Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
THANK. Write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is Revelation 1:8. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 2:21-38, Matthew 5:3-10 & Matthew 23:37
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
What is “consolation,” and how is Jesus that? When you think of consolation, perhaps you think of a “runner up” prize. I remember one year when our kids were quite young, we started doing an Advent Calendar with them. Every day throughout the season of Advent, we would open up a new door to find candy and goodies inside. Until Christmas Day, when I - being new at this - didn’t put anything inside because Jesus was the “prize” that day! Judging by my kids’ reactions, they would have rather had just about anything else. Jesus isn’t a consolation prize for those who missed out on the “real” prize of anything else this life has to offer. Consolation is the comfort we receive after a loss or disappointment. Christmas can be a painful time for those who have experienced loss or disappointment. In Christmas, Jesus came to bring you comfort. He is your consolation. But on an even larger scale, for those who have lost their hope, joy, peace, or love… for those who are disappointed with all the world has to offer - Jesus is your consolation too. Find your salvation in Him this Christmas, and find consolation for your soul.
*If you’ve experienced loss, grief, or are mourning this Christmas, please respond to this text for more information about a Grief Group at Paradox Church.
LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method. Ask…
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a lifegroup/church friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations. Pick one each day or pray through them all every day.
TALK. That was our take on today’s reading - what’s yours? Share thoughts and ask questions in the forum.
SHARE. Stay focused with a friend! Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Stay focused on Jesus today, and make it a great one!