Before I go any further, I want you to be a fly on the wall in the Cochran house, and listen to this short conversation between Patrick and me… By conversation, I mean that I talked and he stood there… I’m a little embarrassed already.

Patrick walked through the door one evening much earlier than usual.

“Are you here?” (Me, confused as to why he was home early)

“…….” (Patrick, speechless as he looked around, acting as if I MUST be talking to someone else because CLEARLY he was here…)

“No, I mean, are you home?” (Me, attempting to clarify the previous question… Clearly, as a husband, he has (or should have) the superpower of MIND-READING!...But he didn’t seem to be accessing that power at the moment.)

“……..” (Patrick, still looking behind him and smiling, acting as if I HAD to be talking to someone else – I, on the other hand, KNOW that he KNOWS what I mean. Wow, now I apparently have the mind-reading superpower, too…!)

“……..” (Me, now possessing the same superpower, since I seem to know that he knows but won’t let on that he knows, I’m patiently waiting for him to ‘fess up….What I really meant was, “Are you “home” home?” Isn’t that clearer? Don’t we all know what repeating the word and emphasizing the first part means??….Oh dear)

Ok, now we’re all confused! Too much mind-reading going on, and not enough clarity!

Please tell me that I’m not the only one who has experienced this. Even in this cute 2-minute interaction, I can find some not-so-cute issues. What went wrong?

1. (Mis)Communication: I didn’t say what I meant. I thought I did, and in my head, my tone (and our previous knowledge that he wasn’t supposed to be home yet) should have helped him to understand what “Are you here?” really meant. It made sense to me, so it should make sense to him. What I should have said (and did say later on) was “Are you home/here for good, or are you going back to work?” That would have eliminated the room for miscommunication if I had said that to start with.

2. (Unfair) Expectations: I expected him to understand what I meant, even with my extremely vague questions. No one can read minds! It’s never good to assume that you can or expect that someone else can. Lots of harmful miscommunication can happen this way. If you don’t know, then ask, and if you’re not sure if someone else knows or you can see that they are interpreting something wrongly, then speak up…with gentleness!

3. Criticism: From the beginning, I was being critical of Patrick because I was assuming that he knew and was just giving me a hard time. Sometimes, this situation plays out comically, and sometimes it ends rather negatively, depending on our moods. We may think it’s funny, or we may become irritated or easily offended when the other person doesn’t “get it” immediately.

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Proverbs 21:23 – “He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.”

That verse may seem a little too serious for this situation, but I think it carries a lot of weight in light of our small miscommunication. Sometimes, we are too quick to speak and judge others’ motives and actions. As you ponder this short verse, I hope you’ll take time to evaluate how you communicate with your husband. Are you quick to hold unfair expectations and judgments? Are you too quick to speak? Do you expect that he should understand what you mean even if you are not very clear? Do you expect him to read your mind? Do you expect that you know every meaning behind his words, actions, and body language? What are you communicating with your words, actions, and body language?

Pray that the Lord will help you to guard your mouth and tongue in any and every conversation with your husband or with anyone! Let our speech be sweet, kind, and clear!!

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Miscommunication can be a nasty business.

Unfair expectations can ruin a relationship.

Criticism is just plain sinful. It reveals what’s in your heart more than it shows the faults you’re finding in others.

There are so many aspects that make up effective communication, and we can all safely concur that mind-reading is not one of them!

Always, Jacquelyn

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I’d love to hear from you!

• In what ways have miscommunication, unfair expectations, and criticism played a part in your relationships, and what have you learned about the negative effects of these dangers?

• What Scripture has helped you combat these harmful relationship tendencies?

Today the Lord taught me a lesson about the small moments with big impacts.

Every moment matters, but when we’re running at our usual pace, sometimes we forget that the mornings and the bedtime routines and the chores and the playtime and the sibling spats and everything in between are actually really impactful in shaping our children - not just for today, but for their future as they enter adulthood. They may be small instances, but they are not insignificant. Our children learn the patterns, the responses, the reactions, the ways of interacting - not only in the life-altering moments, but in the small, everyday happenings of life and family. Our home is their training ground, and today made me pause to consider what my kids are learning from the two people who love them most in this world - their Daddy and me.

Today was entirely ordinary and uncharacteristically long, and as we crawled toward bedtime, we (the parents) were ready to call it a night, but they (the kiddos) were not.

For them, it was crisis mode: we couldn’t find Trinity.

Trinity is a 3-inch doll that is named “Trinity” because she looks like my middle-child’s best friend. And currently, “Trinity” reads us the nightly Bible story! After I stated a few times that we may just have to find her in the morning, my daughter broke down, her head dramatically leaning back, eyes welling up, and she exclaimed, “But if we don’t find her tonight, I will just be so, so sad. We just have to find her!” I was still ready to call it a night, but I paused, looked at her sweet face and soft feelings, and looked in the place that Trinity was supposed to be.

And there she was, all wrapped up in the covers - the very place my daughter had already looked several times. But she was in a such a frenzy that Trinity had been overlooked. I climbed down from the bunk bed, “Trinity” read us the story, and we all smiled. We were still exhausted, but my daughter’s heart was full, and I was content in this small victory.

If I hadn’t noticed all of the other tiny moments of today, we would have probably paused the search, dismissed her feelings, read the Bible story through tears and frustration, and turned out the lights. But because the Lord graciously gave me an ordinary + profound day, I was able to make the most of this moment, even as a tired mama ready for bedtime to commence.

I started thinking that there are so many ordinary, mundane moments in our days that could go either way…you probably already know the two possible ways: gentle, patient, teachable or frustrated, hurried, and irritated. I find myself resonating with the latter all too often. I’ll apologize to my daughters or husband for my short-tempered reactions or stressed, Eeyore outlook, blaming it on work or fatigue, but it’s my default reaction more than I care to admit, and the ones I love most have come to expect it.

Looking for a doll is not a big deal. Finding it the following morning was fine by me. But to my tenderhearted girl, it was a very big deal. If I wouldn’t have taken the time to search or listen or help her calm down, she may remember this night in a sour, heartbreaking way. But because I was able to respond in an understanding way, maybe she’ll look back on this night as a time when Mama slowed down enough to care - even with bags under my eyes - and find the doll that she couldn’t sleep without.

Taking time to look for something that mattered to her = small moment + big impact

The morning started in the usual way. I opened my eyes to my three-year-old at my bedside (6am on a Saturday…) asking for a pancake and milk…priorities! Rather than balking at the time, I was happy to see her sweet face, two-day old messy French braids, and age-appropriate request of breakfast on her mind. I got up, and we went to fix the chocolate milk together. If I would have complained, maybe she would remember that Mama was bothered by her presence on weekend mornings when a little extra sleep would be welcomed. But choosing to delight in her presence may help her remember just how much I love her - at any time of the day or night!

Getting up with joy even at 6am on a Saturday gave me some sweet moments with my 3-year-old before everyone else woke up = small moment + big impact

After her breakfast and my coffee were served, my middle child woke up, and the two sisters bickered and bothered each other on purpose over a specific spot on the couch. I was able to smooth over the issue and help find a solution so that this cranky moment would not determine the mood of our day. Mom to the rescue for a moment! Honestly, this is not my knee-jerk reaction; I’m too quick to fuss or blame. If I would have reacted in that way, maybe my girls would remember that Mama is short on patience and listening and just expects perfection; but instead maybe they’ll remember that I try to use tense moments to teach them with grace.

Calming the sisterly storm with grace and a helpful solution = small moment + big impact

Then, I attempted to awaken Sleeping Beauty - ahem - the 12-year-old who has provided me with quite the challenge in the mornings. She and I would be attending her best friend’s Bat Mitzvah in a few hours, and I knew she needed to start her routine of asking for “5 more minutes” before the actual “getting out of bed” would happen. It was time to get ready!

And then began the day of preteen shenanigans. We told Patrick and the girls goodbye and headed to the Bat Mitzvah. That was an enlightening experience in itself, but even more touching was watching my oldest interact with her peers, looking like 12 going on 22 as she waved me off to sit with her friends, leaving the moms on the back row. Sigh! This week was a week of watching her grow up all too fast. Then, we headed to get a gift for her friend’s Bat Mitzvah dance later that evening. When we got home from the store, we realized that one item was missing. Of course, my frustration must have been written on my face because Riley Grace immediately started apologizing and asking if it was her fault that the item was missing. After getting back in the van, I assured her that this wasn’t her fault at all; I was just frustrated to be returning to the store after finally getting home from our 4-hour outing. Her apology made me consider how I usually respond in inconvenient moments like these… Again, I’m quick to fuss and blame, and this has made her feel like she has to apologize for something that was an accident or completely not her fault!

