REVEALING THE STORY OF JESUS THROUGH
Reach Magazine
CHRISTMAS EDITION
2024 • VOL. 6, ISSUE 2
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Merry Tidings
As we journey through this season of hope, we invite you to explore the timeless story of Christ’s birth and its impact today. From broadcasters and producers to ministry leaders and partners, each contributor shares their unique perspective on the miracle of Christmas and its relevance in our modern world.
These devotions will guide you through Advent, focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love, and how we can embody these qualities in our lives and share them with others.
Whether you’re a long-time believer or just curious about the Christian faith, we pray these reflections will deepen your understanding of God’s love and inspire you to share Jesus with others.
May this Advent season renew your spirit as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
Hope in the Promise
“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.”
Jeremiah 33:14
If you lose all your money you lose a lot. If you lose all your friends, you lose a lot more. If you lose hope, you have lost everything. I have never lost all my money, but early in my pastoral work I learned that having friends was a lot more important than having money. Friends enabled an education I could not afford. But I also learned that no one is more dangerous than someone without hope, either to themselves or to others.
The times of Jeremiah offered no circumstantial reasons for hope. The Babylonians had plundered them ruthlessly, as Jeremiah had warned all through his prophetic career. But Jeremiah bought property just before Jerusalem capitulated because he had hope in the promise of God (Jer 32:1–15). Jeremiah invested his life legacy on land he knew would be captured because he believed God would bring about restoration. A son of David would rule in God’s kingdom.
Advent is waiting for that hope declared by the prophet. May we abide in faith, hope, and love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, strengthen our hope in Your promises, knowing that You are always faithful.
AUGUST KONKEL Board Member Crossroads & YES TV
Awaiting the Light
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2
I peeked out of the window just long enough to see that all of the lights in the neighbourhood had gone out, not just ours. With my husband Ron out of town, our three children screamed my name in almost perfect harmony the instant we lost electricity.
I immediately raced to the places from where each of them had been calling. One by one we joined hands and started our trek through the darkness. At one point during the journey, our 3-year-old called out from the end of the line, “Mommy, where am I?” Knowing he needed to feel my hand as well as hear my voice, I reached into the black, took his hand, and said, “You’re in the darkness, and I’m with you.” Even as I spoke those words, I felt my emotions stir.
How often have I asked God that very question? How often have you? “Father, where am I?!” We are shaken. There is no light. Nothing is familiar.
Like a child lost in the dark, we desperately search for stability. Bumping and stumbling and grasping into thin air, we are frantic to grab onto something familiar. Anything.
And that’s when it happens. Even though we can’t see Him, we feel God’s tender touch. And in the stillness, He gently slips His hand into ours. He is the Familiar. And it is in that instant that we know wherever we are, we are not alone. In the deepest part of us, where the darkness is the most frightening, a sliver of light begins and we hear Him reply.
With a voice as soothing and warm as a Father’s hand, He answers, “You’re in the darkness, and I’m with you. I am Light and Life itself. I’ve got you. And I’m not going anywhere.”
And we bask in the glow of His presence.
Prayer:
Lord, in the darkest moments, help us to feel Your hand in ours, and remind us that Your light is always with us, guiding us through. Amen.
ANN MAINSE
Co-Host of A Better Us, a co-production of Crossroads and Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries
DECEMBER 2
Peace Beyond Understanding
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Peace. What does that word mean to you?
For our family this past year, experiencing peace has often felt like wishful thinking. We’ve felt the sting of loss, experienced burnout, and we’ve been forced to walk with our family members as they battle through chronic illness.
Peace…?
Globally, we’ve become all too familiar with headlines that speak of recession, war, polarizing politics, civil unrest, injustice, and health crises.
Peace…?
How is it even possible? Thankfully, in Philippians 4:6, the apostle Paul tells us exactly how. Paul doesn’t tell us that we won’t go through hard times. He assumes we will because he himself experienced the harsh realities of life. The point he makes in this passage is that we can still experience God’s peace in spite of our struggles.
