FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
Love Lights the Way
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. – 1 John 4:16 KJV
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. — 1 John 4:16 ESV
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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ESV Translation Philosophy
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking full account of differences in grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and exact force of the original.
In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive views of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.
Every translation is at many points a trade-off between literal precision and readability, between “formal equivalence” in expression and “functional equivalence” in communication, and the ESV is no exception. Within this framework, we have sought to be “as literal as possible” while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence. Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original; and, as far as grammar and syntax allow, we have rendered Old Testament passages cited in the New in ways that show their correspondence. Thus in each of these areas, as well as throughout the Bible as a whole, we have sought to capture all the echoes and overtones of meaning that are so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation, taking into account grammar and syntax, the ESV thus seeks to carry over every possible nuance of meaning in the original words of Scripture into our own language. As such, the ESV is ideally suited for in-depth study of the Bible. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, for private reading and reflection, for both academic and devotional study, and for Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, December 21, 2025 – BRINGING GOOD NEWS – Isaiah 52:4-10
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Evangelism
Today’s Devotional
The man was harvesting onions when we prayerfully approached him during the home visits we were conducting on our mission trip in Ecuador. In broken Spanish, I told him my friends and I would like to briefly speak to him about the Bible. He paused to listen as we shared our testimonies with him. Then one of my teammates started reading Scripture aloud in English. What a sacred moment it was for all to hear the good news read on the side of the Andes mountains as the man read along in Spanish with the booklet we had given him! We talked with him and his family who’d been working off in the distance, prayed for them, and continued to the next house.
As we walked along the mountainside reading Scripture and talking to people about Christ, I thought of Jesus and His disciples walking along the hills and valleys of Israel during His earthly ministry.
Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” The prophet was referring to the time when God’s people would return to their homeland after years in exile, but it still applies to us today whenever we share the good news of Jesus with others.
Our opportunities may not be in the spectacular Andes, but wherever God has placed us, the Holy Spirit can help us share the message of salvation with those He puts in our path.
Reflect & Pray
Who shared the gospel with you? Who can you share your faith with?
Dear God, please give me courage to tell others about Jesus.
Learn why spiritual conversations are important, even when talking about Jesus feels weird.
Today’s Insights
In the divine soliloquy in Isaiah 52:4-10, God referenced the past and present slaveries of His chosen people. They were once slaves in Egypt, and the people in the Northern Kingdom of Israel were enslaved by Assyrians (v. 4). Those in Judah too would soon be enslaved by the Babylonians (39:6-7). But God promised that in due time He’d bring them back from foreign bondage and restore Jerusalem (11:11; 54:11-15). Messengers would be sent to proclaim this good news of redemption and deliverance (52:7-10). “When the Lord returns to Zion, . . . all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God” (vv. 8, 10).
We were all once slaves to sin, but Jesus sets free those who trust in Him (Romans 6:16-18). Paul cites Isaiah 52:7 in Romans 10:15 to encourage believers in Christ to proclaim the good news of salvation: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Monday, December 22, 2025 – SEND ME YOUR PEOPLE – 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Daily Bread Focuses: Church Participation; Living with other believers
Scriptures: Ephesians 2:18; John 7:37-39
Today’s Devotional
When my friend Maritza took a job that required traveling to many different cities by herself, she often felt lonely. But over dinner one night, she leaned in and told me, “Jen, I prayed and asked God to send me His people.” She went on to say it wasn’t long before she’d begun to meet other believers in Jesus on a regular basis. Once, she met three in one day!
When we encounter others who have faith in Jesus, we share a spiritual connection. In a hard-to-explain way, this lights a spark within us. We have the most important thing in common because we believe what the Bible says about Christ and how it’s possible to have a relationship with God through Him (Romans 10:9).
Most importantly, the Spirit of God lives in each believer, knitting us together so powerfully that the Bible compares us to the interconnected parts of the human body. First Corinthians 12:13 says, “We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body”—the body of Christ.
God often works in our lives through others who love Him, whether they’re near or far, known or new acquaintances. In our loneliest times, we can ask Him to send His people—even as we offer ourselves to be used by Him to encourage others.
Reflect & Pray
Where do you turn when you feel lonely? How has God worked through other believers in your life?
