This playlist is packed with Christmas songs of worship, adoring and celebrating Emmanuel: God With Us! Plus, mini themes like Joy, Noel and Behold.

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Matthew 2:1 and 2.

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

The light of Christmas leads us to a place of worshipping Jesus. As the Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for Jesus, they also brought with them their hearts of worship. Their example reveals that Jesus is worthy of our very best that we have to offer Him. After all, God gave His best for us.

Their journey reflects the truth of Jeremiah 29:13, where the LORD says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to seek Jesus earnestly for the honor of His name in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to sing joyfully.

Psalm 33:1 says, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.”

The gift of music gives us opportunity to use it as an instrument of worship. This time of year, as our thoughts turn to the season of Christmas, we can add to the celebration by singing Christmas carols that reflect on the birth of Jesus and why He came.

There is a place in Luke chapter one, where we find lyrics to Mary’s song after she learned that she would give birth to Jesus. She said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.”

Singing joyfully is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4t5aEQLRTLnrcm8KkIPZsn?si=77f8e329c44542f7

Today’s Light Reflections is from Acts 19:17.

One of the bright spots in the book of Acts took place in the city of Ephesus.

Jews and Greeks who lived there came under conviction to change their practices. The name of Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly…..In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

The conviction of the Holy Spirit will inspire us to fix our eyes on Jesus and throw off everything that hinders our progress with Him. It may mean burning something that has had a stronghold over us, so that we can break with the past and walk forward with Jesus.

This Light Reflection inspires us to remove anything that hinders our view of Jesus so that we might honor His name in the Year to Shine.

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is remembering our source of strength.

One of the keys to a life of thanksgiving is to remember God as our source of strength.

There is a temptation in our moments of success to take the credit for what goes right. In reality, the right thing to do is to give God the credit for His blessings that come from His gracious hand. That includes our abilities to get things done, maintain a job, and to provide for family.

In Deuteronomy 8:17, Moses told the Israelites, “You may say to yourself ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

Remembering our source of strength is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This week’s Praise & Worship Playlist is focused on counting our blessings and blessing the Lord. It includes “Gratitude” from Brandon Lake, Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons”, “I Thank God” by Housefires plus new songs like “Every Good Thing” by Pat Barrett, “Jesus Thank You” from CAIN, Katy Nichole, David Leonard and more!

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22dplzNEOUmsCKbL5OnZgz?si=35a202af0e2e4cfd