Returning to the store and apologizing for my grumpy reaction = small moment + big impact

On our way back from the store for the second time, she shared something with me that sounded as if it came from a wise sage on the brink of a grand revelation: she shared that she noticed two different ways she reacts/responds that she doesn’t like about herself - one of these tendencies comes from her daddy and one comes from me. We talked about how he and I both struggle with these things, and she has learned them from us, while we learned them during our formative years as well. While she can’t blame them entirely on us - just like we can’t place all blame on the homes we grew up in, they are partially a product of the nurture she’s received - and we play a giant part in that! A lightbulb went off for her, and she exclaimed that it’s generational! How did my preteen just pinpoint a generational curse that has affected her? I didn’t understand this until adulthood! I was taken aback, but also given the great privilege of apologizing for my part, listening to her struggles, and encouraging each of us that generational curses can be broken and can stop with this present generation (but not in our own strength). Through the power of our mighty God, Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the Holy Spirit actively living and working inside of us, we can have victory over the things that have continued to plague our family and our own individual lives. If we hadn’t had this second trip to the store, this conversation might not have happened. Rather than rush back into the house, I listened to her talk and process and vent for another fifteen minutes, and I’m so thankful I did. Truly, I just looked and listened as if she was wiser than me! I kept noticing that I didn’t feel the need to interrupt or think about what I was going to say next because I genuinely couldn’t believe my twelve-year-old processed how her parents’ struggles had affected her so deeply.

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Later, I dropped her off to the party, cried about how old she seems, came home and slowly pondered the day, and then went to pick her up from the party. As soon as I walked in, she frantically asked, “Didn’t her mom text you about the sleepover??” Well, nice to see you, too, dear! No, she didn’t, but yes, you may sleepover. Preteens and their friends, right? She was shocked and elated that her dad and I said yes! And I was quickly old news. Bye, mom!

I drove home without her and thanked the Lord for such a weighty day. Nothing really profound happened. Early to rise for pancakes and chocolate milk, sibling spat and reconciliation, Bat Mitzvah, birthday shopping, birthday shopping again, party, sleepover, finding Trinity at just the right time…but those small moments added up to a gracious realization from the Lord: The small moments matter so, so much. They have such a great impact for today and for the next 100 years. The generational curses and struggles we discussed… those obviously came from our formative years in childhood, patterns of reacting and interacting that Patrick and I learned and grew into. I’m sure our parents may not have thought about how certain things may have affected us and some they may not even know or realize, but here they are, haunting us into adulthood. And if we continue in these struggles, chalking them up to “that’s just how we are” or “it’s too late to change it” or “it’s not really affecting our kids that much - they’re resilient,” then we are handing the same struggles over to our precious children and not living in the victory of who we are in Christ. And when we project the same struggles, attitudes, reactions, etc. onto our children and into our homes, they are learning the same negative cycles to one day project upon their children. So, the small moments, then, are not small at all! They affect generations!

I think I sound like a broken record when I tell my parents how thankful I am for their salvation. The Lord broke the cycle with them when He saved them. If their lives hadn’t been radically changed, then I am positive my life would be vastly different today. I am humbled and grateful for the way they submitted to the Lord and learned how to lead our family to walk with Him. I’m encouraged to do the same for my precious daughters, one small moment at a time!

The Lord is faithful, and He will do it!

Always in Christ, Jacquelyn

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The day could have ended differently, but today - in many small moments - God graced me with listening ears and a discerning spirit. I’m so thankful He did! I look back through the day and realize that none of this was in my own strength. It looks like “mom wins,” but in reality, it was the Lord’s kindness to reveal to me just how pivotal these small moments are in the life of my children. And as a parent, I have the great privilege, responsibility, and influence over their lives to use these moments to shape their lives in a positive way.

• What small moments have brought great impact to you today?

• How have you seen the small moments of your day impact you or your children?

• How has the Lord broken generational curses in your family?

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Happy Lenten season!

As we enter this season, let us pause to praise the Lord that HE is NOT here in the tomb, but He is alive TODAY!

I don’t know about you, but I am always so excited for the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter. I love the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season – the music, the smells, the lights, the gifts, the food, the time with family. I relish in the closeness of family, the candlelight services, and the slow wonder of Advent. And then the weather changes, flowers bloom, Lent begins, and we anticipate Easter. I love the springtime celebration of Easter with my church family, as we layer the cross with flowers and sing hymns of victory.

The problem with Christmas is that it can be overshadowed with and tainted by materialism and commercialism, and the true “reason for the season” can be easily overlooked and unfortunately diminished. The issue with Easter is simply that, because it’s not “hyped up” as much as Christmas, we oftentimes tend to let it creep up on us until all of a sudden it’s here, and we haven’t really taken much time to consider it’s significance.

So, here’s the challenge. Consider Easter. Study Easter. And no, I’m not talking about how the tradition of the Easter bunny or Easter eggs began…but the true meaning of Easter - the reason we have anything to celebrate. Don’t let the season come and go without basking in the beauty of the story. As I begin my study of Easter, I am going to be memorizing a passage of Scripture. I’ll list it below for you because it is simply beautiful! It’s a long passage, so I’m not sure if it will be finished by Easter, but my goal is to at least read it through at least once every day. This passage is found in Isaiah, and it lists several beautiful and painful truths of Jesus’ life and sacrifice.

Read it carefully and thoughtfully with me:

Isaiah 52

13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. 14 As many were astonished at you — his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—15 so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

This passage is simply beautiful! For Christ-followers, this passage is a celebration song! We have been redeemed. Jesus has paved the way for us to be counted as righteous. What a reason to celebrate and bow down in awe!

This passage explains how Jesus was made low as He was on the earth. He subjected Himself to the humility required to live as a human. There was nothing in Him that caused people to be attracted to Him. In fact, we rejected and despised him. We did not esteem Him to His rightful place. We even went so far as to cause oppression, shame, and pain for Him. But even deeper than how mankind treated Him, it was our sin in the first place that made his sacrifice necessary. Yes, it was our sin that led Him to the cross. Verse 12 shows us that he was numbered with the transgressors, but that doesn’t really seem fair because He wasn’t a sinner!

As verse 10 painfully points out, it was the will of the Lord to keep Him there. It was God’s will for Jesus to live on earth, to be tempted and yet not sin, to experience the punishment for our sin, and to obey the Lord’s plan completely. Wow! The Lord willed for His own son to be mutilated, mocked, and humiliated.

But why?

First, the Lord needed to appease His wrath for the evil of sin. (Whose sin?.... Ours.) God is holy and just and has to uphold justice, so He has to punish sin.

Second, the Lord loves us, pursues us, and desires for a right relationship with us. However, that right relationship was impossible unless the punishment for sin had been satisfied.

So, what did the Lord do? He created a way for the punishment to be satisfied…and that WAY was for His own son Jesus Christ to bear that punishment…OUR punishment. This was God’s will – His perfect plan. Because this event took place in history over 2,000 years ago, we can know God intimately. We can be saved from the penalty of sin. We can be adopted into God’s family and treated as an heir to His kingdom with Jesus. We can know true, intimate, and lasting love. We can overcome temptation every day. Wow!

So, this Easter season, don’t forget about this event that occurred 2,000 years ago. If you’ve heard the story since childhood, don’t let the depth of it fly over your head because of its familiarity. Relish in the fact that Jesus loves you and sacrificed His life to obey God and to provide a way for YOUR salvation.

FURTHER STUDY

1. Evaluate yourself: Do you know Him at all? If you don’t, what’s holding you back from embracing the truth of God’s love and salvation? If you do, do you know Him intimately? Are you actively seeking to know Him more intimately every single day?

2. Evaluate the Easter story: Reread Isaiah 52-53 again. Choose some verses to memorize (or memorize all of it). Read it and study each verse individually. Find some passages in the New Testament that correlate with this Old Testament prophecy. Find a friend to memorize alongside of you.

3. Evaluate your family traditions: How can you shift the focus to be solely on Christ? How can you personally focus on Him? How can you lead your family in seeing the depth of this beautiful story?

4. Evaluate your witness: Who do you know that desperately needs this good news? Don’t let this Easter season pass by without opening your mouth to share what you have heard and experienced and received! Pray that the Lord will give you a passion and joy that is uncontainable and contagious! He will!

5. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS!

Acts 2:22-24 - ²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. ²³ This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. ²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

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I love you, and I pray that the Lord grips your heart with the truth of His love portrayed in the beautiful and painful Easter story. God became man in Jesus Christ because He loves YOU!

Are you up for the challenge??? If so.... Get to memorizing, studying, and sharing!

Always, Jacquelyn

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I’d love to hear from you!

• What verses are you studying this Lenten season?

• How do you help your family stay grounded and focused on Christ’s sacrifice, death, and resurrection during the busyness of Spring? Do you have specific traditions that help you in this endeavor?

• What specific people are you praying for this Easter season - for their salvation or for their deeper walk with the Lord?

