Pastor Stephen Dedman

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬

Question
Are you drawing your life from Jesus or from your own strength?

Context
John is writing to reveal who Jesus truly is. Before Jesus is shown healing the sick or teaching the crowds, John takes us back to eternity past.

By saying, “In Him was life,” John is declaring that Jesus is not a created being or simply a messenger from God, He is the eternal Word, present at creation, and the source of all life. The “life” John refers to is more than physical existence; it is spiritual and eternal life, a quality of life that comes only from God and restores what sin has broken.

This life is described as “the light of men,” meaning it reveals truth, exposes darkness, and brings understanding and hope. John is preparing readers to see that everything Jesus says and does flows from this reality: He carries God’s life within Himself.

Application
Because life is found in Christ, it cannot be sustained apart from Him. This verse invites us to examine where we are drawing our sense of life from. Is it from our routines, achievements, relationships, or plans for the future? As 2025 comes to a close, it reminds us that true life is not found in turning a new page on the calendar, but in remaining connected to Jesus.

Living in the light of this truth means choosing daily dependence over self-reliance. When we live from His life, His light begins to shape our decisions, attitudes, and direction for the days ahead.

If you stay close to the source of life, His light will guide you forward.

Truth For The Day
Life is not something you chase, it is something you receive and live out in Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of life. As this year comes to a close, help me not to rush ahead without You. Teach me to live from Your life, walk in Your light, and trust You with what’s ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

Question
What area of your life are you tempted to give up on, but God is asking you to trust Him to keep working?

Context
Paul writes the book of Philippians from prison, yet his tone is filled with joy and confidence. He is addressing believers who partnered with him in the gospel from the beginning. Philippians 1:6 is not a casual encouragement; it is a settled conviction. Paul is confident not in the believers’ ability to remain faithful, but in God’s faithfulness to finish what He starts. The “good work” refers to God’s saving and sanctifying work in their lives, a work that continues until Christ returns.

Application
As the year comes to a close, it’s easy to focus on spiritual growth that stalled, prayers still unanswered, habits not yet changed. This verse shifts our focus from self-evaluation to God’s faithfulness. Your story is still being written. God is actively shaping you, even in seasons that feel slow or uncertain. What feels unfinished to you is still under construction in His hands.

Truth For The Day
God is committed to completing His work in you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for beginning a good work in me. When I become discouraged by my progress or distracted by what I cannot see, remind me that You are not finished. Help me trust Your timing, Your process, and Your promises. I place my life again in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬

Question
How can you live today with an awareness that God is truly with you?

Context
John doesn’t begin his Gospel by describing angels, shepherds, or a manger. Instead, he tells us the meaning of Christmas: God came near. The eternal Word stepped into time, not just to visit, but to live among us. Christmas is not only an event to celebrate once a year; it is the beginning of God’s presence with humanity forever.

Application
December 26 can feel quieter. The wrapping paper is gone. The gatherings slow down. The music fades. Yet the greatest gift of Christmas does not leave with the decorations. Jesus did not come for a moment; He came to stay.

God entered our ordinary world so He could meet us in ordinary days. He walks with us back to work, back to responsibilities, back to routines. The same grace that filled the manger now fills our daily lives. Christmas reminds us that God is not distant, and December 26 proves He is still here.

As life resumes, remember that Christ goes with you. Invite Him into your conversations, decisions, and unseen moments. Let the nearness of Jesus shape how you live, love, and respond to others long after Christmas Day.

Truth For The Day
The gift of Christmas is not over; Jesus remains with us.

Pray
Lord, thank You for coming near and staying close. Help me carry the wonder of Christmas into my everyday life. Teach me to walk with You in ordinary moments and trust Your presence in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.