In your current reality, however amazing or hard it might be, God promises that you can experience His peace. Spend some time today in prayer when you feel worried. Tell God, our perfect Father, what you need. Finally, thank Him for all He has done both in your life and through Jesus - born to save us all.
‘THEN… you will experience HIS peace’.
Prayer:
God, grant us Your peace that surpasses all understanding, anchoring our hearts in You.
RYAN AND WENDY WEGNER
Worship Leaders - Hope City Church, Edmonton, AB Featured on Royal Anthems debut single – ‘Thank You’
Joy in His Presence
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11
Have you ever stopped to consider the unshakeable joy we find in the presence of God? It’s a truth beautifully expressed in Psalm 16:11.
This verse captures the essence of a truth so deep — true joy isn’t a fleeting emotion or a temporary fix; it’s discovered in the intimate relationship with our Creator. It’s like discovering a wellspring of joy that never runs dry, no matter the circumstances.
In God’s presence, joy isn’t just partial; it’s complete, abundant and everlasting. Even amidst difficult circumstances, we look to God, and we find a peace and joy that supersedes our circumstances.
God’s plan for your life involves fullness of joy in His presence. If you want the joy that God has promised, you need to connect to the source of joy. Read the Bible, pray, journal, spend time in nature, draw, write, serve somewhere, love others and anything else that allows you to connect!
Let’s hold onto this timeless truth and aim to stay close to God this Christmas season, where joy lasts forever. Within His presence, joy knows no end!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, fill us with the joy that comes from Your presence, guiding us each day.
JULIE PICKETT
Production and Guest Coordinator for See Hear Love,
Makeup Artist Crossroads & YES TV
Love Incarnate
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
God’s love reaches its pinnacle in the gift of His son, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God shows us the depth of His love for humanity by sacrificing His one and only Son for our redemption. This act demonstrates God’s unconditional love, mercy, and grace towards us, offering the promise of salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
This Christmas season, as we reflect on this ultimate expression of love, my prayer for each of us is that it inspires gratitude, humility, and a desire to emulate such sacrificial love in our own lives by loving others unconditionally, demonstrating kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
The incredible gift of love that Christmas represents was the gift of His Son, who came to offer salvation to the world.
Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for Your incomprehensible love. Help us to live as reflections of that love.
JOEL BRADLEY Partner Relations Representative Crossroads
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.
LUKE
2:11
The Promise of Salvation
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2
A certain percentage of criminals get caught because they tell someone about their crime—sometimes even the investigators who are interrogating them. It’s certainly not the best strategy if you don’t want to get caught. But I believe for some people, the weight of living with guilt and shame can become unbearable. They are driven by a desire for confession, empathy, and even forgiveness.
We can all relate to those uncomfortable feelings of shame. Even after we’ve repented and given our lives to God, we can still live in a prison of regret. But today’s verse reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid. God is our defender and salvation. Not only does He forgive our sins faithfully, but He begins to write a new story of redemption for us that is beyond imagination. We can trust fully in His faithfulness to cleanse us completely from our failures. We no longer need to be afraid when the enemy brings accusations to mind but can walk into a brand new future with freedom and confidence in Him.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to trust in Your saving grace and live fearlessly, knowing we are saved by You.
CHERYL WEBER Director of Crossroads Cares Relief and Development
Co-Host, 100 Huntley Street Crossroads
Reflecting His Light
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
For me, the sunrise is an experience. As the seasons change, causing the days to vary in length, it can be exciting to discover the changing vantage points to not only photograph the sun, but also the atmosphere that is created during a sunrise. There is a lot going on during what photographers refer to as ‘golden hour’. In fact, it only takes two minutes from the moment you first see the tip of the sun until it appears completely full. But those two minutes always have a profound effect on my entire day. The atmosphere changes, the colours change, the temperature warms. I feel motivated and inspired. I have learned that taking the time to soak in the start of a new morning can ignite a sense of excitement and motivation in yourself, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. It comes as no surprise that this same philosophy can be applied to the Word of God. Taking the time to reflect on God’s Word each day changes you. Even if those changes may be subtle or take place gradually over time, at some level, your soul just feels better!
