Wednesday - Change It - The Night That Changed You
It’s Christmas Day, so we’re simply going to read the Christmas story straight from the Bible.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
(Luke 2:1-21 ESV)
Question: Have a Merry Christmas!
Reminder: We are reading the Bible in sync as one community – so check out today’s reading here.
Reminder: The best way to grow spiritually this year is to join our Christianity 101 in the Cafe Course in Pickering starting January 22nd. Register for you and a friend today!
Read the Bible in Sync Today
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This week we’ve seen three reasons to engage in self-denial like fasting: prayer, self-discipline, give to poor.
Today we see, it's not just about food.
There is a lot in our lives that can distract us from prayer. Maybe we can give up some TV time, some web surfing. Spend that time on the train with Redeem the Commute, and pray after each session.
It's also easy for our bodies to drag us into sin. When we're not healthy, can be too exhausted. Place for physical self-discipline in following Jesus.
And there is lots of excess in our lives that could be shared with others. The friend I told you about a couple weeks ago (Generosity topic), saw her tax refund as a way to give to Redeem the Commute, so you and others could learn to follow Jesus.
Challenge: List one thing that distracts you from God. One unhealthy aspect of your life that keeps you from fully serving God. One area of your life where you have abundance, and could share with others. Pick one, and come up with an action plan.