Physically, emotionally, mentally, in all ways.

A spiral into anxiety, depression, hopelessness.

A lack of peace, joy, and purpose.

Sleep-walking through days of endless responsibilities and tasks.

Defeated before my feet hit the floor.

How did I get here?

Are you here too? Is anyone in tears yet? I am.

This is not where I want to be. This is not how I want to live. This is not living.

This is surviving, and I want to thrive with purpose, possibility, and joy, stewarding the precious gems the Lord has entrusted to me, not juggling 1,000 tasks with a joy-less attitude and a weary mind and body.

These are the ideas that were stirring in my mind, heart, body, and soul when I sat down to begin discerning my word of the year for 2026. I knew where I was, what had been ruling my days, and what things I wished were different. I was eager for the Lord to show me a way out of the weariness and striving.

Ruminating (hence this cute giraffe!) might the best word I can use to describe my experience with the word God has given me for 2026. As I was sitting alone on my loveseat - my spot - once everyone was tucked in for the night, I began praying and eagerly searching Scripture for some direction for the upcoming year. I started pondering where I am in my faith, what I struggle with in my day-to-day life, and the direction I want to be headed. As I was honest with the Lord and with myself, I realized that I was weary. I don’t know if you call it burnout because I’m not experiencing some major life crisis or traumatic experience, but I feel tired. Tired of work. Tired of letting my job steal my time, energy, and joy - so that I have nothing uplifting and whole left for my family. Tired of waking up in a flurry of lunchboxes and to do lists with no time to marinate in the Word. Tired of neglecting to invest in my marriage or intentional parenting because I don’t have the energy or time to steward it well. Tired of feeling behind in all things - like I’m spread thin, doing 1,000 things, but doing nothing well. Tired of feeling like I know things need to change with my mindset, priorities, and decisions, but feeling like I don’t know how or where to start.

Are you still with me?

A Tender Plea for RENEWAL

In the quiet, I kept coming back to the idea of “renewing” my mind. A close second was the word “rooted.” As I pored over Scriptures regarding these two themes, the Lord kept saying the same thing over to me - The only way I could face every day, every decision, every moment, and every mindset that battled to steal my joy was to stay rooted in His precious and life-giving Word by renewing my mind daily. Not weekly, not on Sundays, not at Christmas and Easter, not on a random night when the kids go to sleep easily, but daily. Only then would I be able to face every new morning with purpose, joy, and strength.

I chose one passage to dwell on this year, and that’s when the ruminating began. This passage is SO FULL of beautiful truths that are guiding me in my journey of beginning to understand what it means when God says to renew our minds. I feel like this passage is just the tip of the iceberg. Due to the richness of the passage, I didn’t know which direction I should take as I began unpacking what it means to renew my mind daily. Let’s read this passage together.

2 Peter 1:2-11

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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RENEW your mind in the knowledge of God.

This is not about mere head knowledge. Of course, the Lord is after heart, mind, and soul transformation. But to be transformed, we have to renew our minds. It starts in the mind - what do I think about often, what do I ruminate over in my mind, what directs and controls my thoughts, how do these thoughts guide me to either trust in God or spiral into anxiety or depression, what does my self-talk sound like?

To renew our minds so that the Word of God guides our thoughts and ultimately our lives, we have to know His Word. We have to physically and intentionally read it, savor it, and ruminate on the truths of Scripture. Only then, can we apply it accurately and live by it intentionally.

What did God intend for this verse to mean?

What is God saying to me through this verse?

How does it shape the way I think and live?

What does obedience look like in my life in light of these Scriptures?

Very simply, we cannot answer any of these questions if we aren’t actually making time to renew our minds in the word. Ouch. That stepped on my toes. I was living in a weary and defeating cycle day in and day out, and yes part of that could be blamed on the pace of our lives in this modern-day world, but the deeper reality is that it can be attributed to the lack of renewing my mind each day. I was waking up and living off of yesterday’s insight and years’ past Scripture that I had tucked away in my heart. Praise the Lord for those seasons where I was intentionally renewing my mind, but that cannot sustain me for today. That is merely surviving, not thriving. Nothing was fresh. Nothing was new or renewed. And I wondered why my soul felt weary, my body exhausted, and my mind numb.

RENEW. A command and a blessing.

This dynamic duo is often paired together throughout the course of Scripture. God commands us to renew our minds, and He promises that we will be blessed if we do! As our Father God - sovereign, wise, and caring over all He created - designed us to live, rule, and thrive, He created a divine order by which we should live. His commands are not burdensome. His holy expectations are for our sanctification, which brings us good not harm. His rule is not without purpose (much like our teenage kids think we are saying “No” just to say it because we can and because we’re mean and don’t want them to have any joy…. anyone else live with a preteen? - When the Lord says, “No, this way, not that way,” He is for our joy, not a legalistic list of rules just because He’s controlling). When He instructs us to renew our minds, it comes with a clear command and a sure blessing. (Cue Part 2 coming soon: What is the specific command and blessing in renewing our minds?)

RENEW. Purpose and processes.

A second gracious dynamic duo from our loving Father regarding renewal is that there is a purpose and process to renewing our minds. Not only does He tell us that we should renew our minds, but He tells us why and how. Cue 100 more verses beyond 2 Peter 1 with insight and exhortation - and now I’m ruminating for weeks! (Cue Part 3 coming later: The why and how of renewal)

And so I want to gently pry and beg you to ask the question we’re circling back to:

How does your weariness define you?

and more importantly,

How devoted are you to renewing your mind daily so that your weariness won’t define you anymore?

My prayer is that the Lord will use this study of renewal to open our minds and hearts to the beauty and necessity of being devoted to the Word of God. I pray that we will see that we lack nothing in His presence. All of our striving and doing cannot sustain our souls. Only a complete dependence on the Lord will sustain us. The pattern of weariness, striving, and burnout can only be broken with the consistent and intentional renewing of our minds with the knowledge of God and His Word.

Are you ready to join me in this sweet commitment to be lifelong students of His Word? Are you ready to renew your mind in the knowledge of God every single day that the He gives you breath? Are you ready to be joy-filled and hopeful, not weary and lacking?

I am, and I cannot wait to see what He faithfully teaches us as we accept His tender, life-giving plea for renewal.

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Always, Jacquelyn

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I’d love to hear from you!

• What specific verses help you to guard your heart, mind, and soul from weariness? What verses have the Lord used to direct you to the knowledge of Him and to the renewal of your mind?

• Have you lived through a season where the Lord has used your own weariness, which may have been fueled by your own neglect of His Word, to draw you back to Himself?

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I had to laugh at this one. This is the notification I received about my inbox for work emails. Significant energy? You have no idea! I had to wait - for what felt like more time than I had available - in order for it to reload. I had work to do! My students are returning from PE in 7 minutes and 25 seconds! Hurry up, internet!

Funny, but also not funny. Can anyone relate?

Then, my mind begin to spiral into other things that use significant energy in my life. Most of these things are actually good, God-given blessings in which the Lord has entrusted me to steward. But they still do take significant energy, time, and attention.

• Marriage - the nuances of different seasons, finding time to be together sans kids, finding time to communicate about important matters, etc.

• Parenting 3 blessings who are in 3 different life stages - pull-ups, snaggle tooth, and middle school - and don’t forget the tattling that is not a respecter of age (they all participate!), and chauffeuring/counseling the oldest on a daily basis!

• Work/teaching - bringing more work home that I care to admit, but if I don’t, then I can’t keep up with the day to day demands of teaching kindergarten + everything else that’s required as a teacher

• Kids Ministry - scheduling volunteers, curriculum, teaching classes

• Ladies group - meet every Saturday, lesson prep prior to Saturday

• House keeping - grocery pickups, menus, lunch boxes, cooking, laundry, daily clean up, deep cleaning, etc.

• Stress, anxiety, worry, grumbling, complaining, burn out, bitterness, etc. = all stemming from feeling like I cannot measure up or don’t have the capacity to steward each area well because I AM DROWNING (These are the parts of the “using significant energy” that are definitely not from the Lord.)

My life always starts to slow down a little in November and December. That seems slightly odd because it’s the peak of the holiday season, but something about fall and winter, the sun setting sooner, crisp air coming in, and Christmas lights twinkling settle my soul and recalibrate my mind into what is important and necessary. I begin pondering what’s behind me and what’s to come. Each year during this time, I intentionally search the Lord’s wisdom in prayer and Scripture for a word for the coming year. I love the intentional season of New Year’s resolutions, and while I don’t settle on a strict list or think my “word” is a magic bullet for success or growth, I do love the encouragement and sparkle of new beginnings.

