St Paul Church of Columbus

December 30, 2024

Christmas Day celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior, but the message of Christmas doesn’t end on December 25. For Christians, the birth of Jesus is not just an event to remember but a reality to live out every day. The incarnation—God becoming flesh in Jesus Christ—calls us to embody His love, grace, and truth in our daily lives. Just as God came near to humanity in the person of Jesus, we are called to be His presence in the world, reflecting His light in all we do.

The story of Christmas is one of God’s love breaking into the world in a tangible way. In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus didn’t remain distant; He entered into the messiness of human life to bring hope, salvation, and restoration. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same—to step into the brokenness of the world and bring the love of God to those around us. This isn’t limited to the holiday season; it’s a daily calling to live incarnationally, letting our actions, words, and presence reflect Christ.

Carrying the spirit of Christmas into the world requires intentionality. It means being present with others, offering kindness, and serving selflessly. It means listening to the lonely, comforting the hurting, and standing up for justice. Just as Jesus met people where they were, we are called to meet the needs of those around us. When we embody the love of Christ, we make the message of Christmas—God with us—a reality for others.

Living out the fulfillment of God’s promise also involves sharing the good news of salvation. Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to reconcile us to God, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. This is a message too transformative to keep to ourselves. As we go about our daily lives, let us look for opportunities to share the hope and joy of Christ, not just in words but in the way we live.

The celebration of Christmas may end, but its meaning continues. As we move beyond Christmas Day, let us carry the promise of God’s love and redemption into every corner of our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we be faithful to our calling to be Christ’s hands and feet, bringing His presence into a world in desperate need of His light. This is how we live Christmas every day.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Deuteronomy 13
• Tuesday – Deuteronomy 14
• Wednesday – Deuteronomy 15
• Thursday – Deuteronomy 16
• Friday – Deuteronomy 17

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this upcoming year.
• Pray for world peace.
• Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
• Pray for safety and comfort for those who are hurting.
• Pray for personal commitment during worship.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
• Pray for spiritual maturity

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

December 16, 2024

Advent is a season of waiting, and in that waiting, we often find ourselves longing for joy.  Yet, the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth reminds us that joy is not something we must create or earn.  “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).  The joy of Advent comes from the reality that God has already sent His Son into the world.  This good news is the foundation of our joy, a joy that is steadfast and unshaken by life’s circumstances.

In this season, we are invited to look for joy in unexpected places.  Just as Jesus was born in the humble setting of a manger, joy often reveals itself in simplicity and quiet moments.  Perhaps it’s in the laughter of loved ones gathered around a table, the beauty of a starry night, or the kindness of a stranger.  When we open our hearts and eyes, we can see how God’s joy permeates the world around us, even in difficult times.  Choosing to notice and embrace these moments helps us experience the fullness of Advent.

Celebrating joy is an active response to God’s gift of salvation. Take time this week to intentionally celebrate the good things in your life. Rejoice in the relationships, God’s provisions, and the opportunities God has placed before you.  Remember, joy is not reserved for perfect moments but is found in the grace and blessings we often overlook. This act of celebration mirrors the angels’ song of praise, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Above all, let us embrace the ultimate source of joy: Jesus Christ.  His birth is the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem the world.  Through Him, we have salvation, hope, and the assurance of God’s presence with us.  This good news is not only worth celebrating during Advent but is the foundation for a life filled with joy.  As we reflect on this profound gift, may our hearts overflow with gratitude and a desire to share this joy with others, proclaiming that God’s love is for everyone.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Deuteronomy 3
• Tuesday – Deuteronomy 4
• Wednesday – Deuteronomy 5
• Thursday – Deuteronomy 6
• Friday – Deuteronomy 7

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are completing Numbers and beginning Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
• Pray for safety and comfort for those who are hurting.
• Pray for personal commitment during worship.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
• Pray for spiritual maturity

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

December 9, 2024

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.

Peace is a characteristic of God’s Kingdom.  Much of Jesus’ ministry was spent establishing peace.  In fact, the heavenly choir sang of peace (Luke 2).  Many mistakenly think Biblical peace is the absence of strife or trouble.  Biblical peace is not the absence of things but a profound calm in the middle of the storm.  Therefore, peace is not a removal of strife but an inner strength to endure—to rise above.

During Advent, the message of Christ draws our attention to the Prince of Peace entering the world inviting all to rest in the peace that God offers.  In the middle of the storms, God offers peace—not the absence of things—but an inner calm in the midst of it all.  This week, consider the peace of Christ.  As you are pulled in many directions by many voices competing for your attention, listen for the voice of Christ offering peace.

Give yourself to unencumbered moments, those brief flashes of communion with God.  Look for them so that God can give you peace.  O Lord, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to rest in Your presence this Advent and to carry Your peace with us, sharing it with a world that so desperately needs it, Amen.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Numbers 34
• Tuesday – Numbers 35
• Wednesday – Numbers 36
• Thursday – Deuteronomy 1
• Friday – Deuteronomy 2

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are completing Numbers and beginning Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
• Pray for personal commitment during worship.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
• Pray for spiritual maturity.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

I think every time a squirrel sneezes the power in my house goes out.  The last time we lost power it was before the time changed, where daylight lasted well into the evening.  I fell asleep, while still light outside, only to wake up in total darkness, for it was the middle of the night.  It was strange and disorienting.  Thankfully, I had a flashlight close and could navigate without tripping over what couldn’t be seen.  It reminded me of the power of light.  We need it to find our way.

Isaiah’s prophecy describes a hope that Jesus brings—a hope that is as certain as light breaking into darkness. God’s promise to send a Savior was fulfilled through Christ’s birth, and this gives us confidence as we wait on Him in our own lives.  We wait for the one who fully identifies with us and ushers in the peace of God.

Can you hold onto this hope today?  Allow the ‘light’ of God to break forth into your life, bringing hope and peace.  Trust in the Lord.  

Dear God, thank you for the light of hope You have given us in Jesus. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, help us to trust in Your promises and share Your hope with those around us.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Numbers 29
• Tuesday – Numbers 30
• Wednesday – Numbers 31
• Thursday – Numbers 32
• Friday – Numbers 33

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for hope.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6