The Crosswalk Devotional

Father, let us be people who make space for you during the holiday season. Let us not crowd you out with copious amounts of gifts, wrapping, and decorating. Instead, let us remember the ultimate gift you have given us and live our lives knowing that we have already received the best gift of all.

Follow Jesus this Christmas season rather than trying to chase after what the world advertises as “Christmas magic.” Everything we could ever need or want is found in Christ.

I understand that often as the day moves on, it’s difficult to enjoy moments when you aren’t feeling so joyful. But joy is possible at any moment, at this very moment, if you can remind your heart that this is indeed the day the Lord has made.

Take a few moments to reflect on the last time you humbly served someone else. What was your motivation? How did you feel after obeying? Ask God to soften your heart and reveal any ways that pride has kept you from quiet obedience.

This Christmas, let us focus on seeking the Lord. We don’t need to try to satisfy our yearning hearts with material things. Instead, we need to turn to the Lord and truly celebrate Him.

Lord, remind us of this truth, your promises, and unchanging character the next time we feel timid, overwhelmed, and defeated that we may pursue Your will with perseverance and Spirit-ignited determination.

Let us ask God to help us value the call to serve so we can look more like Him, ministering to whoever He puts in front of our path.

Though no, it isn’t pleasant to walk through hard things, we can walk those hard paths knowing they will create strength and goodness. And that is something worth rejoicing and thanking God for.

Are you carrying unfulfilled desires in your heart? Do you feel like God is distant or intentionally denying you a potential destiny? If so, ask yourself, when was the last time you brought these petitions to the Lord?

Do you need to set your heart on growing in your love relationship with God? God is waiting for you to leave behind your loneliness and experience His presence—and His people—once again.

Are you in heavy season? If so, what verse above gives you encouragement? Commit the verse to memory and recite it when you are struggling to hold on to your joy.

Where are you looking at what you don’t have instead of all you have in Christ Jesus? How might God be calling you to adjust your vantage point?

The next time fear tries to interfere with you hearing God’s messages, remind yourself of the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid.” Push past your fear, open your mind and heart, and listen carefully. Joy is waiting for you!

How is your heart during this holiday season? Is it filled with worship, awe, and thankfulness for the gifts of God, or is it overwhelmed with dread and disappointment?

If we’re going about our busy season and have lost all semblance of peace, then we need to take a step back. Chances are, we’re not honoring God, and much of what we do is being done in vain.