From: December 16, 2025
“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17 ESV).
John wrote the book of Revelation to believers who were suffering for their faith, recording visions that the risen Christ gave him in order to strengthen and comfort them. In this vision, John saw a great multitude who had come out of the great tribulation, now standing before God’s throne and before the Lamb. Though they had endured intense suffering on earth, they were clothed in white, fully accepted, and secure forever in God’s presence. John described a striking and tender paradox: the One called “the Lamb,” who had been slain as a sacrifice, stood in the midst of the throne with royal authority, yet He also served as their Shepherd. Those worshiping before Him appear to be tribulation saints whose earthly suffering had given way to heavenly rest. The Lamb who once died was now risen, reigning, and personally guiding His people to springs of living water, while God Himself wiped away every tear that their suffering had produced.
We live in a world filled with grief, uncertainty, and pain, and there are moments when our hearts grow weary and weak. At times, we may wonder whether God sees the suffering and sorrow. Yet this vision assures us that our Savior is both compassionate and sovereign. He is the Lamb who laid down His life for us, and He is the Shepherd who now leads us with perfect care. Though we may face seasons of loss, disappointment, and sorrow, Christ walks with us, providing what we need and leading us step by step toward lasting joy. As we cling to this hope, we learn to rest in the truth that Christ is both our Lamb, our Savior, and our Shepherd, therefore our future is secure and our present sorrow will one day turn into eternal joy.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that Jesus is both the Lamb who was slain for us and the Shepherd who lovingly leads us. We confess that we often allow our trials to cloud our trust in Your care. Help us rest in the assurance that You see every tear and will one day wipe them all away. Teach us to follow our Shepherd Jesus with faith and hope today, confident that our lives are held securely in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 16, 2024
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5 ESV).
The phrase “proves true” reminds us that Scripture is trustworthy because it originates from a trustworthy God. His Word has been tried and found faithful in every generation. The Hebrew word translated “proves true” literally means to be tested in the smelter’s fire and found pure and genuine as gold.
God’s Word is not meant to just sit on the pages of our Bibles, but to be tested and tried in the thoughts and actions of our very lives. As the Psalmist declared, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psa. 34:8).
When we study and meditate on God’s Word, we experience its power and reliability. It teaches us how to live, reassures us in moments of uncertainty, and points us to the ultimate truth found in Jesus Christ.
In a world of uncertainty and confusion, the Bible stands tested and true.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your Word. For Your Word has proven true in our lives. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to obey Your Word and to share Your gospel with everyone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 16, 2023
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.” (Micah 5:2 NLT).
In the midst of Micah’s prophecy of judgment against Israel, the Spirit revealed the future birthplace of the Messiah. This is the prophecy that the priests and scribes quoted to King Herod when the Magi came seeking the one born king of the Jews (Matt. 2:6).
Bethlehem was also called the “Town of David,” as it was King David’s birthplace. How fitting that the “ruler of Israel,” the Son of David, would be born there too. The name Bethlehem means “house of bread” (Hebrew: “beth” = “house,” + “lechem” = “bread”). How appropriate that the “Bread of Heaven” would be born in the “House of Bread.”
This small town was also known for the quality of its sheep and because of its close proximity to Jerusalem, it was one of the sources of Passover lambs that were sold for sacrifice in the Temple. How shocking, yet how wondrous that this One whose origin is from antiquity, from eternity, would be the Lamb of God born in a Bethlehem stable.
Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born in little Bethlehem, far from the wealthy cities of the world and welcomed by humble shepherds. God revealed His birthplace to Micah over 700 years before He came. Micah’s prophecy is only one of 300 messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament that have been fulfilled by Jesus.
Have you welcomed Jesus into your life?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for sending Your only Son to us for our salvation. He is the reason we celebrate this season. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all. Empower us to proclaim His gospel to everyone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 16, 2022
GOD WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR
There was a pause after the opening of the 6th seal. And John saw a great multitude join with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders in worshiping the Lord. One of the elders asked John whether he knew who the multitude was and from where they had come. But John did not know.
So the elder explained, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white” (Rev. 7:14). He said that a day was coming when they would no longer hunger or thirst, and the Lord would wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Every season has a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is true of every tribulation, even the great one. There will be trouble, but the Lord promises to never leave, nor forsake His own. And in the end, He wipes away every tear.
PRAYER: Dear Father, some of us may have gone through a tough season this year. Some are still in the midst of one. Yet, we know that we have not been left alone. For You are always with us. And one day, You will wipe away every tear. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 16, 2016
Written 700 years before Christ was born, this prophecy correctly predicted that the birth of the Messiah would be in the tiny town of Bethlehem. Bethlehem was also called the “Town of David,” as it was King David’s birthplace. How fitting that the “One to be Ruler in Israel,” the Son of David, would be born there too. The name Bethlehem means “house of bread” (Hebrew: “Beth” – “house,” + “lechem” – “bread”). How appropriate that the “Bread of Heaven” would be born in the “House of Bread.” This small town was also known for the quality of its sheep and because of its close proximity to Jerusalem, it became one of the main sources of passover lambs that were sold for sacrifice in the Temple. How shocking, yet how wondrous that this One “whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” would be the Lamb of God born in a Bethlehem stable.