Christmas greetings, friends! It is a whirl of activity at our condo here in Panama City, Florida. The Christmas tree is decorated, and the days are a wonderful To Do List of baking, cooking, shopping, attending holiday parties, and preparing for guests. I imagine it is much the same at your house! My adult children have just arrived from their homes in New York, and everyone is happy to see the sun and to spend time walking on the beach.
Did you know that I generally write these blogs as part of my daily quiet time, usually the day before you read them? This is precious family time for us – therefore I will not be writing daily devotionals on the remaining chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. I would encourage you to take 30 minutes and read the remaining 10 chapters in one setting – then go spend time with your family and reflect on the fact that Christ came to earth as a baby to give his life as a ransom for many.
In these final chapters of Matthew, you will find two passages that guide our lives:
The great commandment: “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
The great commission: “Then Jesus came to the disciples and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Love God. Love others. Go make disciples. Let these instructions guide us into 2026!
If you are local in Panama City, we will celebrate completing the New Testament on Sunday, January 4th in both our worship services at Lynn Haven Methodist. See you there!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Mindy Clemons 