Dear heavenly Father, thank You for including me in Your family. Please use me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ today.
For further study, watch Why is Community So Important?
Today’s Insights
The metaphor of believers in Jesus forming one body is used elsewhere in Scripture. Paul employs the same imagery in Romans 12:4-5. He also speaks of the church as God’s “building” (1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:19-21). These metaphors point to an essential unity among the members of the church at large. We may be tempted to downplay certain roles as less prestigious while esteeming others that have more visibility.
The apostle cautions against this mistake by pointing out the essential role of each gifting: “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?” (1 Corinthians 12:17). Earlier in this passage, he emphasized how God gifts each of us “for the common good” (v. 7). Just as we receive gifting to help others in the body of fellow believers in Christ, when we’re lonely, God uses others to encourage us.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 – NO FAVORITISM – James 2:1-4, 8-13
Daily Bread Focuses: Justice; Multi-culture/Race
Scriptures: Romans 2:1-2, 10-11; Acts 10:34-35; Leviticus 19:15; 1 Timothy 5 :21
Today’s Devotional
In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant was stopped for recklessly driving his carriage through Washington DC. One published account says that the officer, an African American named William West, warned Grant, “Your fast driving, sir . . . is endangering the lives of the people who have to cross the street.” Grant apologized, but the next night he was racing carriages again. West stopped Grant’s horses. “I am very sorry, Mr. President, to have to do it, for you are the chief of the nation and I am nothing but a policeman, but duty is duty.” West arrested the president.
I admire this brave man for doing his duty. So did Grant. He praised West and made sure he kept his job. God also was pleased, for He hates the injustice of favoritism. James wrote, “Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism” (James 2:1). That includes not giving special favors to the rich and powerful, leaving only leftovers for the poor (vv. 2-4). Instead, we’re called to love our neighbor as ourselves (v. 8). If we play favorites, serving our platinum club neighbors rather than the less privileged, we “sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (v. 9).
God didn’t play favorites with us. He loved us when we had nothing to offer, when we were “without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). With His help, we can love all people equally.
Reflect & Pray
Why is favoritism such a harmful thing? How might you avoid playing favorites?
I praise You, Father, that no human is above or beneath me.
Discover more through Hearing God Through the Christmas Story reading plan.
Today’s Insights
A key problem James addressed was the rich-poor divide threatening the unity and harmony of the church (2:1-11; 5:1-6). He reiterated that God intentionally chose the materially poor to be spiritually rich as sons and heirs of God (2:5; see Luke 6:20; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Therefore, it’s a sin to favor the wealthy and discriminate against or exploit the poor (James 2:1-9).
Those who commit these evil acts “have dishonored the poor” (v. 6) whom God has blessed and have blasphemed His holy name (v. 7). To treat all believers in the church impartially, James instructs us to keep “the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ ” (v. 8, see Leviticus 19:18). Jesus says this is the second greatest commandment for His followers (Matthew 22:39). With God’s help, we can love everyone equally and without favoritism.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – FROM FRIGHT TO DELIGHT – Luke 2:8-14
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, birth; Joy
Scriptures: Matthew 1:18, 21; 16:13-16; Luke 2:15-16
Today’s Devotional
Many historians believe the first-ever radio broadcast of music and speech was heard by radio operators on US Navy and other ships in the Atlantic on Christmas Eve, 1906. Instead of the usual beeps and pulses to transmit codes, they listened to Reginald Fessenden play a violin solo of the Christmas carol “O, Holy Night.” Fessenden closed his broadcast by echoing the angels’ praise: “Glory to God in the highest heaven!” (Luke 2:14). The listeners must have been startled by the evocative music and statement of praise over the birth of Jesus.
The first people surprised by Jesus’ birth were the shepherds who’d been keeping to their usual business of watching their sheep at night (Luke 2:8). Then an angel appeared, shining with the glory of God and giving the shepherds a fright (v. 9). The angel urged them not to be afraid and declared: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (vv. 10-11). The shepherds left their sheep to investigate the angel’s words and found the baby lying in a manger, just as they had been told (vv. 16, 20).
The shepherds accepted this good news of great joy. May we too rejoice and share the wonders of Jesus’ birth and life.
