JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Glorify.

To glorify God is to give Him honor and praise.

There are several people who glorified God at the birth of Jesus.

One of those people was Mary, the mother of Jesus, who said in Luke 1:46, “My soul glorifies the LORD and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

After the Shepherds went to Bethlehem to see Jesus as a baby, they returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jesus is the perfect gift from above. Nothing else we receive during this Christmas season can measure up to the great value of His grace.

Find encouragement in the opportunities of the Holiday Season to glorify the Lord with a joyful heart in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Amazed.

The definition of this word is “greatly surprised; astonished.”

We have a reason to be amazed at the birth of Christ. His arrival marked a major step forward in God’s redemption plan for us. God came to earth and was made in human likeness. He humbled Himself and would go to the cross to save us from our sins. Christmas reminds us of when God came near to us.

The shepherds were eyewitnesses to the manger scene, and heard the angelic announcement concerning Jesus birth.

Luke 2:17 says, “When they had seen him they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

Find encouragement in the amazing grace of God in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Luke 2, verses 10 and 11.

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

What an extraordinary moment for the shepherds. At first they were terrified when the angel appeared to them. But notice the first words spoken by the angel. “Do not be afraid.” Whenever the angels appear to someone in the events surrounding the birth of Christ, they are quick to mention that the person has no reason to fear. This was not a dreadful occasion. This was a moment for joy and celebration. The arrival of Jesus to the world was good news for the world, and when we receive His gift of grace, Jesus becomes good news for our soul.

Through Jesus, we are set free from fear to experience the great joy of embracing God’s good news.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “What is the true meaning of Christmas?”

There are many possible influences that can take our attention away from the true meaning. Too much activity can lead to stress during the holiday season. Too much shopping can lead us to debt after the holiday season.

The true meaning of Christmas is marked by a special, sacred gift that came from heaven to earth about 2,000 years ago-a child born in a manger who was born to save God’s people from their sins.

The true meaning of Christmas can be found in the proclamation of the angel to the shepherds when Jesus was born. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

This focus point will make our celebration of Christmas meaningful during this holiday season in the Year of Exploration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment of Celebration reflects on the chorus of praises surrounding the birth of Christ.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus is God’s ultimate gift to the world.

The birth of Christ was a cause for celebration for Mary, the mother of Jesus, who said, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

The birth of Christ was a cause for celebration for the shepherds. After their encounter with the baby Jesus, they returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen.

The birth of Christ was a cause of celebration for the wise men, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. They also bowed down and worshiped him.

The birth of Christ was a cause of celebration for the heavenly angels, who said on the night of His birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

We can join the chorus of praises in response to a loving God who remembered us and came to meet us at our point of need.

The birth of Christ is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com