The birth of the Savior is a well known story.

Majority of people know the story of the virgin mother who conceived The Son of God. The one who was swaddled, laid in a feeding/watering trough. Whose birth was announced, by angels, to some magi and shepherds - and they brought to Him gifts fit for a king.

Most people might even know some of the miracles He performed while He walked Earth.

And they certainly have heard of how He was crucified on the cross and rose 3 days later.

And maybe you know these stories. Maybe you have read them yourselves or you've heard enough sermons in your life that you feel like you have this story all figured out and have put a cute little bow on it, much like the presents sitting under your tree.

But friends, there is no point in the birth of Jesus Christ if his followers don't follow.

We can know all the stories. We can pray when we need something. We can show up to church every Sunday. We can do all the volunteer work.

But if we don't acknowledge that Jesus Christ is our savior, then there's no point in knowing His story.

And acknowledging is more than saying "I believe in Jesus Christ". By you saying you know Him, you agree that you will love the Lord with all your heart.

And how do you do that? By following His command.

So if we say we believe Him, and none of our actions reflect that - can we say we love Him?

And the world will try to distract you with the latest Tik Tok trend, Instagram reel, or Snapchat. They'll tell you it's just for fun, it's not that serious.

But if it's pulling you from Gods will for your life, I'd call that serious.

And believe me, I'm in the thick of it too.

Which is why this is my last FB post til at least 2026, maybe forever. I don't know yet. I plan to leave every social media outlet behind from tonight on.

Because all this stuff, it's got me distracted. Instead of being in His word, I'm scrolling. Instead of finding ways to help others, I'm watching Tik Tok dances. Instead of praying, I'm mindlessly thumbing through my phone.

And I want to be a disciple. And He told them to go tell the good news - the coming of God's kingdom.

So that's my focus for 2025. To figure out what else I can do to help spread the good news.

As the days to 2024 draw near, consider how you, your family, your community might draw nearer to Him in this next year.

Maybe you give up alcohol so you can have a clear mind to hear when He speaks to you, maybe you give up excess shopping so you can give more, maybe you give up gossiping, maybe you give up that relationship that's only pulling you away from the Lord.

Whatever it is, I pray God shows you His richest blessings in 2025. I pray He shows up and shows out. That He performs miracles that defy all odds. That from all this, new believers are born.

Because what good is good news, if no one hears it.