This holiday break, I kept noticing how refreshed I felt after spending unhurried time in the Word in the wee hours of the morning. It set the entire mood and pace for my day! Most of my mornings during the work seasons are the opposite of unhurried, so my quality time in the Word usually happens at night after the kids are in bed - unless I fall asleep in their room.

Of course this isn’t rocket science - time in the Word at the start of the day is so precious and vital - but I couldn’t see how to make time for it with the other things, tasks, and pressing responsibilities that were “using significant energy.”

But each time of refreshment and renewal during those few short winter holiday mornings burdened my soul. I already knew the source of renewal - so why was I neglecting or rushing through it for 80% of the year? This has to be a priority for me. My soul, heart, and mind are each desperate for how the Word renews.

The Lord’s presence through His Word and prayer prepares us to steward what He has entrusted to us - in our lives as a whole and through each step of every individual day. We cannot keep living in our own strength and yesterday’s manna and expect to stay above water.

Our souls crave this daily renewal.

Our hearts thrive on this daily renewal.

And our minds are strengthened and unified through this daily renewal.

So it cannot be neglected!

My word of the year for 2026 is …. very obviously… renew. Renew became a neon sign to me as I mined the Scriptures for guidance on a word. As I begin to search the Scriptures and unpack this word, I was overwhelmed with the complexity of what it means to be renewed. What began as my word of the year study (which usually turns into a post) quickly became more content than I could process. (Currently my pastor-husband is on assignment to look up the Greek for a few of my passages :-)) So my official “word of the year” post will be a series of posts at a later time, but for now, I want to leave you with the challenge to not let a day go by without renewing your mind, heart, and soul in the Lord’s presence daily!

This passage - Proverbs 2:1-6 - portrays important principles of keeping God’s Word and wisdom at the forefront of our lives. My prayer is that we will do every single thing this proverb exhorts us to do. Let’s delight in His presence, mining truths from His Word, sitting and savoring communion with Him, and that we will be renewed day by day, finding the knowledge of Him, gaining wisdom, and understanding the fear of the Lord as we are slowly (but surely) transformed into His image!

“1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

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Happy New Year!

Always, Jacquelyn

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I’d love to hear from you!

• Do you have a word of the year to share? I would love to see how the Lord is directing each of us in the New Year!

• What else could you add to the list of things “using significant energy?” How do you remain focused on your identify as the Lord’s son or daughter in light of how those responsibilities pull you and what they demand of you?

• What are your favorite passages about renewing your mind? I have a whole list coming soon, and I’d love to know which passages minister to you on this topic.

Thank you for engaging in this discussion!

As I began the New Year with coffee and pen in hand, I cracked open the Bible my husband gave me fourteen years ago after we were reunited from our 6 month long-distance dating stint. I love the memories this particular Bible holds. It’s the Bible I used when we were dating and engaged and in the early days of our marriage. The leather is peeling off and the pages are worn.

It’s been a quiet few days - the whirlwind between Christmas and New Year’s Day - reading, praying, studying, pondering, questioning, reflecting, conversing, and just sitting with the Word. I’ve been so excited to explore my word of the Year - one of my favorite New Year’s rhythms, but I haven’t quite been able to wrap my mind and heart around it yet. The Lord gave me so many passages to wrestle with, and a clear “word” hasn’t surfaced yet.

As I wait for my thoughts to become organized around my word for 2026, the Lord reminded me of a prayer I had written in the back of my old Bible: a prayer for the lost. I have countless family members and friends that I’ve been praying for salvation for ages, and I’m guessing you may have a long list of loved ones, too.

Those who seem too far from the Lord to return.

Those who have heard the Truth and rejected it.

Those who seem like they would never be interested in hearing the Gospel or studying the Bible.

Those who are closed off to spiritual conversations.

Those who are living the comfortable, self-sufficient American dream and don’t acknowledge their need for God.

Those who are seeking and searching elsewhere.

Those who - from the outside - are enjoying their sinful lifestyle.

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The Lord gave me a prayer for the lost loved ones on my list who may fit any one of the above listed categories. This prayer is rooted in His promises throughout Scripture - promises to forgive, to seek, to reveal, and to save.

If you have lost family members and friends, I invite you to make a commitment this year to faithfully pray for their salvation, using His Word and promises to guide your prayers. Let’s be like the persistent widow and never give up hope!

He is faithful and He will do it!

Father,

I plead with You to bring salvation to ____________, for I know that there is no other name under heaven given to man by which are saved (Acts 4:12).

Bring conviction and cut them to the heart with the truth of Jesus (Acts 2:37).

Bring forth the Gospel with the Word, power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).

Forgive their transgressions and cover their sins (Psalm 32:1).

Let them acknowledge that You are their Maker (Psalm 95:6) and Savior (Psalm 118:14).

Be merciful and gracious to them, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103).

Stir in their soul a longing for You, and reveal to them that only You can satisfy (Acts 17:27-28).

Reveal to them the emptiness of their idols, and convict their hearts of the truth of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Soften their hearts, open their ears and eyes, and do not let sin’s deceitfulness blind them any longer (Hebrews 3:12-15).

Bring them out of darkness into Your glorious light (1 Peter 2:9).

May they confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in their hearts that You raised Him from the dead (1 John 1:9).

May they find eternal hope and refuge and hope in You (Psalm 62:8)!

Thank You, Lord! In Christ and through His sacrifice, Amen!

Acts 4:12 - “ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Hebrews 3:12-15 - “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

Lord, bring salvation as only You can!

Always, Jacquelyn

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I’d love to hear from you!

• What specific verses do you use to pray for the lost?

• Do you have any stories of God’s faithfulness in bringing salvation to a loved one as He used your faithfulness to persistently and consistently pray for them?

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Our final Christmas thought is summed up in John the Baptist’s proclamation:

John 1:29 - “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

This is the reason the baby in the manger came. To take away the sins of the world. Your sins. My sins. He has done it. It is finished. It is complete. Salvation is ours! THIS is the whole point of the Christmas story, where God’s redemption plan began to unfold 2,000 years ago. And beyond all comprehension, we - you and I - can behold Him!!!

Take time to worship the Lord today because YOU HAVE BEHELD YOUR KING. God has allowed you to behold His Son. His Son endured so much for us because of God’s great love. What a mystery! What a great and undeserving gift! What a blessing! What an honor! Before the gifts are brought out and the Christmas dinner is baked, take time to sit with your Savior.

Enjoy your Savior today. Thank Him for your salvation. Praise Him for dying on your behalf. Tell someone about His goodness. Share His love with others. Enjoy the gifts He has so richly blessed you with. Enjoy your family and your friends. But most importantly, celebrate Christ, and give Him all of the glory! Let Christ be the center today and every day! Praise Him that you have beheld your Savior, and that one day, you will behold Him before your very eyes! What a thought! Have a great day, my friend!

Merry, merry, merry Christmas!!!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Proverbs 3:5-8 - “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

Christmas Christian = someone who attends church only on Christmas Day (and possibly Easter)

Sunday Christian = someone who attends church on Sunday, but the message of Christ doesn’t impact their lives the rest of the week

Everyday Christian = someone whose relationship with Christ is true, vibrant, and growing; it is evident daily, not just on Sundays

Many Christmas services around the country have record attendance on Christmas Sunday. Why? Because there are many “Christmas Christians,” the people who only attend church on Christmas Sunday. Maybe because it’s a tradition. Maybe because its in their upbringing. Maybe because they sense something holy about the holiday. Maybe because they are seeking. But no doubt, there are many people who only darken the doors of a church building a few times a year, namely Christmas and Easter. Maybe you know a “Christmas Christian.” Maybe you are a “Christmas Christian.”

Proverbs 3:5-8 is a challenge for all of us. Today is Christmas Eve, and this is not really a Christmas blog. These verses kept coming to my mind when I pondered the people who don’t regularly attend church, but might attend on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. These verses apply to them, but they also certainly apply to the Christian who has perfect attendance at Sunday services. These commands and exhortations in these verses are timeless and relevant.

- Trust in the Lord (that means not in yourself) with all of your heart.

- Lean not on your own (finite, limited, short-sighted) understanding.

- In all (not some) your ways acknowledge Him.

- He (not you) will direct your path.

Basically, the message of verses 5-6 is that we should trust in God, not in ourselves. Many times, we may be struggling through life, trying to make the right choices, trying to make ends meet, trying to make people happy, and all the while, we have tried and tried and struggled and struggled because we are living in our own strength. We are calling the shots. We are using our limited wisdom to make life-altering decisions. Why? Because we like to be in control. We don’t fully submit to the Lord as we should. We still desire our agenda over the Lord’s. And so we struggle. Our lives would be much more at peace if we submitted to and rested in - instead of resisted - His will. Many times, Proverbs 3:5-6 are quoted without verses 7-8. Let’s look at the message of verses 7-8.

- Don’t be wise in your own eyes; rather, look to the Lord’s wisdom.

