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Walk by Faith Scripture reminds us that many righteous men and women didn’t see the fruition of their hope until their faith had been severely tested. In some cases, they never saw concrete answers to some of their prayers within their lifetimes. Yet this didn’t stop them from believing God day after day. There was no writing prophet in Israel for four centuries, yet men and women like Simeon and Anna—godly people waiting expectantly for the true Messiah—still held to their belief that the Lord would do exactly what He said He’d do. They hadn’t given up hope, even in their old age. No wonder they recognized the long-awaited one immediately when they saw Him in His mother’s arms—even though no one else did. It didn’t matter that this young family was clearly poor, bringing to the temple the least-expensive sacrifice. Simeon and Anna recognized royalty right away because they were in constant communion with God, walking by faith rather than sight. Activity: Donate a new toy to a trusted charity that distributes Christmas gifts to children in need.

So @willjackcat05 got to work on the farm today!! Big thanks to Allison and Bradley!!

Compelled to Seek At the time of Christ’s birth, a brilliant new star appeared in the heavens. So powerful was its light that it drew a group of magi from the east to embark on a long journey in search of a King whose coming had been foretold. These were men of great knowledge from western Asia who had spent their lives seeking wisdom as philosophers, priests, and astrologers. Yet, in all of their spiritual seeking, they were hungry for more. Willing to leave behind their comfortable lives and respected careers, they risked everything to make the dangerous trek through harsh conditions and manifold unknowns. But because their hearts had been captured by this sign that a mighty deliverer had been born, they were compelled to seek until they found Him. Like the magi, once we come face-to-face with Jesus, we can willingly put aside our human knowledge. In the presence of His eternal wisdom, let us joyfully worship the one we seek. Activity: Pay it forward! Next time you grab a cup of coffee or a treat, pay for the person behind you in line.

Encountering Jesus Imagine the wonder of the shepherds when an angel of the Lord spoke to them, followed by multitudes of the heavenly host filling the night sky with otherworldly light and music. And imagine their excitement as they left their fields and sheep to find all that the angel had told them about. Yet the most life-changing experience they had that night was meeting the Messiah face-to-face. It moved their hearts to worship. The angels told the humble sheepherders who this infant in a dingy stable was, and their expectant hearts allowed them to recognize Him and give Him the honor and adoration He deserved as King. Likewise, when you encounter Jesus and see Him for who He is, the realization of His love and glory will fill your heart with thanksgiving and make you want to know Him better. Activity: Make a playlist of your favorite Christmas hymns or worship songs. As you spend time listening, reflect on God’s overwhelming love for you.

His Higher Purpose It’s often in times of great disappointment that God gives us opportunities to discover His higher purpose for our lives. Some time after Mary’s engagement to Joseph, she came to him bearing unthinkable news. She was pregnant—and she claimed it was the result of a great miracle. Joseph’s heart must have felt crushed. There were no good options—marry an unrighteous woman and endure the blame or publically shame this woman he’d respected and cared for. How could God have anything to do with this bizarre turn of events? As Joseph tried to sleep that night, an angel came to tell him to believe Mary—and whole-heartedly partner with her in this unique calling to be the earthly parents of God’s Son. Joseph could have responded with disbelief or bitterness. Yet through his faith, God accomplished an incomparably higher purpose that would bless mankind for all eternity. Activity: Take time out of your day to read a favorite storybook to a child in your life.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NASB‬‬ http://bible.com/100/rom.15.13.nasb

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