December 16

Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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Mark 14:38 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

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How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

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"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

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A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all... — Psalm 34:19

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Psalm 32:10 NIV Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

December 17

Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Galatians 6:9

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The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. Psalm 103:8

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James 1:2-7 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

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I Peter 5:6 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

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Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord. — Psalm 95:6

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

December 18

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? John 14:2

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Anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love. 1 John 4:8

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Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Matthew 7:24

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Isaiah 59:1 – Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

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John 6:35 NIV Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

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Isaiah 25:9 9 In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

December 19

1 Thessalonians 5:15 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

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Psalm 62:7-8 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

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John 3:16 ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’

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The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14

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Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. 9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

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Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

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Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

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1 Peter 5:10 NIV The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

December 20

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. - Proverbs 3:5-6

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Thanks be to God for His gift that is too wonderful for words. — 2 Corinthians 9:15

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Proverbs 16:9 – In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

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Psalm 34:19 – A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

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James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

December 21

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

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Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:6–7

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Nothing will be impossible with God. — Luke 1:37

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8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:8–9

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People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13

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Romans 8:31b – If God is for us, who can be against us?

December 22

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” Luke 17:6

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James 4:7 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:19

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Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

December 23

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

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Luke 2:11-14 – [An angel of the Lord said,] "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

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Psalm 85:8 – I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people.

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So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. — 2 Corinthians 5:16

December 24

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His Glory, the Glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of Grace and Truth!" (John 1:14)

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Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. — Proverbs 27:1

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Romans 5:1-2 NIV Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

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“For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:37–38

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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.” Luke 1:30-31

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Matthew 2:9b-11 – And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

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John 1:4 – The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

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Matthew 1:23 NIV "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us."

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Matthew 1:18-21 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

December 25

The Birth of Jesus Christ
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 Also read about Jesus's birth in Luke 2:1-20

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. — Psalm 121:2-4

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1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always,

December 26

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

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But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. — Jeremiah 17:7

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God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

December 27

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. —Psalm 103:1-3

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As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:17

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Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God.

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For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

December 28

Matthew 11:28 – [Jesus said,] "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

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Psalm 55:22 22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

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Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

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And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. -- Philippians 4:19,20

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Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

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Romans 15:13 – Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Mark 10:27b – For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.

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Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

December 29

John 14:1-3 – [Jesus said,] "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

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Isaiah 58:11a – The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.

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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

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Jeremiah 17:7 NIV "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."

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Ezekiel 34:12 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

December 30

Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

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Colossians 4:5 – Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

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Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. — Matthew 5:9