“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)Christ is born! For today’s devotional I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas! I’d also like to remind you of the good news of Jesus’ arrival—and in general of his life, death and resurrection—through the gospel-soaked words of … Continue reading Glory to the newborn King
christ is born
With God all things are possible
Merry Christmas! After today, The Up Devotional is going on pause until January 3rd, but I just wanted to send you one last message on Christmas morning. Christ is born! Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah—God’s chosen king and representative on the earth. But something his followers came to learn was that Jesus was more than … Continue reading With God all things are possible
The darkness has not overcome it
Merry Christmas! Well, it’s an understatement to say that 2020 has been a year like no other. Who would have guessed that a global pandemic would sweep over and through our daily lives as it has? Not me. It has been challenging, frustrating, tiring and eye-opening. Can I get an Amen? And then comes Christmas. … Continue reading The darkness has not overcome it
When we hear it so much we stop hearing it
It’s one of the most famous stories ever told: The birth of Jesus. We’re about to celebrate it in a few days. Shepherds, angels, and hostile Inn-keepers have appeared in thousands of Christmas pageants for hundreds of years. But when we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we … Continue reading When we hear it so much we stop hearing it
The courage equation
Merry Christmas! On December 25th we praise and thank God for coming to us in Jesus. In Luke 2:10 the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” For ALL the people—including you. Notice how the angel started his message: … Continue reading The courage equation
The privilege to worship the newborn King
Last week I visited someone who’s had a lot of challenges in the past year. Let’s call him Jake. Jake was sad because for the first time ever he won’t be able to go to a Christmas Eve service. Physically, he just can’t do it. How many of us can do it—quite easily, actually—and therefore, … Continue reading The privilege to worship the newborn King
Merry Christmas! (Don’t be the 90%)
Merry Christmas everybody! I’m not sure what you’re up to today, but I hope you take some time to give thanks that God comes to us personally in Jesus to offer forgiveness, salvation, peace, and purpose. I also invite you to consider this question: How will I make room for Jesus in my life in … Continue reading Merry Christmas! (Don’t be the 90%)
Merry Christmas! (special edition)
You’re right. I don’t usually send out a devotional on Monday morning. But today I wanted to make an exception. Why? Because I wanted to say Merry Christmas! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 KJV). The way I see it, … Continue reading Merry Christmas! (special edition)
