Weekly Magazine | The Miracle of Christmas
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Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas!
What a joy it is to celebrate the miracle of God’s perfect plan, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we’re reminded that God works in the most extraordinary ways through the most ordinary moments—a humble manger, a quiet night, and the faithfulness of everyday people who dared to trust Him.
In this special issue, we invite you to pause and reflect on how God’s truth, love, and blessings are woven into the fabric of this season. Whether you’re gathering with family or quietly pondering the gift of Jesus, these stories and reflections are meant to draw you closer to the heart of God.
From our hearts to yours, may this Christmas fill you with renewed hope and joy in the Lord’s love.
Encouraging you in God’s truth,
Christmas Blessings from the Book of Matthew
Discover how God’s redemptive grace shines through Jesus’ lineage and what it means for us today.
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Seeing God in the Ordinary
Open your eyes to God’s presence in the small, everyday moments of life.
Read More
God is Love
Reflect on the unconditional, transformative love of God this Christmas season.
Read More
Meet Him at the Manager
Encounter the humility and wonder of Christ’s birth and find hope in the simplicity of the nativity.
Read More
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Christmas Blessings from the Book of Matthew
By: Barbara Rodgers
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Gal. 4:4–5).
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is filled with people just like us. Some were ordinary people; some were kings, leaders, army commanders, and businessmen. Some were liars, connivers, murderers, and some were downright evil. Their lives were messy, complicated, sinful, cunning, misunderstood, and even cursed. God used all kinds of people to bring His Son into the world, and we can learn from all of them. Through these sinful, messed up people, we have redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ. That was God’s plan.
Why did Matthew include the names of five women in his genealogy account when the names of women were rarely included in Jewish genealogies? At first glance, some of them seem to be immoral and disgraceful characters—but not any more than all the other male names we find after reading their histories. Jesus’ family tree was not perfect, and neither is ours. That’s the point—Jesus came from a lineage of sinners to save sinners, yet He remained sinless.
This year as you read the Christmas story, start with Matthew 1. May you find yourself somewhere in the God-breathed words of Jesus’ genealogy regarding the stories of the five women (and the men in their lives) mentioned. Their stories were written for all time, for all people, everywhere.
BLESSINGS ON YOU FROM CHRIST'S LINEAGE
Just like Tamar, may you be determined and goal-oriented in solving your problems, especially when it comes to justice. As you make your plans and set your goals, may you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all you do. May God be involved in every aspect of your life.
Just like Judah, may you acknowledge when you have sinned against God and always allow the conviction of the Holy Spirit to confront you with the truth. May your confession and repentance transform your life and those around you to fulfill God’s plans for you.
Just like Rahab, may you show kindness to strangers and be willing to take risks for your family. May you always listen to how God is working through other people, near and far away. May you be encouraged and not lose hope. May you personally know of God’s provision, mercy, and grace.
Just like the two spies, may you see the possible when others see the impossible. May you be strong and courageous in following God’s commands. May you always remain faithful to the promises you give to others.
Just like Naomi, may you rise out of the pit of despair and return to your roots when you have journeyed far away from your faith. May bitterness never take root and grow in your heart. May your heart be filled with joy and may you always feast on Jesus, the Bread of Life, to nourish your soul.
Just like Orpah, may you have no hard feelings when you need to end a relationship. May your goodbyes be sweet, with no grudges or ill-feelings. May you always speak well of the person you left behind or the person who left you behind.
Just like Ruth, may you find encouragement and good rapport with a godly person who can direct you in the right path spiritually. May you be able to say to Jesus: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.”
Just like Ruth and Naomi, may you always know that there is no such thing as chance or coincidence—only God’s perfect timing.
Just like Boaz, may you give blessings to family, friends, and those who work for you. May you look beyond a person’s status in life and see how the Lord sees them—a person loved by God and worthy of redemption.
Just like Bathsheba, may you never dwell on the labels that society puts on you. May you forgive those who have sinned against you. May God comfort you and restore your life after tragic loss and heartbreak.
Just like David, may you be genuinely repentant of your sins and accept the consequences even after you are forgiven. May you listen to close and trusted friends who speak truth into your life which will keep you on the right path. May you truly be a person after God’s own heart.
Just like Mary, may you have confidence and faith in God’s Word to do the impossible. May you allow God to birth in you the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill you with discernment, wisdom, and truth. May you always be in awe, pondering the marvelous things He has done and is doing in your life.
Just like Joseph, may you be steadfast and obedient to the voice of God. May you always go where He tells you to go and do what He tells you to do.
Just like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary, may you be an overcomer, a faithful follower of God, and a person of excellence. As an adopted child of God, may you always know your lineage and heritage in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Just like Judah, the two spies, Boaz, David, and Joseph, may you be a strong leader, a mighty warrior, and a person of integrity. No matter what you’re going through, may you press on to the end of the story that God began in you.
Amen and Amen.
Be blessed!
Barbara Rodgers pursues her passion of writing, designing, and creating projects to encourage believers in their faith and prayer. In the past she led women’s groups and retreats, Bible studies, prayer groups, and children’s ministries. She also wrote and illustrated children’s Bible lesson, and activity books for Legacy Press. She is married and has one daughter and one granddaughter.
Read:
"But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship" (Galatians 4:4–5).
Reflect:
How does Jesus’ genealogy reveal God’s grace and redemption?
Which character in Jesus’ lineage resonates most with your own journey, and why?
How can reflecting on your spiritual heritage deepen your faith this Christmas?
Seeing God in the Ordinary
By: Dyann Shepard
Have you ever paused in the busyness of life and realized that God is moving in the ordinary moments? In the hustle and bustle of this season, it's easy to overlook the quiet ways God shows up. In this article, we explore how God is present even in the simplest of moments, ready to reveal His love and purpose. Are you ready to see God in your everyday life?
God is Love
By: Jen Ludwig
In a world filled with uncertainty, there is one thing we can always be sure of: God is love. This powerful truth changes everything about the way we live, love, and interact with others. In this article, we reflect on what it truly means for God to be love and how we can embody that love in our relationships. Are you ready to experience God’s love in a new, deeper way this Christmas?
Meet Him at the Manger
By: Jill Briscoe
Christmas has a way of filling us with nostalgia, but what if we looked at the manger with fresh eyes this year? In this heartfelt reflection, we look at the beauty and significance of the Christ child and how He offers hope, peace, and love in ways we can’t even imagine. What does it mean to truly meet Him at the manger?
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we reflect on the miracle of Your Son’s birth, we pause in awe of Your incredible love for us. Thank You for sending Jesus—Your Word made flesh—into our world to dwell among us, full of grace and truth. What a gift it is to know that You came not as a distant God, but as one who understands our joys, our struggles, and our deepest needs.
This Christmas, we ask that Your peace and joy fill every heart reading these words. May each person encounter the depth of Your love in new ways, and may Your presence surround them with comfort, hope, and renewal. For those facing challenges, we pray for strength and courage, knowing that You are with us in every season of life.
We thank You for the gift of family, friendship, and community, and we ask that You continue to guide and sustain us as we walk this journey of faith together. May the love of Christ shine brightly in our hearts, today and always.
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.
❤️ We are so thankful for each one of you. We pray continuously for you—for your encouragement, hope, and a renewed sense of God’s love in your life. It’s truly a gift to walk together on this faith journey!
May His love fill your heart, today and always.
Merry Christmas! ❤️
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