derrickhurst.org

living for eternity today

Tag: Christmas (Page 1 of 10)

Heavenly Joy

December 20, 2024 / / 0 Comments

We know what Christmas looks like on earth. Trees and lights and songs and wreaths but what about from heaven’s perspective? Revelation 12 gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Christmas. While Mary gave birth in a humble stable, heaven was celebrating the arrival of the Child who would defeat evil forever. It’s like a cosmic victory party, with angels cheering and joy flowing like waves through all of eternity.

That joy isn’t just reserved for angels and heavenly choirs. It’s ours too. Jesus’ birth wasn’t just an event in history; it was the start of a revolution of hope, love, and salvation. Heaven’s joy invites us to join the celebration here on Earth.

Reflection: How can you make room for heaven’s joy in your heart this Christmas?

Application: Celebrate big! Bake cookies, light candles, and share the story of Jesus with someone. Heaven’s joy is too good to keep to yourself.

Joy-filled Suffering

December 19, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Joy in suffering? At first, it sounds as out of place as a snowstorm in July. But Paul shows us that even in hardship, joy is possible because suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

The Christmas story isn’t free from struggle. Mary and Joseph faced rejection and uncertainty, yet their journey brought them to the joy of Jesus. Advent reminds us that joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in knowing Jesus is with us, even in life’s messiest moments. And it’s even better when we have a church family that’s willing to meet us in that very same messiness of life.

Reflection: How can you lean into joy, even when life feels hard this season?

Application: Look for glimpses of Christ’s presence in your challenges. Joy isn’t the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of hope in the midst of struggle.

Unlikely Joy

December 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The angel’s announcement to the shepherds wasn’t just good news—it was great joy for all people! Imagine being one of those shepherds, sitting in the dark fields when the sky explodes with light and music. That kind of joy isn’t quiet; it’s the kind that makes you jump up, shout, and run to Bethlehem.

Christmas is a reminder that the good news of Jesus is for everyone: the busy parent, the lonely neighbor, the overworked employee, and the wide-eyed child. It’s the kind of joy that transforms ordinary nights into holy moments.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news this season?

Application: Share the good news of Jesus with someone, whether it’s through words, actions, or a simple invitation to church.

A Song of Joy

December 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

If Isaiah were alive today, he might’ve written a Christmas carol about God’s salvation. His words burst with joy: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” It’s the kind of joy that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs—even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket!

Christmas is a celebration of salvation. Jesus came to rescue us, not just from sin but also from fear, loneliness, and despair. His salvation is like unwrapping the biggest, most unexpected gift under the tree—nope not the Red Rider BB Gun. I’m talking about joy – pure joy!

This Advent, rejoice in the gift of salvation. Let it lift your spirits and inspire your song.

Reflection: What has God saved you from, and how does that bring you joy today?

Application: Sing! Whether it’s a carol or a simple prayer of thanks, let your joy overflow in praise.

Joy In The Finding

December 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Imagine a group of travelers going hundreds of miles with a treasure chest in tow, guided by nothing more than a star. When they finally found Jesus, their first reaction wasn’t relief or exhaustion—it was joy! They “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

The Wisemen remind us that joy comes from seeking (and finding) Jesus. They didn’t let the long journey or the uncertainty stop them. And when they found Him, they gave their best gifts—not because they had to, but because their hearts were overflowing. Overflowing with joy!

This season, let’s follow their lead. Joy isn’t about perfect plans or shiny packages. It’s about finding Jesus, wherever we are.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to “seek” Jesus this Advent?

Application: Let the joy of Christ fill your heart. Share it with others through laughter, generosity, and maybe a little Christmas smile!

The Perfect Gift

December 13, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever tried to measure the love in that perfect Christmas gift? A handmade scarf shows thoughtfulness. A heartfelt card brings tears. But God’s love? That one is immeasurable.

