SPREADING THE WORD – Part 2 of 2

In the days after Christmas, it’s easy to pack away the wonder with the ornaments. But the shepherds remind us that the birth of Christ is not a seasonal story -- it’s a sending story. “They spread the word” (Luke 2:17). The good news they received was too good to keep quiet.

As followers of Jesus, we stand in their lineage. We, too, have encountered the Savior. We, too, have been entrusted with a message that brings amazement, comfort, and hope to weary hearts.

So how do we “spread the word” today? We do it by living with the joy of people who have truly met Jesus.  Joy is contagious, especially when it’s rooted in grace. We do it by telling the biblical story and by speaking naturally about what God has done in our lives.  Not forced. Not scripted. Just honest gratitude. We do it by embodying Christ’s love in small, faithful acts.  Kindness often opens doors… and ears… to the words we share. We do it by remembering that the message itself carries the power.  We don’t have to impress -- just point to Jesus. 

This week, as the world settles back into “normalcy,” let’s resist the temptation to let Christmas fade. The shepherds didn’t return to their flocks unchanged. They carried the wonder with them, and they shared it freely. May we do the same. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™  

#6275

 

SPREADING THE WORD – Part 1 of 2

"So [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."  (Luke 2:16–18 NIV) 

Christmas Day has passed. The wrapping paper is gone, the cookies are thinning out, and the world is slowly returning to its routines. But in Luke’s Gospel, the story doesn’t end at the manger. In fact, something begins there -- something that continues long after the angels’ song fades into the night sky.

The shepherds, ordinary men in an ordinary field, became the first evangelists of the New Testament. They didn’t attend a seminar. They didn’t rehearse a testimony. They simply shared what they had seen and heard. Their encounter with Jesus overflowed into proclamation.

And notice the response: “All who heard it were amazed.”  Not because the shepherds were eloquent, but because the message was astonishing. God had come near. Hope had taken on flesh. Salvation had a name. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™  

#6274

JESUS IS WITH ME

“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”   (John 1:14 NLT)

My favorite “preacher” story… is about a father who was having a hard time getting his daughter to bed one night. They had gone through their night ritual hundreds of times. This particular night was no exception. A glass of water. A trip to the bathroom. A prayer. A hug and kiss. “Tuck me in Daddy!” Over and over again it went. Frustrated, the father said to his little girl, “Sweetheart, you have to go to bed. Now when you get scared, I want you to say out loud, ‘Jesus is with me. Jesus is with me.’ And then you’ll be OK.” With a final hug and kiss, dad shut the door and went to sleep himself.

In the night a storm arose. It began to thunder, and lightning began to flash. The scared little girl remembered the advice of her dad and said out loud, “Jesus is with me. Jesus is with me!” With that there was a loud clap of thunder and flash of lightning. In an instant, the little girl jumped out of bed, threw open her door, and ran with all her might to her parents’ room. Flinging open their door with a giant leap, she jumped into their bed landing right between mommy and daddy. Dad rolled over, wiped the sleep from his eyes, and said to his little girl, “I thought I told you when you are scared to say, ‘Jesus is with me.’” She replied, “I did Daddy, I said ‘Jesus is with me. Jesus is with me,’ but Daddy, sometimes I needs me a Jesus with skin on!” We all do. 

-- Jorge Acevedo in “Everybody Needs Some Cave Time: Meeting God in Dark Places”

#6273

THE GREATEST GIFT

“But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”   (John 1:12 NIV)

Every December, our eyes are drawn to the gifts wrapped in bright paper beneath the Christmas tree. They bring joy for a season, but eventually they fade, break, or are forgotten. Yet John reminds us of a gift that is eternal, priceless, and beyond anything this world can offer: the gift of becoming children of God.

This gift is not earned by effort or purchased with money -- it is received by faith. To believe in His name is to trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and in that trust we are adopted into God’s family. The greatest gift of Christmas is not found under a tree, but in the manger, where the Son of God came to dwell among us so that we might dwell with Him forever.

When we receive Christ, we receive identity, belonging, and hope. We are no longer defined by our failures or fears, but by the love of the Father who calls us His children. That is joy that cannot be stolen, peace that cannot be shaken, and love that cannot be measured.

Just as gifts are exchanged at Christmas, share the good news of Christ – the Greatest Gift -- with those who have yet to receive Him. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™   

#6272

SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”  (Luke 2:13–14 NIV)

On that first Christmas night, the world was hushed in holy wonder. In the stillness of Bethlehem, heaven broke into earth with the cry of a newborn child -- the Savior of the world. The beloved “Silent Night” captures this paradox: a quiet, ordinary setting transformed by the extraordinary presence of God.

