While the New Testament details the crucifixion extensively, my own personal belief is that there is no greater text dealing with the suffering of Christ than Isaiah 53:5

When we sacrifice for the Kingdom of God, we are laying a foundation for the next generation to continue to worship and grow in the faith, while also imparting to them the importance of the principle of sacrifice.

Jesus personally chose 12 disciples whom He poured Himself into. These men could almost be considered His earthly family, surrounding Him, learning from Him, and serving in His ministry. Jesus loved them, and yet He knew—long before they did, in fact—that a couple of these men would publicly betray Him.

Since Christ has conquered death, it is now subservient to Him. Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). For those who call on the name of Jesus as Savior and Lord—like my grandfather—death is now the friend that opens the door and introduces us to eternity with Jesus in Heaven.

One of my greatest regrets is that I didn’t share the love of Christ with a couple in front of me, even though I clearly felt the Holy Spirit calling me to do so. I still feel the burden of that inaction today.

Why must we do good? Is it required to earn our salvation? By no means. However, our actions—both good and bad—do matter in the scope of eternity.

Not only had the heavenly realms proclaimed the arrival of the Savior, but earthly kingdoms were recognizing the importance of this moment as well.

Given this, it’s no wonder that Herod became terrified when wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”

We know they felt fear, of course, but imagine the flood of emotions as they begin to realize that the angel of the Lord is proclaiming the news of the arrival of the Messiah!

It’s OK to be troubled, but I invite you to do as Mary did and rejoice in the midst of your pain. Lay it all at the feet of the One who came to save you, whose birth we celebrate.

The truth is it’s not always so easy to give thanks. Frankly, it’s often easier to complain—or just huddle in the corner and look helplessly on as the world seems to fall apart around us.

With so many prevalent temptations all around us, it would be easy to assimilate and enjoy all that the world has to offer, but like Daniel, we must purpose in our hearts to serve Jesus and Him alone.

Perhaps you’ve never skipped a Sunday, but rather than living in His grace, you’re fighting your way through life and trying to be “good enough” to reach Heaven.

We should be thankful that we serve a God who can heal, cleanse, and save—physically and spiritually—and who comes to us and invites us into communion with Him.

Are you being faithful? Is your work showing your heart for the Lord, or are you hurting your testimony and reputation by cutting corners, pointing fingers, or avoiding service altogether?