Daily Readings at Southeast

  Salvation Is Here When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the moment salvation entered the world. That night in Bethlehem was more than a birth; it was the beginning of our redemption. In  Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)  we read, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” God’s grace is what makes Christmas meaningful. We did not earn His love, but He gave it freely. Through Jesus, God offered us forgiveness and a new beginning. The manger reminds us that salvation came quietly but with eternal power. The same grace that began on that night still changes hearts today. Scripture: Romans 10:9-10

  Silent Night The song  Silent Night  always fills me with peace. It makes me imagine that holy night when heaven touched earth, and the Savior was born. Just as Jesus often sought time alone with His Father, we too should take moments of quiet to draw closer to God. In  Mark 1:35 (NIV)  it says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” That quiet connection with the Father gave Jesus strength, and it can give us strength too. Christmas is a perfect time to slow down and reflect on God’s goodness. Spend time in silence, away from distractions, and let His peace fill your heart. Those quiet moments can become some of the most meaningful parts of your celebration. Scripture: Psalms 46:10

  Be Good for Goodness’ Sake Each Christmas, children try their best to behave so they can receive gifts. But what if we lived that way for God? What if we made every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every choice we make a gift back to Him? In  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)  it says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Being good for God means living with love and integrity, not because we want recognition, but because we want to honor Him. So this Christmas, show love to others as a reflection of His love for you. Help those in need, forgive those who hurt you, and live with a spirit of gratitude. When you do, you bring joy to God’s heart and experience the blessings that come from walking in His light. Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

  The Meaning of the Gift The gift of Christmas is salvation. When God sent His Son into the world, He gave us a way to be forgiven, restored, and renewed. In  Titus 2:11 (NIV)  it says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” That grace began in Bethlehem and reached its fulfillment on the cross. Every miracle, every act of love, and every teaching that Jesus gave flowed from that moment when He entered the world as a child. In my home, we celebrate His birthday with joy and gratitude. We thank God for giving us His most precious treasure. The birth of Jesus was not just a beautiful story; it was the beginning of the greatest promise ever kept — a gift that will never lose its power to change lives. Scripture: Romans 5:8

  The Ultimate Present Every year, we spend time and effort searching for the perfect gift to give someone we love. Yet the most important gift was already given to all of us through Jesus Christ. In  Romans 6:23 (NIV)  it says, “...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Once we understand that, we begin to see Christmas in a completely new way. The stress of shopping and the pressure to create a perfect celebration lose their meaning because the perfect gift has already been given. Imagine if, on your birthday, everyone forgot you and celebrated something else instead. That is often what happens when people forget the reason behind Christmas. It is not about Santa or decorations; it is about the birth of the Savior who came to rescue us. When we remember that truth, our hearts find peace, and our celebrations gain new purpose. Scripture: James 1:17

  A Time to Reflect Christmas is a season to slow down and reflect. I often imagine that night in Bethlehem, the long journey, the exhaustion, and the quiet faith of Mary and Joseph as they obeyed God’s call. Their path was not easy, yet their trust never wavered. In  Luke 2:7 (NIV)  we read, “...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” That simple moment holds a powerful truth. God chose the humblest place to bring His greatest gift into the world. When you see a nativity scene, think beyond the figures and lights. It is not just a decoration but a message. It speaks of courage, faith, and love. It tells us that God’s plan often begins quietly, in the hearts of those willing to say yes to Him. Scripture: Matthew 1:23