The second day of Christmas is a national holiday in Finland and many other European countries. This day is a great day to reflect what Christmas means in our everyday life. Does Christmas have a stable influence in our lives?

It was great to celebrate baby Jesus and welcome him to the world. But what does it mean to us that Jesus was born 2000 years ago? It is time to put Christmas into practice! It is time to put our faith into action!

The fact that God chose to become human and live among us is astonishing. Without his birth into this world there wouldn’t be Easter and we would still be separated from God. The fact that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose from the death is earth-shattering. By grace through faith in Jesus Christ we are set right with God and we are invited into a relationship with God Almighty. We are free to live our lives in God’s grace. God is with us every day of our lives. Putting this into practice means that we claim the promises of the Bible and act upon what we believe.

The 26th of December is also called St. Stephen’s day. Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God’s grace was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8, CEB)

Stephen was stoned to death and is representing all the Christian martyrs. He put his faith into practice. He believed and did not back out when his life was threatened. In the western world we can express our faith freely without any danger. Sadly, this is not true throughout the world.

Would we be willing to stick with our faith no matter of what?
Is our faith death or is it a life-giving source of hope?
Are we putting Christmas into practice or do we celebrate Christmas only once a year?
Is God with us or do we choose to shut God out of our lives?
Does Jesus have a stable influence on us?

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for sending your son into the world!
Show us how we can put our faith into practice.
Guide us as we live out our faith in Christ.
Protect and bless our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.
Send your Holy Spirit to make us alive in you.
Increase our faith; let us grow in your grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Does Jesus have a stable influence on you?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you live out your faith!

Giving thanks today for
#50 the gift of Jesus
#51 the influence of Christmas
#52 Christ in everyday life
#53 life-giving faith
#54 God with us
#55 family
#56 rest in grace

Image courtesy ofof Holly Williams. This post was refurbished from last year.
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