Message Notes: Recall your favorite “birth story” in your family’s history. What happened that makes you still smile, laugh, ponder, express thanks, or otherwise hold the memory so dear in your heart? This week’s memory verse: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 One day this week, read: Hebrews 4:14-16, Romans 5:6-9 Another day this week, read: Psalm 23:6, Matthew 18:12-13 And on a 3rd day, read: Luke 2:16-19, Matthew 6:13 With each day’s reading, ask and answer: · What do I see in these biblical lines that brings me awe, wonder, holy WoW for the season? · What do I see that causes me to wonder, to ask a deeper question, or ponder a deeper truth? · How do I sense more of God’s amazing work on our behalf because of these wondrous words? Serve Opportunity: Do you know someone who had a baby recently? Contact them and see how you can serve them and their family right now. It could be a gift card to a local favorite restaurant or a new outfit for the child. Maybe they have older kids you could offer to babysit, free of charge. Or maybe they still have fall lawn cleanup that needs finished, or some other household project that still needs completed. Make plans this week and schedule to bless them in the opening two weeks of January. Prayer Pattern: Each day this week, express in some fresh words and ways your praise and thanks to King Jesus. Pick a different scene from his nativity to replay in your mind and express praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christ so humbly came to earth for us, to fulfill his gracious plans of salvation, eternal life, and gracious restoration through his redeeming love! Get Ready for Next Week: New Series: Who Will You Be In '23?