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Advent 2020: Christmas Presents

The gifts of God through Jesus.

Merry Christmas! As you celebrate with gifts and games, family and friends, however you spend the day, take a moment to consider your Advent journey.

Sense your level of adoration for Jesus as Savior and King, Creator and Redeemer. Think about what you learned from the spiritual discipline of Advent.

Rejoice in the Lord! Your Savior was born this day!

Read December 25: Three Christmas Presents

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What did John Piper give to you through today’s devotional?

Believe Jesus and love others. That is your purpose. …
Let the freedom to fail give you hope to fight. …
Christ will help overcome sin in you. …

John Piper, Joy to the World

Purpose. Forgiveness. Help. According to John Piper, these are the three presents Jesus gives us through Christmas. Gifts to help us persevere on our faith journeys.

Which of these Christmas presents means the most to you? Why?

Does one stir your heart with more joy and adoration for Jesus than the others? Explain.

Do you see the need for all of these gifts of grace in your life? How?

Ask God to bless you with the faith to open each of these Christmas presents in your life and use them to the fullest. Let Jesus define your purpose, forgive your failures, and help you move ever closer to Him.

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
2Thessalonians 3:5 NLT

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Songs of Praise: Psalm 120-122

Today our reading covers three songs, Psalm 120-122. (Click on the link to read the verses.)

Three songs read, three reminders given.

In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.

Psalm 120:1-2

Who do you call when you are in distress? Better yet, who is your Deliverer? When others hurt you with their words and you feel alone. Turn your prayers for deliverance to Jesus. He is the only one who can save.

 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Are you yearning for help, feeling weighed down with all the to-do of this season? Lift your eyes up, look to the hills. Focus on the finish and not the climb. Cry out to Jesus for help in each step.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!”
For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.

Psalm 122:6-9

Let’s make our camp within the walls of peace this day. For the one we trust to deliver and help us is the the very one whose name is Prince of Peace. Peace to you this day… Peace of Christ to you.

Lord Jesus, whatever I face this day, remind me to call on You.

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