Skip to main content

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

Popular posts from this blog

Holding onto God's Promises in Times of Doubt

Verse: Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Reflection: As the cold wind of doubt whispers through our lives, it can be tempting to let go of the anchor of faith. We may question if God's promises still hold true in the face of our struggles, our disappointments, and the uncertainties that loom ahead. But dear friend, even when the waves of doubt crash around us, God's word remains a steadfast rock, a lighthouse guiding us through the storm. He has declared, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). He has promised to be with us always, even to the very end (Matthew 28:20). His faithfulness is not contingent on our circumstances, but rooted in His character. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). So, when the shadows lengthen and fear creeps in, choose to remember His unwavering love. Recite His promises aloud, let them wash over your soul, and hold onto them with the tenacity of a drowning m...
Read more

Finding Hope in God's Promises

Scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Reflection: Life's storms can leave us feeling adrift, tossed by waves of uncertainty and fear. We grapple with questions about our future, wondering if there's any light beyond the horizon. It's in these moments that God's promises become anchors, holding us steady amidst the shifting sands of doubt. Jeremiah 29:11 is more than just a verse; it's a declaration of love, etching onto our hearts God's unwavering purpose for us. It assures us that He doesn't abandon us in the darkness, but rather carries us through, orchestrating a plan far greater than anything we could imagine. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the unwavering hope you offer through your promises. Forgive my moments of doubt and fear, and remind me that your plans for me are good, even when I ...
Read more

Manger Musings: The Gift of Stillness (December 27)

Verse:  "And Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) Amidst the twinkling lights, the festive carols, and the joyful chaos of holiday gatherings, a hush falls over the manger. Mary, cradling the newborn King, doesn't just observe the wonder unfolding around her; she holds it all within, "ponders them in her heart." In that quiet space, amidst the joyous noise, she receives the precious gift of stillness. For us, too, the season beckons with a similar invitation. Yes, let us celebrate with gusto, raise our voices in song, and share the warmth of togetherness. But amidst the merrymaking, let us not forget Mary's gentle example. Let us carve out moments of quiet, where the tinsel-trimmed world fades away and only the soft glow of the Christ child remains. In those hushed spaces, bathed in the golden light of contemplation, we discover a treasure more precious than any earthly gift: the gift of stillness. It's in ...
Read more