December 01, 2025 | Daily Devotional by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: Beholding His Glory
Reading: John 1:1-5, 14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us—God pitched His tent in our neighborhood. Just as Moses glowed after spending time in God's presence, you and I are called to radiate God's glory back into this world. This Christmas season, consider how you've been in God's presence lately. Have you unplugged from distractions to simply be with Him? The glory of God isn't a fading reflection like Moses experienced; through Christ, we reflect His glory with ever-increasing brightness. Today, intentionally spend time soaking in God's Word. Let His presence fill you until His love, joy, and peace overflow from every part of your life. You cannot give what you haven't received.
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally unplugged to spend extended time with God? What needs to change this week?
Day 2: Grace Upon Grace
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Romans 5:6-8
God's grace is like an artesian well with no bottom—it never runs dry. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This unmerited favor doesn't just save us; it sustains us through every trial. Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient for his thorn in the flesh. What thorn are you carrying into December? What worry, debt, medical problem, or loneliness threatens to steal your Christmas joy? God whispers to your anxious heart: "My grace is sufficient for you." His grace doesn't wear out like a battery on Christmas afternoon. It's grace instead of grace—as you appropriate one measure, more flows in. You are wealthy beyond measure because God's grace has made you rich in His eyes.
Reflection: What specific trial do you need to surrender to God's sufficient grace today?
Day 3: The Truth That Sets You Free
Reading: John 14:6; John 8:31-32
In a world where truth is bought and sold like a commodity, Jesus stands as the unchanging foundation: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." God's Word is ultimate truth, whether we find it convenient or not. You cannot function effectively in this world without having the Word of God flowing through your life. Just as emphasized repeatedly in men's gatherings, spending time in Scripture isn't optional for spiritual vitality—it's essential. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. He didn't just speak truth; He is Truth in person. When you neglect this treasure, you're choosing to navigate life's storms without a compass. This Christmas, commit to daily time in God's Word. Let truth fill you.
Reflection: How many days this week have you spent meaningful time in God's Word? What adjustments will you make?
Day 4: Knowing the Invisible God
Reading: John 14:6-11; Hebrews 1:1-3
"No one has ever seen God," yet through Jesus, God has explained Himself to us. Philip asked Jesus, "Show us the Father," and Jesus replied, "Have I been with you so long and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." You cannot know God apart from knowing Jesus. Many today want God to reveal Himself on their terms, creating a god of their own making. But God has already revealed Himself completely in Christ. Just as WiFi is invisible yet powerfully real, God is spirit—invisible to physical eyes but more real than anything we can touch. This Christmas, celebrate that God gave Himself a face, fingers that moved, arms that reached up, legs that stretched out. The fullness of God came in human form so you could know Him intimately.
Reflection: How well do you really know Jesus? What keeps you from drawing nearer to Him?
Day 5: Living in His Fullness
Reading: Colossians 2:9-10; Ephesians 3:14-19
From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. The fullness of God is available to every person who will intentionally unplug, slow down, soak in His Word, and worship Him. You enter this Christmas season hurried, rushed, busy, and anxious—but there's an emptiness inside that only God can fill. Not with candy, cake, movies, or merchandise, but with His presence. God invites you back to the stable, to sit beside the manger and see with the eyes of a child the greatest wonder: the moment when God had a face. Intentionality is the key. Turn off the phone. Close the laptop. Open His Word. Pray with focus. Worship with abandon. The fullness of God—His glory, grace, truth, and presence—awaits you.
Reflection: What intentional steps will you take this week to experience God's fullness? Write them down and commit to them.
Christmas Prayer:
Dear Father, I enter this Christmas season needing You. Draw me to You today and every day as I journey toward Christmas morning. Give me Bethlehem joy and fill my emptiness with Your fullness. Take me back to the stable where my Savior was born. Fill me, my Lord, with the fullness of Jesus, the Son of God. In Jesus' name, Amen.