Editor’s note: As we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, enjoy these two short but powerful devotions on the beauty of the Incarnation from Eugene Peterson, beloved pastor and translator of the Message Bible. The 365-day devotional God’s Message for Each Day gathers Peterson’s best-loved, most powerful writing into a daily invitation to… The post Jesus, Born a Servant appeared first on FaithGateway.

  “I love it,” Casey said as he brushed away the tears spilling out of his eyes. That was exactly the reaction I was hoping for when he opened the Christmas gift I had bought him. We were only two months removed from Haven’s death, and this would be our first Christmas without her. Grief… The post If You Could See Me Now! appeared first on FaithGateway.

  In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph. — Luke 1:26-27 ESV Have you ever planned an elaborate dinner party only to have your guests cancel? Or spent days anticipating a date with… The post Change of Plans appeared first on FaithGateway.

  Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. — John 15:4 At Christmastime, there’s just so much to do: picking out the perfect tree, finding the perfect gifts, hosting the… The post The Perfect Christmas appeared first on FaithGateway.

  My children love the chocolate-filled Advent calendars found this time of year at any drugstore.  They wait with joyful anticipation to open the little doors to reveal tiny, Christmas themed chocolates. In the mornings, they giggle (or fight, because this is real life, after all) as they eat a present or stocking shaped treat…. The post The Wait in the Darkness for the Light appeared first on FaithGateway.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. — Proverbs 8:33 NIV WELCOME Today we’re talking about the importance of not getting caught up in the hype or impulsivity of a culture that constantly wants to push us toward flashy, easy, bigger, and more. And here’s the hard truth: Christians are among… The post Jesus Over Everything Week 4 — Remembering What’s True appeared first on FaithGateway.

  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV Picking up the frame from its place on my parents’ bookshelf,… The post Quit Posing appeared first on FaithGateway.