On the first day of Christmas... the introduction day
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Advent is such an important time of year. It is a time when many churches light candles each Sunday within a four-week period to celebrate the preparation of the birth of Jesus and a preparation of the Second Coming of Christ! The literal definition of advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. The birth of our Lord And Savior fits right into that definition! Each Sunday is tied to a theme, Hope (or promise), preparation (or waiting), Joy (or peace), and Love (or adoration). This year, we wanted to develop a devotional that not only talked about advent, but also included other characteristics of Jesus and ways we can implement these in our lives this Christmas season. Join us on a journey during the 12 Days of Christmas where we dive into Gods character, His promises, and the hope He brings this season!
Lord, I pray over the person reading this devotional. I pray they are able to learn more about you this Christmas season. I pray they are able to not only learn your character, but learn to put these characteristics to work in their lives. Please help them to never forget the reason for the Season!
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Tayler Meade
On the second day of Christmas... love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
What greater love story is there than God sending His one and only son to save us from our sins? In a world that was lost, broken, and full of hatred. A Son was sent to save us from death and give us life. Can you imagine someone loving us that much? Honestly can you imagine someone giving up their perfect son for the imperfect? It sounds crazy, but that just proves how loved we are by the Father. We have the ability to gain eternal life through Jesus. Jesus is our ticket to eternity. God is love. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” 1 John 4:8. The world still is not perfect, but God’s great love gives us a way out. It gives us a way to live. A way to freedom. A way to FULLNESS. Christmas is not about the decorations, presents, etc. It is about the love of God and the birth of our Savior. Remember that as you are walking through this devotion.
Father, I thank you for sending your one and only Son to die for my sins and imperfections. I pray that throughout this devotion and my everyday life, that my eyes would be opened and set on you. I pray that many others see your love if they do not yet and that the reason for this season would be made clear to them. Father, I cannot thank you enough for sending your Son so that I can gain eternal life. Your love is enough.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Britanny Senior
On the third day of Christmas... joy
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalms 16:11
Joy is a word we hear very often during the Christmas season. Sometimes we forget that Jesus is the source of our Joy. The entire Christmas season is meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus and how God sent His only son down to save us. Jesus brought back joy to a world that was overrun by sin. The night of Jesus’ birth was filled with many obstacles. The wise men tell us in Matthew 2:10 that they rejoiced with great joy when they saw the savior and the star that lead them to Bethlehem after traveling for so long. We also see this with Mary and Joseph whenever they remained faithful to God when seeking a place to stay. These people never lost hope and remained joyful knowing God was with them, and they trusted His plan. Like them, we can apply this lesson to our own lives daily by seeking God’s joy during trials and trusting Him always. Joy is defined in Galatians 5:22-23 as a characteristic of the fruit of the spirit. As we grow in our relationship with God, we will begin to display this fruit of joy in our lives no matter the circumstance. The Bible shows us multiple examples of individuals who remained steadfast with the understanding that God’s joy will always prevail in every season. By putting our trust in Him and His plan, we will receive the same joy the wisemen experience the night they became face to face with our Savior.
Father, I pray that the person reading this can see joy during every season of their lives, especially this Christmas season. Help them know they are never alone and your plan for them is better than anything they could imagine. In your name I pray, Amen.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Sami Ray
On the fourth day of Christmas... peace.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
There’s something so peaceful about the season of Christmas. The gorgeous lights, cozy weather, decorations, family time, and gift giving always reminds me of rest and a calm breath of air. I once heard a quote that stated “peace on earth will come to stay, when we live like it’s Christmas everyday”. Christmas feels peaceful because of who the center of the reason for the season is - the ultimate source of peace. If we began to treat every day just the same as Christmas, we would be spending time with our loved ones, be giving, and removing our attitude of self focus. When Jesus was brought into the world on that night in Bethlehem, the Bible reads that the angels sang a song that symbolized his peace being brought to man. It states “Peace on earth to men of good will”. Often throughout the Bible we are reminded of Christ wanting to give every person his peace. He is quite clear that his peace that is offered is much different than that of the world. If you want to experience peace ruling within you, you must allow God to rule within you. “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth.” meaning when we give God the glory that He so greatly is deserving of, we are granted with His overwhelming peace. This holiday season forgive an enemy that you’ve been holding anger and bitterness against. Try to set your differences aside in order to achieve a peace between the two of you!
