GPS-Blue

21 / Sunday Read Luke 2:34-35

Overview: Blue is the color of the Virgin Mary. She brought a new way of connecting (a new covenant) to God – Jesus. Mary also reminds us of the sorrow that we may face, even in happy times. Learn why there’s hope in the midst of Christmas blues.

22 / Mon – Blue sky  |  Read Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation)

It is interesting how the same color can be attributed to opposite emotions. Seeing the blue sky of a summer day elevates your mood, yet blue can also describe someone sad or depressed. In Advent, the color blue stands for hope. And everyone needs hope. It is what keeps you going when you want to quit. How would you rate yourself on the hope scale today? Praise God when your hope level is high. Look to Him when hope starts to seep away. He is the Source of all hope.

23 / Tue – Blue oceans  |  Read Hebrews 6:16-19 (New Living Translation)

Everyone knows that a house built on a solid foundation will not fall apart when the rain comes and the wind blows. But what if you are riding out a storm at sea? The ship’s anchor keeps it steady, and your soul needs an anchor too. Do you have something that holds you firm in life’s storms? If not, here is something you can rely on…the glorious news is that God cannot lie and when He makes a promise, He keeps it. History has proven this over and over again. Claim it for yourself.

24 / Wed – A blue season   |  Read Romans 12:12

The Christians in Rome were facing persecution and death threats because of their faith in Jesus Christ. It is hard to imagine how difficult their lives were, but what did Paul ‘command’ them to do? How is joy even possible in difficult times? Your hope in God’s character and promises is the source of joy. That’s what we are celebrating at Christmas, the birth of hope. Jesus brings hope, and even joy, into any situation, no matter the season, because He is Immanuel, God with us.

25 / Thu – Great news!  |  Read Luke 2:1-20, especially v10-14

Rereading the Christmas story every year can become dull. Familiarity lulls a person into believing they know all there is to know about it. Unless they ask the Holy Spirit to show them something new. Are you that person this year? As you read thoughtfully and prayerfully, ask questions. What does this account reveal about God? About His Interactions with those He created? And what might apply to you all these years later? Ask the Holy Spirit to spark a new appreciation for our God and His amazing gift. And let joy bubble up in your soul anew.

26 / Fri – White, symbol of purity  |  Read John 3:16 / 1 John 1:9

This is probably the most well-known verse in the whole Bible. Even those who’ve never opened a Bible have heard this verse. It is the most succinct description of the gospel. Its words are packed with power. So take time to break it down. Who ‘so loved’ what? What action was prompted by that love? What resulted from that action? Sin leaves a stain that cannot be ignored. It will only be removed by accepting the gift God offers you. He is not your condemner (v17), He’s your Savior.

27 / Sat – White as snow, a fresh start  |  Read Is 1:18 and 43:25 / Ps 103:12 / Micah 7:19

Fresh snow in the winter blankets the ground with a quiet beauty. In Advent, white also means a fresh start, which seems appropriate this close to the end of the year. White snow temporarily covers what is underneath. God’s forgiveness is so complete that He says He doesn’t even remember our sins. When you are born again, you’re given a fresh start. If sin starts to creep back in again, repent and turn away from it so nothing stands between you and the Lord. Will you trust what He says in Prov 28:13 and take action?