Living 4 Him

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people.” Luke 2:10

Christmas Day seems like the perfect day to debut a weekly devotional message dedicated to living like Jesus.  This advent season has brought us to a celebration of the compassionate and generous gift from God; our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I was moved to pen this poem which highlights his entry into this world.

Breath of Hope

by Janice M. Gibson

God, so good, with love in sight

shaped His Son to be our Light.

His purpose was to draw us near–

erasing sin, dissolving fear.

This act of love released anew

abundant mercy breaking through.

Refreshing peace enriched the land

when God became the Son of Man.

Glory gleamed one holy night . . .

Angels sang with pure delight . . .

God’s triumph and eternal joy

filled the heart of an infant boy!

In His first breath, our lives were changed,

hearts made whole–souls rearranged.

Light pierced night through a baby small.

His first breath gave Hope to all!

What glorious hope we have!  The hope of a Savior. The hope of eternal life. The hope of His presence through the Holy Spirit.  Our hopes cascade in a constant waterfall of grace.  But beyond this magnificent hope, if we study Jesus’ 33 years of life, focusing on his actions and interactions, his parables, his words through scripture and his ultimate sacrifice, we have the best model possible for living this life through service to God.

4 actions that illuminated the life that Jesus lived on this earth (and have inspired the title Living 4 Him):

1. He was driven by compassion.

2. He was completely devoted to God and the ways of His Kingdom.

3. He desired others to know God and develop a relationship with Him.

4. He did all things on this earth for God’s glory, not his own.   

If you are longing to live more like Jesus, join me here each Wednesday for new insight on Jesus and what he can teach us.  It could be the best decision you’ll ever make. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your own soul):

Read Luke 2: 8-20 slowly, admiring and celebrating the good news with the shepherds and angels!  Focus on the “good news of great joy” and what it means for your life. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):

Do you know anyone in this moment who needs hope? Breath hope into their life with an encouraging word or action carried out with a heart of love.