Daily Devotion for December 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Titus 3:5-7.

This scripture is a key reminder about salvation, emphasizing that it is a gift of God's mercy, not earned by our own good deeds. There is great joy in this passage.  The passage highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in giving believers a "new birth" or "new life," leading to a new identity in Christ as heirs of eternal life. Knowing that we do not have to pay or buy our love of God is such a joy. We can enjoy our lives if we are trying to follow Jesus and be guided by him to love and help others. God’s mercy is abundant, and these verses are stated very clearly.

This shows that good deeds are not the way to be saved, but the natural result of being saved. Our salvation is not a reward for good deeds, but God has prepared good deeds for us to do as a demonstration of His work in us. Because of this grace, we have been declared righteous and are confident that we will inherit eternal life. This knowledge brings confidence, peace, joy, and a new identity that sets us apart from the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for the joy you bring to us as we try to live out our Christian life. We ask your continued help in accepting your grace and mercy so that we can pass it on.

 

Daily Devotion for December 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 71:14-15a.

We are people of hope. Today’s scripture underscores that: “But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.”  (v. 14) You and I are shaped by hope for today and hope for the future. Hope is not mere optimism but is grounded in the reality of our faith. Because of what God has already done, and the promises that God has made, we hope for what God will be doing both in our lives and in our world. David, the writer of this psalm, lived by this belief. He constantly called out to God for help and often repeated his belief that his hope was in God alone. The older David got, the more life experiences that he had - the more he talked about hope. 

Perhaps growing older gives one a more experienced perspective. We learn more, see more, experience more (both positive and negative), and make our share of mistakes. And yet we can also attest to the many places over a lifetime where we have seen and experienced God’s grace, and sometimes in surprising or unexpected ways. No matter how dark it may be in our lives and society, we too have reason to hope. What are you hoping for this Advent season?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to help others to hope. In Jesus name. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 23:5-6.

Jeremiah spoke these words in a time of spiritual collapse, corrupt leadership, and national despair. The shepherds of Israel had failed, and the people were scattered. Into that darkness, God gave a promise—not of merely better circumstances, but of a better King. A righteous Branch. A true Shepherd. A Savior whose very name declares His nature: The Lord Our Righteousness.

This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the King who reigns with wisdom when human wisdom fails. He is the One who does what is just and right when earthly justice feels uncertain. And He is the Savior who brings true safety—not merely the absence of danger, but the presence of His peace, His protection, His righteousness covering us like a garment we could never earn.

Jeremiah’s prophecy reminds us that our hope is not in political systems, leaders, or human solutions. Our hope is in a King who has already come and who will come again. In a world still full of confusion and corruption, Christ stands as the unshakeable anchor of righteousness.

Today, rest in this truth: Your righteousness is not found in your performance but in your King. He reigns wisely. He saves completely. He holds you safely. And His righteousness is your covering, your assurance, and your peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our righteous Savior. In a world filled with uncertainty, help us rest in Your perfect leadership, trust in Your justice, and walk in the righteousness You provide. Reign in our hearts today. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 15, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:31-33.

A really powerful method for understanding Scriptures, especially narratives or stories, is to place ourselves in the role of one of the characters. Imagine being Mary, likely barely a teenager, a virgin, and already promised to be married to Joseph. He is a carpenter in your village of Nazareth. You have taken the initial vows of marriage with him, so you are legally pledged to him. Joseph is a descendant of the great king David, but many generations have passed since David was king, and being his descendant does not bring any particular benefits.

Then, out of nowhere, appears the angel Gabriel, telling you that you will conceive, give birth to a son, and give him the name Jesus. He will be given the throne of his ancestor David, and his kingdom will never end. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that this baby will be called the Son of the Most High…God’s Son! You will be shocked, you will question how it can happen, and then you will submit to God’s will and be filled with joy.  May we all be filled with joy at this announcement!

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, you choose common people like Mary and even me to carry out your will. Help me to be as full of faith and obedience as Mary was. And like Mary, fill me with the joy that comes with the birth of Christ into the world. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 14, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:26-35.

