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INTRODUCTION
During Christmas, we can find ourselves getting caught up in the busyness of the season, often rushing past the very thing we are meant to be celebrating. The rhythms of tradition — the carols, decorations, and family gatherings — are either motions we go through, or they can serve as steps to a deeper connection with Jesus. As we prepare our homes for Christmas, God invites us to prepare our hearts for transformation.
“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, … He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6
Join us as we discover how the familiar traditions of Christmas can become steps to authentic spiritual transformation, moving us from passive observers to active participants in the greatest story ever told. In this collection, we will look at:
December 1
The Perfect Picture — Jesus Came to Us
December 8
The Perfect Purpose — Jesus Came for Us
December 12/15
The Perfect Authority — Jesus Is Over Us
December 19/22
The Perfect Presence — Jesus Is Life in Us
December 24
The Perfect Gift — Jesus Has Helped Us
December 29
The Perfect Start — Jesus Will Guide Us
Text: Revelation 21:5 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: A new year can bring a new you.
Part 6 - The Perfect Start — Jesus Will Guide Us
I.
THE PAST TO EMBRACE THE NEW
A. Let go of yesterday’s
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one
thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead” —Philippians 3:13
B. Embrace a fresh
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. 23They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! 24I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.” —Lamentations 3:22-24
II.
IN WHAT MATTERS MOST
A. Prioritize Kingdom
“But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” —Matthew 6:33
B. Develop spiritual
“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,” —Colossians 1:9
III.
STRATEGIC STEPS FORWARD
A. Start
“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” —Luke 16:10
B. Build strong support
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” —Proverbs 27:17
IV.
TO FINISHING WELL
A. Maintain an unwavering
“I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14
B. Build lasting
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” —1 Corinthians 15:58
CONCLUSION: What one step will you take today to move closer to God’s vision for your life in the New Year?