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that the Holy Spirit settles deep in my heart. Let my actions today be free of anger and agression. Allow my words to be full of compassion and demonstrating kindness. I pray that every breath I inhale is your wisdom and every breath I exhale is your grace. Let me share peace to those around me.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Braelin Creel
On the fifth day of Christmas... patience.
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Psalm 37:7
Anticipation. Longing. Waiting. These words remind me of the birth of Jesus. Mary, Jesus' mother, would know more than anyone what it means to have patience and anticipate the birth of Jesus. In Luke chapter 1, we read about the angel Gabriel who came to Mary to tell her the news that she was going to give birth to a child who would be called the Son of the Most High and reign over a kingdom forever (Luke 1:32-33). She was put in a situation that was not of her choosing. Mary carried Jesus nine months just waiting for what would happen after giving birth. Soon enough, it came time for Mary to give birth. While in Bethlehem, there was no place in the inn for Mary to give birth. Mary gave birth out in a public area. God was not going to leave Mary in the dark and not provide a place for her to give birth to the Son of the Most High. As you go through whatever season you're walking through, if God has promised you something, be patient and expect God to fulfill his promises to you. You may be thinking how in the world God can do what he has told you, but don't doubt what God is far more than capable of doing. If God has done something for someone else, believe He can do it for you as well.
God, I thank you for the gift of patience as I anticipate for the things yet to come. Help me to have the patience to walk through unexpected circumstances just as Mary did. I pray that your spirit would help me to have the patience to wait on you to fulfill your promises to me. In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Ashleigh Navarro
On the sixth day of Christmas... goodness.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Psalm 23:6
Do you feel like goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life? If I were to guess your answer, I would guess that your answer would be no. That doesn’t mean this verse is untruthful, it just means it’s being taken out of context or not being interpreted correctly. So now look at the other five verses in Psalm 23. This chapter encompasses the characteristics of God. Looking back at the first part of Psalm 23:6, replace ‘goodness and mercy’ with the Lord. The pure essence of goodness and mercy is God - nobody else fits that description. God has new mercies for you every day of your life (Lamentations 3:22-23). We can see God’s goodness through the greatest gift given, Jesus (John 3:16). God loved the world so much that he gave his only son so that we could have an everlasting life in Heaven with Him one day, which is where the second part of Psalm 23:6 comes in. It’s from God’s goodness and mercy following us all the days of our life that we’re able to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Lord, thank you so much for your goodness and mercy. You have never stopped being a faithful God, you have not failed me and you won't start now. Thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only son so that we could have life in Heaven with you one day. Thank you for the new mercies we wake up to everyday. We love you and need you, Lord.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Sierra Rhoden
On the seventh day of Christmas... kindness.
“In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer.”
Isaiah 54:8
Kindness is something that I feel like many of us struggle with, especially around Christmas. Family comes in, people are constantly in the way, it’s hard to find time alone, and the list can go on… Kindness is so hard to give when everything is so stressful. I’m going to tell you a story about The Good Samaritan. Jesus tells the story like this, one day a man who was walking along a road was robbed, beaten, and left hurt. Two people passed by him and did not offer help, that is until a Samaritan man saw him and stopped to help. The bible tells us that the Samaritan man showed him kindness and compassion, something the other people did not. Jesus asked, “Which of these three proved to be a neighbor to the man?” The answer was obvious, the Good Samaritan. This is because the Samaritan showed kindness when no one else would. He recognized the man was hurt and had compassion to help. Jesus used this story to explain why it is important to love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). We should help others in need, not for our own personal gain, but out of the kindness of our hearts. Kindness is one of the many amazing characteristics of Jesus and one He calls us to possess daily, no matter what the circumstances might be! This Christmas season, when you feel like screaming at absolutely anyone and everyone or when you want to fight back with more words of anger, remember the Good Samaritan. Instead of being angry that there are so many people in your house, help your mom to get the house ready for them. Instead of being angry that your family scheduled so many Christmas activities, cherish that time you have with them. Instead of reacting to mean comments and arguments with more mean comments and arguments, walk away from the situation or tell them you love them! Instead of wishing you were alone or out with friends, remember that your mom or dad has a lot on their plates and could really use your kindness and help! Your kindness and compassion can really go a long way! Lord, I pray over the person reading this. I pray they can find kindness this Christmas season. I pray they are able to not let the commotion of the holiday season cloud their judgement. I pray they consider Your character and Your Word this Christmas. I pray they never forget who You are and Who they are called to be. I pray this person can show kindness to everyone they meet this season and love their neighbor as themselves.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Tayler Meade
On the eighth day of Christmas... faithfulness.
