Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NCV) – “Dear brothers and sisters, when I came to you, I did not come preaching God’s secret with fancy words or a show of human wisdom.  I decided that while I was with you I would forget about everything except Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.  So when I came to you, I was weak and fearful and trembling.  My teaching and preaching were not with words of human wisdom that persuade people but with proof of the power that the Spirit gives.  This was so that your faith would be in God’s power and not in human wisdom.”

Philippians 2:1-5 (MEV) – “If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy, then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same love, being in unity with one mind.  Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in humility let each esteem the other better than himself.  Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus,”.

Message: During this Christmastide Season, let us use the wisdom God has granted to us to be faithful, generous, kind, loving and having self-control over our actions.  With God’s wisdom, we can change people’s lives; we can accomplish justice and peace for all; and we can claim membership in the heavenly realm Jesus died to give us.

May this New Year Season be memorable because of the wisdom God has granted us to do His will.  Always remember that it’s not about me, but it’s all about God our Savior and Redeemer.  As Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:5).

Prayer: Father grant us the peace and love that comes from following You and accepting the wisdom You instill in us daily.  Amen.

Dan Patterson

Revised: January 25, 2025