This devotional appeared first on Susan Cady’s blog, Get Real!
We close out our study of Psalm 86:11-13 this week. I hope this has encouraged you to prepare your hearts and homes in order to celebrate what’s truly important this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. —Psalm 86:13
God’s love toward us is described as steadfast or unfailing in much of the Old Testament. Can you let that sink in a moment? Unfailing! Steadfast! We live in an instead world. We live in a world where we experience and observe failure, disappointment and constant change. But in a world that often seems insecure and unsure, we can rest completely in the unfailing love of God!
The Big HEART Question: How will the love of Christ affect your relationships this Christmas season?
Read: John 3:16 and 1 John 4:9.
How did God show us his love? How should we respond?
Read: John 13:34-35, Ephesians 2:4-10, Ephesians 5:2, Colossians 2:12, Philippians 2:5-8.
What do you learn about how Jesus expressed love and how we are to love others?
What are some ways you and your family can love like Jesus this season (and beyond)?
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6
The First Gift Tradition- Wrap a box that can be used every Christmas and fill it with white index cards that read “Jesus blessed me this year by…” (or something to this effect). Fill out as many cards as you want individually and then place them in the box on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning open the box and read them out loud to one another reminding each other of the many blessings our Messiah King has bestowed on us. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to our giving Lord for all the many gifts he has given us. Write “Jesus I thank and worship you because…” on each of the cards so that our gift to Jesus is filled with praises to him (what he truly desires).
