Luke 2:10-14
by Jason

Today we see another visit from the angel, but this time to the shepherds who were watching their flocks of sheep overnight. The first point you all might notice is how the angel says again ‘Do not be afraid’… He goes on saying that this is amazing news for all the people and that this is the saviour that they have all been waiting for, before breaking into a huge heavenly choir that might have even upstaged anyone from Melodifestivalen.

The astounding thing here is that this is revealed to simple shepherds and not the temple leaders who would have known the scriptures inside out and understand the angels more. Why is that do you think? Perhaps one reason is that this good news is for all of us. The wise and the fool, the smart and the educationally challenged, the rich and poor. It is for everyone, and for the night shepherds (one of the lesser desired roles of society) to be invited to the birth of Jesus is an invition to us all to come to God

Jesus is for everyone. He came to save everyone, including the lost, the broken, the homeless, the refugee, the poor, the sick, the rich in pocket, the sucessful, the talented… the list goes on. They just don’t know it. Jesus came for you. Let that sink in today. Jesus is inviting you be a witness of His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection.

Pray today for anyone who doesn’t know that Jesus is here for them, and that God will find a way to show himself to them.

Day 16 – Psalm 16:11
by Jason

Today’s passage is from a beautiful psalm, that talks in depth how wonderful God is, and the amazing things He gives to us. The gifts God gives are not like the ones we find under our trees at the this time of year, but are gifts for life and gifts to bring joy to our hearts.

God’s gifts are not material, they are are spiritual, and everlasting. If you picture your entire Christmas list, how many items are there that will last forever? I doubt many, and if I’m honest there weren’t many on my list either. But as today’s passage tells us, His gifts for us give us knowledge of life, complete joy, and eternal pleasures from His right hand.

Elsewhere we read that once Jesus was crucified, resurrected then ascended back to heaven, He took His place at God’s right hand. Could this eternal gift from God’s right hand be the simple gift of Jesus himself? I think so. Thank God today for this Gift that is for the whole of our lives and into eternity. This is the Good News.

Day 15 – Nehemiah 8:10
by Niels

Christmas is a time for celebration. However in our materialistic, consumeristic society, the focus often falls on ourselves. It’s about what kind of presents, food, feelings we want to have this time.

This verse reminds us to refocus our celebration. Our celebration needs to be about giving, rather than receiving. Especially in these times, where a lot of people need help more than ever, we should try to give from our excess.

Remember that giving is just as rewarding (if not a lot more) as receiving. If you start to honour God during these celebrations by sharing your excess, he will reward you with a lot of joy and spiritual strength.

Day 14 – 1 John 1:4-7
by Niels

This short text is powerful and tells the truth directly. It takes away the grey areas that are easy to find comfort in. We read about God’s perfection and our need to follow His example.

The light stands for all that is good, it is truth and purity. Darkness symbolises the evil and sinfulness of the world.

A pretty clear picture is painted in this text, telling us to stay away from all darkness. Living a sinful life does not work when having a relationship with God. We need to stay in the light, and stay pure in order to be with God. But we can’t do this on by our own strength. It’s impossible. But we can’t ask for God’s help, and know that it is Jesus’ sacrifice that keeps us pure. We have to accept it from Him. 

However, it is important to remember the last part of the text, where we’re told that going into the light, purifies us from all the darkness in our lives. Jesus cleans us from our sin.

Consider for yourself: Are you staying in the light?

Day 13 – Matthew 2:1-12
by Meg

In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth we find the story of the Magi – people who came from afar to search for the one who was promised. They brought gifts of gold, incense and spices to honour Jesus, and worshipped the baby born in a manger. However, while the Magi rejoiced to find Jesus, Herod was greatly troubled to hear of Jesus’ birth, and if you read on you will see that he takes drastic measures to try and get rid of this threat to his own power and authority.

Here we see two different responses to the news of Jesus’ birth. Think for a moment about how you respond to Jesus. Do you search after him and worship him, as the Magi did? Or would you rather cling on to your own authority in your life?

The Magi in their worship brought gifts that told of who Jesus was: gold for a king, incense for a priest, myrrh for one who would die as a sacrifice for us. Think for a moment about what gift you could bring to Jesus this Christmas. For example, Jesus is called “wonderful counsellor” in Isaiah 9:6. One gift we could give Jesus would be to turn to Him when we are in need and receive his counsel, and for us to listen to his advice in our lives.

