The Promise of ChristmasSample

Have you ever felt disqualified in your faith? Maybe because of a choice you’ve made, a word someone’s spoken to you, or a circumstance you’ve found yourself in. Maybe it’s because of something someone did or said that may have been true or untrue. Maybe it’s because of something you feel is unfair, or maybe you feel you deserve it because of what you did. Whatever that thing is for you, something about it made you feel like you no longer had good standing with God. One day, you were in, and the next, you were out. Here’s the good news that comes with Christmas: The promise the angels declared is for everyone. How do we know? Well, because not just of what they said—that this was good news of great joy for all people. We know also because of who they said it to: the shepherds. By worldly standards, these were the last people who would’ve been considered in with God or culture. But in God’s eyes, they were the ones who needed to know the news of the Messiah first. They belonged, and so do you, no matter what. That is the promise you can remember and find peace in this Christmas! Today, thank God for the good news of great joy that Jesus is for all people, yourself included! Ask forgiveness for how you may not have believed that to be true of yourself. Pray that this year, you’ll be reminded of the fact that God’s message and love are for all of us, including you!