Theme:   All I Want for Christmas is To Find REAL Hope

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

Read: Luke 8:26-39; John 4:7-30

Think: Birthdays for us are often a time of reflection; this year I turned 40 and I found I spent time looking at who and where I am now and what I had done with my 40 years.

This past year there were many celebrations to remember the 100 years since the birth of Ronald Reagan, this coming year there will it will be 200 years since the birth of Charles Dickens. Each of these men are being celebrated and remembered for what they did in their lives, their achievements and how they impacted society.

At this time of year we remember the many years since the birth of Jesus but we need to remember not only his miraculous birth but the life he went on to live, His achievements and how His life has changed ours. It is often easy to remember the Christmas story and leave it there with Jesus helpless in a manger. While it is important to see God’s work in His birth and the beginning of our salvation we also need to look at his life.

The readings today are about things that Jesus did with His life and how he affected others. Like those who came into contact with him, we need to not only see how He has changed our lives, but share it with others and what better time than around the celebrations of His birth!

Do: Take some time to sit and thank God for the effect He has had on your life, sometimes it is much easier to see where God has worked when looking back than when we are in the middle of a situation or struggle. Share with someone you feel comfortable with what you are grateful for in your life that has been directly affected by Jesus.

Pray: Lord we thank You that even when we cannot see at the time what You are doing You are always beside us working in our lives. We ask that You would continue to guide and shape our lives to Your will for us. Help us Lord to speak about You and Your works when we do not feel brave enough, reminding us to give You credit for what You have done. Amen.