Welcome to the Christmas Time at Desert Springs Christmas Devotional! We hope this is a gift to you this season as you make space for Jesus and intentionally grow closer to Him. Grab your Bible and journal, and join us as we dig deeper into each Sunday’s message. This is also a great tool to start discussion with friends and family about the themes of this series at Desert Springs. We can’t wait to see what the Lord does when we make time for Him and His Word!
Merry Christmas!
Week Four
A Time for Wonder
Day ONE
- Read the key verse:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
Think of a moment in your life where you have witnessed or experienced something that felt miraculous or beyond comprehension. How did it change your perspective on God’s presence and plan in your life?
- Read the verse again.
What are the four titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about Jesus’ nature and mission? How do the names of Jesus add to the wonder of your relationship with Him?
- Pray.
Thank Jesus for being the “wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace”, and for the wonder He continually gives to your life.
- Bonus activity!
Go on a walk to look at Christmas lights and soak up the wonder of the season!
Day TWO
- Read the key verse:
“You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” Psalm 40:5 (ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s work in your life? How can you share this wonder with others during the Christmas season?
- Read the verse again.
Take a few minutes to journal about the wondrous deeds God has done in your life and how He shows His wonder through creation.
- Pray.
Ask God to renew your sense of wonder and to open your eyes to see his marvelous works in the day-to-day.
- Bonus activity!
Spend some time outside on a beautiful day and take a few extra minutes to pray, read, and rest in the wonder of creation this week.
Day THREE
- Read the key verse:
“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.’” Luke 1:29-33 (NIV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
What was Mary’s initial reaction to the angel Gabriel’s announcement, and how did she respond to the message?
- Read the verse again.
Read all of Luke 1 and consider how wondrous this encounter was! Why do you think Mary was able to so quickly put her trust, fears, and future in the hands of God when she was presented this incredible news?
- Pray.
Ask God to help you place your trust in Him and spend some time praying over things that are heavy on your heart this season.
- Bonus activity!
Watch a movie about the birth of Christ, such as The Nativity Story.
Week Three A Time for Celebration
Day ONE
- Read the key verse:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
Christmas celebrates God’s presence with us, symbolized by Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” We have unlimited access to God through Jesus, who walks with us daily, offering guidance and comfort. In what ways has Jesus shown Himself to you as Emmanuel this season?
- Read the verse again.
In what ways can you become more aware of God’s presence in your daily life? How can this awareness change the way you approach your day?
- Pray.
Take advantage of the access you have to the presence of God! Put on some worship music, enter His presence, and seek His face today.
- Bonus activity!
Make a playlist of your favorite worship songs and play it throughout your day as you drive, work, clean, run errands, etc. Be in His presence throughout the day.
Day TWO
- Read the key verse:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
How can you intentionally incorporate moments of reflection and gratitude for Jesus’ birth into your holiday celebrations this year?
- Read the verse again.
Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus, not just through parties but by marking His birth with joy and gratitude. By centering our celebrations around Him, we can experience a deeper sense of joy and gratitude, recognizing the profound impact of His birth on our lives. What do you notice about Isaiah 9:6 that is cause for celebration?
- Pray.
Celebrate and give thanks to God for His birth, salvation, peace, and wisdom.
- Bonus activity!
Read all of Isaiah 9 and Luke 2 and illustrate or journal about what stands out to you.
Day THREE
- Read the key verse:
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? How can you take a step towards peace and healing in that relationship today?
- Read the verse again.
Consider the lyrics in the carol “Hark the Herald, Angels Sing”: “peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” What stands out to you about the difference between our typical understanding of peace and the kind of peace Jesus brings?
- Pray.
Thank Jesus for being the gift that offers us reconciliation with God. Ask Him to make it clear to you if there is any broken relationship in your life where you need His reconciliation. And then, act upon it!
- Bonus activity!
Write the word PEACE in large font on a piece of paper and fill it in with words or pictures that represent peace to you. Know that true peace is only possible through Jesus!
Week Two
A Time for Traditions
Day ONE
- Read the key verse:
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
How can you intentionally share your faith and personal testimony with the younger generation this Christmas? What specific steps can you take to make the story of Jesus relatable to them?
- Read the verse again.
Also, read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. We are called to impress the story of Jesus and His commandments on the next generation. According to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, what specific instructions are given to the Israelites about teaching their children?
