Advance to the Manger — 25 Day Devotional

Advance to the Manger — Day 25

December 25, 2023 • J Calaway • John 14:13–14

Introduction: • Scripture: John 14:13-14 • Celebrate the birth of Jesus with joy and gratitude. • Be Encouraged to carry the spirit of Christmas – love, joy, peace, and generosity – into thecoming year. As we approach the manger, we are reminded of the significance of Jesus' birth and the incredible gift of salvation that He brings. In John 14:13-14, Jesus assures His disciples that whatever they ask in His name, He will do it. These verses reveal a powerful truth that can transform our approach to the manger and our relationship with Christ. As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, it is a time for us to reflect on the miraculous birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many names, each revealing a unique aspect of His divine nature and purpose. Today, let us embark on a devotional journey, exploring the significance of these names as we advance towards the manger.

Advance to the Manger — Day 23

December 23, 2023 • J Calaway • John 1:1–14

Introduction: Advance in Mystery • Read Scripture: John 1:1-14 • Reflect on the mystery of Jesus being fully God and fully man. • Encourage intentional Belief throughout the Christmas season. The story of Christmas is the story of the incarnation, the moment when the eternal Word of God took on human flesh and entered into our world. John 1:14 beautifully captures the essence of this incredible event: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." As we advance towards the manger, let us reflect on the profound truth of the incarnation and its significance for our lives.

Advance to the manger — Day 22

December 22, 2023 • J Calaway • Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 4:15

Introduction: Spreading Kindness • Read Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 • Reflect on the importance of kindness in our interactions. • Encourage intentional kindness throughout the Christmas season. As we approach the manger, we are reminded of the kindness and love that God displayed by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The Christmas story is a beautiful example of God's kindness and compassion towards humanity. In Ephesians 4:32, the apostle Paul encourages us to imitate God's kindness in our relationships with one another.

Advance to the Manger — Day 21

December 21, 2023 • J Calaway • Psalm 34:8, Proverbs 18:10, John 3:16

Introduction: Celebrating God's Goodness • Scripture: Psalm 34:8 • Reflect on the goodness of God. • Encourage a spirit of celebration and gratitude for God's goodness. During this Christmas season, as we advance towards the manger, it is essential to reflect on the goodness of God. Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Today, let us meditate on the goodness of our Heavenly Father and how it is magnificently revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advance to the Manger — Day 20

December 20, 2023 • J Calaway • Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Psalm 133

Introduction: The Gift of Friendship • Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 • Explore the value of friendship and community. • Cherish and nurture meaningful relationships during the Christmas season.

Advance to the Manger — Day 19

December 19, 2023 • J Calaway • Galatians 5:22–23

Introduction: Cultivating Patience • Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 • Reflect on the fruit of the Spirit, including patience. • Encourage readers to cultivate patience as they wait for Christmas. As we approach the manger during this Christmas season, it is essential to reflect on the virtue of patience. In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit. Today, let us explore the significance of patience in advancing towards the manger and experiencing the transformative power of Jesus' birth.

Advance to the Manger — Day 18

December 18, 2023 • Pastor J Calaway • Luke 3:3–6

Introduction: A Season of Repentance • Scripture: Luke 3:3-6 • Explore John the Baptist's call to repentance. • Use the Christmas season for personal reflection and repentance. As we prepare our hearts to journey towards the manger this Christmas season, it is essential to reflect on the message of repentance proclaimed by John the Baptist. In Luke 3:3-6, we see John calling the people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Today, let us explore the significance of repentance in advancing to the manger and experiencing the transformative power of Jesus' birth.

Advance to the Manger — Day 17

December 17, 2023 • J Calaway • John 8:12, Matthew 5, Psalm 119:105

Introduction: The Light of the World • Read John 8:12 • Meditate on Jesus as the Light of the World. • Embrace the light of Christ in their lives. As we journey towards the manger during this Christmas season, we are reminded of the light that Jesus brings into our lives. In John 8:12, Jesus declares Himself as the "Light of the World." Today, let us reflect on this powerful statement and discover how we can advance to the manger by embracing the light that Jesus brings.

