As we celebrate the beginning of a new year, we pray the Prince of Peace would bless you with safety, wellness, and a completeness that can only come from Him.

During this Christmas Season, ask God to open your heart to see the many ways He is speaking to you. He is speaking to you through the Christmas story, as well as through your surroundings. He beckons you through his creation. The Psalmist says, “The heavens declare his glory.”

God can still use the stars in the night sky to direct and lead us to Jesus, to remind us of his eternal hope, just like he did over two thousand years ago.

People have their ideas, thoughts, beliefs, traditions, and way of life.

It takes time, to have discussions. It takes effort to help those in need. It takes time.

As we go out and meet needs, whether it is in your own home or in a distant country, we are examples to others of who Christ is.

When I began doing women’s ministry, I balked at the idea of leading other women. But then I realized, I am no leader - I am a follower. I am not leading these girls on campus. I am following a God who knows the beginning from the end. He knows the words of my mouth, their mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and He will lead.

Even those of us who know Him by His grace are prone to honor our own efforts. Some people may say, “I’ve been a Christian for forty years.” Unwittingly, they may have done the same thing over and over forty times. Jesus is cajoling us every day to recognize Him in our life. He needs for us to be different.

He is calling us to grow, to change. Christmas is a time of new beginnings. Joy to the world!

The baby we celebrated yesterday is also the Everlasting Father, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, who existed at the beginning and will be forever.

When I hear the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth to Mary in the stable, I also think about our own design and creation. I am in awe that God would send His Son to be born of a virgin, with his own unique body, complete with individual fingerprints! Equally awe-inspiring is the fact that Jesus would live his life and die with us in mind. Absolutely amazing- our God loves, creates, redeems, and gives a purpose to each one of us through Christ. Now that is something to celebrate this Christmas morning!

These three words have power: Thy kingdom come - 1) to me, 2) to others, 3) to others through me, and finally, 4) quickly - I am ready to go, through faith in Jesus, my Lord and Savior!

The mountains in this part of the world are truly awesome, and they do reflect God’s glory in creation. But what can creation do to save us? Thank God he not only shows us his power, but also his love. Jesus began the reign of peace, the time that Isaiah spoke about as the “last days.” While Jesus did gather people to himself, he also sent his disciples into the world, and still sends his disciples today.

The pattern remains: gathering people to hear God’s Word and sending them out.

To whom is God sending you today? Who do you know that needs to hear of the LORD and his mercy?

As I look back on my life, I can see, over and over, all God saw me through. And the greatest gift and promise of all, Jesus, reminds me of this again and again.