December 23-27

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." – John 1:1–3 (ESV)

The Miracle of the Manger Was His Unparalleled Nature
In 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission, astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders became the first humans to orbit the moon. On Christmas Eve, as millions watched the live broadcast, they read from Genesis 1, proclaiming, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The astronauts were overwhelmed by the vastness of space and the intricate beauty of Earth seen from above. Anders later remarked, “We came all this way to explore the moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered Earth.”

This moment highlighted the incomprehensible power of the Creator, the same One who chose to enter His creation as a baby in a manger. The opening verses of John’s Gospel declare Jesus’ unparalleled nature. He is the Word of God, eternal and divine, present at creation and integral to its design. The incarnation—the eternal Word becoming flesh—is an act of unparalleled humility and love.

Reflection Questions
1. How does reflecting on Christ as Creator shape your view of Him?
2. In what ways can you marvel at His Creation this week of Christmas?

Suggested Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the eternal Word who created all things. Thank You for entering Your Creation to bring salvation. Help me to trust in Your greatness and love. Amen.

"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." – John 1:9–11 (ESV)

The Miracle of the Manger Was His Unthinkable Rejection
A family was eagerly preparing to welcome a long-lost relative home for Christmas. They cleaned the house, decorated the tree, and cooked a feast. When a knock finally came at the door, they flung it open, but instead of welcoming the man, they stared blankly, failing to recognize him. He looked older and worn from his journey, and they sent him away, thinking he was a stranger. Later, they realized their tragic mistake, but the moment was lost.

This story echoes the rejection Jesus faced when He came to His own. Despite centuries of prophecy and preparation, He was not recognized or received by His people. Jesus, the Light of the world, entered a dark and unknowing world. The tragedy of His rejection underscores humanity’s spiritual blindness. Even those who should have recognized Him—the religious leaders and His own people—turned Him away. Rejection still happens today when we prioritize worldly pursuits over Christ. Let the miracle of His coming at Christmas remind you to fully embrace Him and make room for Him in your life.

Reflection Questions
1. How can you ensure that Christ is welcomed into every aspect of your life?
2. Who in your life needs to know they are never rejected by God?

Suggested Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have failed to recognize and welcome You. Help me to share Your love with those who feel rejected or lost. Amen.

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." – John 1:4–5 (ESV)

His Unstoppable Mission to Reveal the Light of God to a Dark World
A man once called a tech support line, complaining his computer wasn’t working. “What’s wrong?” the technician asked. “It’s completely dark,” the man replied. After a few troubleshooting questions, the technician finally asked, “Is the computer plugged in?” The man paused before admitting, “No, but I figured it would charge itself if it sat near the outlet.”

This humorous misunderstanding illustrates a deeper truth: light and power must be connected to their source. Without Christ, the true Light, we remain in darkness, unable to see clearly or live fully. Jesus is the Light that overcomes darkness, illuminating the path to God and exposing the truth. His life brought hope and clarity in a world obscured by sin. The manger is a reminder that light entered the world to guide us back to the Father. Are you plugged into the source of true light? Spend time in Scripture and prayer, allowing Christ to illuminate areas of your life that need His truth.

Reflection Questions
1. In what ways has Jesus brought light to your life?
2. How can you help others see the light of Christ this week?

Suggested Prayer
Jesus, You are the Light that dispels all darkness. Shine in my life so I can reflect Your truth and love to those around me. Amen.

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." – John 1:12–13 (ESV)

His Unstoppable Mission to Rescue the Lost from Sin
During the 2010 Chilean mining accident, 33 miners were trapped underground for 69 days. Rescuers worked tirelessly, eventually lowering a capsule through the rock to bring the men to safety. One miner said, “I was in a dark tomb, but when they lifted me out, I saw the light and felt free again.” This powerful story mirrors Christ’s mission. Humanity, trapped in sin’s darkness, needed rescue. Jesus came to set us free, offering new life and the right to be called children of God.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are adopted into God’s family. This isn’t based on human effort but on divine grace. Receiving Jesus means accepting the greatest rescue mission ever undertaken. Reflect on your own rescue story. How has Christ brought you from darkness into light?

Reflection Questions
1. What does it mean to you to be a child of God?
2. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus’ rescue mission?

Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing me through Jesus. Help me to live as Your child and share Your love with others. Amen.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." – John 1:14 (ESV)

His Unstoppable Mission to Reflect the Glory of God
A little boy was asked to play the role of the angel in the Christmas pageant. His big line was, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!” When the moment came, he froze, then blurted, “Hey, y’all, something amazing is happening!” Though comical, the boy’s enthusiasm captured the essence of Christmas: something amazing did happen.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, reflecting the glory of God to humanity. Jesus revealed the Father’s glory through grace and truth. His incarnation wasn’t just about proximity but purpose—God’s desire to connect with humanity in an intimate and transformative way. This season, let your words and actions be filled with grace and truth, pointing others to the miraculous love of Christ.

Reflection Questions
1. How has Jesus revealed God’s glory to you personally?
2. What can you do to reflect His grace and truth this holiday season?

Suggested Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to show us the Father’s glory. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your love and truth to everyone I meet. Amen.