Devotionals for December 29, 2023
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READ
1 Peter 1:3-7
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
REFLECT
Through the resurrection of Jesus, we have a LIVING hope in an inheritance that will NEVER perish, spoil, or fade. How remarkable! Hope is not just a word we use to make others feel better. It LIVES within us. It changes how you see the world, how you see others, how you see yourself. The Hope of Jesus’s first advent and seconding advent are concrete realities, anchors for your whole life. This season, abide in and hold onto the true hope of Jesus.
APPLY
Q: How does Peter describe life as a Christian?
Q: Peter describes living with a confident hope and having great expectations in life, setting our eyes on things eternal. How does this compare to your perspective on life?
Q: During the Christmas season a lot of focus is put on material things and there is a lot of hope and anticipation for Christmas to arrive. Peter reminds us of the priceless, intangible gifts from God. How will you and your family acknowledge and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas and beyond?
Q: Peter describes living with a confident hope and having great expectations in life, setting our eyes on things eternal. How does this compare to your perspective on life?
Q: During the Christmas season a lot of focus is put on material things and there is a lot of hope and anticipation for Christmas to arrive. Peter reminds us of the priceless, intangible gifts from God. How will you and your family acknowledge and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas and beyond?
SING
“Noel” by Maverick City Music
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, help me to stay strong in the hope of your Son. He has come once and will come again. Help me to rest in Jesus and live for your kingdom — not my own comfort. I love you Lord, and thank you for the hope you’ve offered the world! Amen.
Lord, help me to stay strong in the hope of your Son. He has come once and will come again. Help me to rest in Jesus and live for your kingdom — not my own comfort. I love you Lord, and thank you for the hope you’ve offered the world! Amen.