- Trusting in the Lord will bring healing and refreshment.

Who doesn’t want to be healed and refreshed?? These verses tell us exactly what will bring healing and refreshment…trusting in the Lord instead of in ourselves. Pretty straightforward! It’s not a mystery, and yet it’s really hard to do! Even though our lives are in shambles when we are (or when we think we are) in control, we still reach for that control anyways.

The reason these verses are brought to my mind when I consider the “Christmas Christian” is because I believe the Lord has so much more for us! The Lord desires for you to experience Him deeply every day of the year, not just merely receive a glimpse of His precious, life-giving, refreshing, and healing truths one Sunday out of the year! The devil will try to convince you that that’s enough, that the one Sunday a year can be checked off of your list as your good deed for Christmas. But that’s simply not true! The Lord wants so much more for you. He wants you to thrive in your walk with Him and with the fellowship of other believers. He wants you to go deeper with Him, and that can’t happen if you only pursue Him once a year. He wants you to go deeper with Him, and that won’t happen if you only check in with Him on Sundays. I am not writing this at all to condemn, but rather to encourage. I have been guilty many times of being a “Sunday Christian”, without being an “every-other-day-of-the-week Christian.” It’s easy to get into a routine of doing what you think is right without having the right heart behind it. (And also, I know that attending church doesn’t make you a Christian. There are many people who attend regularly who are still not “daily Christians.”) I hope you see the truths in these verses as encouraging and refreshing, whether you are new in your walk with Christ, 10 or 20 years into your relationship, still seeking, or are far from Him. And if you’re someone who is a committed, born-again, Christ-follower, I pray that these verse also remind you of why its so awful to cling to your own control and why it’s so wonderful to relinquish control and trust the Lord. It is freeing, healing, and refreshing!

This Christmas Eve, I pray that you will celebrate the freedom and peace that you have because you can trust that the loving, good, sovereign God has redeemed you and is in control of your life. He can do a much better job than you, by the way! I pray that you reread Proverbs 3:5-6 and dwell on its truths. I pray that as you attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service that you will be changed by Christ and challenged to take the next step in your walk with Him, whatever that may be. I pray that as we close out the Christmas season and enter the New Year, you will be encouraged to pursue God more passionately than you ever have before. I pray that you will plead with Him to help you give up all desire for control, and that you will live fully in His freedom to do His will, not your own.

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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As a child, one of my least favorite days of the year was December 26. Hands down, it felt like the most depressing day to a seven year old who loves the thrill of receiving more gifts. December 26 meant that presents were done. I remember feeling almost depressed that I didn’t have any more gifts to open. I would hope to open my eyes that morning and it magically be December 25^th again so I can relive the moment of having my gifts revealed. Now that I’m an adult, December 26 isn’t all that exciting either because I have to take down all of my Christmas decorations. I just don’t enjoy un-decorating and putting it all away. It’s kind of depressing, and it’s a chore. Okay, enough whining.

Throughout the process of writing the entries for “Expecting the Messiah,” I kept coming back to the idea of December 26. What will we feel like on December 26? Exhausted now that we can finally relax from the chaotic season? Ready to sleep for three days straight? Stressed because we know the credit card bill is looming? Heavy-hearted because we miss the loved ones who aren’t here with us to celebrate anymore? Depressed that we have to undecorated and put all the Christmas stuff away until next year? Excited to see the children enjoy their new gifts? Happy that the kids are going back to school soon? Bloated from all of the holiday treats? Expectant about making and keeping New Year’s resolutions? Still busy catching after-Christmas sales? What will make up your December 26?

The main reason December 26 kept returning to my mind was the notion of forgetting Christmas. Now, of course we don’t forget Christmas, but we do pack up all of our wreaths and ornaments. We say goodbye to family and friends and return to work and school. The radio no longer plays “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” 200 times a day. Christmas, in the commercial sense of the word, is over.

But the joy of Christmas, the meaning of Christmas, should not cease to be celebrated. Think of it from Joseph and Mary’s point of view. The celebration was just getting started! Jesus had just entered into our world, and He was here to stay for a while! He had come to change hearts and lives. Christmas did not come and go in a rush. Christmas initiated a massive celebration that the Son of God had come to dwell with man.

Christmas is in two days, and then December 26 will come. Don’t stop celebrating the baby in the manger. Don’t stop offering Him your gift of worship, just as the wise men fell on their knees before the babe. Don’t cease to seek Him diligently like the wise men and shepherds. Don’t hesitate to tell everyone you know about the changing power of Jesus Christ, just as the shepherds proclaimed to anyone who had ears. Don’t forget God’s promises, but rather remember them over and over again like Simeon and Anna. Don’t forget that God uses humble, wiling vessels like Joseph, Mary, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. Don’t forget that the Lord can work through our doubts, insecurities, and disbelief like Zechariah. Don’t forget that He can work miracles through unlikely servants like Mary and Elizabeth. Don’t forget about Christmas and how significant it is to those who believe in the Son of God – Jesus Christ. Don’t be depressed on December 26. Rather be encouraged to continue on in the Christmas spirit as you fall more in love with your Savior every day!

Continue to celebrate Jesus even though the Christmas lights are in the attic. He is worthy of our praise and focused attention every day of the year, not just on the anniversary of His birth, death, and resurrection. As you begin to ponder your New Year’s Resolutions, think of all we’ve discussed this Christmas season, what we’ve learned about God and humanity and what we’ve learned from different characters in the Christmas story. Continue to study. Continue to grow. Continue to pursue Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Ok, so I apologize in advance, but I’m going to begin with a gross analogy.

My family lived in Iowa for a few years while my husband was in grad school. The one thing I was most anxious about was winter. Coming from Louisiana, the first day of winter is not anything special. In fact, it may even be 80 degrees on December 21 in Louisiana! That’s not really Christmas-y, but it’s a fact for many southern states. However, the first day of winter is not really special in Iowa either because…it had been under 30 degrees since October! We experienced wind chills of -33 and a high of -3! What?? That’s like 60 degrees colder than what Louisiana typically experiences. I was right to fear the winter.

However, that cold weather brings something beautiful…snow! Something that this Louisiana girl has experienced about twice (before moving to Iowa!). Louisiana snow is realllllly different than Iowa snow. Louisiana “snow” is heavy and wet and stays on the ground for about 30 minutes. Iowa snow is light, fluffy, beautiful, and stays on the ground for weeks! It’s cold, but it is really beautiful. The first night snow was in the forecast here, I stayed up until 1:20am just because I wanted to see the first flurries! In Louisiana, if a “wintry mix” is in the forecast, the whole state shuts down. In Iowa, snow in the forecast is common, and life, work, school, etc. continue during the downpour.

So, as I said, the snow is beautiful. It really looks like a fluffy white blanket across our apartment complex grounds. A beautiful fluffy white blanket all except for…the bright yellow dog pee. Sorry, that’s the gross part! Everyone in our complex owned a dog. Literally everyone. There were dogs everywhere! And while the snow is beautiful, the yellow spots of dog business were not! The first time I noticed it, I was appalled, but then quickly thought, well I guess the dogs still have to do their business, but it’s definitely highlighted in the snow!...

As I continue to think about why Jesus came, I’m reminded of this verse:

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

As white as snow! What a beautiful picture! But then, the tainted picture of the Iowa snow comes to my mind. The nasty dog pee. Our disgusting sinfulness. No, our sin is not described as dog business like my analogy of the snow. Rather, it is something more staining and permanent. Blood. Our sin has stained our hearts over and over again. It is a stain that we can do absolutely nothing about. It is a stain that we have caused. It is stain that we can attempt to hide, but it is still there. Yet, it is a stain that CHRIST HAS REMOVED because of His bloody sacrifice on a cross that we deserved! It is a stain that can be washed as white and pure as snow if we will humble ourselves before the King of Kings and accept His offering of reconciliation with God. It is a stain that Jesus made a costly payment for! It is a stain that can be washed as white as snow!

So, this Christmas season, with Christmas only days away. I pray that you will live in freedom, not shame. I pray that you will remember that Jesus truly paid it all and that your sinful stains have been washed clean! I pray that you will be an ambassador for Christ this Christmas season to someone who believes that their sinful stains will forever be a permanent cause of shame. We know that is a lie from the adversary. Tell the truth to someone who desperately needs to hear it! It is beautiful! It is incomprehensible! And it is for sinners like you and me! And I pray that you’ll remember the snow analogy because we need the reminder of how disgusting our sin is – not to shame ourselves – but rather to remind us that we don’t need to keep choosing the sins that so easily entangle us because while they may seem appealing, they are truly disgusting!

