27th December 2025

We Need Hope

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

and whose hope is the Lord.

Jeremiah 17:7

Today's Bible Reading: Colossians 1:3-14.

Adam and Eve had no need for hope because they lacked for nothing that they needed, and they had every reason to think that life would go on as pleasantly as it started—with every good thing that God had given them to enjoy. But they put it all at risk for the one thing the serpent said that God had withheld: the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17; 3:5). So when the serpent came with his offer, Eve was quick to indulge, and Adam quick to follow (3:6). They got what they wanted: knowledge. But they lost what they had: innocence. With the loss of innocence came the need for hope—hope that their guilt and shame could be removed and goodness restored.

Christmas is a time of hope. People hope for all sorts of things, but hope they do. Children hope for the latest popular toy or game. Families hope that everyone can make it home for Christmas. The lonely hope that they will not be forgotten. But the hope that Christmas commemorates is much bigger than our seasonal desires. The Lord Jesus, the “Desire of All Nations” (Hag 2:7), has come! He has “delivered us from the power of darkness,” bought our redemption, and forgiven our sins (Col. 1:13-14). He even made it possible for us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Rom. 16:19). Christ in us gives us the hope of glory.

Thank God for the hope of Christmas!

Prayer: God of all Hope, Thank You, that true hope is found in Your Son, and Him alone. Thank You, that in many ways, You have made Him known to Me. Amen.

26th December 2025

Peace

You, who once were alienated and enemies

in your mind by wicked works,

yet now He has reconciled.

Colossians 1:21 

Today's Bible Reading: Colossians 1:19-29.

In the days of Adam and Eve, peace was lost. As soon as they ate the forbidden fruit and realised their nakedness, they started blaming each other (Gen 3:12-13) and introduced conflict to God’s peaceful planet. Sadly, all of their descendants, including us, have followed their bad example. We blame others for our own bad choices and become angry when no one will accept the guilt. Blaming others for our unhappiness breaks apart families, churches, communities, and nations. We cannot make peace because we are preoccupied with placing the blame.

Christmas, we say, is the season of peace. The Old Testament tells us the story of how God set the stage to introduce the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6). The Messiah, God's own Son, Jesus came to break the cycle of sin and blame by making peace for us with God “through the blood of His cross” (Col 1:20). Instead of blaming us for all the trouble we cause, He bore the blame for all of us. He is now recruiting followers who, having received His forgiveness, want others to receive it also.

When we accept forgiveness from God, we should lose our desire to withhold it from others. And when we live in peace with God, we are eager to make peace, and live in peace, and to be at peace with others.

This Christmas, each of us, we can both give and receive the gift of peace.

Prayer: Father God, just as Your Son has reconciled me with You, please help me to be a reconciler in every way. In Jesus name. Amen.

25th December 2025

The Journey

When the fullness of the time had come,

God sent forth His Son.

Galatians 4:4

Today's Bible Reading:  Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4-5.

How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem? About 129 kilometres (80 miles). That journey likely took Joseph and Mary—heavy with child—about a week. They did not find comfort; all Joseph could secure was a stable, and there Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son (Luke 2:7).

But the journey of the Christ Child went far beyond 80 miles. He left the glory of Heaven, took on our humanity, endured the cross, was laid in a borrowed tomb, yet rose again, walked among His people, and ascended to Heaven. And even that is not the end: one day, He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

This Christmas, as you reflect on His incredible journey, remember: it began in Heaven and was undertaken to save you through His sacrifice at Calvary.

Praise God for that first Christmas journey! Praise Him for that first Christmas Day, when the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, was born. Praise Him, for He is coming again.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Prayer: Father God, on this Christmas morning, I would thank and praise You, for that first Christmas journey, and that first Christmas Day, on which my dear Saviour was born. Amen.