Advance to the Manger — Day 16

December 16, 2023 • J Calaway • Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 5:9, Philippians 4:7

Introduction: The Gift of Peace • Read Isaiah 9:6 • Reflect on the Prince of Peace, Jesus. • Seek to find peace in the presence of Christ. As we approach the manger during this Christmas season, we are reminded of the peace that Jesus brings into our lives. In Isaiah 9:6, we find a prophetic declaration about the birth of Jesus Christ and the peace He would bring to the world. Today, let us reflect on this passage and discover how we can advance to the manger by finding true and lasting peace in our lives.

Advance to the Manger — Day 15

December 15, 2023 • J Calaway • Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 12:3, Matthew 17:20–21, Matthew 13:31–32

Introduction: The Gift of Faith • Read Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 • Explore the concept of faith as a gift from God. • Deepen their faith during the Christmas season. As we approach the manger during the Christmas season, we are reminded of the gift of faith. The birth of Jesus Christ is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire for us to have a personal relationship with Him. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we find a profound declaration about the role of faith in our salvation. Today, let us reflect on this passage and discover how the gift of faith can lead us to the manger and transform our lives.

Advance to the Manger — Day 14

December 14, 2023 • J Calaway • 1 John 4:19, 1 John 4:7–8

Introduction: Responding in Love • Read 1 John 4:19 • Explore the connection between God's love and our response. • Respond to God's love with love for others. As we approach the manger during this Christmas season, we are reminded of God's incredible love for us. The birth of Jesus Christ is a testament to the depth of God's love and His desire to reconcile us to Himself. In 1 John 4:19, we read a simple yet powerful statement that encapsulates the essence of our response to God's love. Today, we reflect on this verse and discover how responding in love can lead us to the manger and transform our lives.

Advance to the Manger — Day 13

December 13, 2023 • J Calaway • Luke 2:13–14

Introduction: • Read Scripture: Luke 2:13-14 • Meditate on the angelic chorus praising God • Have a mouth full of praise and worship during this Christmas season. The birth of Jesus Christ was not an ordinary event. It was a momentous occasion that sparked a stellar worship team of warriors to praise and worship. In Luke 2:13-14, we find the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, revealing the joyous news of the Savior's birth. Today, let us reflect on these verses and discover the profound lessons we can learn as we advance to the manger through the stellar warriors of worship.

Advance to the Manger — Day 12

December 12, 2023 • J Calaway • Luke 2:15–20

Introduction: The Shepherd's Witness • Scripture: Luke 2:15-20 • Explore the shepherds' response to the angelic announcement. • Share the joy of Christ's birth with others. Luke 2:15-20 tells the beautiful story of the shepherds who were the first to witness the birth of Jesus. Their experience serves as a powerful example of how we can advance towards the manger through the witness of others. Let us reflect on the significance of the shepherds' witness and the lessons we can learn from their encounter with the Savior.

Advance to the Manger — Day 11

December 11, 2023 • J Calaway • Luke 2:8–20

Introduction: The Shepherd's Witness • Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 • Explore the shepherds' response to the angelic announcement. • Encourage readers to share the joy of Christ's birth with others. Luke 2:8-20 tells the beautiful story of the shepherds who were the first to witness the birth of Jesus. Their experience serves as a powerful example of how we can advance towards the manger through the witness of others. Let us reflect on the significance of the shepherds' witness and the lessons we can learn from their encounter with the Savior.

Advance to the Manger — Day 10

December 10, 2023

A Humble Arrival • Read Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 • Reflect on the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth. • Live in humility and simplicity to the Christmas season. As we journey towards the manger, let us reflect on the humble arrival of Jesus Christ. In Luke's Gospel, we find the account of His birth, which took place in the most unlikely of settings. Today, let us explore this passage and discover the profound lessons we can learn as we advance to the manger through the humble arrival.

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