The carol reminds us that peace is not found in noise or grandeur, but in the humble manger where Christ was laid. The silence of that night was filled with divine glory, as angels proclaimed peace and shepherds knelt in awe.

Christmas Eve invites us to pause in the midst of our busyness, to let the silence speak, and to hear again the message of hope: God is with us. In Christ, the holy breaks into the ordinary, and peace enters our restless hearts.

Take time tonight to quiet your heart and reflect on God’s presence. Let the Prince of Peace calm your anxieties and fill you with joy. Just as the shepherds spread the news, carry Christ’s peace into your family and community. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™

#6271

CHOOSING GRACE

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”   (Titus 2:11)

Tony Evans wrote, "This Christmas, you have a decision to make. It’s not about toys or gifts or what you’re going to have under the tree. It’s a decision about God’s grace. What are you going to do with the goodness of God that He bestowed on you this past year, and that you look forward to in the year that is to come?"

Christmas is often wrapped in lights, gifts, and traditions. Yet Tony Evans reminds us that the true decision of Christmas is not about what sits under the tree, but what sits in our hearts.

God’s grace is the greatest gift we could ever receive. It is undeserved, unearned, and yet freely given through Jesus Christ. As you look back on this past year, consider the countless ways His goodness has carried you -- through trials, through joys, through ordinary days. And as you look ahead, ask yourself: What will I do with this grace?

Grace is not meant to be stored away like a keepsake. It is meant to be lived out, shared, and multiplied. When we choose grace, we choose forgiveness over bitterness, generosity over selfishness, and hope over despair.  

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™   

#6270

THE LOVE AND SACRIFICE OF OUR SAVIOR

"[Jesus] made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name."  (Philippians 2:7-9 NIV)

In Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” we sing these words: "Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth."

This Christmas season, we are reminded of the profound humility and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:7-9, we see a glimpse of the extraordinary nature of His incarnation. Jesus, who was in very nature God, chose to lay aside His divine privileges and embrace the form of a servant. He entered our world in the most vulnerable way possible -- as a helpless baby.

Wesley’s Christmas carol beautifully encapsulates this divine mystery. "Mild He lays His glory by" reflects Jesus' willingness to set aside His heavenly majesty. He did not cling to His status but instead chose to be born among us, to walk our streets, and to experience our joys and sorrows. This act of humility was not just a fleeting moment but a lifelong commitment that culminated in the ultimate sacrifice -- His death on the cross.

"Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth." These lines remind us of the purpose behind Jesus' incarnation. His birth was not an end in itself but the beginning of a redemptive mission. He came so that we might have life -- eternal life. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the grave and opened the way for us to be reconciled with God. He offers us a second birth, a spiritual rebirth, through which we are made new and become children of God (John 1:12).

As we reflect on these truths, let us remember the depth of God's love for us. Jesus' humility and obedience are a model for our own lives. In a world that often values power and status, we are called to follow the example of our Savior, embracing humility, and serving others. Let us also rejoice in the hope that Christmas brings -- the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

May this Christmas season be filled with joy and a deeper understanding of the love and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™ 

#6269

LIGHT JUXTAPOSED WITH DARKNESS

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  (John 1:5)

Katherine E. Willis Perchey, in her book “A Feast Juxtaposed,” writes, “We know full well that the work begun in the manger is not yet complete. Christmas is, for the time being, a feast of light juxtaposed with darkness. We brighten our sanctuary with candles, but the night persists beyond these walls. Though we wipe our tears away to join in the yuletide celebration, we are still a people who mourn.”

Christmas is often painted as a season of pure joy -- bright lights, cheerful songs, and warm gatherings. Yet Katherine Willis Perchey reminds us that the manger was not the end of the story, but the beginning. The Christ-child entered a world still marked by sorrow, injustice, and longing. The candles we light in our sanctuaries are symbols of hope, but they do not erase the night outside our doors.

This tension -- light juxtaposed with darkness -- is the very heart of Advent and Christmas. We celebrate the incarnation, God’s presence among us, while acknowledging that creation still groans. We rejoice, but we also mourn. We sing “Joy to the World,” even as tears linger on our cheeks.

