and willing to stay close.

Like a shepherd who will carry you forever.

So rejoice, for we do not have a God who will do anything other than this.

316Judith

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 13:12
Revelation 22:5

Commentary Thoughts

When I think of the new heavens and new earth
that the book of Revelation gives us a brief glimpse of, I think of it as the brightest and most beautifully lit place our eyes have ever seen.

I think I have good reason to believe that too, especially when you consider that it will be the light of God that replaces our former need for lamps, light switches, and the sun. I think we can safely assume that this will be no dimly lit world!

If you’re still unsure, think back on the light of Moses’s face after he had spent time conversing with God on Mount Sinai and how he had to wear a veil because his face was too bright for others to behold.

For the Lord God will be their light. (Rev. 22:5)
And not just light to see the next foot in front of us so we don’t stumble but the light of illumination. We will “know fully, even as [we] have been fully known.” (1 Cor. 13:12)

All that has been hidden will be revealed by the light of the Lord God. All the internal darkness our hearts have been immersed in will be lifted and replaced with the beautiful, shame- and guilt-lifting light of God. Imagine the astonishing clarity and warmth of such a light.

And night will be no more. (Rev. 22:5)

The light and illumination of Christ that we will one day live under can be experienced even now, as God gives us glimpses of it through the reassurance of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

The God who loves us is a God whose light is never obscured by the darkest night. Whatever your eyes are unable to see, God sees with undimmed clarity.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. (Ps. 139:11–12)

Has the radiant sparkle of Christmas only illuminated the reality that you are stepping into a new year that contains far more darkness and obscurity than you care to admit?

Does January feel like entering a world without the sun, where there is no clarity of direction and no vision for what lies ahead?

Well, from your vantage point, everything you’re feeling may be true.

Because the truth is, we don’t know the sickness and sadness or the pain and perplexities that may be lurking around the corner when the new year comes.

What we do know is that not knowing a thing leads to greater faith in the something we do know, which, in our case, is the Someone we know.

Let me say it like this: the darkness can’t make you invisible to God. It can’t make you obscure to the one who dwells in unapproachable light, as the apostle Paul told Timothy (1 Tim. 6:16).

His presence is as piercing as the lightning that cuts like a neon knife through the night sky in an electrical storm. To God, the darkness is just as illuminating as the light is to us.

Bask in this light.

316Judith

December 26

Bible Reading

Revelation 4

John describes an astounding vision of the throne of God in heaven.

Commentary Thoughts

INSIGHT

At Christmas our thoughts are on Jesus' birth, focusing on His humanity. By radical contrast, this Christmas Day we see the throne room of heaven and the surroundings which magnify His deity. In the center is a throne - behind which an emerald-colored rainbow arises. Dignitaries dressed in white robes and gold crowns are seated around the throne. The floor of the massive room is like crystal. Unusual looking creatures constantly give verbal praise to God and the dignitaries form a celestial choir, worshiping and praising God. This is the normal abode of God's Son. Yet we usually think of Jesus as a child in Bethlehem, a teacher on a hillside, or the One who bore our sins alone on a cross. Revelation balances that picture with a glimpse of Jesus' majesty and grandeur.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that He was willing to become what we are - that we may inherit eternal salvation:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. . . .
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God . . .
The Lord shall reign forever -
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:1-2, 5, 10).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:

"Lord, be merciful to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You." . . .
O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up . . .
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen (Psalm 41:4, 10, 13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:

"Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You" (Psalm 39:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
faithfulness in sharing Christ,
the Lord's work in world and national affairs,
your activities for the day.

Close with this prayer to the Lord:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be
with you all. Amen
(2 Corinthians 13:14)

316Judith

Bible Reading

Luke 2:14
Matthew 3:16-17

Commentary Thoughts

Today’s Scripture passage from Luke 2 is a beautifully vivid and artistic passage from the angelic voices.

The image of a choir of angels announcing the birth of the Savior can feel like the stuff of myths and legends, and yet to believe in a supernatural birth requires us to believe in a supernatural announcement of that birth.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you consider that night so many years ago?

Personally, I’ve always been struck by the line “with whom He is pleased!” I might be showing my theological convictions here, but I love how the angels describe peace—that it is for those with whom God is pleased. What pleases God?

Well, it’s not sacrifice; we know that. God makes clear throughout Scripture that He doesn’t want our tangible sacrifices but the sacrifice of our obedient hearts.

An obedient heart is the only heart God can be pleased with and therefore have peace with.

How do we gain obedient hearts that please God? That’s where the glorious gospel comes in.

The birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus made it possible for God to have peace among those with whom He is pleased (Heb. 11:6).

However hard this is to hear—the truth is that we are born with hearts that have no peace with God because they are unredeemed and unwilling to surrender to Him.

