Driving Notes

Today on the show we read some Christmas devotionals from Our Daily Bread. We also had our weekly Bible trivia where one lucky person has a chance to win a $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup.

Here are the two Christmas devotionals that we read today.

THE TRUE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

“Sometimes I feel lonely, and it makes me wonder how lonely they must get out here.”

That was spoken by Asteria, director of a faith-based community group who brought Christmas to El Campamento, a makeshift tent city where many drug-addicted people live. She noted how the holidays can be difficult for those on the street. So she decided to embody Christ’s love by setting up a Christmas tree among the discarded needles; by bringing them gifts, warm drinks, and food; and by leading the singing of Christmas carols. The response was heartening, she said, with many of the homeless voicing their desire to be forgiven by their family and asking for prayer.

In serving the people of El Campamento, Asteria and her team illustrate the true message of Christmas-the gift of God coming to meet us through His Son Jesus. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law” (GALATIANS 4:4-5). Even though we all do wrong, God invites us to become His heirs and children (v.7). He calls those who live on the streets and those who live in mansions to accept His gift of saving grace.

Through Jesus, God gives us the true gift of Christmas right where we are. May we receive and share this gift of love.

By AMY BOUCHER PYE

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

It was just a few days before Christmas and my wife, Cari, was standing in the checkout line at the market. The young mother in front of her was carefully assessing the contents of her cart and slowly setting aside items one by one. Cari’s initial impatience turned to compassion as she surveyed the growing pile of items that had been removed and realized the woman didn’t have enough money to purchase them.

“I’d like to pay for those,” she told the checker. The young mother turned with a surprised look on her face: “That’s too much!” she said. Cari, prompted by God’s love and remembering how a stranger, miles away, had bought our own daughter’s groceries in a difficult time, smiled and responded, “Merry Christmas.” They both left the store with tears in their eyes.

Christmas came early to our home with a fresh awareness of God’s kindness and generosity to us through His Son. Solomon wrote in Proverbs of those who are generous: “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (11:25). In the following days we were refreshed by a renewed understanding of how God had met our greatest need of all-our need for a Savior-and how His love can unexpectedly overflow from our hearts to others in need.

Kindness is contagious! Because of what Jesus has done for us, may God give us grace to make a generous, practical difference in others’ lives.

By JAMES BANKS

Congratulations to Karen of Mount Vernon for guessing the correct answer! She wins a $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup!

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan and Jonathon