Obedience based on trust and discipline are two key aspects of what it means to live as Jesus’ disciples. Jesus expects obedience to His commands, God disciplines us as the children that He loves and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to follow Jesus’ example. Having child-like faith means that we instinctively trust and obey God because of our relationship with Him. We should raise our children similarly, and when our parenting differs from the world around us, God’s timeless Word is to be our ultimate source of truth.

God first loved us and showed His love by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have a relationship with Him. Do you know Christ because he lives in you, or do you only know about Christ? As Christians, we are to love one another because of the love of God in us. Show God's love as you share with others this Christmas.

The early part of this passage shows there was no peace for Israel, Joseph, Mary or the Shepherds with everything that was happening for them at the time. Where do you find peace in the busyness of life? Don't look for it in the world, but look for it in Jesus, for He has overcome the world and it is only in Him that you will find true peace.

Jesus is saying in this passage that we can be hypocritical, not only in what we say, but in our hearing as well, which does not line up with what we do. We will face storms in our lives and it is at these times that our foundation of faith in Jesus is tested. Our relationship with Jesus needs to be on a firm foundation and not on one that gives way easily when things get tough.

As Christians, our purpose is to love God and have love for one another. We can't say we love God and not be in a good relationship with others. As we use our gifts to serve the church, in sharing our love and compassion for others, we are also serving Christ.