Christmas Devotion: A Season Of Light And Love

12/04/24 • 7 min

The ABIDE Podcast With Gretchen Stevenson

Welcome to the Abide podcast. I’m so grateful you’re here as we begin this special Advent series, a time to pause and reflect on the miracle of Christmas. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore love letters from God—words of hope, peace, joy, and love—straight from His heart to yours.

In this first episode, we’ll focus on the wonder of His coming, the Light that broke into the darkness, and the invitation to let His love fill our hearts this season. Wherever you are, whatever this season holds for you, know this: You are fully known, deeply loved, and never alone. Let’s settle in and prepare our hearts for the beauty of this Advent journey together.
Pause & Reflect

How does the truth that Jesus left heaven to draw near to you personally change how you see this season?
Are there burdens you are carrying that you need to give over to Jesus? How can you surrender those to Him today?
What does it look like to “make room for Jesus” in your heart and life during Advent?

Scripture references:

John 1:14
John 10:10
Lamentations 3:22-23
John 16:33
Isaiah 55:8-9,10-11
Isaiah 9:6
Jeremiah 29:12-13
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 41:10
Jeremiah 31:3

If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

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How does the truth that Jesus left heaven to draw near to you personally change how you see this season?
Are there burdens you are carrying that you need to give over to Jesus? How can you surrender those to Him today?
What does it look like to “make room for Jesus” in your heart and life during Advent?

Scripture references:

John 1:14
John 10:10
Lamentations 3:22-23
John 16:33
Isaiah 55:8-9,10-11
Isaiah 9:6
Jeremiah 29:12-13
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 41:10
Jeremiah 31:3

Previous Episode

Thanksgiving Devotion

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Welcome to the Abide Podcast. I’m truly thankful you’re here with me today. This isn’t just another episode; it’s an invitation to pause, take a breath, and let your heart be filled with gratitude, even if life feels anything but easy right now.

In this special Thanksgiving devotion, we’re making room to reflect together on the blessings God has poured out, especially in those places that may feel hidden under the weight of loss, loneliness, or unanswered prayers. I know that for some, Thanksgiving can be bittersweet, a time when the absence of loved ones or the ache of unmet expectations feels a little heavier. If that’s you, please know—you are seen, you are loved, and this space is for you, too.

So, whether you’re listening on Thanksgiving Day or some other time, know that this moment is sacred and set apart. God has drawn you here with purpose, to remind you of His goodness and His faithful presence in every season. So slow down with me, quiet your heart, and let these words reach the tender places of your soul.

I pray that through this devotion, you’ll feel the touch of God’s deep, abiding love for you. Together, let’s find reasons to be grateful—even if our gratitude is wrapped in tears and whispered through our struggles. Let Him turn our hearts toward thankfulness and trust in His unchanging goodness.
Let us pause and reflect:

How has the steadfast love of the Lord carried you through the challenges of this year?
What song of praise can you lift to God today, even if it’s quiet or sung through tears?
Whose heart can you encourage today? Share what you know to be true about the steadfast love of Jesus. How He carried you, sustained you, and comforted you in a time when you needed it most.

Next Episode

Christmas Devotion: Hope For All Humanity

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Welcome to the Abide podcast, where we pause in the busyness of life to reflect on the life-giving truth of God’s Word. As we begin this Advent season, our hearts are drawn to a powerful theme: Hope.

Christmas is often celebrated with joy and wonder, but for many, this season can also stir deep longing—a longing for peace, restoration, and the assurance that God has not forgotten us. Advent invites us to lean into this longing and rediscover the promise of hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Today, we’ll journey back to that starlit night in Bethlehem, where shepherds heard the extraordinary news of a Savior born for all people. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to anchor our lives in the living hope of Christ—hope that doesn’t waver, even in our waiting.

Whether you’re filled with anticipation or wrestling with doubt, my prayer is that this episode will encourage your heart that God’s promises are true and His love is unwavering. Hope has come, and His name is Emmanuel—God with us.

Pause & reflect:

1. Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? Take a moment to reflect on His promise to work all things together for your good and His glory. How does this truth bring comfort to your heart today?

2. Hope is the confident assurance of what is yet to come, rooted in God’s unchanging promises. Are you struggling to find hope right now? What is one burden you can lay at His feet, trusting Him to carry it as you rest in His eternal goodness and faithfulness?

3. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus as your Savior and Lord? If not, are you ready to surrender your life to Him, exchanging your doubts and fears for a new life filled with unshakable hope, lasting joy, and perfect peace? If so, take a moment to pray and invite Him into your heart as your living hope.

4. If you already know the life-transforming hope of Jesus Christ, who in your life might need to hear about this indescribable gift? This Christmas season, ask God to show you someone you can share the hope and joy found in Christ.

My friend, if you prayed to receive Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, celebrate. Tell someone that you have just been given the best Christmas gift of all—the gift of Jesus!

Scripture reference:
Micah 5:2
Luke 2:8-11
Jeremiah 29:11
Deuteronomy 31:8
John 16:33
Romans 8:28
Romans 8:31
Acts 17:22
John 6:33
Hebrews 11:1
Romans 5:5
Hebrews 6:19
Romans 15:13