Praise the Lord that your sins have been washed as white as snow, and live a life of freedom, purity, and obedience!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Isaiah 55:9 - “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

This verse is one that should be hung on the wall of every room in our houses. It should be the first thing that we see in the morning. To continue on in the theme of humility that we discussed yesterday, let’s think about some aspects of the Christmas story that occurred in ways that we probably wouldn’t have planned ourselves:

- Choosing a teenage virgin to bear the Messiah

- Allowing the authorities to call for a census right in the middle of Mary’s pregnancy

- Planning for Jesus to be born in a stable

- Calling to lowly shepherds to visit Him

- Allowing Herod to attempt several evil plans to end Jesus’ life

- Coming to earth as a baby, taking on the form of human likeness

- Being a humble servant instead of an earthly military ruler who would relieve Israel from oppression

- Associating with sinners, adulterers, tax collectors, Samaritans, Pharisees, etc.

- Not speaking out when people were falsely accusing Him

There are many things about Christ’s life, from His birth to His death, which seem mind-boggling to our little finite human minds. Surely a stable is not the best place for a king to be born. Surely dirty shepherds and barn animals are not the prime candidates for a welcoming committee. Surely a young teenager who just got betrothed is not the best choice to be the mother of the Messiah. Surely Jesus could have done something in order to relieve Israel from the political oppression of the Romans while He was here. Surely it’s not proper or necessary for Him to associate with sinners, tax collectors, etc. Surely Jesus had a right to speak up when He was being falsely accused.

But actually… Everything that occurred in Jesus’ life was just as God planned, because in His sovereignty, He knew what would bring Him the most glory. He knew every detail that needed to occur in order to accomplish His will. A young virgin mother. A stable. A manger. Shepherds. King Herod. Etc. All of it was in God’s plan for His Son.

Evaluating Christ’s birth, life, and death in this way reminds me that God is sovereign over every detail of my life. He’s sovereign over everything that happens to me. He’s sovereign over everything that happens to my loved ones. He’s sovereign over everything that is happening in our country and our world. His thoughts are greater than ours, His ways are higher than ours, and His mind is inconceivably wiser than ours. He knows and sees all things. He sees the big picture – which, by the way, is about Him, not us! And He is good and trustworthy! So whatever you’re facing, whatever a loved one is facing, whatever uncertainty our country and world seem to be in, God is bigger than all of those things and He has the power to use everything for His glory. We may not understand why He chooses to work in the way that He does. Being born in a stable doesn’t seem fitting for a king, or speaking to a Samaritan adulteress doesn’t seem proper to a God-fearing Jew, but we have to remember that God’s ways are higher than ours. His plans are perfect. His timing is perfect. His methods are perfect. His Spirit in us is perfect. We can trust Him even when we don’t understand His ways. I pray that you will worship Him this Christmas season because He is sovereign, wise, good, and trustworthy!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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At Christmas time, we focus on the birth of Christ. We’ve already spent several days discussing the humble beginnings of Jesus’ earthly life. Let’s take a look at a prophecy written long before Jesus’ birth about what Jesus’ earthly life would look like. He started off with humble beginnings and continued on in humility with His death on the cross.

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 - “Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

This is our God who became a man.

A humble appearance with no beauty, majesty, or form that we should look upon Him with desire.

A humble spirit that bore the sins of the world, ridicule of men, shame of nakedness, cruel pain of the cross, and inner turmoil of His Father turning away at His darkest hour.

A humble attitude that kept silent when He was shamed, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified, even though He knew that He was innocent of any wrongdoing. Rather, He humbly bore the punishment because the ones He deeply loved – us – were guilty.

The birth, life, and death of Christ are deeply marked with humility. The one man who had a right to share in the glory of the Father – the Son of God – walked in humility. From being born a helpless babe who slept in a feeding trough to being falsely accused and murdered, He remained humble. Philippians 2 reminds us that Jesus didn’t consider equality with God as something to be grasped while He was fulfilling His earthly mission. He did not lose His deity while on earth; rather, He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant so as to accomplish the Lord’s will – to appease God’s wrath for sin by providing a sufficient sacrifice so that sinful man (us) could have a restored relationship with the Father! Thank you, Jesus for choosing to humbly accept Your calling. Because of Your obedience, we can be saved!

This Christmas, thank God for the whole of Jesus’ life – not just that He was born, but that He was faithful in His ministry, faithful to endure the wrath of God on the cross, and faithful to die because WE are sinners. Thank Him for His deep love for you. Thank Him for His humble example. Thank Him for living a perfect life so that you could be saved from your sins. Thank Him for remaining humbly obedient to the Father no matter the cost. Ask Him to give you the strength and guidance to live a humble life as Jesus did. As you look upon a Nativity scene at the tiny babe in the manger, remember what He came to earth to do – save you. Worship Jesus Christ this Christmas season because He chose to come for you!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Matthew 2:11 - “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

The wise men were expecting to encounter the Messiah. They came prepared to worship Him. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Costly gifts. Meaningful gifts. Heartfelt gifts. Personal gifts. Sacrificial gifts. After falling down to worship Christ, they offered their gifts to Him. The kings offering gifts to the King of Kings! I wonder how Mary and Joseph were feeling when the kings arrived. They may have been filled with awe when the wise men fell on the faces before the toddler Jesus. They may have been filled with amazement at the precious gifts. Surely, they were encouraged at yet another confirmation that this was indeed the Son of God, as God continued to reveal this truth to other people. What an amazing God we serve!

As I ponder the wise men’s precious gifts, I think about how our Father desires for us to give Him gifts, too. The Lord desires for us to worship Him with our whole lives – our heart, mind, soul, and strength. That is the greatest gift we could give Him. He commands it in Scripture because He knows that a) He deserves it, and b) we will greatly benefit from serving Him with our whole lives. Growing closer to the Lord is such a blessing, but many times, we just don’t pursue Him. When we neglect to do so, we miss out on so much. Giving the Lord our time, money, gifts, resources (which by the way, all belong to Him anyways) can be costly, sacrificial, personal, and difficult, but it is worth it! Whatever He has given us is a blessing that He has called for us to steward well for the purpose of bring Him glory, not just bringing ourselves comfort and pleasure… Ouch!

Luke 10:27 - “And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Think about the wise men’s gifts. They literally traveled for 100s of miles in search of a baby! They carried their belongings and gifts and endured harsh travel conditions all because they were seeking to worship the King of Kings. They didn’t have a map. They didn’t have a GPS. They didn’t even know exactly where they were going. All they knew is that they believed that the prophecy was being fulfilled at that time, and they wanted to worship! This trip took lots of time, and after they saw Jesus, then they would have to make the long journey again. But, it was worth it!

Whatever sacrifice the Lord is calling you to make, whatever gift He is asking you to use for His glory, however He’s asking you to use your time, money, gifts, and resources, obey Him. Seek Him. Trust Him. It is worth it. Yes, it’s costly. Yes, it’s painful sometimes. Yes, He may be calling you to step out into uncharted waters, just like the wise men who travelled on in faith. But the Lord is faithful to give you the strength to do what He calls you to do. You just have to take the first steps in obedience! The pursuit of God is worth it! This Christmas season, pursue Him alone. Beg Him to move in your life, and offer your life to Him as a living sacrifice to use for His glory!

Romans 12:1-2 - “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Matthew 2:11 - “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

The majestic star led the wise men to the King of the Jews as the prophecy had foretold. They knew the prophecy, studied the skies, saw the star, packed their bags, and followed. Upon reaching the house where Jesus was, the wise men knew that they were in the presence of a king, and so their response was worship. They didn’t just gracefully kneel down; rather Matthew describes that they “fell down and worshiped Him.” Their worship was immediate. Their posture was humble. Their praises were genuine. Their gifts were sacrificial. Their joy was complete.

A few years ago when my oldest was in preschool, the students sang “O Holy Night” in their Christmas program. My heart was stirred to worship and my eyes welled up with tears at the sound of the children singing “fall on your knees” as they bent down to touch their knees. Of course, their hearts and minds don’t comprehend the meaning of those words YET, but they were singing them and bowing as sincerely as they could. How that must have blessed the Lord’s heart! I hope it did! It blessed mine. I pray earnestly that those children will know the full meaning of “O Holy Night” one day soon, and truly bow down to worship their Savior!

