Christmas is more than the seasonal festivities that are all around us. It’s a time to pause and reflect on what truly matters — the birth of Jesus. As you celebrate Christmas, remember the reason that we can have true hope and unending joy in this season and beyond is because of the birth of our Savior.

We tend to imitate influential people in our life. When you think of imitating Jesus, consider that it starts with God-gifted compassion, it’s built on faith-filled service, and it leads to heaven-sourced miracles.

Immanuel is always present and working despite the messiness of life, as He desires to be near to us. As you consider your own life, what are the things that prevent you from feeling close to Him, and what things that foster closeness and connection?

Immanuel means God with us. God is transcendent, meaning He is above all things.  And He is immanent or near all things. Do these truths comfort or challenge you, and in what ways?

God’s power and promises grant us access to partake in His divine nature. Practicing these virtues lead us to a love that is not just good for us, but good for others, too.  

Godliness is reverence for God expressed through a life of holiness. Consider what impact you have seen or could see in your life if you are growing in godliness. In light of your response, think about growing in your godliness by both grace-given effort and grace-driven repentance.

How steadfast — or in other words, enduring and patient — are you in your walk with God? When you’re steadfast you make the repeated decision to wait for good because you trust that you’re anchored to something bigger than yourself; something eternal.  

Do you ever struggle with self-control? Most of us do, which is why it’s important to stay connected to God, learn and lean into Scripture, and increase our knowledge of how we can and why we should practice self-control in our lives.  

It’s important to root yourself in Jesus, as this will develop character.  Character comes for the person of Jesus, and it develops from knowing and following Him over time.

Our society presents many challenges that make healthy rhythms of rest difficult. However, rest is important. Jesus modeled rest for us, and it has implications for our discipleship. Moving forward in your life, how can you establish a weekly habit of rest that allows you to recharge your soul and delight in God?