Hey there, friend!
Have you ever wondered why we put a star on the top of our Christmas trees? One thought behind is that the Star of Bethlehem, also referred to as the ‘Christmas Star,’ guided the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. And did you know the Star of Bethlehem is unique in that it is only referenced in the Gospel of Matthew’s nativity story and the star signifies the birth of Christ.
Have you ever considered how you can be a light for others when their world feels dark? So often it is hard to have faith and hope when we are met with difficult times, and we can’t see the path ahead. But you can play a role in helping those you see every day or just for a moment. This week, I hope you will consider some of the following ideas that will help your light shine on someone else’s dark path.
Seven ways to help light the path.
Show Love and Compassion. Demonstrate love and compassion towards people you encounter. Treat others with kindness and empathy, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Practice Forgiveness. Strive to forgive those who may have wronged you and encourage others to do the same.
Be a Good Listener. Actively listen to others without judgment. Sometimes, people just need someone to hear them out and understand their feelings.
Serve Others. Look for opportunities to serve those in need. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, can have a significant impact on someone’s life.
Share Your Faith Through Actions. Actions often speak louder than words. Let your life be a testament to your faith.
Pray for Others. Take time to pray for the well-being of others. Whether they are facing challenges or celebrating successes, offering prayers can be a powerful way to support them.
Encourage and Lift Others Up. Be an encourager. Offer words of support and affirmation to those around you. Help others see the good in themselves.
While trying out some of these suggestions this week, I encourage you to look for those people in your own life who have been the light for you. Let them know how much you appreciate them.
A Few of My Favorite Things 2023 Gift Guide
Pocket Cross
A personalized Pocket Cross is a gift for life. Like metal coins, our Pocket Crosses are forged using precious metals and minted to last forever. Shop here.
Wounded Tiger
Wounded Tiger is the true, character-driven story of the Japanese pilot who led the Pearl Harbor attack, an American prisoner of war, and a college girl who becomes the fulcrum of change in this epic book. Three incredibly different people’s paths cross in ways so remarkable that it would be hard to believe if it weren’t so well documented. This is a meticulously researched true story of hatred, love, revenge, and redemption. Order your copy here.
Kerusso Clothing Co.
This past week, my friends at Kerusso sent over an awesome long-sleeved tee and tumbler that I’m super obsessed with. But as fun as the products were, the scripture on both met me where I was that day and I hope they will reach you where you are today, whatever middle you may find yourself in. Shop here.
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. -Isaiah 58:11
God Never Gives Up On You-Max Lucado
God Never Gives Up on You is for the strugglers among us and the fumbler within us. For those of us who are part saint, part scoundrel; we mean well, but we don’t always do well. We have breakthroughs and breakdowns, often in the same hour. We need no reminder of our failures. But where can we find examples of God’s steadfast grace?
No one is more suited to help assure you of God’s grace than Jacob. He was less a prodigy and more a prodigal. Strong on savvy. Weak on conscience. Jacob took advantage of his famished brother and pulled the wool over the eyes of his dying father, yet God never turned his back on Jacob. And he won’t turn his back on you. If you are ready to start counting on God’s grace and believe he never gives up on you, this book is for you.
Because of Bethlehem is a captivating exploration of the most momentous event in history – the birth of Jesus Christ, and the profound impact it has on our lives. Penned by Max Lucado, this book takes you on a journey back in time to that first Christmas, to the humble stable where the Savior of the world was born.
Imagine the paradox – the One who made everything, choosing to make himself nothing, entering our world as a helpless baby. This is the miracle that Lucado invites you to contemplate. As you turn each page, you’ll uncover the deep implications of this event. You’ll discover that the birth of Jesus gives us a promise – a promise that God is always near us, always for us, and always within us.
But it doesn’t stop there. This promise has the power to wipe clean the marks on our record, offering us a fresh start. It’s a promise that brings hope – hope that endures beyond the Christmas season and extends into a lifetime.
So, this Christmas, let’s embrace these enduring promises. Let’s find hope in the birth of that one baby in Bethlehem. Dive into “Because of Bethlehem” and embark on a transformative journey that will illuminate your understanding of Christmas and its eternal promises.
Get your copies here: Max Lucado’s Because of Bethlehem (thomasnelson.com)
FARMHOUSE STORYTELLER CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST
LISTEN BELOW OR WHEREVER YOU STREAM PODCASTS
Grounded in the Middle podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can easily listen by clicking below. I’d be so grateful if you would rate, subscribe, and share.
A Blueprint for Intentional Living – Grounded in the Middle.
Tis’ the season. Get in the spirit with new lock screens for your phone!
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Farmhouse Storyteller Playlist
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