Reflect & Pray
How do you think you would have reacted to the news the angel proclaimed? Why do you think God chose to reveal His Son’s birth to them?
Dear Jesus, Your birth was revealed to the shepherds, for You don’t despise anyone, and You came to earth to love and save me.
Discover more about the Christmas story.
Today’s Insights
In Luke 1, we read Mary’s song in which she “glorifies . . . God my Savior” (vv. 46-47). She includes herself by referring to “the humble state of [God’s] servant” (v. 48) and notes how God “has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” (v. 52). In Luke 2, God lifts up the humble when the angel appears first to shepherds with the good news of Jesus’ birth (vv. 9-12).
Shepherds lived “on the margins,” rendered ceremonially unclean by a job whose requirements kept them outside the city limits and outside civic norms. Shepherds found it difficult even to participate in the religious festivals and sacrifices. Yet they were the chosen eyewitnesses for the angelic celebration on a Bethlehem hillside (vv. 13-14). The angel spoke of “great joy for all the people” (v. 10)—shepherds included. We’re included too. May we celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth.
Thursday, December 25, 2025 – JESUS, THE GREATEST GIFT – Matthew 2:1-2, 7-12
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, birth; Salvation
Scriptures: Matthew 14:33; Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 9:6
Today’s Devotional
“What sweeter music can we bring/ Than a carol for to sing/ The birth of this our heavenly King?” The lines of this seventeenth-century poem “What Sweeter Music” by Robert Herrick were reimagined by modern-day choral composer John Rutter to become an Advent season favorite. Its gentle melody describes a long, cold season of waiting that’s thawed by the springtime feeling of Jesus’ arrival. The singers bring Him a Christmas carol; the listeners are invited to bring their hearts.
Rutter’s arrangement was commissioned to correspond with a church reading on the wise men who brought Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These mysterious magi traveled a great distance to meet baby Jesus with the express purpose of worshiping Him (Matthew 2:1-2). When they finally found Him, they “were overjoyed,” bowed down in reverence, and “opened their treasures” at His feet (vv. 10-11). Warned in a dream, they left without informing wicked King Herod (v. 12).
The Christmas season shouldn’t focus on material gifts—but it’s certainly about giving and receiving gifts. God gave His Son to heal a broken world. If we’ve never given Him our hearts, today’s a wonderful day to do so. If He already reigns there, let’s offer a carol of peace and joy as we think about His arrival all those years ago in Bethlehem—and wait for His return.
Reflect & Pray
What are some of the greatest gifts of Christmastime? What might you be reluctant to give over to God?
Dear Jesus, You’re the greatest gift of all. Everything I am, and everything I have, I give back to You.
Discover more about the Christmas story.
Today’s Insights
Matthew’s gospel is bookended by the worship of Jesus (2:1; 28:17). In both accounts, readers see what the proper response to Christ should be. Based on what had been revealed to them, “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem” (2:1), bearing gifts to honor Jesus. They asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (v. 2). “Worship[ed]” (vv. 2, 8, 11) translates the word proskyneō—meaning “to fawn,” “to “crouch down” (literally or figuratively), “to prostrate oneself in homage” (reverence, adore).
Matthew’s account of Christ shows that worship is the proper response to Him (see 8:2-3; 9:18-22; 14:33; 15:25-28; 28:9). The final use of the word worship[ed] in this gospel occurs in the last scene of the book, after the resurrection: “When they saw him, they worshiped him” (28:17). Today, as we celebrate Jesus—the greatest gift ever given—may we also respond with worship.
Friday, December 26, 2025 – EYES OPENED BY GOD – Luke 10:21-24
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, birth; Christ, person/work; Encouragement
Scriptures: Psalm 119:18; Ephesians 1:18-19; Luke 24:45
Today’s Devotional
In a café one afternoon, I noticed a toddler with her parents at an adjacent table. As the parents talked with their friends, a pigeon flew in and started pecking crumbs from the floor. Filled with awe at this sight, the little girl tried getting the adults’ attention by squealing with delight. But they never got to see what she saw. They just smiled at her and returned to their conversation.