Prayer:
Jesus, empower us to be beacons of Your light, illuminating the path for others to find You.
GREGORY HOWES
Content Producer/Camera Operator Crossroads
The Humility of the King
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:6-8
The King of all kings lived a life different from what we might imagine of an ordinary king. While we may not typically associate kings with being servants, Jesus was the perfect example of a humble servant.
Instead of being born into wealth and power, the Most High King entered the world in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Throughout His life here on earth and up until the time of His death, He was obedient and fully submitted to the Will of the Father and served others with compassion and great humility. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus lived a selfless life while He was here on earth and showed us the importance of putting others’ needs before our own. This Christmas season, may we learn to love and serve others just as Jesus did, with joy and humility in our hearts.
Prayer:
Teach us humility, Lord, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served.
LEAH CATANGAY Graphic Designer Crossroads
The Voice in the Wilderness
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.”
Mark 1:3
When I read about John the Baptist, I like to imagine myself back in time experiencing this long-awaited prophet of Israel. Like every Jewish citizen living in firstcentury Israel, I would have travelled from Jerusalem to see what the fuss was about and I would have found John standing in the Jordan River, clad in camel skin, proclaiming, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The words of this locust and honey eating, misfit mountain man would have gripped my heart and I know, without a doubt, I would have stumbled towards the water to be baptized as quickly as possible.
It was no different for me 27 years ago, when I came to faith in Jesus on a Friday and I was baptized to the song, “Wade in the Water,” on the following Sunday. Mark 1:3, describes how John the Baptist was “preparing” the way for Jesus, the Messiah of the world.
This Christmas, and every day, let’s foster prayerfulness, Christ-like character traits that will help prepare the way for Jesus to take up residence in more hearts, homes, and communities across Canada.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to prepare our hearts for You, making room for Your presence in our lives.
LARA WATSON Host and Executive Producer
100 Huntley Street
A Light to the Nations
“I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6
As we journey through Advent, we reflect on the profound message of Isaiah 49:6. God proclaims that His chosen servant will bring salvation to all humanity. Jesus’ birth marked the dawn of this hope, offering salvation to everyone.
Growing up in Egypt, I was deeply influenced by my leaders’ commitment to faith. My mentors taught me to dedicate my life to evangelism, instilling in me the belief that Jesus is the Saviour for all nations. This upbringing has shaped my passion for sharing the Gospel internationally.
During my travels, I met a remarkable family in a country where persecution is a daily reality. Jesus appeared first to their children and then to the parents. Despite immense risks, they embraced Christ. Their courage to share their faith with each other and others is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus’ salvation.
In our new English-Arabic co-production with Crossroads, “Living in Hope,” we encourage people to embrace God’s calling on their lives with courage, founded on the hope and salvation found in Jesus. Where is God calling you to shine His light today?
Prayer:
God, use us as vessels of Your salvation and hope, bringing Your love to every corner of the earth.
SHADY FARAG Founder & Director of Land of Hope, Host, Living in Hope
Faith of the Forefathers
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
What is Faith? Faith simply means to believe in something real even though we cannot yet prove it with tangible evidence. Faith motivated Abraham to obey God’s call and leave the familiar to discover the territory he was destined to inherit from God. In faith, he left with only a promise and without knowing where he was going.
Isaac had faith that the words he spoke as promises to his children would come to fruition. Jacob, while knowing that he would die in Egypt, had faith that God would keep His promise and take his descendants into the promised land. Despite their lack of understanding, these men believed in God, who was their hope.
