TRUE CHRISTMAS MAGIC
1st of 7 devotions in Jesus Appreciation series
Philippians 3:8-9: “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
“I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is by faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
“What is more,” St. Paul continued in the opening Scripture. Our friend, twelve-year-old Jeremy, wondered why the Father considers him righteous just because he believes in Jesus. ???
Christians receive so many gifts after we believe in Jesus!
So, Jesus already covered me in His righteousness…Jeremy thought after he finished his daily devotion. He has already forgiven my sins … Jeremy considered, following the thought train. And, the Father loves me so much that He adopted me into His family! … I am protected, fed, have clothes, and a place to live. … I am blessed! Jeremy deducted after these facts streamed to the only logical conclusion.
Applause. Jeremy figured out true Christmas magic!
Christmas has nothing to do with what I give to others, or even what I get from others, Jeremy decided. True Christmas magic is what Christ has already given me! WOW! Jeremy felt tears spilling from his eyes and running down his cheeks. He sat on the bed without moving. He didn’t want to break the spell of God’s peace that washed over him. His mind wandered—meditating on the awesomeness of Jesus’ love.
Jeremy looked up when Michael—Jeremy’s older brother—entered their bedroom. Jeremy sighed and wiped tear tracks from his cheeks. God’s peace lingered.
“Why is that goofy smile on your face, Jerm?” Michael asked. “Are you ready?”
Jeremy closed the Bible that was open on his lap. He smiled at Michael. God’s peace remained. Jeremy wanted that peace to stay and envisioned the moment clinging with nails clutching into space.
Then, Jeremy remembered the movie they planned to see. His eyes snapped alert.
“Yeah, give me a minute to get my jacket.” Jeremy answered.
Check out the lesson linked below for more wisdom from Apostle Paul.
Take Home Nugget
Being still—meditating, or thinking about Jesus’ love—often invites God’s peace to wash over us. Those moments are precious. Let’s track forward from Jeremy’s logical concluding thoughts.
If we’re forgiven, then we are immortal! Let’s meditate now on eternal life with Him!
Holy Father, thank You for advent traditions that Christians share. As
I meditate on the 4th candle of hope, wash over me with Your love and peace today,
I ask this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
I meditate on the 4th candle of hope, wash over me with Your love and peace today,
I ask this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:
To purchase "Star Watchers" for only $0.99 USD, click here
This eBook relives Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth. This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth.
This eBook relives Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth. This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth.
Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:
Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day. Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different. She is intrigued by Jeremy. Jeremy is transformed by our Father through this graceful lady.
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