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

THANK. Write down 5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations.
READ. Today’s scripture reading is from Luke 1:57-80 & John 1:6-9, 15

THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
Ever been caught off guard - unprepared? When we know we have gifts to buy, we prepare by asking for a list, going shopping on Black Friday, or at least making sure we have Amazon Prime so we can do it at the last minute. We make sure we have wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, and name tags. If we’re baking cookies or a Christmas dinner, we purchase the ingredients we need from the grocery store ahead of time, and we begin thawing the turkey or preparing some dishes days in advance. If we’re traveling for the holidays, we may get an oil change or a COVID test. We prepare. Preparation is doing things in advance to set up the moment, or the experience. When it comes to God, we often just want Jesus to “show up” in our lives. But often, we’re unprepared. Preparing the way for the Lord means doing everything we can do to set the stage for God to do what only he can do. Preparation means waiting, praying, and expecting in faith. It means spending regular time with God in scripture for the time when God will speak. It means putting regular rhythms and disciplines in our life to become the kind of person that can respond to God’s call or receive God’s blessing when it comes. It means building relationships of love and trust for the times when they’ll be needed most. We’re all called to prepare the way for the Lord. It’s Christmas Eve. Jesus is coming. Are you prepared?

PS. We’ve prepared a special service of Christmas carols by candlelight and a message this evening at Paradox Church in Warren, 4pm. We’d love to see you there.

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?
CONNECT. Have a question, prayer request, thought, or story? Let us know at paradoxchurch.com/connect
SHARE. Know someone who would love the Daily Focus? Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Run the race with endurance today, and stay focused on Jesus.
Make it a Great One!