The Angel Gabriel was dispatched from the throne of God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. This moment in history not only changed Mary, but all who would believe in her son. The glorious presence of Gabriel was enough to frighten anyone. This was an overwhelming moment for Mary.  The shock of seeing Gabriel was small in comparison to the message he brought her.  She sees an angel, the angel tells her she is going have a child and she will name the child Jesus which means God is salvation.  The joy over this message she received gave her joy that was unspeakable and full of glory.. 

 

When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth the power of the Holy Spirit came on Elizabeth and John The Baptist leaped for joy in her womb, and she prophesied that Mary was blessed among women.  What a joyous moment for these two special mothers.

 

I hope you are filled with joy this Christmas.  Let us worship God with joy!  

Personal Worship Option:

God of joy, we celebrate that you are not hidden from us, but you chose to be with us in the blur and mystery of our lives. Amid Christmas lists, parties and the Christmas rush, you are with us as a song that echoes in our minds, as the light of the advent candle, or as a card from a friend. We turn to you and pray that you would birth joy and healing, blessing and hope in us. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 13, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 26:3.

A steadfast mind is one that is focused on God.  The steadfast mind or as the writer of Hebrews would say, the renewed mind trusts in God and is not shaken by circumstances.  As we are focused on God by studying the scriptures, worship, prayer and service we have peace in our heart.  This peace is not an emotion we create but a gift from Jesus the prince of peace as we fix our eyes on Jesus.   It is a peace that fills our heart despite circumstances because it is steadfast, focused and unwavering.

 

Peace in our heart and life is worth more than we can calculate.  Knowing that everything is good with us and God and knowing we have a glorious home in heaven gives us a peace that is beyond understanding.   Let us put our faith and trust in the prince of peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Charles Wesley I rest beneath the Almighty's shade, My griefs expire, my troubles cease; Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed, Wilt keep me still in perfect peace.

Daily Devotion for December 12, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 3:15.

We need to trust God to fill us with His peace. Christ peace becomes a referee in our hearts. The heart is the center of conflict because that is where feelings and desires clash - fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants? We must use the rule of peace. Which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our churches and in our relationships?  

To live in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences of opinion are eliminated, but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences. Such love is not a feeling but a decision to meet others’ needs. Love leads to peace between individuals.    

Personal Worship Option:

Are you at peace with God, with others, with yourself? Let Christ’s peace permeate your life today.

Daily Devotion for December 11, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 14:27 .

As Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, he promised that they would receive the Holy Spirit and that he would come back one day. He had prepared them and described what be next. I think he knew that this transition would still be very difficult for them.  He knew they would have a lot of fear, persecution, and more questions about what the future had in store. That is why he gave them this message of peace, saying that he would give them his peace.

Transitions are just one thing that can bring about fear in our lives. Fear of what lies ahead, what we must face, and sorrow and struggles that we must go through. But all our fears can be overcome by the Lord’s peace, which he gives us each day. We need to pray for God’s peace. When our lives are filled with lots of changes and unknowns, turn to the peace that Jesus has promised. The peace that he has given can bring us through times of trouble and fear.      

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, give us peace, turn our hearts from trouble and fear to calmness during the unknown. Grant us your peace every day. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 10, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 29:11.

The Psalms were written not as a vague theological treatise, or a dispassionate observation of the generic human condition, but as a real reflection of what the writer was going through. Depression, exaltation, hope and anger - the full range of human emotion is covered by the Psalms.  David, the writer of many if not most of the Psalms, didn’t hide his emotions as he poured his feelings into these verses. David was very close to God, and one of the consistent themes in the Psalms is how David pursues God and God’s promises. In Psalm 29:11, David describes God’s majesty and power for 10 verses, and then closes in verse 11 with a hope and a blessing, “May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!”    David is reminding his readers (and as he often does, reminding God) that God has promised to strengthen us and to give us peace. 

That promise takes on new life and meaning for us, as we prepare to welcome the Prince of Peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for your faithful and abiding love, and for giving us the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 9, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Numbers 6:24-26.