It is not until God in His grace brings us to the end of ourselves and we repent of our sins and trust in the work of Christ on the cross that we enter into a peaceful relationship with God where He is pleased with us.

Pause and reflect now on the grace God showed mankind by sending His Son to be an obedient sacrifice for you.

Think of the possibilities it has opened for you: peace with God, a loving relationship with Jesus, and a sure hope in this life and the life to come.

It’s helpful to remember that these shepherds didn’t return to a life of ease after their angelic visitation. There would still be long, shivery nights tending their flocks by the light of the moon. They would still be people who were not highly thought of due to the nature of their lowly vocation.

Yet there would always be this one glorious night when the unimaginable happened and everything changed forever. They may have returned to the same vocation, but they didn’t return as the same shepherds. They returned glorifying and praising God for all they’d seen and heard.

What will you return to after the glory of the holiday season has passed, when it becomes a fading memory in your aging consciousness once again?

Will you return like these unremarkable shepherds, glorifying and praising God for the remarkable love He has poured into your hearts through His Spirit?

Will you remember that because of Christ’s supernatural visitation to Bethlehem so many years ago, all the sorrow and suffering that have visited you in your life will, like an unwanted intruder, never be given entrance again?

This is the kind of infinite, everlasting peace God is pleased to give the person with whom He is pleased.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Matthew 1:23
Matthew 28:20

Commentary Thoughts

I am the type of person who absolutely loves having family, friends, and people around me, especially during the holidays. I realize I might be in the minority here, but I love a good old-fashioned Christmas party. The kind that has oodles of appetizing food, delicious drinks, decadent desserts, Johnny Mathis on the turntable, and colorful lights twinkling merrily around the tree and on the mantle.


I crave the comfort and camaraderie that come with rubbing shoulders, engaging in conversation, and finding ridiculous things to laugh heartily about. Whether it’s my wife, daughter, a close friend, or even just an acquaintance, having flesh-and-blood folks around gives me a particular kind of joy as well as a reminder of the promise that God will “never leave...nor forsake [me]” (Heb. 13:5).

Reflect with me for a moment on today’s passage from Matthew. Think about the name of Jesus—Immanuel—and the kind of hope His name promises to us from this prophecy in the book of Isaiah. It is astoundingly warm and inviting, isn’t it?

Of all the things that could be said about Jesus, the one thing in particular that Matthew mentions about the name of Jesus is that it’s a name indicating His closeness to us. Given the endless adjectives that could have been used to describe Jesus, this is significant. This is not just “almighty God from heaven,” “second person of the Trinity,” or “Creator of the universe” Jesus, but “the God who is with us.” Those other names we have to describe Jesus are good and true and need to become ingrained in our hearts so that we have the fullest picture possible of the person and work of Jesus. But every year, when Christmas comes around like clockwork, the name of Jesus we are reminded of most is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

God, in His steadfast love, new morning mercies, and grace upon grace, didn’t only send us a powerful King to be Ruler over our lives. He didn’t only send a Savior to atone for our sins. He didn’t only send us a Son who made peace for us with God before packing His bags and returning to His heavenly abode to kick up his feet for all eternity. God sent us a person with a name who committed Himself to His followers to the degree that He said, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20, emphasis added).

You don’t only have a God; you have Immanuel, the God who is with you.

So Merry Christmas, if there ever was one. And there is.

316Judith

Bible Reading

John 14:25-28
John 14:1-3

Commentary Thoughts

Week 1: PEACE AS A PRACTICE

Our world is pulsing with worry. We live in a culture that includes overt fear — fear of war, disease, violence and the unknown — as well as constant underlying anxiety that goes even deeper, leaving us to wonder, “Do I have enough? Am I enough?”

We wrestle with enormous global problems that leave us feeling helpless, while simultaneously grappling with personal struggles often marked by feelings of scarcity. As things feel precarious around us, we tend to hold on tighter. With tight fists and clenched jaws, it grows harder and harder to reach out for the peace that God is gently offering us. How can lasting peace possibly grow here? What ground can peace take in our terrorized world or in our terrified hearts?

But here’s the truth: we are people created for peace. And as we draw closer to God, we can find a path back to that peace. We can see clearly all that is still wrong in our world and our lives, but we can also see that we are not at the end of God’s story. And as we breathe deeply and remember this reality, we are finally ready to begin to practice real peace.

This week, we will be meditating on passages of scripture found in John 14.

On the night that he was arrested, Jesus talked with his disciples about the events that would soon take place. Knowing that his arrest, crucifixion, and his eventual ascension into heaven would likely be chaotic, disruptive, and even traumatic for his disciples, Jesus assured them that their hearts need not be troubled. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you,” he says. “Do not be afraid.” Even in times of upheaval, we can access the steady peace that Jesus left today.

Read this week’s scripture slowly. Make note of what stands out to you as you read. Ask God to open your heart to what he has to say to you throughout this week.