“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2 NKJV
Welcome to the 52nd and final weekly devotional recap of the year! This week we explored the profound significance of Christ’s birth—not just as a historical event, but as the arrival of Light, Peace, Joy, and the greatest gift humanity has ever received.
We began the week by acknowledging Jesus as the Great Light that shined upon a world walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). While the media often focuses on temporary connections, we were reminded that the greatest gift is the Son, and true rest is freedom from condemnation. Christ’s coming serves as a hazard light in the dark, revealing who God is and delivering us from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His love (Colossians 1:13-14).
Tuesday’s devotion highlighted that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, arrived during a time of intense political turmoil (Micah 5:2). Unlike political activists of His day, Jesus brought an olive branch of salvation rather than a sword of rebellion. His sacrifice broke the wall of separation, reconciling us to God (Ephesians 2:14-18). In a world of turmoil, we are called to be ambassadors of this Gospel of peace, praying that many find rest in Him.
On Wednesday, we reflected on the truth that Good News is meant to be shared. Christmas is the celebration of the greatest news ever received: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son and everyone who believes has eternal life (John 3:16). This gift of eternal life never wears out or loses value. As we exchange physical gifts with loved ones, we are encouraged to be unashamed in sharing the best gift—the message of redemption and restoration to God’s family.
On Christmas Day, we celebrated the joy of our salvation. Christmas is more than a holiday; it is a day of gratitude for the sacrifice of a Father who gave His Son as a propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9-10). We owed a debt we could not pay, but Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. We rejoice today because, through the birth of the Savior in the town of David (Luke 2:11), we have received the Spirit of God and the assurance of eternity.
The week concluded with the realization that Christmas is the beginning of a mission, not the end of a story. The angels announced “good tidings of great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10), and that joy should not fade with the festivities. We are entrusted with this hope to share it with the world (Matthew 28:19). This joy fuels our faith to help others realize that through Christ, they can experience freedom from fear and the gift of eternal life.
Dear believer, let the light and peace of Christ remain your contemplation long after the decorations are put away. This year, decide to be a carrier of this great joy, pointing everyone you meet to the Savior who was born for them.
Have a wonderful, Christ-centered weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: Zechariah 7–12; 1 John 4–5