These verses, known as the Aaronic Blessing, are among the most beautiful and beloved words in all of Scripture. God Himself gave this blessing to Moses for Aaron and his sons to speak over the people of Israel. It is not merely a wish—it is a divine declaration. Each phrase carries deep spiritual meaning and reveals the heart of God toward His children.

“The Lord bless you and keep you.”

God desires to bless His people, not only with material provision but with His presence, protection, and favor. “Keep you” reminds us that He is our faithful guardian. In a world filled with uncertainty, we rest knowing that the Lord Himself watches over our lives.

“The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.”

When God’s face shines upon us, it means we have His attention, His favor, and His approval. Grace flows from His presence. Just as sunlight brings warmth and life, so God’s shining face brings spiritual renewal and hope to our hearts.

“The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

There is no greater peace than knowing God is looking upon us with love. His peace isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of His calm assurance amid it. When He turns His face toward us, we experience intimacy, confidence, and rest in His care.

This blessing reminds us that God’s heart is for us—to bless, protect, favor, forgive, and give peace. It points us ultimately to Jesus Christ, through whom every part of this blessing is fulfilled. In Him, we are kept, graced, and given peace that surpasses understanding.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You for Your blessing that covers me. Shine Your face upon my life today. Keep me in Your care, fill me with Your grace, and let Your peace rule in my heart. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 8, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 9:6-7.

Isaiah prophesied at a time when Israel was struggling against superior forces. He saw the Northern Kingdom fall to the Assyrians and the Southern Kingdom being threatened by the Babylonians, who would finally defeat them and take them into exile. So the people longed for a time of peace. In these verses, Isaiah was promising the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, and one of the most appealing titles he assigns to the Messiah is that of Prince of Peace.

The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom,” and while it means the absence of war, it also means much more than that. Shalom includes a sense of well-being, fulfillment, and wholeness. Each of us yearns for this, and the world needs this now as much as it did in the time of Isaiah. This week in our devotional reading, we will focus on passages that describe the peace that Christ brings to us. As we approach Christmas, let us remember that we have taken the Prince of Peace as our Lord and Savior. Let us open our hearts to receive the give of peace, of shalom, through Him.

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, help each of us to embrace the Prince of Peace. This may mean being an agent of peace myself. I need your help to be that, as it is not easy in this divisive world in which we live. Come, Lord Jesus, in this time of Advent and show us how. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 7, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 2:1-12.

The Magi/Wise Men hoped a leader would arise that would make the world a better place. I believe their inward desire for truth and a deep desire for peace moved them to follow the Star. For them the appearance of the star was God announcing to the world something great and historic was happening. They made their plans, gathered supplies for their caravan, and started the long journey to Judea.

 

Peace is something we should all seek. Not just peace from war or with others but peace in our hearts and peace with God. When the wise men finally arrived in Bethlehem, they presented Jesus with gifts of Gold from the ancient mines of Persia, Frankincense from the balsam trees of Arabia and Myrrh from the rare trees of the East. As they gave gifts to the prince of peace and worshipped Him, they discovered the peace they were looking for.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Daily Devotion for December 6, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 2 Corinthians 9:15 .

The first week of Advent is about Hope. Nothing gives us hope like Jesus. Paul tells us the gift of Jesus to the world is indescribable. There are some wonderful things in life that are hard to explain. How do we express the depth of love we have for our children and grandchildren? Words fall short and seem shallow in comparison to the deep love we have for them. There are no words in any language that can properly express the greatness of this gift of Jesus to the world. It is greater and more glorious than our minds can comprehend. Like the shepherds who were in awe of the angels and their amazing message that today in the city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.  We cannot comprehend the glory of God’s greatest gift of salvation. Jesus is our hope.  

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer by Martin Luther

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for Thee. My heart for very joy doth leap, My lips no more can silence keep, I too must sing, with joyful tongue, That sweetest ancient cradle song, Glory to God in highest heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given While angels sing with pious mirth. A glad new year to all the earth.

