Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use this Christmas Worship Playlist.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 36:16-18, Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 10:7, Luke 4:16-21 & Ephesians 1:3-10
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
S = Say. What is the main point? What does it teach about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
One of the best ways to learn more about the Bible is by discussing it with others.
Work through this week’s Discussion Guide and meet up with a Paradox Lifegroup.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Want to know what the best letter in the alphabet is? It’s “s.” The letter “s” singlehandedly changes so much. - it brings more, multiplies, and extends. It’s one letter that turns itself into more simply by being itself - that’s just what “s” does… but let’s get focused. The other day my son asked me what a “nation” was. Honestly, I was simultaneously surprised by the question and proud of him for asking it. If you ever want to see what you really know, try explaining it to a child. I replied that it was kind of like a country… but in doing so realized a “nation” is so much more. Countries are political. They have to do with government. Wars are fought between them and over them. Nations, on the other hand, are groups of people brought together by something (or someone) bigger than themselves. They may share a common geography - but often share a common heritage, value, culture, passion, or purpose. (Insert “sport team” nation here). At least every four years or so, we concern ourselves with our nation - with the next four years in mind. But God’s concern is so much greater. His scope so much wider. Ezekiel 36 says that the nations(!) will know that our God is the Lord - a promise that Revelation 7:9 envisions fulfilled one day. God calls us to go to the nations - every people group, especially people different than us! - because He is creating a nation from the nations! The beauty of what God started in Jesus at Christmas is the inauguration of a new kingdom - a new nation - with a new King, no borders, and citizens who live out a new way grounded in a new identity/nationality. Re-read Ezekiel 36:24-38 through the lens of God creating a new people - a new nation - and the invitation of Christmas to live in it now and forever.

If you’ve been blessed by the free Daily Focus in 2023, we’d love if you’d consider paying it forward by giving a year-end gift at Paradox to help connect people with Jesus in our neighborhood, the nations, and the next generation. (You can also pray for the nations using the link below.) We’d also like to invite you to celebrate the King who has come this Christmas at Paradox. Merry Christmas - here’s to the King! - Dave Kubiak

*Note: The Daily Focus will be texted at 8am on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25.
If you’d like your Focus earlier, it will be posted on paradoxchurch.com/focus at 5am each day.

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, try praying through a Ripple Prayer, or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!