December 6

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10

This baby, Whose birth we are celebrating, is the One Who has the power to save you. He is the One who was sent to be your salvation. He is your gift. And what have you done with this gift? Have you even opened it? Are you even curious as to what’s inside? 

Today, right now, why don’t you open your gift, take Him out of the box, hold Him close to your heart, and let His love pour into you. After all, God gave Him to you and for you. And God, Who gave us Jesus Christ, also created you. You are His masterpiece! So what do you do with your gift now? Trust that He has given Him to you to do something good today, something that God had planned for you!

Father, thank You so much for Your gift of Jesus Christ. It is through Your grace that I will believe in Him and trust in Him. You have given Christ to me even though I don’t deserve Your goodness. Remind me to cherish the grace You have given to me so I can give Your grace to someone in need today. I love You, Father! Amen.

Sixth-Day Activities

We are bombarded at this time of year to give gifts, and if the truth is to be told, we enjoy receiving gifts. Maybe today while you are out you can purchase a small gift for someone in need. It could be warm mittens, a hat, an extra sandwich at the fast food place to give to the guy on the street. Ask God to show you where you can give to glorify Him.

Maybe you have participated in Operation Christmas Child with your family. Tonight, around the table or before bedtime prayers, talk about what you placed in that box and maybe what the child who receives your box will feel. 

Some may remember when they first received the love of Christ in their lives. Others may have grown up knowing that love from the beginning. However you have came to know the love of Christ, thank Him tonight for blessing you with His presence. Be strong and ask how you can pass His love to someone who’s desperate for Him this season.

Where are Mary and Joseph in their journey around your house tonight? Talk with your family about the love they may or may not have received on their journey. What are some of the ways they might have been shown love?