The beauty of the gospel is that God does not demand we hide our grief to enter His joy. Instead, He meets us in the mourning. The manger is a promise that the darkness will not have the final word. The work begun in Bethlehem continues in us, through Christ’s Spirit, until the day when every tear is wiped away and night is no more.

When you light a candle this season, let it remind you that Christ’s light shines not in the absence of darkness, but in the midst of it. Allow space for both joy and sorrow in your celebrations. To mourn while rejoicing is not a contradiction -- it is faithful living in the “already but not yet” of God’s kingdom. Pray for those who feel the weight of grief during Christmas. Your presence and compassion can be a reflection of Christ’s light. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™

#6268

MARY’S SONG – Part 2 of 2

“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”  (Luke 1:48b–50 NIV)

Second, Mary focused on the holiness of God by simply putting breath to four little words: “holy is His name” (v. 49b). For Mary to trust in an uncertain future, she had to look back at the certainty of a holy God. As Mary sang of the holiness of God, her song resonated with David’s song found in Psalm 111:9 that reads: “He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenant forever -- holy and awesome is His name.” Mary was looking back and remembering the unchanging nature of God. The God who was faithful and holy then, is still faithful and holy now.

Last, she sang of the mercy of God by declaring: “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation” (v. 50). Again, perhaps Mary took a cue from the Psalms and made it her own. The psalmist David wrote:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
      slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
      nor will He harbor His anger forever;
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
      or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
      so great is His love for those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
      so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
      so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him…” (103:8–13)

Whatever stressors you have in your life today, take some notes from Mary. Remind those stressors about the mightiness of God, the holiness of God, and the mercy of God. Then look forward to what God has in store. 

-- Excerpted from “Wake-Up Call” with Mark Sorensen 

#6267

MARY’S SONG – Part 1 of 2

“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”  (Luke 1:48b–50 NIV)

There is no doubt that the holidays certainly bring with it a fair amount of stress, but have you ever considered what that first Christmas season was like for Mary and Joseph?... Look at how Mary responded to all that was uncertain, beyond her control, and beyond her ability to correct the variables. She simply sang out the following words: “for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:49–50). Amid the stress and weakness found in the uncertainty, Mary proclaimed three beautiful truths.

First, she remembered that “the Mighty One has done great things for me” (v. 49a). It’s clear because of Mary’s faith that she knew the Scriptures. I wonder, as Mary sang, did the songs found in the Psalms come to mind? Perhaps Psalm 89? The psalmist declares:

“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known
    through all generations.
I will declare that Your love stands firm forever,
    that You have established Your faithfulness in heaven itself…
 Who is like You, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and Your faithfulness surrounds You.” (Psalm 89:1–2, 8) 

 -- Excerpted from “Wake-Up Call” with Mark Sorensen

#6266

JOY WILL REIGN

How is it possible to become a joyful person in a pain-filled world? Look at the promise that comes right near the very end of the Bible:

"Let us rejoice and exult
and give Him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His bride has made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7)

Heaven's groom gets the bride.

The joy that is in store for God's people is so great that the only image that can do it justice is the joy between a lover and his beloved. Then we will see the wedding of which the greatest weddings on this earth have only been a dim foreshadowing.

Then God will dance with His people. Then joy will reign undiminished and uninterrupted.

-- John Ortberg in “The Life You've Always Wanted”

#6265

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

"But the angel said to the shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’"   (Luke 2:10–11 NIV)

The Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” is more than a cheerful Christmas tune -- it is a proclamation of the Gospel. Its words echo the angel’s announcement to the shepherds: “Let nothing you dismay… Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day.”

The good news is that we can rest in God’s peace. The phrase “God rest ye merry” is not about sleep, but about being sustained in joy and strength. It’s a blessing of spiritual rest and courage. “Gentlemen, may God keep you in a state of merriment (joy, peace, well-being).”

The good news is that we can have freedom from fear. “Let nothing you dismay” reminds us that Christ’s coming removes the power of fear. The Savior’s birth is God’s assurance that He is with us.

The good news is that we can have victory over sin. “To save us all from Satan’s pow’r” points to the deeper meaning of Christmas -- Jesus came not only to comfort but to conquer sin and death.

The Gospel is good news that brings both peace to troubled hearts and joy to weary souls. Christmas is not just about giving, but receiving -- the gift of salvation through Christ. Receive the gift. Let the truth of Christ’s victory shape your outlook, even in seasons of difficulty.

Just as the angels proclaimed the good news, we are called to share comfort and joy with others.