This Christmas season, I pray that we will have the same response as the wise men upon encountering Jesus Christ. I pray that our worship will be immediate, our posture will be humble, our praises will be genuine, our gifts will be sacrificial, and our joy will be complete. I pray that our faith will be childlike as we fall to our knees in worship. Christmas is 7 days away, and we all surely feel the stress that our busy schedules have caused. It’s crunch time. Parties are here, presents should be bought and wrapped, and food should be prepared. But don’t become so busy that you forget to have the correct response when encountering Christ. And don’t be so busy that you miss Him altogether. That would be a tragedy in the midst of this beautiful season where we celebrate Christ coming into the world to save us! Take some time to pause and worship. Even though you are busy, you have time to pause and worship. Worship is what is most important this season! Remember Christ’s coming and the sacrifice He made for YOU. What love! What sacrifice! Let us seek and worship the King of Kings as the WISE wise men did!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Matthew 2:1-12 - “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

As the wise men came to the end of their journey, they encountered King Herod. We know from Scripture and from history books that Herod was serious about preserving his throne. Not necessarily serious about preserving the throne for his sons and grandsons who would come after him, but serious about staying on the throne without any interference. As a result, we know that he even killed some of his own sons and wives because he though they were plotting against him. So, when the wise men came to his palace stating that they were searching for the King of the Jews, Herod was very alarmed. He considered himself to be the king of the Jews, as he was king over their holy city. There’s no way that Herod would allow a nameless baby to steal his power. He had been heartless enough to kill his own family members; surely a little baby’s life would not be hard to find and put to an end.

So Herod did what he had to do (according to the end result he desired, which was NO opposition to his throne) – he tried to butter up the wise men as he lied about his own desire to worship the new king of the Jews. As the wise men shared details of the star and quoted the revealing prophecies, Herod grew anxious. The wise men had the brains and insight to find the baby, and Herod would benefit from their findings. He ordered them to return to the palace as soon as they had succeeded in their search, so that, in Herod’s words, “I, too, may come and worship him.” Yeah, right…

Oh, Herod, if only it were that simple. No earthly man can thwart the Lord’s plans. The wise men did find Jesus. They fell down to worship him (even though another earthily king was still alive and would not allow the worship of another), and they brought expensive gifts to Him, gifts that would foreshadow Jesus’ life. Matthew reveals that the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. So, even though they had orders from Herod to return, they listened to the command in their dreams instead. They did not return to Herod as he had wished. The Lord knew of Herod’s deceptive heart and motives, and God was much bigger than that!

Herod, after realizing that the wise men did not come back to him as he ordered, devised a second plan to kill Jesus. He ordered that all of the children 2-years-old and younger should be killed. Before Herod’s soldiers could reach the place where Jesus was staying, an angel warned Joseph in a dream to get up and travel to Egypt because of Herod’s plan. So, as we know from Joseph’s immediate obedience, they got up right at that moment, and left for Egypt, once again escaping Herod’s evil, selfish plots. After the bloodshed, Herod’s mind may have been put to ease, thinking that he had accomplished his plans. But the King of Kings’ life was spared because it was not His time yet.

By reflecting on Herod’s part in the story, I’m reminded of the immeasurable sovereignty of God. His plans cannot be thwarted. In human terms, it seems that the wise men were planning to go back to Herod to reveal Jesus’ whereabouts. In human terms, it seems as if killing every baby will accomplish Herod’s plans. In human terms, we know that Herod is not above killing family members to keep his throne, so we can certainly assume that he would kill anyone – even (and especially) and professed king – in order to keep his throne. So in human terms, how could Herod not succeed? However, as believers whose citizenship is in a heavenly kingdom, we can’t view this story or our own lives in earthly, human terms. We know that the Lord is sovereign over all, and He is working all things together for our good and His glory. He is sovereign over evil kings and human intentions. There is so much comfort in that!

Job 42:2 - ““I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Psalm 33:11 - “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

Isaiah 14:27 - “For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

So, this Christmas season, remember that whatever you are going through, battling against, or suffering with, the King of Kings sees you, knows your circumstances, loves you, and is sovereign over what is happening. Praise Him that just as He was in control even when King Herod had sinister plans to kill Jesus, He is still in control over the evil intentions of humankind today. The Lord’s plans will not be thwarted. He will receive glory. The Holy Spirit will accomplish His work here on earth. His people will be with Him one day. And Satan will never have eternal victory!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

Luke 2:22-38 - “And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

I love that Simeon and Anna are part of the Christmas story. Their testimony is so precious. Simeon was a priest who walked closely with the Lord. This passage records that he was righteous, devout, and waiting for the Messiah to come. He truly was expecting the Messiah! The Lord promised Simeon that he would not taste physical death until he laid eyes on the Promised One. How amazing for Simeon to hold that promise close and then experience its fulfillment! I can’t imagine how Simeon must have been feeling on the day that he entered the temple and saw Joseph and Mary approaching with the newborn baby Jesus. Because Simeon was “in the Spirit,” he immediately knew Who this baby was – the long awaited Messiah that was promised to Israel. Immediately, Simeon voices a song of praise to the Lord for keeping His promise. The Spirit also reveals to Simeon that Jesus will be for the Jews and Gentiles. This passage goes on to say that Anna, a woman who had lived in the temple every day and night since her husband had passed away at least 60 years before, worshipped the Lord because of the testimony she heard from Simeon. Anna praised the Lord and repeated Simeon’s testimony to all who would hear. What a blessing the two of them received! The Lord saw their faithfulness and remembered His promises.

This Christmas season, like Simeon and Anna…

- Expect to hear from the Lord. Read and know His promises as Simeon did. Expect them to be fulfilled. Live your life based on trust in His unfailing love and faithful Word.

- Be faithful to do what the Lord calls you to do. Simeon showed up to do his priestly duties day in and day out. Each day, he waited and longed to behold the Messiah. Anna lived in the temple and did nothing but worship, pray, and fast. Because they were faithful with seeking the Lord daily and fervently, they were blessed abundantly as the Christ child was revealed to them. Just as Simeon and Anna were faithful, be faithful in the everyday, small, obedient steps.

- Live in the Spirit. As a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit indwells you and can empower you to live an obedient, victorious life. I’m afraid that many times, we don’t walk in the Spirit; rather we walk in defeat (because we’re living in our own strength or pursuing our own agenda). Simeon was walking closely with the Lord, and as soon as he entered the temple, He was “in the Spirit.” That’s how he knew that the baby that just entered the temple was more than just a baby! The Spirit has the power to reveal supernatural things to us, but are we listening? Are we seeking? Are we living in His power daily? Are we pursuing the things God desires?

- Don’t cease to worship with fasting and prayer as Anna did. Pray continually. Plead with the Lord on behalf of the salvation of others. Just as we studied yesterday, remember that you are Christ’s ambassador and it is your calling to “implore” others on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled to God. Go to the Lord in prayer for the lost world around you.

- Share your faith with other believers. Be a blessing to others. Just as Simeon’s testimony blessed Anna, Mary, and Joseph, causing them to worship the Lord, you, too, can be a blessing to others. Your testimony of God’s faithfulness can encourage and build up fellow believers. Who can you encourage today?

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This Christmas season and every day, I pray that you will expect to experience the Messiah in new and fresh ways just as Simeon and Anna lived with expectancy. Jesus is not far from us. I love the following verses in Acts:

Acts 17:24-28 - “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

Jesus longs for us to seek Him. For the nonbeliever, He longs for them to seek Him for the first time. And for the Christ-follower, He longs for us to seek Him deeper and more passionately each day. I love how Luke explains that Jesus desires us to find our way toward Him and that He is not far from each one of us. He is so close, and yet we miss Him many times because we are not seeking Him. This Christmas, don’t miss Christ! Seek Him, and find Him!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Luke 2:8-20 - “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.”

The shepherds were truly changed upon encountering the Christ child! There was no way in the world that they could keep silent! This evening must have been a whirlwind for them. Here they are, minding their own business, tending their flocks at night. Then, an angel appears, frightening them and bringing wonderful news that the long-awaited Messiah has been born right here in Bethlehem. Next, a host of angels joins the first angel to sing a glorious praise medley to the Lord. After the angels depart, the shepherds converse with each other and decide to leave the sheep to go find this baby. Upon finding and worshipping Jesus, they run into town and make the news known to all. Because of their testimony, people are amazed at what has happened. At the end of the evening, they return home, glorifying and praising God for what they had seen. What a night!

Like the shepherds, are you changed from encountering Christ? Did your first encounter with Him change you from the inside out as He saved your soul? And each day that you meet with Him in your secret place, are you changed more and more? When you experience Him, are you compelled to share Him with others as the shepherds were? They could not keep silent. They praised the Lord in front of anyone who would listen. They were the first witnesses for Christ on that first Christmas night. All of the praise went directly to the Lord, for looking upon them with mercy and revealing the news to them – lowly shepherds!

As I think about the shepherds response to encountering Christ, I’m challenged to consider my own life. What is my response when I encounter Christ? Does each encounter with Him impact my soul and life and actions in this way? Do I intentionally make time alone with the Lord – free from distractions – so that I am available to hear from Him? Do I constantly have fresh encounters with Him, or am I living off of past experiences with Him? Am I compelled to share the Good News with others?

These verses come to mind when I think about how my life should look like the shepherds’ lives/responses that first Christmas night.