Having faith in Jesus gives us the hope we need not only this Christmas season, but all year round. We are so blessed to have scripture which we can read to help strengthen our faith from day to day.
Let us continue to keep our eyes on Him who is the reason for this season and trust Him with our whole hearts.
Prayer:
Father, strengthen our faith, following the example of the saints who walked before us in trust and hope.
ROB ENNEMA Vision Campaign Director Crossroads
Gift of Grace
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
Gifts are pleasant, usually unexpected, and come at no cost. Do you know that there is a free gift not offered by human hands, but by the hands of our Creator?
Salvation is God’s gift of grace at the cost of Jesus’ blood! God’s sacrificial love nailed His Son Jesus to the cross to die and rise again for the salvation of mankind. His love is the essence of grace and faith is our response to it.
I was 12 years old when I put my faith in Jesus. I remember the moment I knelt and acknowledged that I needed God’s grace to save me – I wanted to receive His gift. A rush of unexplainable joy and gratitude filled my young heart. I was free! Tears of joy rushed as my mother reassured me that God’s grace allows us to live in the freedom of being His beloved children.
As I grew older, I learned that responding to the gift of grace is a life of humility, worship, and service. We are called to reflect God’s love to others by honouring Him and pointing others to His saving grace, which He grants freely every day.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for your gift of grace that saves us. Help us to live in gratitude for this unmerited favour.
GRACE SABA Director of Development Crossroads
The Shepherd’s Story
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
Luke 2:15-16
The shepherds faced a dilemma. Their livelihood was dependent on their reputation for watching sheep. It was simple: don’t lose any! Protect them, feed them, and don’t lose sight of them. So, if the shepherds were to leave their post to go and see this miraculous thing, they might be risking their livelihood. It turned out that the news that God had sent His Son as Saviour was enough for them to take that risk and should be enough for us. But what else was God saying by visiting the shepherds that night? The picture in the sky was of a host of angels proclaiming God’s glory, a throne-room scene reminiscent of other such descriptions in the Bible. We know that not everyone is granted an audience with royalty. But here God made a radical statement: even the most humble of people are granted access into His presence.
We should therefore take confidence that whoever we are, God has graciously invited us not only into His presence, but into a relationship with Him for eternity. That is something worth running toward!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give us the eagerness of the shepherds to seek and find Jesus in our everyday lives.
JEREMY JOHNSON Senior Pastor Village Church
Joy to the World
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Luke 2:10
“Joy to the World,” an anthem sung by angels on high, echoes through the ages, transcending time and space. In Luke 2:10, the proclamation resounds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Imagine the shepherds on that starlit night, their hearts racing with wonder as the heavens burst forth with celestial music. Joy cascaded down like a waterfall, washing away fear and doubt, leaving only the purest elation in its wake.
That joy was not just for those humble shepherds; it was for all humanity, for every soul yearning for hope and redemption. It was a joy that knew no bounds, reaching across continents and generations, igniting hearts with the warmth of God’s love.
And so, let us join the chorus of rejoicing, lifting our voices in harmonious praise. Let’s be sure to make the most of every opportunity, spreading tidings of great joy to every corner of the earth by sharing the timeless message of hope and salvation found in Jesus.
For in the birth of a child in Bethlehem, the world was forever changed, and joy became an everlasting gift, bestowed upon all who believe.
Prayer:
Lord, fill our hearts with the joy of Your salvation, and help us to spread this joy everywhere we go.
MARK MASRI Co-Host, 100 Huntley Street Crossroads
The Magi’s Journey
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
The Psalms say that the heavens declare the glory of God. The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus is the glory of God. This means that the heavens declare Jesus, the glory of God. It’s no wonder that the Magi followed the signs in the heavens that led them to the saviour in the stables of Bethlehem. The wise men from the east sought after Jesus. It’s been said that wise men still seek Him today! In the birth story we see that Jesus was not only the promised Saviour of Israel, but also the promised Messiah and Redeemer of the nations.
