TODAY Devotional for 12/18/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Treasuring God’s Work

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:17-20 They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. . . .— Luke 2:17Because our young family has lived far away from other relatives, my wife and I have often tried to find different Christmas activities that our kids can

TODAY Devotional for 12/17/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

The Joy of Discovery

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:15-16 The shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”— Luke 2:15My children enjoy making Christmas presents for each other. Especially when they were younger, a big pa

TODAY Devotional for 12/16/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Meanwhile, Out East . . .

Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:1-2 “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.”— Matthew 2:2Sometimes the big news story of the day is not the one we think it is—or there is more to it than we realize.As Jesus

TODAY Devotional for 12/15/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

No More Fear

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:8-14 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”— Luke 2:10“Do not be afraid.”When we think of Christmas, these are probably not the first words that come to mind. We usually focus o

TODAY Devotional for 12/14/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

God’s Perfect Timing

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. . . .— Luke 2:6Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, especially if our schedules are full. For many of us in North America and other places, there are parties to attend, decoration

TODAY Devotional for 12/13/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

The Christmas Census

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:1-5 Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.— Luke 2:1The Christmas story is shaped, in part, by a government decision: a census. People in Palestine likely griped about Caesar’s decree—and, according t

TODAY Devotional for 12/12/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Saying "Thank You”

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:67-80 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. . . .— Luke 1:67Opening gifts is a big part of our family’s Christmas celebration. Each year, our kids are excited to see what they’ll receive. But one important part of all t

TODAY Devotional for 12/11/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Naming God’s Mercies

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:57-66 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.— Luke 1:58The story of Jesus’ birth is intertwined with another miraculous birth—that of John, who was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah in their

TODAY Devotional for 12/10/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Watch for God’s Word to be Fulfilled

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:22-25 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).— Matthew 1:23Joseph is sometimes an overlooked character in the Christmas story. He never speaks in the gospel accounts of Jesus

TODAY Devotional for 12/09/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Difficult Faithfulness

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:18-21 Joseph . . . had in mind to divorce her quietly.— Matthew 1:19Having looked at Luke 1 already this month, we know about the angel’s announcement to Mary and the miraculous conception of her son, who would be named Jesus.But Joseph did not kn

TODAY Devotional for 12/08/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

Family History

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-24 . . . and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.— Matthew 1:16Christmas often brings families together for celebrations. In many ways this can be a wonderful time of celebr

TODAY Devotional for 12/07/2025 by Joel Vande Werken

The God Who Does Mighty Things

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:46-56 “The Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”— Luke 1:49One danger we can slip into at Christmastime is discontent. Maybe we long for “the perfect gift” from someone. Or we hope for the perfect family gathering with “just the