"The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated 'God is with us'."
Matthew 1:23
What are the most important characteristics that we look for in a significant other? I know for me one of the most important characteristics in my friends, boyfriend, class partner, etc is them being faithful. If we chose a lab partner in science class who never showed up to class or didn’t do their part of the project, then we all wouldn’t get very good grades in the class. We would rather choose someone who we know is accountable, trusting, and loyal. Sadly, we struggle to be faithful because we all fall short sometimes. We cannot do it on our own, we need the spirit of God to help us with this! We see Gods faithfulness time and time again in scripture. I want to focus in on how the Christmas story demonstrates this characteristic so well. God promised us a Savior to be born into the world. Jesus being born is proof of His faithfulness. Baby Jesus was a symbol of the Father’s faithfulness. In Isaiah chapter 53, we see that God says that the promised Savior would suffer and die, not for His own sin, but for those of the people. In which was written in the Old Testament, later to see this become true in the testament when the Savior was born. The Lord is faithful to His people, even when we are faithless. That is the beauty of his graceful and loving heart.
Dear Father God, thank you for sending your son to be the savior of the world. Help us to see your great faithfulness in every aspect of life. Thank you for fulfilling your promises and faithful love. I pray that you enable us to be faithful followers each and every day.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Braelin Creel
On the ninth day of Christmas... gentleness.
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” Ephesians 4:2
Gentleness is like a kiss from a snowflake, it is also one of God’s greatest gifts. God shows gentleness everyday when He comforts us in our time of need. Sometimes the holidays can be difficult for some families because this may be the first holiday wihout their loved one, or maybe there is family tension during the holidays. Either way, God makes the most gentle moments in the holiday season, like when you get to finally hug your grandma and aunts and uncles, or baby’s first Christmas- always so special. Even the first Christmas as a couple, or being engaged, or married. God gives us these memories that will last a lifetime, it is the thought that we will hold onto in that time of sorrow. It is also that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you give food to the homeless or presents to children. God put that delicate, gentle kindness in your heart to share with everyone you meet. It can be as simple as a smile, that could turn someone’s whole day around. This is the gentleness God gives and shares with us and I just wanted to share that with you. Merry Christmas. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray over all moments that are going to be spent with friends and family this season, that they would be covered in your grace and gentleness. Help my spirit this season be more gentle and kind towards those around me. Thank you for giving me family and friends to spend Christmas with. We love and need you Lord.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Jada Foster
On the tenth day of Christmas... self-control.
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Proverbs 25:28
I’ve heard the saying that a person has walls built up when they are not very open emotionally, but I’ve never heard the saying of walls being broke through. In this analogy, we see a person who lacks self-control being compared to a city whose walls are broken through. If a city does not have any walls because they are broken through, that means they are defenseless to anything that may come towards them. For the person who lacks self-control, this means they are defenseless against any temptation Satan brings to them. So how do we build a defense to stand against these temptations this Christmas? Selfish desires are a common temptation around this season, so we should build up our defense to have a giving heart and desire to give to others before we are given a gift. We can work on building these defenses and fighting against temptations this Christmas by turning our selfish thoughts around to creating selfless actions and asking for God’s help through prayer. The only way you can truly have self-control is when you give yourself to God and let Him have control.