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™, compiled from a variety of sources

#6264

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF JOY

“While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.’”  (Luke 2:6-12 MSG)

Christmas is more than lights, gifts, and traditions -- it is the announcement of joy breaking into a weary world. The shepherds, ordinary men keeping watch in the dark, were the first to hear the angel’s proclamation of a “great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.” This joy was not dependent on circumstances, wealth, or status. It was rooted in the arrival of Jesus, the Savior who came to bring peace, hope, and reconciliation.

Joy at Christmas is not fleeting happiness; it is the deep assurance that God has come near. In Christ, we discover that joy is not something we manufacture -- it is a gift we receive. Even in seasons of difficulty, the presence of Jesus brings a joy that sustains and strengthens. 

– Adapted from BibleStudyTools at Crosswalk.com

#6263

OUR PLACE IN CHRIST’S REIGN

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.   Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him."  (John 3:16-17 NRSV)

The "world" that Jesus came to save is represented in the birth stories by two groups of people who could hardly be more varied: shepherds from the nearby hillsides and wealthy sages from a foreign land. Farmworkers and well-connected intellectuals, one group from the neighborhood and one who traveled from a far country. No one is a foreigner at the manger; no one is excluded because of economic class. God wants a full table at the heavenly banquet and is willing to look for dinner guests in unexpected places (Luke 14:15-24). Our place in Christ's reign means that we are willing to sit next to someone who appears at first to be alien to us but turns out to be a citizen, a member with us of God's own household. Embraced by this communion of love, we realize our call to the life of the Spirit and we enjoy the fullness of life that comes with Christ's reign of justice, mercy and peace. 

-- Blair Gilmer Meeks in “Expecting the Unexpected”

#6262

LIVING A GOD-BEARING LIFE

“The angel went to Mary and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’  The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’… ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.”  (Luke 1:28-38 NIV)

God’s favor is not something we earn; it is something we receive as a gift that must always be shared.

Mary’s story challenges those of us who have received the gift of a relationship with Jesus to be God-bearers to the rest of the world, believing that God’s grace always comes to us on its way to someone else. We bear the Christ, we share God’s grace, and we change the world when we take on Mary’s attitude of service and surrender. We would do well to memorize and use her response as we move about in the world every day…

You have a thousand tasks to do today and no time to do them. You want to crawl back in bed and pull the covers over your head. Imagine what would happen, though, if you started every day by saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” Chances are you would see problems as opportunities for God’s grace to shine through…

Where do you need to say, “Here am I, a servant of the Lord”? How can you be a God-bearer to your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, and others? 

-- Excerpted and adapted from “Come to the Manger” by Robert Kaylor

#6261

GOOD NEWS FOR ALL

“When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, His boyhood home, He went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.’”  (Luke 4:16-19 NLT)

As we prepare for our traditional Christmas celebrations, let us remember those who will not be looking forward to this festival. Let us remember, too, how Jesus identified with the oppressed and the homeless. Let the joy of the season touch more of the people of our world this year than ever before. May God be glorified and may people of good will once again experience His peace. 

-- Denzil John

#6260

THE GIFT BEYOND THE SALE

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a Child who would carry the weight of the world on His shoulders, not through power or profit, but through love and sacrifice. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true gift of Christmas.

Yet, commercialization has obscured the meaning of Christmas. The commercial has become more important than the carol. The sales pitch more important than the Good News. What man has to sell more important than what God has given.

Advent is a season of waiting, of preparing our hearts for the coming King. But in a world where advertisements drown out hymns and shopping lists overshadow Scripture, we must choose to refocus. The world offers temporary satisfaction wrapped in shiny paper, but God offers eternal peace wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Isaiah’s words remind us that the true wonder of Christmas is not found in what we buy, but in Who was given. Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor who guides us, the Mighty God who saves us, the Everlasting Father who loves us, and the Prince of Peace who calms our restless hearts.

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6259

OUR SOURCE OF PEACE

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'"  (Matthew 1:23 NLT)

The moment Mary touched God’s face is the moment God made His case: there is no place He will not go. If He is willing to be born in a barnyard, then expect Him to be at work anywhere -- bars, bedrooms, boardrooms, and brothels. No place is too common. No person is too hardened. No distance is too far. There is no person He cannot reach. There is no limit to His love. When Christ was born, so was our hope.