As I write this today, I’m sailing on the same waters around Greece that the Apostle Paul did. It’s significant because he was the Apostle to the Nations. We are all called to take the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
This holiday season, may people discover the peace and power of Christmas because of the way we live and live for Jesus.
Prayer:
God, guide us as You guided the Magi, leading us to true worship of Your Son.
JOE AMARAL Co-Host, 100 Huntley Street Crossroads
Incarnation Joy!
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29-32
Renewed vision ➞ Renewed worship ➞ Renewed joy.
If we allow the truth of the incarnation to renew our minds, then it will undoubtedly lead to a renewal of our vision and our hearts. Indeed, this is the opportunity this Advent season.
It has always greatly encouraged my heart to consider the joy of Christmas. Have you ever noticed how each biblical character with a true vision of the incarnation was filled with overwhelming joy? As each person beholds the truth of the incarnation, they are filled with worship, and then the joy explodes from their lives.
Consider the joy surrounding the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:14), who would be born to prepare the way for the life of Christ. Consider John the Baptist leaping for joy in his mother’s womb at the arrival of Jesus in Mary’s womb (Luke 1:44). Consider Mary’s rejoicing as she comprehends incarnation truth (Luke 1:46-47).
Consider the incredible joy of the shepherds as they run with haste to see in person this “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10).
Consider the wise men who “rejoice exceedingly with great joy” as they see the star that would lead them to the Messiah. Consider the overwhelming prophetic joy of Isaiah for those who are in darkness and can see the light of Christmas (Isaiah 9:2-3).
There is a lot of joy in Christmas—a lot. Whenever the incarnation is truly seen, worship is ignited, and joy erupts.
This is our opportunity this Advent season.
Prayer:
Lord, let us see Your salvation in our lives and be at peace, knowing Your promises are true.
ROBBIE SYMONS Pastor Hope
Bible Church Oakville
Anna’s Faithfulness
“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Luke 2:38
For decades, Anna’s days were filled with steadfast dedication and devotion to the Lord, worshipping day and night, fasting and praying for this very moment. She didn’t know exactly when it would come or even if she would be alive to witness it, but when it came, she was ready.
As Jesus is presented before the LORD at the Temple, Anna knows in her heart and spirit that He is the Messiah that God has promised, the Christ that she has been waiting for. Her eyes have seen God’s redemption for His people and His gift to the world. Anna is full of thanks, and she shares this good news with everyone else who was waiting just like her.
Advent recalls the waiting of the Messiah, and He is here. This is the Good News! In this season, who has been waiting to hear that salvation, forgiveness, hope, and redemption are here now? Like Anna, let’s speak joyfully about Jesus Christ who is the Light of the World. He has come to save, and He is here now.
Prayer:
Thank You, God, for faithful witnesses like Anna. Help us to eagerly share Your redemption story with others.
LISA PAK Board Member Crossroads & YES TV
DECEMBER 17
Chosen and Loved
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
I remember as a four-year-old child being awakened to the most beautiful, harmonic voices of angels. I quickly got up and ran to my mother’s room. Uninterested, she told me to go back to sleep. But I couldn’t. Following the sound, it led me outside onto the porch and there, I saw three bright images. Instantly, I began to weep and could feel God’s Presence all around me. I realized the Lord was calling me to surrender my life to Him. So, I invited Jesus into my heart that morning, and then, everything felt different.
Looking back, I realize today that our identity as believers begins in Christ, and according to the apostle Paul, requires action. I had acted as a young girl in telling my family and friends about that incredible experience because it was too much to contain! And believe it or not, at four years of age, I began to behave differently. I became patient, gentle, and kind.
In our scripture verse, we are to ‘clothe’ ourselves to resemble Jesus in all our actions. What’s amazing is that, as ‘the holy people He loves,’ each descriptive word in this verse tells a part of our story— how others might see in us the same way of salvation. Let us live to reflect Jesus!
