Treasuring and Pondering God’s Word This Christmas

This Christmas season, set aside time to treasure and ponder our Savior. Amid all the busyness and excitement of Christmastime, we can neglect the true reason we celebrate: the birth of Jesus, the One who saves us. God loves us so much, that He sent His Son to earth to die for our sins. Kristy Graham talks about how we are living between two Advents, as we are still waiting for Christ to return as conquering King.

Kristy’s community in Western North Carolina was affected by Hurricane Helene. Though she feels like her plans this year were detoured, God has used it. Kristy clings to Scripture because in the chaos around her, His Word never changes. She was able to see passages she had read countless times before in a different light.

“Get into God's Word, and He is going to teach you something. Whatever your circumstances are, whatever you're facing, God's Word will change your life.”—Kristy Graham

Kristy talks about Luke 2 and the story of a man named Simeon. After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had Him circumcised, and they brought Him to the temple to dedicate Him to the Lord. Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died, so he held onto that promise, continually returning to the temple.

“Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’”—Luke 2:27-32, NIV

God placed the hope of seeing the Messiah on Simeon’s heart, and he was faithful and believed. Kristy discusses how we, too, can have this type of faith. We can keep obeying and seeking the Lord in the waiting, with help and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Kristy challenges listeners with these questions: Am I guided by the Holy Spirit every day? What guides me?

“And I just was so encouraged by [Simeon’s] faithfulness and the fact that he wasn't defeated. He didn't give up and I was challenged. I want that kind of faith. I want to take God at His Word and listen to what He says and then expect to see it. Again, not on my timetable.”—Kristy Graham

Take some time this week to read, ponder, and treasure God’s Word. Share about this Good News of great joy with those around you, trusting that the Lord will work in their hearts. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit samaritanspurse.org.