I think we need Christmas more than ever this year. We could use a season that is dedicated to giving, not receiving; to caring, not condemning. Put away our differences. Put up the Christmas tree. Take comfort in the familiar story and the ancient carols. Our world, like that of Bethlehem, is difficult and crowded. Our days can feel as cold and uncertain as that midnight manger. Yet, in the midst of it all, let’s do what Mary did. Let’s invite the source of peace to enter our world. Let’s find hope, once more, in the infant King.

God became one of us so we could become one with Him. That is the promise of Bethlehem. 

-- Max Lucado, adapted from an article entitled “Do We Really Need Christmas This Year?” 

#6258

RETURNING MY EYES TO THE SAVIOR

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for Him, He thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and He is now seated at the right side of God's throne.”  (Hebrews 12:2 GNT)

With the arrival of Advent, Christians everywhere turn again towards the Savior. Advent marks the beginning of the celebration of His birth and His long-foretold ministry, atonement, death, resurrection and second coming. If Advent is an occasion when I return my eyes to the Savior, then it is also an invitation to consider where my eyes -- and my heart -- have been in the meantime. Advent is the gentle nudge that invites me to remember that the truth most worth knowing is that Jesus Christ is the only way Home. It is also a gentle reminder that I ought to keep my eyes upon Him all year long.  

-- Jean-Michel Hansen

#6257

WORTH CELEBRATING EVERY DAY

Some Christians only go to church two days out of the year, at Christmas and Easter Sunday. In their defense, those are the two biggest days of the Christian year, celebrating the two biggest events in history.

Christmas, of course, is the day it was reported, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

And on Easter we remember that although that child, now a grown man, had been murdered by authorities two days earlier, on the third day those coming to mourn him were greeted by an empty tomb and asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)

That sacrifice and resurrection were key to a rather joyful development, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

The one thing those twice-yearly visitors may not fully appreciate is that those two bookends of Jesus’ journey are worth celebrating every day, not just on those two specific days of celebration.

And so, Merry Christmas! Happy Easter! 

-- Warren Bluhm

#6256

SOMETHING IS ON THE HORIZON

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before… What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance.

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon. 

-- Jan L. Richardson in “Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas”

#6255

HOPES AND FEARS ARE MET IN CHRIST

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  (Matthew 1:23 NKJV)

As we journey through the Advent season, the familiar carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" brings a profound message to our hearts. One line, in particular, resonates deeply: "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight." This line beautifully encapsulates the essence of what many of us experience -- both hope and fear.

In this season of anticipation and reflection, we are reminded that Jesus Christ, our Immanuel, is the one who meets us in our deepest needs. He is the fulfillment of our hopes and the answer to our fears. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was not just a historical event; it was the divine intervention that brought hope to a weary world and dispelled the darkness of fear.

As we face our own hopes and fears, we can find solace in knowing that Jesus understands our struggles. He came to be with us, to walk alongside us, and to carry our burdens. In Him, we find the assurance that our hopes are not in vain and our fears can be laid to rest.

This Advent, let us bring our hopes and fears to Christ, trusting that He will meet us where we are. Let us find comfort in His presence and strength in His love. May we experience the peace and joy that come from knowing that in Jesus, all our hopes and fears are met. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6254

ADVENT HOPE

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and I wait for His word. My soul waits in hope for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; yes, more than the watchmen for the morning.”  (Psalm 130:5-6)

Sometimes hope feels wishful, like crossing our fingers and dreaming of a better outcome. We might hope for better employment, healed relationships, or a brighter future. But that kind of hope is based on things that may or may not happen. When things don’t go as we hoped, it can be crushing -- our hope disappearing like vapor.

As a season of reflection and contemplation, Advent invites us to imagine a different kind of hope, rooted in the unchanging nature of God and His promise to restore every part of His creation. Advent hope does not minimize pain or difficulty, nor does it assume things will soon get better. Instead, it faces the darkness with courage and chooses to trust that God’s promises will come to pass, guaranteed by His long-proven, faithful character.

In the Hebrew Bible, the words most often used for hope -- qavah and yakhal -- are also translated as “wait.” To hope in God means to wait with patient expectation, trusting that He will fulfill His promises. This kind of waiting leans forward, anticipating the day when Jesus will return to make all things new. Such hope empowers people to persevere, to act justly, and to serve others as a sign of the restoration that will arrive through Jesus.

-- From “The BibleProject Guide to Advent”

#6253

A HEART FULL OF GRATITUDE

In Psalm 138:1, the psalmist declares, "Lord, I will thank You with all my heart; I will sing to You." This verse is a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. When we reflect on His kindness, faithfulness, and goodness, our hearts naturally overflow with thankfulness.