Prayer:
Lord, remind us daily of our worth in Your eyes, that we may live as reflections of Your Love.
CINDY MELNICHUK Partner Relations Representative, Western Canada Crossroads
New Creation in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
The Christmas story is full of new things happening in ways never seen before. Things were so out of the ordinary that God had to send an angel down three times to calm the fears of Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph.
Each time an angel appeared declaring God’s new plan for the lives of these people, three little words were echoed to them all… “do not fear!” As much as we want to get excited when we hear God declaring something new over our lives, most often, our first emotional response is the same…fear.
Sociologists have noticed a growing trend in neophobia which is the dread of or aversion to something new or unusual. Well, that first Christmas there was a whole lot of new and unusual going on, but one thing brought the shalom, peace of God, and it can do the same today.
Jesus, our Immanuel, was with those at the first Christmas and He’s with you as He works to make all things new in you today.
So, remove the fear and replace it with confident trust in ‘God with us.’
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making us new in Christ. Help us to live out this new identity every day.
SHERRY STAHL Account Manager, Anyone Pray Crossroads
Co-Heirs with Christ
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs— heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
Romans 8:17
Inheritance is a powerful word, often associated with money or belongings passed from one person to another. A financial inheritance can make a significant impact on a person’s life. However, as believers in Jesus, we will all receive a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly treasures.
As God’s children, we are co-heirs with Christ and inherit all His kingdom’s blessings. This is a very intimate relationship with our Lord and Saviour. We also share in His sufferings, which sounds very daunting but is essential to growing closer to God. Because of God’s grace and gift of the Holy Spirit, we can find strength in times of trial with the assurance that we are never alone.
We can be joyful regardless of the hard times because God can use our tears to water new blessings that bloom in our lives.
One day, we will see the complete picture of God’s inheritance for each of us as His children and co-heirs. May we never lose perspective of who our Heavenly Father is.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us grasp the profound mystery of being co-heirs with Christ, sharing both in His sufferings and His glory.
JORDAN BERTA Prayer Ministry Representative Team Leader Crossroads
Rooted in Love
“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
Ephesians 3:17-18
I’m not a gardener. But my mom and dad love to garden. They love reaching down into the soil and planting a seed, watering it, making sure it catches the sun’s rays and then watching it grow into a beautiful flower or plant. They love being a part of the process of growth, the flourishing and thriving of something so small and insignificant becoming something of beauty.
I think that’s the same as our relationship with Christ.
He loves to give us all that we need to grow and develop the soil, the water, the sun, the photosynthesis. He sets the foundation, the roots, for us through our relationship with Him...and then it’s up to us to choose love, peace, justice, righteousness, grace, forgiveness and joy. And when we do choose these things, it affects our view of ourselves and others. Our choices change us, our family, our neighbourhoods, our churches, and our workplaces.
Being rooted in Christ’s love is our foundation for a purposeful life.
His love that is wide, long, high, and deep is for everyone.
His love is life-transforming.
His love is what changed me.
His love is what changed the world.
Your love for God and others can do the same.
His love is how we can really SEE, HEAR and LOVE others as God does!
Prayer:
Lord, let Your love be the foundation of our lives, that we may grow deeper in our understanding and expression of that love.
MELINDA ESTABROOKS
Host and Executive Producer
See Hear Love
Ambassadors for Christ
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
Earlier this year, I joined 100 Huntley Street at the National Prayer Breakfast, a non-partisan event that prays over our country and leaders. Through our time in Ottawa, we repeatedly heard from politicians with different backgrounds and political affiliations say they find unity in praying together.
It reminds me of Paul’s message to the church in Corinth. We may have our differences and disagreements, but we are reconciled together because of God.
Jesus is our example of reconciliation. As 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ.” And to do this, He came to Earth through His Son Jesus.
