Pastor Stephen Dedman

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

Question
What is drawing your eyes downward today and how can you intentionally look to the Lord instead?

Context
The psalmist wasn’t looking up for scenery, he was looking up for help, for hope, and for assurance. And that is exactly what Advent calls us to do. When we lift our eyes toward God, we remember that the One who made heaven and earth is also the One who stepped into a manger to save us.

Christmas is the proof that our help doesn’t come from our own strength. It doesn’t come from perfect plans, perfect gifts, or perfect families. Our help comes from the Lord, the same Lord who came as Jesus Christ.

Application
When you lift your eyes this season, lift them above the noise and toward the promise: “Help has come. Hope has arrived. Salvation is near.”

As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to let our eyes settle on the wrong things like the pressure of the season, the pace of the days, the needs that feel overwhelming. But Psalm 121 gives us a gentle but powerful invitation: “lift up your eyes.”

Today, let your gaze shift upward. Let your heart rest in the truth that God Himself is your help, and Christ is the gift that meets every need.

Truth For The Day
God, who created all things has come near to help, heal, and save.

Pray
Lord, lift my eyes above the pressures of this season and help me look to You. Thank You for sending Jesus, my Help and my Hope. As I prepare for Christmas, let my heart rest in You who came near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬

Question
How would my attitude, decisions, and worship change this season if I truly lived with the awareness that Jesus came specifically for my rescue?

Context
Before Jesus ever took His first breath in Bethlehem, God declared His purpose. He would not simply be a teacher, a reformer, or a miracle worker, He would be a Savior. His very name, Jesus (Yeshua), means “The Lord saves.”

Matthew 1:21 pulls back the curtain on God’s heart. Humanity didn’t need another system, another leader, or another attempt at self-improvement. We needed rescue. We needed hope. We needed a Savior. And God sent exactly what we needed, in the form of a child born into humility, wrapped in flesh, and cradled in a manger.

Application
We must remember what Christmas is really about. Gifts, gatherings, and traditions are great but salvation matters more. Make today’s verse personal. Jesus didn’t come to save “people in general.” He came to save you. Every day is an opportunity to rejoice in what Jesus has saved you from and what He has saved you to.

Truth For The Day
Jesus didn’t come to improve us; He came to save us.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sending Jesus, not just as a child in Bethlehem, but as the Savior of the world. Help me never to treat Your salvation lightly. Today, remind my heart that I am loved, forgiven, and rescued. Let the name of Jesus be my peace, my hope, and my confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬

Question
What needs to be cleared out of your life so Christ can have a straight path into your heart this season?

Context
At Christmas, we often focus on the shepherds, angels, wise men, and a manger. But before the birth of Jesus, God raised up a prophet to prepare the world. John the Baptizer was the voice to point Israel to the Messiah. John’s message was simple, bold, and urgent: “Prepare the way for the Lord.” His voice cut through the wilderness and said:“Clear the path, Jesus is coming.”

Application
In a season filled with busyness, self-focus, and pressure, John reminds us that Christmas is not about our perfection but about Christ’s presence. As December unfolds, our hearts can become crowded with plans, pressure, fatigue, anxiety, and even good things. But John calls us today with the same message: Prepare the way, make room, and clear the path. Jesus still desires to enter hearts that are ready for Him.

Truth For The Day
The best way to celebrate Christmas is to prepare your heart for Jesus, not just your home for the season.

Pray
Lord, just like John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, prepare my heart today. Remove what distracts me, cleanse what hinders me, and make my heart a place where Christ is welcomed fully. Let this Christmas be a season where Jesus increases and everything else finds its rightful place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.