BUT because of His own purpose and grace (1 Timothy 1:9-10)

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—

not because of anything we have done 

BUT because of His own purpose and grace. 

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus
 before the beginning of time,  

BUT it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

Before the beginning of time... As we begin a new year let's embrace the power of Grace. There's nothing you can do bad enough or good enough to cause God to love you more or less. This was established before the beginning of time. Don't drag your junk into this new year. Jesus destroyed death and brought life to the light! Make this the year you believe in the power Christ can have over your life if you will just let Him!

BUT fools despise wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, 

BUT fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

 Stop and think about the fact that God is with you no matter what.
 We do not need to be afraid of God 
BUT have a healthy fear that He sees the good the bad and the ugly of who we are.
 I pray that this knowledge will lead you to seek Him and become wise. 

BUT in keeping with His promise (2 Peter 3:13)

But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

2 Peter 3:13

As we look forward to the new year I challenge us to keep our eyes on God's promises. Try not to get caught up in all the bad news around us BUT make a difference every day by seeking righteousness. We may not be able to change the entire world BUT we can change our world and the people around us. 

BUT where can wisdom be found? (Job 28)

BUT where can wisdom be found?

    Where does understanding dwell?

13 

No mortal comprehends its worth;

    it cannot be found in the land of the living....

Where then does wisdom come from?

    Where does understanding dwell?

21 

It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,

    concealed even from the birds in the sky....

And he said to the human race,

    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,

    and to shun evil is understanding.”

Job 28

As we close out this year and begin to plan for next year 

it is natural to reflect and plan.

 This BUT verse makes me go hmmmm. 

We always seem to be seeking that next list of things to make us happy or successful. God's word is pretty clear on this one. 

Fear the Lord (He knows everything) 

Shun evil (Be nice) 

BUT Mary kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:19)

BUT... Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

I can only imagine what this young lady went through as she delivered Jesus. The journey, the stable, the birth, the star, her husband, the animals, the shepherds, HER BABY. Now that Christmas is over don't let the meaning of Christmas only last for a day. Make time to ponder (it's a verb: think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion) What will next year look like for you? Take the spirit of Christmas with you Christ was born for you. You are not in this alone!

BUT when the set time (Galatians 4:4-7)

BUT when the set time had fully come, 

God sent his Son, 

born of a woman,

 born under the law,  

to redeem those under the law, 

that we might receive adoption to sonship.

 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.”  

So you are no longer a slave, 

BUT God’s child; and since you are his child,

 God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:4-7

This may not seem like a "normal" Christmas verse. BUT read it again.... every word! 

GOD TRULY sent the Greatest Christmas Present ever! 

Accept Christ birth. 

Open this gift of redemption.

 Cry out Daddy I need you. 

Be filled with the confidence of knowing YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING! 

BUT the angel said to them (Luke 2:8-12)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were terrified. 

BUT the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

he is the Messiah, 

the Lord. 

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12 

Many children are keeping watch tonight for Santa Clause! Oh if we had the same passion as them when it come to watching for Christ to come... not only as we celebrate His birth tomorrow BUT of His return.