As followers of Jesus, we are Christ’s ambassadors for reconciliation as we respond to conflicts around the world, divisive politics, negative messages shared on social media and in our personal relationships. We can look to Him—from His humble beginnings, His demonstration of loving our neighbours, His compassion, and forgiveness—to know that reconciliation is possible.
This advent season, we rejoice that God sent His Son that we may have the promise of living in harmony together!
Prayer:
God, empower us to be effective ambassadors for Christ, sharing Your message of reconciliation with the world.
HANNAH VANDERKOOY Producer 100 Huntley Street
A Living Hope
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 1:3
Our culture demands we move quickly. Accomplish goals. Run at
Jesus’ birth and resurrection invite us into the beauty of taking one step at a time. Of slowing our lives and trusting in Him for all we need. We can do this because the hope He embodied is a living hope. It is not simply a religious phrase.
This unique hope is Life.
It is the foundation that enables me to live with hope in the face of my daughter’s cancer diagnosis. It is the only thing that is fueling my friend’s life in the days after the catastrophic car accident that claimed one child and seriously injured the rest of his family.
In good days and challenging ones, because Jesus, the Living Hope, limited Himself to a human body and walked on planet earth, I am embraced in Living Hope this Christmas. I can celebrate His coming with deep joy regardless of circumstances.
You can, too. Living Hope.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for the living hope we have in Jesus. May this hope guide our steps, fill our hearts with joy. Amen.
PAMELA SHAW Board Member Crossroads & YES TV
The Word Made Flesh
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29-32
Imagine the night air, crisp and filled with anticipation. A young couple huddles in a humble stable, their eyes fixed on a newborn babe. This isn’t just any child—it’s the Word made flesh - God’s love wrapped in swaddling clothes.
As the stars twinkle above, a flame of hope ignites in the hearts of all who draw near. Shepherds, wide-eyed with wonder, gather around. They sense something extraordinary in this ordinary scene.
This tiny infant, vulnerable and dependent, is the Creator of the universe. He’s crossed the divide between heaven and earth, revealing our true worth in God’s eyes. In this moment, we discover who we really are—beloved children, cherished beyond measure.
The stable becomes a sacred space where divine love meets human frailty. Here, in the power of unity between God and man, our souls find their value. As we cradle this truth in our hearts, we’re forever changed by the miracle of Christmas.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus we celebrate the incredible truth that You became flesh to dwell among us. Help us to find our true identity and worth in You alone.”
AMY LAFORET Director of Marketing & Communications Crossroads
The Light of the World
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
John 8:12
I love Christmas Candlelight services. Candles symbolize the light of Jesus, reminding us of what has happened, what should happen, and what will happen. In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world…” He brought light into existence at the beginning of creation, saying, “Let there be light.” But He didn’t stop there. Jesus stepped into the dark places of our world in human form to reveal the light of His grace and truth.
Jesus continued, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness…” What a beautiful assurance! Light dispels darkness every time. Whatever dark situation you are facing, Jesus walks through it with you. This also serves as a commission because Jesus says that you also are the light of the world! (Matt. 5:14). We don’t walk in darkness, but we should walk into the darkness of this world with the light of Jesus.
As you light a candle this Christmas, let it remind you to look forward to the eternal light of heaven. The life Jesus came to bring is not just for now but for eternity—one sweet day, there will be light and life forevermore.
Prayer:
Jesus, Light of the World, illuminate our paths and enable us to be bearers of Your light in every darkness.
KEVIN SHEPHERD Chief Executive Officer Crossroads & YES TV
Embracing Your Worth and Purpose in Christ
Wonderfully Made by God
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Bought at a Price
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.”
Unshakable Love in Christ
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ore Valuable Than Sparrows
God’s Masterpiece
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Christ Lives in You
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Matthew 10:29-31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
God’s Plans for Your Future
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Strengthened Through Christ
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”