Video of the Day: Clip from the 1990 movie “Home Alone”
Bible Verse of the Day:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:19-27.
Biblical Connection:
Kevin McCallister is grounded, sent to his room the night before a family trip to Paris, France. Sleeping in on the third floor, Kevin wakes up to an empty house, forgotten by his family in a rush to get to the airport. While this comedy went on to make successful sequels, Christmas is meant to celebrate together, like the shepherds who rejoiced upon hearing the news of Jesus’ birth.
The author of Hebrews stresses the role that other people play in your life. First of all, getting together with a group of like-minded believers conceives a spiritual desire of wanting to spend more time together. Meanwhile, these gatherings also provide a form of accountability, especially for Christians struggling with addiction, bad habits or unwholesome cravings.
Closing Song:
When my father passed away in 2023, I wasn’t sure if the annual tradition of Christmas at my parents’ house would continue. Yet, two years later, with a couple of grandchildren added to my family, this celebration presses on. If you’re not part of a family, may you find comfort in a family of believers at a local church to celebrate Christmas.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 