Jesus once sent His disciples on a preaching mission, which turned out to be tremendously successful (Luke 10:17). “I praise you, Father,” Jesus prayed in response, “because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (v. 21). In this case, “little children” didn’t refer to age but status. It was humble, everyday “sinners” who responded to the gospel, while “wise and learned” religious leaders ignored it (7:29-34). While God decides who He reveals Himself to, Jesus always explained more about the kingdom to those who asked (see Matthew 13:36). The leaders had missed seeing who Jesus was because they didn’t really want to know.
The little girl in the café saw something wonderful while her parents missed out. May we never be so distracted by the world’s chatter, or lacking in humility to seek more understanding, that we miss what God wants to show us about Himself.
Reflect & Pray
What first opened your eyes and heart to the gospel? How hungry are you to know more of God right now?
Father God, please open my eyes to see everything You want me to see about You and the gospel.
Learn more about God by watching Asking Who Is God.
Today’s Insights
Although the word trinity is never used in Scripture, we see clear evidence in Luke 10 of God’s triune nature. “Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit” praises His Father, the “Lord of heaven and earth” (v. 21). The Son accomplishes the Father’s will by the power of the Spirit. Then Christ speaks of Himself when He says, “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father” (v. 22). But didn’t the disciples know Him?
Jesus is using the word knows in the sense of knowing someone completely and perfectly. Christ knew they were in danger of being distracted by the miracles they’d just performed (v. 17). So He turned their focus back to what mattered: “your names are written in heaven” (v. 20). Step by step, He revealed Himself to them. May we also keep our eyes open to see what God wants to reveal to us about Himself.
Saturday, December 27, 2025 – OUR LOVING RESCUER – Psalm 55:1-5, 16-22
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Healing; Prayer; Salvation: Suffering
Today’s Devotional
During a raging wildfire, a forest ranger saved a bear cub. At a recovery site safely away from those still fighting the inferno, he placed the rescued animal on the ground. Standing on its tiny back paws, the cub hugged the man’s calf. The ranger gently pried himself away. Mouth wide as if crying out in desperation, the little bear clambered and clawed in an attempt to remain in the refuge of his rescuer’s embrace. As the cub clung to his arm, the kind man relented and rubbed his furry friend’s head.
What if we pursued our ultimate rescuer—Jesus—with the same fierce desperation and confidence as the bear cub who pursued and clung to the one who saved him from death?
All people God made need saving. The psalmist David confessed his need for a rescuer—for God to hear and answer his prayers (Psalm 55:1-2). Admitting he faced troubles, threats, suffering, and fear (vv. 3-5), David pursued God with assurance. “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me,” he said (v. 16). “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (v. 17). David prayed continually. He believed God listened and trusted that He would rescue him “unharmed” (v. 18).
When we face difficulties or suffering of any kind, like David, we can cry out to God. Our loving Rescuer, who pursues us, hears and saves us when we pursue Him too.
Reflect & Pray
How can you pursue God today? When has God rescued you from trouble or suffering?
Dear God, thank You for rescuing me from death through Christ and for being my refuge every day.
For further study, watch Threshing Sledge: Isaiah 21 & Purposeful Pain.
Today’s Insights
David was in intense emotional anguish and was enduring devastating pain (Psalm 55:4-5). This pain was caused by the betrayal of someone he trusted, one whom he described in endearing terms: “my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (vv. 13-14). Initially, the psalmist had considered hiding in the desert to escape the storm, hoping to isolate himself from the pain.
He pictures himself as a bird taking flight into the desert, which he thought would provide him with a safe place of refuge (vv. 6-8). Eventually, David chose to run to God instead, affirming that only He could rescue him and keep him safe (vv. 16-18). He says to “give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you” (v. 22 nlt). Just as God pursued David, He hears us and pursues us when we face difficulties.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas does not come from the pocket; it comes from the heart. It is not the gifts that make Christmas special; it is the presence of the people you love, whether they are with you in person or spirit.
In that spirit, the most precious gift you can give is not wrapped in paper. It is your presence, your patience, and your prayers. This Christmas, give the gift of kindness first. It is the gift everyone understands.
And what can we give Jesus for His birthday? Let us offer Him our hearts.
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Merry Christmas to all!
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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