Day 12 – John 12:35-36
by Jason

So here we have the words of Jesus talking about Himself as the light and also giving hints to His own crucifixion and resurrection. By this time the disciples still didn’t fully ‘get’ who Jesus really was, at least not without doubts. But Jesus brings the point home to why He is the light, and why He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and also you can see where John took Jesus’ words for the opening chapter of his gospel.

Jesus gives us this metaphor about walking in the light, and walking in the darkness. You could argue that much of the world is walking in darkness. We might not be able to claim that we have ever walked in darkness, because darkness makes it sound like we have done something really bad. But this also means people who don’t have a direction, and haven’t found their purpose or maybe even running away from something. These are two things the Jesus does give, direction and purpose, as well as hope where there isn’t normally any. Then when people finally meet Jesus, they see both, and see a point to life.

I guess the only or main proof to this is people’s testimonies, mine included. If you have met Jesus and know Him, remember back to that first time you believe in Him and thank Him for showing you the light. If you cannot claim you know Jesus, look for Him (and no He’s not behind the sofa). Jesus says that if you knock, He’ll answer. (Matt 7:7-8).

Day 11 – Zephaniah 3:17
by Jason

On Sunday, you suggested that the story of Mary tells us that we should not be afraid. Todays passage leads on from this, and gives us another reason to not be afraid in the current world situation, and to have hope and joy in what God thinks about you!

It says ‘He will take great delight in you’ and ‘He will rejoice over you with singing’. As Annie mentioned in last years devotional for this day, that is an amazing image. God loves you, as an individual, and loves you so much we will rejoice over you with singing.

It might be hard to see that sometimes, and I know I can struggle too. But we also need to realise that God is our creator and that His kingdom is not like the world. But His kingdom is coming. Take a moment and think about what it must mean to you that God, the creator of the earth, takes delight in you above all over creation and loves you so very much. So much He went to great lengths to save you for His kingdom. Then take a moment to thank Him.

Psalm 119:105-106
By Lizzy

Today’s verses are so simple but at the same time so profound to living a life that not only pleases the Lord but also brings joy to you. The Holy Bible (the Word) is what God has given us to know how to live, to offer us comfort, to understand history and know about the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Right now we are in the darkest month of the year here in Sweden. It’s not uncommon to leave your house in the morning to go to school in the dark and come home in the dark. Not only is it a very dark physically here in Sweden but also spiritually. Many of you might be the only Christian in your class or maybe in your family, which can be very tough at times. I remember being in school here in Sweden and often times was made fun of for going to church every Sunday and youth group every Wednesday.

As tough as it can be at time to be a Christian in this dark place, don’t forget that God is the one who illuminates your steps before you. He sees the trials you go through and he is the one who will give you strength (especially if you stick to reading His Word) to get through them. Allow Him to be your guide through life and allow his Word to be the light in this dark world.

Day 9 – Mark 12:28-30
by Jason

So after reading the text, some of you may be thinking…. why is this here, it has nothing to do with the Christmas story. But this has more to do with our attitude to Christmas and to God.

A lot of the conversations at school and even at Youth Group have been around the question, how do we know this is true? How is this valid? ‘Why does Jesus gain so much credibility?’ Because He did.

In this passage there is a teacher of the law (so an intelligent man) who has seen that Jesus has made a good argument, and given a good answer to a previous question. Jesus had shown all integrity and had built up trust with His followers so that they KNEW He was telling the truth, however outrageous it might sound.

Jesus goes on to say that of all the 10 Commandments (that are the centre of the Jewish law), the most important is to ‘love the Lord our God with everything we have’. Put in our heart, soul, mind and strength into how we love God. Society forces us to live out our faith half-heartedly, and in turn this puts us at risk of forming doubt over our faith. It’s a huge challenge.

Jesus, in todays passage, gives us  both reason to trust Him, and how to trust Him. Consider today if you you are in a place to love God with everything? If not, what is getting in the way? What doubts are clouding your minds? Ask God to clear the doubt, and see what comes of it. Jesus, whom we can trust, asks us to put Him first. Above everything else. That doesn’t mean we can’t love anyone else, or enjoy anything else, but it asks us to get our priorities straight.

Day 8 – 1 John 4:7-8
(by Niels)

Today’s text is short, but important. It emphasises the kind of love that comes from God. Rather than being a feeling, this kind of love is a way of life.

God showed us this love through Jesus in two ways:

1. Jesus radiated love wherever he was and whatever he did.

2. God loved us so much that he sacrificed Jesus

Having shared this love with us, God allows us to love one another, just like he does. By having a relationship with God, we will start to radiate his love everywhere.

Take a moment to consider how God can show his love through you.