- Pray.
Ask the Lord to reveal to you someone who needs to hear your story/testimony this season! Pray for clarity and boldness in telling of what amazing things He has done in your life!
- Bonus activity!
Join us for the San Marcos school outreach on Saturday! This is a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the kids in our community.
Day TWO
- Read the key verse:
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.'” (1 Samuel 7:12, ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
What new tradition can you start this year that will leave a lasting impression of faith in your family or community? How can this tradition point others to the hope and joy found in Jesus?
- Read the verse again.
Just as the Israelites created memorials to remember God’s deliverance, our Christmas traditions should leave a lasting impression, pointing to the significance of Jesus’ birth and His impact on our lives. These traditions are not just for celebration but are meant to be a testament to God’s love and faithfulness. By being intentional about the traditions we create and maintain, we can ensure that they honor Jesus and leave a lasting legacy of faith for future generations.
- Pray.
Thank God for the traditions that have been imparted to you, and ask for inspiration and guidance in beginning or continuing traditions to remember God’s faithfulness.
- Bonus activity!
Write a list of some of the Christmas traditions that are important to you and your family. You can reflect on traditions from your childhood that meant a lot to you, or write new ones that you would like to begin. Then look at your calendar and make sure you plug these traditions in and make time for them this season.
Day THREE
- Read the key verse:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
- Discuss or journal a response:
In what ways have you been intentional about reading and reflecting on the Word of God throughout your day? If you feel like you have not made the time for this, write down some ways you can intentionally be learning, reflecting, and teaching God’s ways in the day-to-day moving forward.
- Read the verse again.
This passage in the NIV reads: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” How does the concept of “impressing” God’s commandments on children, as described in Deuteronomy 6, relate to intentionality? How can you be intentional in Christmas traditions, calendar scheduling, and even the every-day conversations you have with your children and other people?
- Pray.
Thank the Holy Spirit for always being a steadfast, wise presence in the day-to-day. Take a moment today to connect with God when you are relaxing at home, commuting to work or school, lying down, and every other seemingly mundane task throughout the day.
- Bonus activity!
Keep a journal or sticky notes beside your bed, and before you go to sleep each night, write down something you are thankful for or God taught you throughout the day. Then, first thing in the morning when you wake up, you can glance at it as an encouraging reminder to intentionally connect with God.
Week One
A Time for Hope
Day One
Read the key verse:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Discuss or journal a response:
What are some ways you can bring hope to people in your life? What kind of hope do they need the most?
Read the verse again.
Consider where hope comes from (for both ourselves and others). We are not able to produce hope on our own, but it is given out of an overflow of the hope God gives us through His power. How does this change our view of giving others hope this season?
Pray.
Ask the Lord to fill you with His hope and give you the strength and wisdom to give His hope to others.
Bonus activity!
Write a Christmas card to someone you know needs the hope of Jesus.
Day Two
Read the key verse:
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19a
Discuss or journal a response:
According to this verse, what are the 3 things we are enabled to “know” once the eyes of our heart are opened? How do these 3 things empower us to live differently as followers of Jesus?
Read the verse again.
Notice that you are included as part of “His holy people,” and are therefore a recipient of His “glorious inheritance”! What are some ways you need to change your mindset about who you are in Christ in order to walk with confidence as a child of God?
Pray.
Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart this Christmas season. Pray specifically that you will know His hope, embrace His inheritance, and walk in His power.
Bonus activity!
Write a list of some of the traits and privileges given to a child by his/her loving Father. Keep it handy to remind yourself of your glorious inheritance whenever you doubt who and whose you are!
Day Three
Read the key verse:
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19a
Discuss or journal a response:
Read all of Hebrews 6 and reflect on what “this hope” is. Why do you think the author compares hope to an anchor?
Read the verse again.
Reflect on the storms of life–in society, in relationships, and even within ourselves. How has God shown Himself to be “firm and secure” through all of life’s storms?
Pray.
Thank the Lord for His faithful, kind nature! If you are going through some storms right now in your life, ask the Lord to be your anchor and keep your eyes fixed on Him.
Bonus activity!
Look up the words to the old hymn “Great is thy faithfulness” and read through them. If you are feeling artistic, draw or paint a picture that illustrates each verse.
