When a baby comes into our lives as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, or sisters, we rejoice in the magnificence of God’s gift of life. But how much more did the family rejoice in wonderment when the child was Emmanuel, God with us? When God took on human flesh at the birth of Jesus, He brought a wonder to the world that had yet to be seen.

Jesus was referred to by the prophet as the “hope of Israel.” Hope always is looking ahead and those many righteous Jews down through the centuries living on tiptoe, anticipating Messiah’s coming, fulfilling the promise that He would arrive.

If you want to have a great year, focus on these five things: contentment, trust in God, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and setting realistic goals.

In this message, Chuck Swindoll reminds us that no halo graced the head of Jesus when He was born. Nothing in His physical appearance set Him apart. And yet, this baby was God in the flesh, the eternal Son of God who came to save us from our sins.

God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is indeed a gift too wonderful for words. And it’s the best gift you’ll ever receive.

Horizontal grace is our giving to God and to others. We don’t do it to reciprocate but simply because where there is grace there must be giving.

Everything we have is a gift from God and once you learn to appreciate what you’ve been given, giving back is a natural response. Generosity increases contentment and instead of striving for more, you enjoy what you have.

Are you acting your age? Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you can’t stay young. Adding enthusiasm will make a world of difference. None are so old as the one who has outlived enthusiasm.