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 - “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

This Christmas season, be humbled by the fact that YOU KNOW THE GREATEST NEWS OF ALL. JESUS. You live in a country where you can freely share this news with others. If God has saved you, then you have become an ambassador for Him. Your job is to implore others on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. Christ’s love should control you and compel you to share this life-saving news with the lost and dying people surrounding you. Don’t let the busyness of the season keep you from sharing what is most important – Jesus Christ. Don’t let your own agenda and comfort hinder you from being an effective and obedient ambassador for Him. He revealed Himself to you for a reason! Don’t keep silent! Be a shepherd this Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Shepherds - Luke 2:8-16 - “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.”

Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-11 - “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

If we look at the Christmas story alone, we can see the kinds of people that the Lord revealed the Messiah to:

- His humble parents, Mary and Joseph

- Elizabeth, the mother of John – the man who was to prepare the way for Christ

- Simeon, an old priest to whom the Lord promised that he would not die until he laid eyes on the Messiah

- Anna, a prophetess who prayed in the temple every day and night for sixty years

- The shepherds, the lowliest citizens with the dirtiest job

- The wise men, the most prestigious citizens

When we look beyond the birth of Christ and onward to His earthly ministry, we can see even more people He ministered to and spent time with:

- Fishermen

- Tax collectors

- Lepers

- Demon-possessed men

- “Sinners”

- Mary Magdalene, an adulterous woman

- The Samaritan woman (Remember, she had 5 husbands, and the man she was currently living with wasn’t her husband! This interaction was remarkable because Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans, AND men didn’t interact with women, especially a woman of this reputation.)

- Nicodemus, a Pharisee

And after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, Paul’s and Peter’s ministries reveal to us that salvation was for the Jews, God’s chosen people, AND the Gentiles…us!

All that to say, JESUS CAME FOR ALL PEOPLE! No one is excluded. You can’t be too poor, to rich, to sinful, too lowly, too powerful…Christ came to save all people. He desires all men to seek repentance. He wants all people to know Him. While He was on earth, He pursued all kinds of people, and He is still pursing all kinds of people from all walks of life!

In the first Christmas story, we see that God spoke to people right where they were. The shepherds were in their fields doing their jobs – watching sheep. They were lowly citizens with a dirty job. They lived outside with their sheep. So, while they were watching their sheep that night, God sent angels to deliver the message! The angels told them exactly what to look for, and when they had left, the shepherds decided to go find the baby! God spoke to the wise men in a different way. The wise men probably studied the heavens and stars as their profession. What greater way to communicate the coming King to them than through the stars! They knew of the prophecy, and they saw the star, so they knew which direction to travel in to find the baby. God met the shepherds where they were, and He met the wise men where they were – AND He met them to tell them the news of their Savior’s birth!

Let’s take a look at how these people responded once they encountered Christ:

- Shepherds: Luke 2:17-20 – “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.”

- Wise Men: Matthew 2:10-11 – “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

- Simeon: Luke 2:27-32 – “And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

- Anna: Luke 2: 38 – “And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

JOY. Pure joy. Worship. Thankfulness. Awe. Wonder. Faith. Evangelism. Peace. Trust. Praise. Sacrifice. Giving. This was their response upon seeing their Savior face to face. This was their response upon being chosen as the first witnesses to the Messiah. This was their response as they saw prophecies and promises fulfilled.

Praise the Lord; we are just like them! We are just as lowly as the shepherds. We are sinful. We are dirty. We are wanderers. And yet, the Lord has chosen to reveal Himself to us in the most mind-blowing way. He sent His only precious Son into the world as a sacrifice so that we can know Him intimately forever! This Christmas season, I hope you can view the Christmas story from the perspectives of shepherds, prophets, prophetesses, and wise men. I hope you will fall on your knees in worship that the King of Kings chose to reveal Himself to YOU! What are you doing with that revelation?? Is your response the same as the responses listed above? How can you worship Christ afresh this Christmas season!! Christmas is fast approaching. Are you ready to encounter the baby in the manger who changed your future forever!?

Praise the Lord!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Luke 2:6-7 - “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.”

As I was thinking about the humble state of Jesus’ birth, the word “majesty” would not leave my mind. Let’s read the definition below along with some verses describing the majesty of God.

Majesty = impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty; royal power

1 Chronicles 29:11 – “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”

Psalm 148:13 – “Let them praise the name of the Lord; for His name alone is exalted, His majesty is above earth and heaven.”

All throughout Scripture, and especially within the Old Testament, we find the word “majesty” used to describe the Lord. It refers to His immeasurable and unmatchable beauty, worth, and power. Over and over again, Scripture portrays Him as a God of strength, majesty, and power. Even prophecies about Jesus call Him the “King of Kings,” describing His royal power. Our Lord is majestic! Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, the ruler over all! And yet…when we think of the baby born in Bethlehem…

Let’s consider the humble circumstances of His birth…

- Born as a helpless infant

- Delivered in a dirty, smelly stable because his parents couldn’t find a room

- Was greeted by cows and sheep upon His arrival

- Rested in a feeding trough for farm animals

- Visited by lowly shepherds

- Wrapped in his mother’s clothing

“Majesty” is not the first word that comes to our mind upon reviewing this list! This is a very humble list. A baby born in a stable and laid in a manger does not seem like a powerful, majestic thing! In fact, Scripture goes on to record in Isaiah that while Jesus was on earth, He actually would have “no form or majesty” that we should look upon Him as desirable. Read Isaiah 53:2 below.

Isaiah 53:2 – “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.”

Jesus was willing to endure the humble beginnings of His birth on the earth, and in fact, He continued on in this humble servant state for the duration of His life and ministry on earth.

Jesus described His own life and ministry in this way, as He challenged His disciples to follow in His footsteps: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” We see in the example of Jesus washing His disciples feet that He embraced this humility. From His birth to His death, He was humble. The God of the universe was humbled to the point of the lowliest servant! And it all began the moment Jesus took his first breath on earth! Amazing!

This Christmas season, ponder the humble beginnings of our Savior. Thank Him for being willing to come in the form of a baby to a smelly stable filled with farm animals and shepherds. Praise Him for His example of humility, and ask Him to give you the strength and desire to serve others as He did.

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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Luke 2:1-7 - “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.”

Can you imagine walking in Mary and Joseph’s shoes at this point in their lives, on the eve of Jesus’ grand entry into the world? I cannot imagine what they would have been feeling at the moment when the contractions began and labor signs commenced. The nine months of waiting and preparing for Jesus’ coming was finally over. The fullness of time had come, and in a few short hours, He would arrive! Surely their anticipation was so great in those final moments. The Lord had prepared their hearts for nine months for this very moment. Wow!

What must they have been feeling in those last moments together before Jesus arrived on that first Christmas Eve? Were they anxious? Were they humbled? Were they were worried about the fact that they were in a stable and couldn’t find a room in the inn for their new baby boy? Were they worried that the Lord was disappointed at their location? Were they uncomfortable in the stable? Did Mary miss her mother in those moments when she was delivering her first baby? How intense was her labor, and for how long did she labor? Did Joseph have time or success in finding a midwife to help? Were the animals in their way? Did they already have the idea to put Jesus in the manger once He was born? Did the kind stable owner have any clue what was about to happen in his stable? Did they anticipate visitors after Jesus’ birth, or was that a surprise? How did they felt the moment they heard Jesus’ first newborn cry? How did they respond when He was lifted up for all to see? I’m sure the scene was breathtakingly and indescribably glorious!

When I think about Christmas Eve, my immediate thoughts take me back to my childhood, when I couldn’t wait to wake up in the morning to a menagerie of presents. I was filled with eager anticipation as I waited for Christmas morning. Now that I am older, my focus is not on the earthly gifts so much. Yes, of course, I still enjoy the thoughtful gifts from family and friends, but those gifts are not the source of my excitement as they were when I was a child. Now, my heart and mind are drawn to the same eager anticipation that Mary and Joseph must have felt on their first Christmas Eve. My mind is blown away with wonder at the fact that God would come to dwell with us – and especially in the form of a humble baby that needed to be cared for. He entered the world under such humbling circumstances, and why?? Because of His love for you and me! What an amazing Father we serve?

As you approach Christmas, and specifically Christmas Eve, I pray that the Lord will allow you to genuinely feel true excitement and wonder at Jesus’ coming as if you were in Mary’s shoes on the very first Christmas Eve. I pray that you will be in awe as Mary was that the moment for the Savior to enter the world was finally here. I pray that you will stand amazed at the Lord because He has physically come to dwell with man – Immanuel – God with us. I pray that you will truly worship Christ this Christmas Eve. And yes, while we enjoy gifts and family and friends and traditions, I pray that our greatest joy will stem from our worship and adoration of Jesus Christ – our Savior who was willing to be humbled by taking on the form of an infant so that we could know Him! Praise the Lord!

Merry Christmas!

Always, Jacquelyn

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