2 John 1:12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 

Visiting with close friends in person can bring great joy to our lives.

Luke 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

Prayer changes us in such a way that others notice a difference. 

1 John 5:18-19 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 

Despite the world being under control of the Devil, Jesus protects me from him, and I am always a child of the Most High God!

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. 

Without God, I am not only incapable of loving others, but it is impossible to love others.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial are the hallmarks of discipleship. Why should I be surprised when the Lord asks me to go through these disciplines?

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Praise the Lord! Thank You, Father! Amen!

Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

Praise God for the hidden ministry of angels in our lives. Interesting at Christmas how angels were involved with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. May they minister to me this Christmas as well.  

Luke 9:18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

Private prayer enables us to ask others the right questions. Lord, grant me such wisdom. 

1 John 2:11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 

Hate keeps us from loving and being in the light. To see again, we must learn to love again.

Luke 9:17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

The bread Jesus supplies satisfies.