The Life Devotional

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” - MATTHEW 2:10-11 Go Deeper— Are you feeling it, that, “there must be more to life than this?” Have you ever invited Jesus to forgive your sins and plant his Spirit in you, to connect the longing of your soul to God? If not, why not do that today? If you have taken that step but have neglected your relationship with God lately, then confess the foolishness of your self-reliance and ask Jesus again to be the center of your life. This season is the perfect time to do it. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“‘She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'” - MATTHEW 1:21 Go Deeper — Christmas is an opportunity to share God's love. As you celebrate the season, contemplate the Name that saves. Ask the Lord to prepare your heart to share the mystery, miracle, and majesty of the incarnation and the profound significance of Jesus' (Yeshua in Hebrew) name with people within your sphere of influence. Read Further — You may want to print out this Christmas Acronym to share with others today. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” - LUKE 2:19 Go Deeper — Whatever you are suffering, whether a loss of a loved one, a job loss, poor health or a heartache, remember that you have Savior who came to earth and suffered so you don't have to go through it alone. Hold on to that. Merry Christmas! Editor's Note: This is Caroline's last devotional. She is concentrating on being a fulltime mom. Caroline, thank you for writing for The Life. May God continue to bless you. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” - LUKE 2:6-7 Go Deeper — The Lord's Prayer asks for God to give us our daily bread, Jesus. Pray this prayer today, and seek to satisfy your soul's hunger by reading a few pages in the Bible each day this week, really digesting them. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'” - LUKE 2:10 ESV Go Deeper — Who do you know who really needs to hear the message from the angels this holiday season? Make some time to sit quietly with them and talk it over. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'… The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” - LUKE 2:15,20 Go Deeper — Meditate on the story of the Good Shepherd in John 10, noticing how we can learn to recognize the sound of His voice. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” - LUKE 2:8-9 Go Deeper — Take time today to slow down and just breathe in the presence of God as you examine the story of Jesus's birth with new eyes and an awakened sense of wonder, just like the shepherds. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

We apologize for the wrong audio file being uploaded. The correct one is now available. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - LUKE 2:7 Go Deeper — Consider two things you can do to welcome Him this year more fully, one just for you and one with those you love. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” - JOHN 1:3 Go Deeper — This holiday season, try to create positive memories for someone new,such as co-worker you rarely speak to, a neighbor that lives 4-5 houses down from you, a cashier, or a teacher. Try serving someone and making them feel special because God sees them that way. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.” - LUKE 1:32-33 Go Deeper — If you are physically able, fall on your knees or lie prostrate before your holy King in recognition, worship and praise. Think about what the phrase “His royal majesty” and “His royal highness” mean when we're talking about Jesus. Read Further — Revering kings is a bit antiquated to many people today. What are the benefits of Fearing the Lord, the King of Kings today? Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." - MATTHEW 1:1 Go Deeper — What promises of God do you want to transmit to your children and your children's children? Why not make a list of those promises and share them with your family during this Advent season? Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“... and everyone went to their own town to register.” - LUKE 2:3 Go Deeper — Compare your journey now from what it was 5 years, 10 years, 15 years ago. How have you grown in that time? And if you haven't grown the way you would like, ask God to show you what you need to change so that when you get to your destination you will accomplish all He has for you to do. Read Further — Do you trust God to travel with you or do you feel alone on the highway? This short series, The Road to Trusting God may help. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.” - LUKE 2:1-3 Go Deeper — Read about Caesar Augustus' life and accomplishments on the Internet. Think about how and why Jesus, and not powerful political leaders, is the only One Who can save us.. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, saying, ‘His name is John.' So they all marveled.” - LUKE 1:63 Go Deeper – Consider the desires of your heart and the words you are speaking about them. Declare today, in writing and with your mouth, the promises of God over those things and bring new life through your words. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” - MATTHEW 1:19 Go Deeper — Read Romans 8:1-4. Maybe commit it to memory to remind you that God fulfilled the requirements of the law so that we could be free in Him. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” - MATTHEW 1:18 Go Deeper — Be open to God's requests in your life even when they might not make sense. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” - LUKE 1:36-37 Go Deeper — Think about what specific promises God has given you to stand on, both as an individual and as part of the body of Christ. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!” - PSALM 34:3 Go Deeper — Write or print off the words of The Magnificat (Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55). Use it as a prayer every night this week. Ask God to reveal Himself in a new way through this Scripture. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.' Then the angel left her.” - LUKE 1:38 Go Deeper — Read through the gospels and look for Mary's responses throughout Jesus' life and death. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ‘The Lord has done this for me,' she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.'” - LUKE 1:24-25 Go Deeper — Do you experience reproach from others who think that you have fallen short, or do you feel shame because they don't believe you have measured up? Release this to the Lord, and trust His greater purpose in allowing this pain or disappointment in your life. Rejoice in what He has done in your life, and celebrate it with others, focusing on the positive instead of the negative. Read Further — Do you have an unfulfilled dream, or have you given up on your dreams? This short article might give you hope. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” - LUKE 1:19-20 Go Deeper — Have you ever experienced something so unexpected and unbelievable that you were at a loss for words? God never intends to confound us. He wishes to bless us. Take some time today to reflect on those things God surprised you with, seeing them as gifts instead of burdens. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” - ISAIAH 9:2 Go Deeper — Think about light and darkness. Consider how light reveals, dispels darkness, cheers you, warms you and allows you to see. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what Jesus' light shining into your darkness means. Read Further — Does the Christmas story still matter today? If anyone asks you that, shine a light on their darkness by telling them why it does, with the help of the facts in this article. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” - GENESIS 3:15 Go Deeper — What stronghold does the enemy hold in your life right now? In this Christmas season, pray for Christ to invade enemy territory to the end that He may shine more brightly in and through your life. Read Further — Are you finding it hard to feel joyful this Christmas? This article, Turn Christmas Upside Down might give you new insight. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“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.” - ISAIAH 9:6 Go Deeper — Reflect on how having your hope in Jesus should change the way you think and feel today. Does it really matter in your life? Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written…” - MATTHEW 2:4-5 Go Deeper — Open this list of Scripture about heaven. Scan through some of the verses and pick a few that mean the most to you. When this world gets a bit too much, reread them to keep you focused on your destination. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” - ISAIAH 7:14 Go Deeper — Does the darkness of December seem overwhelming? Does it seem like the light will never return? Take time to read anew the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2. Rejoice! God is with us. The Light has come! Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” - MATTHEW 6:2-4 Go Deeper — As the holiday season draws near, think about ways to give and serve others. Find some activities that you know you won't receive recognition for and do them with joy because it pleases God and not man. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” - MATTHEW 5:5 Go Deeper — Make it a goal to do something for someone this week without them knowing you were the source. When it is done, give God all the glory. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” - MATTHEW 7:18-20 Go Deeper — Look at the fruit in your life as objectively as you can, and determine the root of both the good and bad fruit . . . Think about how you can replicate or eradicate it respectively. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” - MATTHEW 6:14 (NLT) Go Deeper — If you are struggling to let go an offense today, consider writing a letter to express the pain and anguish the situation has caused you. As you write, choose to end the letter by releasing the offense. This is for your eyes only unless you are instructed by the Lord to share it. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” - MATTHEW 5:1-2 Go Deeper — Jesus wants us to live out of grace and forgiveness, not out of guilt. Be encouraged today. Reset your goals, if necessary, and live with freedom and joy. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - MATTHEW 5:3 Go deeper — Carry this reassurance with you today, “The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts” (Isaiah 57:15 NLT). Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” - MATTHEW 6:25 Go Deeper — What do you worry about the most? Make a list and take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you see it from His point of view, and to see Him as ruler over it. