The Daily Devotional
Friday, December 27, 2024
On the Third Day of Christmas — A Gift of Love and Faith
And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Introduction
The Christmas season reminds us of God’s immeasurable love and the gifts that flow from His heart to ours. On the Third Day of Christmas, the symbolic “three” can be a powerful reflection of God’s gifts: faith, hope, and love. These are not just virtues but divine treasures that ground our relationship with Him and guide us in our journey through life.
Reflection
The Third Day of Christmas speaks of the greatest gift our True Love, God, has given: love itself, shared through Jesus Christ. Faith and hope are vital companions to love, binding us to God and one another.
An old illustration speaks of a tightrope walker who amazed a crowd by walking back and forth over Niagara Falls with a wheelbarrow. He then asked if anyone believed he could do it again with someone in the wheelbarrow. Everyone cheered, but when asked for a volunteer, the crowd fell silent. Faith, hope, and love work together. Faith believes God is capable, hope trusts His promises, and love moves us to step into His will with confidence.
Application
This Christmas season, take time to examine how faith, hope, and love manifest in your life. Faith anchors us in God’s truth, hope carries us through uncertainty, and love compels us to act selflessly. Perhaps there is someone in your life who needs a tangible expression of these gifts—a kind word, a small token of thoughtfulness, or an act of forgiveness. Extend the love you have received from God.
Conclusion
On the Third Day of Christmas, reflect on how God’s love has transformed your life. Just as the three gifts of faith, hope, and love endure, so do His promises to you. This day reminds us that the Christian life is not a solo act but a shared journey where faith and hope empower love, the greatest of all.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for the gifts of faith, hope, and love. As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, may these treasures grow in our hearts and shine brightly in our lives. Help us to love as You have loved us, showing kindness, compassion, and grace to others. Strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and guide us in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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