Lord, thank you for being selfless and having self-control over temptations. This Christmas and into the new year, please help us to build up defenses to stay out of temptation. Create a desire in our hearts to want to fight against anything that hurts your heart, Lord. Help us want the Giver more than the giving. Help us want you, Jesus, more than anything.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Sierra Rhoden
On the eleventh day of Christmas... hope.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Mark 11:24
"How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."
Luke 1:34-37
I don't know how anyone can deny God's faithfulness and power after reading those verses. Jesus was sent to be the price of our sin, to save us and to free us- to give us a HOPE for the future. We can cling to this hope as we feel as if maybe our lives don't matter, life isn't worth living, or maybe what we are walking through has gotten too hard. God sent His only Son down to die for us to be set free, SO THAT we get the chance and opportunity to live out our life by glorifying Him. We can have hope for our future because we see that it was worth dying for by Jesus Himself. Has what you've been walking through seemed too hard? Too much to handle? Like you'll never be okay again? I get it- life can throw you a million hard curveballs, mental health gets bad, people are mean, stuff is overwhelming. It's easy to sit in a pit and not look up to see there is a way out. But if you are still breathing, God is not done with you. Your mental health is not too much for God to handle- if God could do the miracle of making a virgin woman pregnant, He is more than capable of healing you, saving you, and helping you. There might be things that seem so unrealistic, scary and impossible, but our Heavenly Father is a God of Possibility. He is a fervent God. He is a faithful God.
Lord, thank you for sending your only Son for me. Thank you for sacrificing your life so I can live mine. Help me to glorify you in everything I do in life. Let my life be a reflection of you and your goodness. Please work miracles in my life, as I know and believe you are more than capable of doing. I love you and need you, Jesus.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Cassidy Brown
On the eleventh day of Christmas... closing day.
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
1 John 2:6
We must walk as He walked, we must love as He loves, and we must act in all of the fruits of the Spirit as He did. Jesus wasn’t perfect just to be better than everyone else, He was perfect so that we can model our daily walks after His as well. When we break apart how Jesus lived out the Fruits of the Spirit, we start with love. His love for us was shown when He offered Himself up as a sacrifice in our place, and died so that we could be set free with Him for all eternity. We see joy when He finds the one sheep that was lost, or when the Prodigal Son comes home. The joy that Jesus has when we run back to Him or when we allow ourselves to be found by Him is like no other. Peace is seen when we allow Him to take our lives over and we hand Him the hard things we have been holding on to- He is the Prince of Peace and it flows right into our hearts. We see His patience when He lets us have free will and while He waits for us to come back. He gives us the opportunity to taste what the world has, with full confidence that what Jesus offers is far better. Jesus’s goodness is shown when He paid the price to give us the ultimate gift- the gift of eternal life. Jesus has no ulterior motives, He just wants us to be with Him and to walk in freedom. That is what true goodness looks like. We can see His kindness when He sits by the woman at the well when no one else would. He cares for her and longs for her to feel the love that He offers each and every one of us. Jesus’s faithfulness is shown the biggest when He went to the cross- He was faithful in doing what He was sent here to do, and that was to pay the ultimate price for our sins and die in our place. Gentleness is shown when Jesus arrives on a donkey instead of a warhorse… which He was more than capable of doing. He chose instead to make an entrance that displayed His gentleness for all people. Self-control is shown by Jesus when people mocked Him, day in and day out. Jesus could’ve killed them in an instant, He could’ve retaliated, He could’ve done a million miracles to prove them wrong, but He loved them instead. What a beautiful example for us. God proves without failing that He is a good God- He is such a good God that He sent His only Son down to take our place, to bear our sins, to pay our price, in order to just be with us. You simply cannot find another love story more beautiful than that one. We should be modeling our lives not only after how Jesus spoke, acted, walked, and loved- but most importantly after the ultimate love story.
Lord, thank you for sending your only Son to die on the cross for our sins. I pray that everyday I walk hand in hand with you and that against my flesh, I model my every breath after Jesus. I pray that you begin a change in my heart, that my life may begin to look like Jesus’ more everyday. Thank you for being a good Father. I love you,
In your name we pray, Amen.
Written by Cassidy Brown
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