Paul prays that we’d grasp the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love—a love so vast it can’t fit under the tree. It’s a love that crosses the galaxies to meet you in your living room, a love that fills every empty corner of your heart.

This Advent, let Christ’s love fill you to overflowing. It’s not just a gift to receive but one to share generously with others.

Reflection: Where do you see God’s love at work in your life this Advent season?

Application: Love big! Go out of your way to show someone they’re deeply loved by God—and by you.

Longer Than A Shopping List

December 12, 2024 / / 0 Comments

God’s love is bigger than your longest Christmas shopping list! The psalmist says, “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” It’s a love that never fails, even when we do.

Think about the people you love most—family, friends, maybe even that crazy uncle who tells the same stories every Christmas. Now multiply that love by infinity, and you’ve got a glimpse of God’s affection for you. Ok so you don’t even have a glimpse because we can’t even fathom a love that big!

This Advent, bask in the unfailing love of God. It’s a love that doesn’t fade with the season but sticks around all year long.

Reflection: How can you let God’s love shape your relationships this Christmas?

Application: Let love lead! Choose forgiveness, patience, and kindness, reflecting the limitless love of God.

Immanuel

December 11, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Immanuel. It means “God with us.” That’s the heart of Christmas: God didn’t stay distant; He stepped into our messy, chaotic world to be with us. He didn’t arrive in royal robes but in tattered and swaddling cloths, laid in a manger.

Picture a king trading his throne for a stable, just to be near his people. That’s Jesus. He doesn’t wait for us to have it all together—He meets us in our everyday struggles, joys, and even the holiday chaos. He meets us in the messiness of our day to day lives.

This Christmas, take comfort in knowing you’re never alone. Immanuel means Jesus is with you in every carol sung, every cookie baked, and every quiet moment of prayer. He’s also with you though in every screaming kiddo, over blown budget, and family gathering that didn’t go as planned!

Immanuel is God with you!

Reflection: How can you make space to experience God’s presence this Advent?

Application: Slow down. Pause during the busyness to thank God for being with you every step of the way.

Night-Shift

December 10, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The shepherds were the night-shift workers of ancient Israel—ordinary folks doing an ordinary job. But on that first Christmas night, angels filled the sky with a message just for them: “A Savior has been born to you!” Imagine their awe as heaven’s choir sang a private concert just for them.

Those common, ordinary, anything but significant shepherds were the first to hear of the amazing news of the birth of Jesus. How great is it that God didn’t choose the elite or the high powered but instead the humble and lowly! Sure gives me a chance!

And the shepherds didn’t stay in their fields either. They dropped everything, ran to Bethlehem, and found Jesus lying in a manger. It was exactly as the angels told them. Their love for the newborn King couldn’t be contained—they shared the good news with everyone they met.

This season, let’s follow their example. Let’s look beyond the outward trappings and see the heart of those around us. And when love bursts into your life, you can’t help but share it!

Reflection: Who needs to hear the good news of Jesus from you this Advent?

Application: Love isn’t meant to be bottled up. Let your joy overflow in conversations, hugs, and maybe even a Christmas card.

For the Love of Christmas

December 9, 2024 / / 0 Comments

If Christmas had a tagline, it might be John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” Talk about the ultimate gift exchange! God didn’t give us something small or temporary—He gave His best, Jesus, to bring us back to Him.

And here’s the kicker: Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. That’s a part of the story we often leave out. We love that he came to save us, but often act as if he came to have us condemn the world around us. Not cool friends!

Imagine a Christmas where everyone gets a second chance—a fresh start wrapped in the love of God. That’s what Jesus offered you and what he calls us to offer one another.

This season, as you wrap gifts and share cookies, remember the greatest gift of all: God’s extravagant love, packaged in a manger and delivered to your heart.

Reflection: How can you reflect God’s love to others this Christmas?

Application: Spread the love! A smile, a kind word, or an act of generosity could be just the gift someone needs.

« Older posts

© 2024 derrickhurst.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