Daily Devotion for December 5, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:46-47 .

Mary's heart was full of hope and joy because of the favor God had shown her.  Sometimes it is easier to dwell on the difficulties of life. How many times have you brought to God your hardships, heartache, disappointment and discouragements?  We should bring all those to God. Let’s face it, bad news is louder than good news.

It is perfectly all right to share our burdens with God and pray to Him when all is not well. But don’t you think God also wants to hear from us when we are happy, too? Don’t you think we can also talk to God when we are joyful and full of hope?

That’s what Mary did. When she learned that she was to give birth to Jesus, she was very happy. In fact, she was overjoyed, and the very thing she did was tell God how she felt.  

Long after the Christmas season there will be other things to make you glad. So, remember Mary and take her example to heart. Don’t just tell God when you are sad or upset about something: tell God when you are happy as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Recount all the good things that you have received from God this week. Thank Him and share it with someone else today.

Daily Devotion for December 4, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 1:14.

When Jesus appeared on earth, it initially looked like a random birth. In a dark, smelly place, Jesus came into our world to become one of us. The Gospel of John gives us a glimpse into the background planning that went into bringing Jesus to us. The birth of Christ was more than a simple occasion of a young woman giving birth in a stable, to which shepherds and wise men came to visit. This was an occasion that God had planned to rescue people from all nations.

Though a few people knew of Jesus’ coming, most were unaware of the plans that had been made in heaven in order to bring us a Savior. God chose to send Jesus to experience all the aches, pains, and disappointments of human existence. He chose to touch people who were labeled untouchable. He made friends with sinners. He preferred to live in poor neighborhoods, which were full of wrong thoughts and bad habits. He wanted to change our hearts and give us eternal life if we believe. Jesus chose inconvenience because he loves us more than we can imagine. Let’s rejoice today, for God made his dwelling on earth for us.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, we praise you for your great plans and works of salvation through Jesus. Help us to see the amazing love that you have shown in coming to be with us. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 3, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 11:1-2.

Isaiah was one of the most famous of the prophets of Israel and lived during a rocky time in Israel’s history. Like other prophets in the Hebrew scriptures, Isaiah casts judgement on those who have fallen short of God’s righteousness, and especially toward those who are rulers and in high places, and who forsake the poor and the needy. Isaiah doesn’t take any joy in having to deliver his prophetic warnings, and it seems to me that he often grows weary of having to always be “the bearer of bad news.”

So, after earlier chapters of judgement, Isaiah 11 (titled in my Bible “The Peaceful Kingdom”) may seem to be a surprising word of good news. Maybe even surprising to Isaiah as well! But not surprising to God - who always keeps God’s promises.

In an unexpected way, and from an unexpected place, a redeemer is coming, “and the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him.” (v.2) God is keeping the best promise of all.

Personal Worship Option:

Even on the darkest days, O Lord, you send light and love and grace. We thank you for the good news of the coming of Jesus. Amen

Daily Devotion for December 2, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 2:11.

What a powerful declaration of hope! On that quiet night in Bethlehem, heaven broke through the darkness of the world with the announcement of a Savior’s birth. The angels’ message wasn’t one of judgment or fear—it was one of joy, grace, and salvation. “A Savior has been born to you.” Not just to Mary and Joseph. Not just to the shepherds. But to you.

Jesus came into a broken and weary world to bring light, peace, and redemption. In Him, every longing heart finds its answer. The birth of Christ means that God did not abandon humanity to sin and despair—He entered into it to rescue us. The Messiah, the Lord, is not distant; He is near, personal, and present.

As you reflect on this verse, let the wonder of the Incarnation fill your heart again. The Savior came for you. Whatever burden you carry, whatever sin or sorrow weighs you down, remember: the good news of Christmas is still true today. Jesus is born. The Savior has come.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into this world to save us. Thank You that You came not for the perfect, but for the broken and needy. Help me live each day with the same joy and gratitude that filled the shepherds’ hearts that first Christmas night. Amen.