From Manger to Mountaintop - Carrying Christ Forward (December 31)

Verse: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - (Matthew 28:19-20)

Reflection: Christmas has painted our hearts with vibrant hues of love, joy, and giving. But as the final embers of the season flicker, do we extinguish them and return to the grayscale of routine? No, dear friend, for the true miracle lies not in the temporary sparkle, but in the transformative flame. Let us not relegate Christ's message to a seasonal spectacle, but rather, weave it into the tapestry of our daily lives. Let love be the brushstroke that colors our every interaction, joy the rhythm that dances through our steps, and generosity the thread that binds us to each other.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the bells toll the twilight of another year, we stand at the threshold of a new dawn. Grant us the unwavering faith of the shepherds, the magnanimity of the wise men, and the tender devotion of Mary and Joseph. May we see every face as a reflection of your divine spark, every moment as an opportunity to embody your love. In the quiet corners of our lives, grant us the strength to be vessels of joy, the courage to bridge divides, and the steadfastness to climb the mountain of challenges with grace. Let not the glow of Christmas fade, but may it become a beacon that illuminates our path, guiding us ever closer to the light of your kingdom. Amen.

Challenge: Instead of letting the New Year's resolutions gather dust, choose one small act of Christ-like living to carry with you each day for the first week. Perhaps it's offering a listening ear to a lonely neighbor, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply extending a smile to a stranger on the street. Let these seemingly insignificant steps become the footprints on your journey, each one echoing the love that brought Christ to the manger. Remember, dear friend, that the mountaintop is reached not by single, audacious leaps, but by the steady rhythm of countless, deliberate steps. As you embark on this new year, take each day as a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with the vibrant colors of Christ's love.

May your journey be blessed with an abundance of grace, and may the light you carry illuminate the path for others.

Written by: Shane Lents

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