It's incredible to think that anyone could witness the countless blessings and mercies of God and remain unmoved. His kindness is evident in the small, everyday moments of our lives, as well as in the grand, life-changing events. His faithfulness is unwavering, even when we falter. And His goodness is a constant source of comfort and joy.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's take a moment to pause and reflect on the ways God has shown His love and care for us. As we learn to thank God more and more, we will more and more see God in the little happenings of daily life, and increasingly see much about which to rejoice. Let our hearts be filled with gratitude, and let that gratitude be expressed in our words, actions, and songs of praise. When we thank God with all our hearts, we not only honor Him but also remind ourselves of His presence and provision in our lives. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6252

A THANKFUL HEART

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:19-20)

A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer's trust in the Lord and reliance of His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer's heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord. 

-- John MacArthur

#6251

TRUSTING EVEN WHEN THE ANSWER IS “NO”

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."   (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

In recent years I have come to appreciate Lauren Daigle’s song “Trust in You.” It captures the tension we often feel between our desires and God’s will. She sings of moments when the mountains don’t move, when waters don’t part, and when prayers seem unanswered. Yet in the midst of disappointment, the refrain is clear: “I will trust in You.”

This is the essence of faith. Trust is not proven when everything works out the way we hoped -- it is proven when God’s answer is different than ours. Faith is not about controlling outcomes, but about surrendering to the One who holds all outcomes in His hands. My youngest sister taught me this near the end of her life as she faced Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

I think of Jesus in Gethsemane. He prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Even in His anguish, He trusted the Father’s plan. That same posture of surrender is what Daigle’s song calls us to embrace.

Trust is not passive resignation; it is active faith. It is choosing to believe that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even when we cannot see how. 

– Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry™

#6250

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A FAITH REFILL? - Part 2 of 2

Jesus gave John’s messengers a specific answer that holds the key to refilling any person’s faith. He said: “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard – the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” (Luke 7:22)

I love the fact that Jesus didn’t respond to John’s question by dragging out His sermon file. Just think of all the ancient messianic prophesies He could have quoted and expounded upon. But no, He understood that John needed a lifeline, not a lecture. So He threw him one. He urged John to look again at what He, Jesus, was accomplishing.

You’re probably thinking, “But wait! It can’t be that simple. There has to be more to replenishing a person’s faith than that.” No, there isn’t. If there were, Jesus would have said so. He would have laid out a detailed plan or itemized a list of requirements. There’s no way He would have given a dear friend a flawed, incomplete answer, knowing it would doom him to further anxiety.

The good news is that nothing has changed. After all these years, faith refills are still free and can still be accomplished by focusing on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.” 

-- Mark Atteberry in “Free Refill: Coming Back for More of Jesus” 

#6249

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A FAITH REFILL? - Part 1 of 2

It should comfort you to know that some of the greatest heroes of the Bible saw their faith dwindle to almost nothing. A striking example is John the Baptist.

He was a relative of Jesus, a pull-no-punches preacher who courageously challenged people to repent and clearly identified Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. One day, he saw Jesus approaching and said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)  There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he was speaking the truth. He was brimming with faith.

But later, circumstances turned against him, and he found himself sitting in a prison cell. Suddenly, the truth didn’t seem quite as certain. In fact, at one point he became so unsettled about his core beliefs that he sent a couple of his friends to find Jesus and ask Him a pointed question: “Are You the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:19)  That question is a stunning reminder that even the staunchest followers of Christ occasionally need a faith refill.

So don’t feel bad if you do. Don’t listen to that little voice inside your head that keeps telling you what a pathetic excuse for a Christian you are. It’s not true. What is true is that you’re just like John the Baptist and every other imperfect person trying to scratch out an existence in this fallen world. You are not alone.

But there’s even more good news. God gives free refills! 

-- Mark Atteberry in “Free Refill: Coming Back for More of Jesus”

#6248

THE WISDOM OF GOD

"And because of [God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption."  (1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV)

When you're facing all the issues of life and you don't know what to do, accept the fact that you are human. We all are. We don't have the capacity to understand Almighty God. But you know what? We know Jesus Christ. He's the wisdom of God. And He put His Holy Spirit in us. So having access to the Holy Spirit and Jesus, we can face the challenges of today with the wisdom of God. 

