Editor's note: Be of Good Cheer is a brand-new Christmas devotional book that you and your family with love to read throughout the Advent season. Enjoy this excerpt and pick up your copy today. * |
Peace Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. — Luke 2:14 Seekers go to extreme lengths to find peace but often look for it in the wrong places. Those extra letters after your name, a well- designed home, an extra- long list of addresses to mail your Christmas cards to, and some cushion at the bank are all blessings to enjoy, but none of these things will bring peace. - To have peace means to be in harmony with God.
Peace is a perfect communion with Love itself, and it is available to each and every one of us. To be a person of peace doesn't mean your life will be without trial or conflict. But if you know Jesus, you'll find it's possible to have peace in the middle of a conflict because you know God loves you and will take care of you regardless of your circumstances. Peace isn't an emotion you can manufacture on your own. It's actually a gift given to us by our Savior. Jesus told His followers, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. — John 14:27
You see, God generously invites you to be filled with His peace this Christmas season and every day of the year. He is a good and loving Father, and He delights to deliver. Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, and I pray You will fill me with Your peace this holiday season. Teach me to trust in Your love and goodness. Help me have faith that You will do as You have promised. * |
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Rather than running yourself ragged, why not budget some time to rest your body and refill your spirit? |
Rather than running yourself ragged, why not budget some time to rest your body and refill your spirit? |
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Rest There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. — Hebrews 4:9–10 Rushing back and forth to the grocery store to grab forgotten ingredients, wrangling the little ones for the perfect Christmas photo, standing in long lines to secure the best presents — there's nothing bad here! But if you're not careful with your expectations of what you can get done day by day, you may find yourself running ragged by Christmas Day. Deep down, you know this isn't the most enjoyable way to celebrate the Christmas season. God designed your body in such a way that it needs rest — and God encourages embracing a rhythm of intentional rest, so much so that He even included rest in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8). The holiday season is meant to be savored, yet so many of us never let the spirit of Christmas settle into our hearts. - Rather than running yourself ragged, why not budget some time to rest your body and refill your spirit?
That might mean spending an afternoon curled up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies. It might include going for a drive and looking at decorations with your loved ones. Or maybe it's something as simple as taking some uninterrupted time to relax and listen to your favorite holiday music. There's no right or wrong way to embrace a spirit of rest; do whatever rests your body and refills your soul. But you'll need to be intentional, or it probably won't happen. Prayerfully consider what matters most this season and invite the word no into your life this year. Rest is a good gift from the Lord, and we are at our best when we embrace it. Lord, thank You for encouraging me to rest. Give me the wisdom to know when it's time to rest my body and refill my spirit. |
Excerpted with permission from Be of Good Cheer by Susan Hill, copyright Zondervan. * |
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It doesn't have to be the Christmas season to enter into the peace and rest of Jesus Christ. You and I can trust in His goodness and mercy every day of the year! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Find peace for your heart and joy for your spirit amid the holiday hustle |
The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World |
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+ Free shipping with code EARLYBIRD |
Has being "merry and bright" and decking the halls left you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Set down your to-do list, grab a warm beverage, and cozy up with Be of Good Cheer for 40 days of Advent devotional reflections, Scripture readings, and prayers to bring you back to the beauty of the season. Each entry in this 40-day devotional invites you to reflect on one word that embodies the true meaning of Christmas. A corresponding Bible verse, a cheerful prayer, and beautiful Christmas photos guide your spirit, memories, and longings back to the heart of Christmas. Whether you're busy planning for the church's nativity play or preparing for the whirlwind of Christmas events, Be of Good Cheer anchors you in the joy, peace, and hope of the holiday season. This is a great gift to share around your Thanksgiving table as you prepare for the Christmas season or an excellent stocking stuffer for a friend, family member, or colleague seeking inspiration as Christmas draws near. |
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More about Be of Good Cheer |
Be of Good Cheer… - Calls you to live intentionally this holiday season
- Provides 40 days of readings for Advent
- Encourages you to rejoice in a God who cares for you and carries you
- Inspires you to recover gratitude during Christmas
- Offers a meaningful and beautiful addition to your bedside or coffee table
- Makes a thoughtful gift for anyone searching for deeper peace during the holidays
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Our Early Bird Christmas Sale is happening NOW |
Get free shipping on all orders with code EARLYBIRD |
Get free shipping on all orders with code EARLYBIRD |
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| Jesus Calling for Christmas |
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The FaithGateway Annual Early Bird Christmas Sale is happening now! Enjoy incredible savings on must-have gifts and exclusive bundles that promise to bring blessings to you, your loved ones, and your friends as we joyfully welcome the season of Christ's birth. Shop now and save up to 55% + get free shipping with code EARLYBIRD. |
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