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” - MATTHEW 7:7-11 Go Deeper — It's easy to trust God when He agrees to provide what we want, but what about those other times? Think about what you are asking God to give you. Is it truly for the best? Read Further — What is it like to truly Live By Faith despite what happens in life? Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” - MATTHEW 6:7-8 Go Deeper — To get an insight into prayer, read the Psalms. Many are prayers from King David and others who were intimate enough with the Father to really express their feelings. Read Further — Here are some simple prayers you can pray if you feel tongue-tied. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” - MATTHEW 7:25 Go Deeper — Assess your “house” to see how it's developing. What are the values dear to your heart? List them so you can take action. Read Further — You probably read The Three Little Pigs as a child. Read it again, this time thinking about Jesus as a firm foundation. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of the Father who is in heaven.” - MATTHEW 7:21 Go Deeper — Look up “lord” in the dictionary. Take some time to think about the definition and write down what must change in order for Jesus to truly be “Lord” of your life. Read Further — Serving God by Serving Others, a good article by Rick Warren. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - MATTHEW 6:19-21 Go Deeper — Where is your treasure? What if you had to give up all or most of your possessions tomorrow? What difference would it make? Know that God is the source of all true treasure, and rest in his love and provision today! Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - MATTHEW 6:34 Go Deeper – Pick out a few Bible verses that carry the word worry or the word anxious and write them down. Now flip the paper over and write down some verses that include the word trust. Make a list of any overwhelming concerns you have and then scratch them out, one by one, as you say out loud the verses you wrote. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer Editor's Note: We'd like to thank Melissa for volunteering to write devotionals for us. She is now pursuing a career in television in order to spread the gospel, and we pray for her continued success.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - MATTHEW 5:43-44 Go Deeper —Take time to read Matthew 5. As you read, ask yourself if you ensure that any teaching, interpretation, or application aligns with God's written Word. Record your insights and commit to prayerfully, faithfully, and daily study God's Word to minimize misinterpretation. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” - MATTHEW 5:23-24 Go Deeper — Take some time today, while meditating on the above verse, to consider those whom you haven't forgiven or from whom you have not asked for forgiveness. Extend amnesty today."Why should I have to apologize? I didn't do anything wrong. She started it!" Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - MATTHEW 5:11-12 Go Deeper — Are you facing a situation where you are treated unjustly? What would be the loving, godly response? Is anyone you know facing injustice? What loving and godly advice could you give them? Read Further — Christians will face conflict. Prepare for it. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” - MATTHEW 7:28-29 Go Deeper — Is there a teaching of Jesus that has particular meaning for you? Think about it often. You can trust that it is true and worthy of full confidence. Read Further — Read this short article that explains how Jesus has impacted the world with His authority and truth. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - MATTHEW 5:3 Go Deeper — Consider the word “kingdom” as Jesus uses it in The Beatitudes and spend some time meditating on what it really means. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” - MATTHEW 5:14 Go Deeper — Read passages that describe God as the light. In what ways is God using you as light in your world? Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - MATTHEW 5:16 Go Deeper — Think of one person at work, school, church, or in your neighborhood who could use a kind word and make it a point to speak light into their life this week. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” - MATTHEW 7:1-2 Go Deeper — Today and tomorrow catch yourself if you begin to judge someone else. Ask God to show you to see them as He sees them. Then see if your attitude changes. Read Further — Can people truly change? Read Transformation: How Does It Happen? Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” - MATTHEW 5:8 Go Deeper — Read and digest 2 Corinthians 4:3-7 We don't have to wait until we get to Heaven to see our Lord. Ask Him to show you specific ways His light is present in your day as you turn your heart to Him. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” - MATTHEW 5:13 Go Deeper — Think of the people you know and consider whether God might be calling you to bring salt into their lives. Ask Him to help you shake out His love and mercy upon them in tangible ways. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” - MATTHEW 6:33 Go Deeper — Pray through the Lord's Prayer, seeking to align your heart and your will with the Father's heart and will. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” - MATTHEW 5:6 Go Deeper — Today, turn every twinge of hunger or thirst into a prayer for God to give you a deep hunger and thirst for Him. Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer