DECEMBER 25, 2025

  “...talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.” 

― Patrick Süskind

HAGGAI

 4But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 5‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’(2:4-5)

REVELATION 16

9They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

JOURNAL 

 “...talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.” 

― Patrick Süskind

HAGGAI

 4But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 5‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’(2:4-5)

REVELATION 16

9They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

JOURNAL 

Haggai reminds us that strength, courage, and work are not things we muster up on our own. God says, “Be strong…and work. For I am with you. My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” The miracle is not that we are strong, but that God’s presence makes strength possible. When we surrender to Him, the ordinary becomes sacred. The everyday becomes holy ground. That is where the magic happens.

Left to ourselves, strength turns into pride and work turns into striving. But when my heart is surrendered to God, strength becomes trust and work becomes worship. Fear fades, not because life is easy, but because I know I am not alone. To live boldly and courageously requires humility. It is the posture of a soul bowed before a God of love.

And this is why the birth of Christ matters so deeply. God did not stay distant or aloof. He entered the dirt and noise and risk of our world. He came small. Dependent. Vulnerable. He stepped into a manger so that I would know He understands the mess of my life too. If God chose humility, then the path to life is not found in power or talent or control. It is found in surrender.

The real miracle is trust. To believe that God loves me. That He cares for me. That His ways are better than mine. When I trust Him, I loosen my grip on fear and begin to see His presence everywhere. In work. In relationships. In quiet moments. In seasons of struggle. When I surrender, heaven touches earth.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

LUKE 2:4-11