Luke 2:17 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” NIV

Stir: ❖ Journal: Write out how you are feeling today.

Express the reason for your joy! If you feel you are wanting more, empty or sad…try to identify the reason and write a paragraph about it.

Central Ministries Daily Devotionals Contributed by: Kevin Robbins

Pour:Christmas day is over. Presents have been opened. Pictures have been taken. Food has been prepared and consumed (too much perhaps?). Clean up starts and soon decorations will begin to be taken down and put back in boxes to be stored another 11 months. After all the anticipation for Christmas day, it feels kind of…anticlimactic.

If you can relate to feeling a type of “let down” after Christmas, just know this…millions of other people do as well. That’s why the “BOXING DAY” sales and commercials are so appealing! If you were hoping a holiday break in school or work was going to give you the “It’s A Wonderful Life” feeling, but you did not focus on the entire reason for the season…you will keep searching to find fulfillment. And where are we told that fulfillment can be found? In new electronics, wardrobe, make up, vehicles, handbags, sports equipment, etc., etc., ad nauseam…now marked down by 70%?

But if you are familiar with the first let down…you also know you’ll be let down by purchasing more stuff, spending (*saving) more money, sexual temptations and self medicating with alcohol, drugs or food.

The shepherds in Luke 2 are a good example to us as to how we should be once seeing the Christ-child. They felt no post-Christmas lag. They needed no boxing day sales to pick them up. Just the sight of Jesus and their limited knowledge of the Messiah coming to earth, inspired them to eagerly talk to anyone who would listen, about Him!

All of us, without the right understanding of Christ, will keep searching for more. Trying to cram 1/2 price objects into our souls and always be left wanting…But you have been to the manger! Now, be like the shepherds…go today…not to sales, but to anyone interested and share about the Child!

Free Refills: Romans 10:11-15

Christmas Edition:Boxing Day

Prayer: - Dear Heavenly Father, today like everyday, I need your protection. Guard my mind from

wandering to places of worldly desires. Please keep me true to the deeper meaning of the Christmas story and help me not be tempted by empty pursuits and possessions.

- May my love for you stay pure. Please accept my promise of devotion today and everyday of my life.

- And now, lead me to those who are interested in finding you. Allow me to speak of your Son to people who will be amazed by Christ’s story and Your amazing grace.

Central Ministries Daily Devotionals Contributed by: Kevin Robbins

Drink Deep:Although your personal joy is very important to God, always be aware that there is much more in God’s plan than just your happiness alone. It’s a bigger story than just one individual…it’s about many souls.

Notice that as the shepherds spread the word about Jesus, those who heard were amazed! The enormous spiritual picture on this Boxing Day is not about material commerce, products or even standing in the return line with a “gift receipt”. It is you becoming part of the divine birth story and telling others about it.

Some people may be too busy to hear you. They might be trying to get to the next sale. But there are some people, close to you, that if you tell them, they will be amazed!

So be filled with joy, spread the word and make this your best Boxing Day ever!