-- David Jeremiah

#6247

EVEN IF… I WILL PRAISE THE LORD

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’”  (Daniel 3:16-18 NIV)

We should serve God even if there is darkness enveloping our life and even if we don't understand what's happening… even when the circumstances of our life don't make sense:  Because He is worthy of praise, because He is God. "I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise is always on my lips.  My whole being praises the LORD." (Psalm 34:1-2) 

-- Max Lucado

#6246

BORN OF THE SPIRIT

“Jesus answered [Nicodemus], ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’” (John 3:5–6)

In his book “Conversion,” missionary and theologian E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973) commented on Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus: “Here He tells us that the new birth is first of all ‘not of blood.’  You don’t get it through the blood stream, through heredity.  Your parents can give you much, but they cannot give you this.  Being born in a Christian home does not make you a Christian.”

The new birth is not inherited, not passed down through family lineage, nor guaranteed by the environment in which we were raised. A Christian home may nurture faith, but it cannot impart salvation. Only the Spirit of God can breathe new life into the soul.

Jesus’ words to Nicodemus cut through every illusion of self-sufficiency. Flesh can only produce flesh. Our natural birth gives us life in this world, but it cannot usher us into the kingdom of God. The Spirit alone gives birth to spirit. This means that salvation is not about heritage, tradition, or even effort -- it is about accepting the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Personal faith is essential. You cannot ride into the kingdom on the coattails of your parents’ faith or your church’s reputation. You must encounter Christ personally. The Spirit brings transformation. The new birth is not just a change of behavior but a change of nature. The Spirit makes us alive to God, reshaping our desires and renewing our hearts. Understand that grace is a gift. Just as you did not cause your first birth, you cannot manufacture your second. It is received by faith, through the Spirit’s power. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6245

THE BEGINNING OF POSSIBILITY

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”  (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV)

A birth brings new possibilities into the world. In this sense, birth is the polar opposite of death, which is the end of possibilities [on this side of heaven]. A birth opens up not only one possibility but a multitude of them… With birth, a new life is launched into the world -- a life filled with possibilities. A newborn baby is filled with potential that will later be realized. As a person grows, possibilities become realities. Birth is the beginning of possibility.  

-- Robert Martin Walker in “Prepare Him Room”

GOD’S GENTLE WHISPER – Part 2 of 2

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV)

I have two practices at the beginning and end of the day that help me listen to God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12)…

My evening practice is a time for self-reflection or what some call “the daily examen.” For my nighttime ritual, I simply review my day and ask the Holy Spirit to help me accurately assess my relationship with God, myself, and others. I typically ask myself three questions:

• Is there anything I need to celebrate?
• Is there anything I need to confess?
• Is there anything I need to change?

Sometimes this means getting up and making a note to do something in the morning or even sending a text. It’s the ongoing work of keeping my heart clean and removing anything that hinders my inner world. The gentle whisper of God recalibrates my soul.

So, whether it’s early in the morning or late evening, God’s whisper is transformative. And it’s the space between, in the everyday-ness of life, that the whisper gets lived out. I cannot tell you the number of times that something God has spoken into my heart becomes a word for someone sitting in my office seeking [pastoral] counsel at 2 pm. Afterward, there is a sense of God’s confirmation that I am hearing from God not just for myself but for the well-being of others.

-- Jorge Acevedo in “Everybody Needs Some Cave Time: Meeting God in Dark Places”

#6243

GOD’S GENTLE WHISPER – Part 1 of 2

The Greek philosopher Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This is the wisdom of the Bible, too. Paul gave Timothy, the young pastor of the fledgling church in Ephesus, this sage advice, “Keep a close watch on how you live” (1 Timothy 4:16a). This is an invitation for all followers of Jesus to perform an honest evaluation of their lives, including their relationship with God, themselves, and others. Put more simply, it’s the command in scripture to love God and love neighbor as we love ourselves.

It’s been said that we need to be careful and watchful over our soul when we are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT). This phrase finds its origins in the recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Its wisdom echoes Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV): “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” For me, I have two practices at the beginning and end of the day that help me listen to God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).

My morning practice is a Bible reading and reflection time in which I journal the whisper of the Spirit for my life. This 30- to 45-minute-long exercise has sharpened my ear to God’s gentle whisper more than any other discipline. I have observed in my life and the lives of others that daily Bible engagement more than any other practice helps Christ followers grow in their faith. 

