Pastor Stephen Dedman

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬

Question
How can you live today with an awareness that God is truly with you?

Context
John doesn’t begin his Gospel by describing angels, shepherds, or a manger. Instead, he tells us the meaning of Christmas: God came near. The eternal Word stepped into time, not just to visit, but to live among us. Christmas is not only an event to celebrate once a year; it is the beginning of God’s presence with humanity forever.

Application
December 26 can feel quieter. The wrapping paper is gone. The gatherings slow down. The music fades. Yet the greatest gift of Christmas does not leave with the decorations. Jesus did not come for a moment; He came to stay.

God entered our ordinary world so He could meet us in ordinary days. He walks with us back to work, back to responsibilities, back to routines. The same grace that filled the manger now fills our daily lives. Christmas reminds us that God is not distant, and December 26 proves He is still here.

As life resumes, remember that Christ goes with you. Invite Him into your conversations, decisions, and unseen moments. Let the nearness of Jesus shape how you live, love, and respond to others long after Christmas Day.

Truth For The Day
The gift of Christmas is not over; Jesus remains with us.

Pray
Lord, thank You for coming near and staying close. Help me carry the wonder of Christmas into my everyday life. Teach me to walk with You in ordinary moments and trust Your presence in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬

Question
How will you live today in gratitude for the gift of Jesus?

Context
Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift, Jesus. The gift is indescribable because no words, no treasures, no ceremonies can capture its fullness. God did not give a concept, a program, or a plan, He gave Himself. In the quietness of the manger, God took on human form. The Savior came to bring hope to the hopeless, joy to the weary, and life to the lost. Today reminds us that we can’t earn this gift; we simply receive it with gratitude and faith.

Application
God wants to be the center your heart and transform your life. When you invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, a wonderful thing happens. God comes into your life, it changes you. And when the Holy Spirit lives within, you are never the same.

Nothing compares to receiving the gift of Jesus Christ because His salvation is the ultimate gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

Pause today and reflect on this indescribable gift. Let your heart overflow with joy!

Truth For The Day
Jesus is God’s gift to you today and the ultimate reason for celebration.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Help me to receive Him fully and to share His love with others. May my heart reflect the joy and awe of Christmas today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬

Question
What does it mean for you personally that Jesus was born for you?

Context
Christmas Eve is the moment just before the announcement breaks the silence. Heaven had been preparing for this night, and earth was about to hear the greatest news it has ever known. To the shepherds in the fields, God made the first proclamation: a Savior has been born.

Application
This verse reminds us that Christmas is not simply about a baby, but about a Savior. Jesus did not come as an afterthought or a response to human effort. He was born “for you.” On this night, God steps into our brokenness with purpose and promise. Salvation is no longer distant or hoped for, it has arrived.

Christmas Eve invites us to stop striving and start receiving. The work God promised is already underway. The Savior has come, and with Him comes peace, forgiveness, and new life.

Truth For The Day
What God promised, He has now provided.

Pray
Lord, on this Christmas Eve, we thank You for the gift of Your Son. As we wait to celebrate His birth, help us to receive the Savior You have sent. Fill our hearts with wonder, gratitude, and peace. We rejoice that in Christ, hope has arrived. In Jesus’ name, Amen.