Santa Vs. Jesus - Week 1

Day 1: The True Reason for the Season
Devotional: As we enter the Christmas season, it's easy to get caught up in the festive spirit, with Santa Claus being a prominent figure. However, it's important to remember that Jesus is the true reason for the season. Santa Claus, derived from Saint Nicholas, has become a secular symbol of Christmas, focusing on the 'naughty or nice' list. In contrast, Jesus offers grace, love, and salvation regardless of our actions. The birth of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, symbolizing hope and redemption. Let's embrace the grace and love that Jesus offers and let it transform our celebrations and daily life.
Verse: For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. - 2 Chronicles 16:9
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember the true reason for the season. Let your grace and love fill my heart and transform my celebrations. Amen.

Day 2: Embracing Grace Over Lists
Devotional: Santa's 'naughty or nice' list can often make us feel like we need to earn our way to goodness. But Jesus operates on a different principle. He offers us grace and love, not based on our deeds but on His sacrifice. This is a powerful reminder that we don't have to be perfect to receive God's love. Jesus' birth brought a new covenant, one that is based on grace rather than law. Let's embrace this grace and let it guide our actions and thoughts.
Verse: Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? - Romans 2:4
Question: In what ways can you embrace and extend grace to others during this Christmas season?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and love. Help me to extend that same grace to others, especially during this Christmas season. Amen.

Day 3: The Gift of Salvation
Devotional: The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our faith. Jesus came to offer us salvation, a gift that we could never earn on our own. This Christmas, let's focus on the incredible gift of salvation that Jesus offers. It's a gift that brings hope, redemption, and eternal life. By placing our faith in Jesus, we are made right with God, not by our deeds but by His grace.
Verse: We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. - Romans 3:22
Question: How does the gift of salvation change your perspective on Christmas and your daily life?
Quote: Romans 3:22 is clear about this. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, not the naughty or nice list.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of salvation. Help me to live in the light of this incredible gift and share it with others. Amen.

Day 4: Celebrating with Joy and Reverence
Devotional: While it's important to enjoy the festive aspects of Christmas, it's crucial to remember the deeper meaning of the holiday. God commanded the nation of Israel to have seven different feasts during the year, showing that celebrations are important. However, our celebrations should also be filled with reverence for the birth of Jesus. Let's find a balance between joy and contemplation, celebrating with a heart full of gratitude for the love and grace that Jesus brings.
Verse: Then Jesus said, come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
Question: How can you incorporate both joy and reverence into your Christmas celebrations this year?
Prayer: Dear God, help me to celebrate Christmas with both joy and reverence. Let my heart be filled with gratitude for the love and grace that Jesus brings. Amen.

Day 5: Drawing Near to God
Devotional: As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let's also focus on drawing near to God. The Bible encourages us to have a daily time of focused personal communion with God. This Christmas season, make a commitment to spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and meditating on God's word. As we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us. Let this be a time of deepening your relationship with God and experiencing His love and grace in a profound way.
Verse: Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. - James 4:8
Question: What steps can you take to draw nearer to God during this Christmas season?
Prayer: Lord, help me to draw near to you during this Christmas season. Let my heart be open to your love and grace. Amen.