-- Jorge Acevedo in “Everybody Needs Some Cave Time: Meeting God in Dark Places”

#6242

SELFLESS LOVE

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NIV)

On this Veteran’s Day, we honor the men and women who have embodied the spirit of sacrificial love through their service. John 15:13 reminds us that the greatest expression of love is found in laying down one’s life for others. Veterans have stood in the gap, willing to risk everything so that others might live in freedom and safety. Their courage points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the salvation of the world. As we give thanks for our veterans, let us also be challenged to live lives of selfless love -- serving our families, our neighbors, and our communities with humility and grace, and serving in everyday ways through kindness, forgiveness, and standing up for those in need. True freedom is found not only in the liberties we enjoy but in the love we demonstrate. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™

#6241

IN A SHELL

"God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." (2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT)

Gracious Father, You took the initiative to reach out to me -- even in my sin and selfishness -- in order to bring me into Your eternal kingdom, through the work of Christ. I cannot fathom such love! And yet, Father, I try to hoard Your grace! I put up walls of protection that I might keep hurt out and blessing in. I am like the clam that shuts itself up in its shell, afraid of threats from the outside. You call me to unshell myself and to partner with You in Your mission of love. Unshell me, Lord, that I, too, may reach out to a lonely, discouraged, and even hopeless world. In Jesus' name, amen. 

-- Max Lucado in “Outlive Your Life”

#6240

DISCIPLESHIP… COMPASSIONATE CARING

"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  (Colossians 3:12 NIV)

South African pastor Trevor Hudson identifies compassionate caring as the distinguishing mark of faithful discipleship: “Compassionate caring creatively balances the inward-outward dynamic so characteristic of Jesus’ life, saves us from falling prey to the latest fad in the spiritual supermarket, and catapults our lives into a deeper engagement with the brokenness of our world.” 

In a world saturated with spiritual trends and political slogans, Trevor Hudson’s words cut through the noise with clarity: true discipleship is marked not by novelty, but by compassion. Jesus didn’t chase popularity or perform for applause. He moved toward the broken, the weary, the overlooked -- with a heart full of mercy and a life poured out in love.

Compassionate caring is not sentimentalism. It’s a radical posture of the heart that refuses to separate spiritual formation from social engagement. It’s the kind of love that listens deeply, acts boldly, and suffers willingly. It’s the inward transformation that spills outward into a world aching for grace.

When we embrace this rhythm -- being formed by Christ and sent in His name -- we resist the temptation to treat faith as a consumer product or a political tool. Instead, we become conduits of healing, agents of hope, and reflections of the One who came not to be served, but to serve. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™, compiled from a variety of sources

#6239

DISCIPLESHIP… EXPRESSING THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Looking at His disciples, Jesus said, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”  (Luke 6:32–36 NIV)

The stretch of Christian discipleship is to love those for whom it is not automatic, easy, common, or accepted. To love those who do not think like us or live like us, and to express respect, compassion, and mercy to those we do not know and who may never be able to repay us -- this is the love Christ pulls out of us. Jesus stepped across oppressive social boundaries, intermingled with those who suffered crippling infirmities and social stigma, and offered hope to those at their point of gravest despair. He loved the least lovable and the most vulnerable, and He offered the same unmerited grace to the greatest sinner as to the finest saint. The down-and-out see in Christ as much love for them as the up-and-coming. And Christ invites His disciples to follow Him into this kind of love. 

-- Robert Schnase in “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”

#6238

DISCIPLESHIP… COUNTING THE COST

“A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, ‘If you want to be My disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else -- your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters -- yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be My disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost.’”  (Luke 14:25-28a NLT)

In the corporate world, the phrase “the cost of doing business” is self-explanatory. There is an expected cost associated with leading or owning a business. It may be purchasing a building, paying employees, or buying a new vehicle, but I don’t know many people who jump into a life of discipleship and ask about the cost…

Living as if following Christ has no cost is like charging a credit card to its limit and then asking the bank to change the balance back to zero. Just as Paul wrote, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1–2)  Don’t get me wrong, discipleship is not a works-based system, but it does require our obedience and devotion.

Christians are fond of celebrating the lavish grace and unfailing compassion of Jesus, but we are sometimes hesitant to discuss the expectations of following Christ. But what a disservice to the Lord, especially as we remember that pain that He willingly endured so we could receive that grace. Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that “salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life.” What is discipleship costing you right now? 

-- Excerpted from “Altar’d: The Transforming Power of Surrender” by Susan O. Kent 

#6237