Devotional

Christmas Devotional

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This year, I am again offering a 30-day large print devotional. Though I specifically developed this to have something to give out at the nursing homes that we visit, the daily readings are meant for everyone. Yes, I know, I know – it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet! But to be able to complete a 30-day devotional before December 25th, you will need to start sooner than you think. The Christmas Star originally was published a few years ago, but this edition has been re-edited and also includes some new material.

Now, in the gospel of Mattew, the second part of the story of Christmas begins with a star. That star led mysterious wise men on a journey and their journey ended with a king. In this year’s devotional, that same Christmas Star still shines and will lead anyone ready to follow, to God’s only Son: King Jesus. We may not feel much like wise men (or women) but the wonderful news is that no matter who we are, Jesus still welcomes anyone who comes to worship Him! This large print book contains 30 days of readings along with a scripture verse, a Bible story, and some of our family’s favorite memories. As you read about Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and shepherds, my prayer is that you will discover how these ageless stories can still work miracles in hearts and minds today!

Jesus – The Name of Christmas

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And she will have a son and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins Matthew 1:32 

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her,” for you have found favor with God.”  You will conceive and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31  

When God gave the name Jesus it is interesting to see that he spoke both to Joseph and to Mary. To Mary Gabriel explained all that Jesus would do as the Messiah, but to Joseph God defined the name. The name Jesus was given because God had given His Son, not only to teach us the ways of Heaven, heal our sickness, or give us a comfortable life; Jesus came to save His people from their sins. 

One of the most beautiful sounds in the entire world to each of us is the sound of our own name. We love to hear our name mentioned especially if it is linked with assurance, love or praise. The sound I want most to hear as I cross into eternity is my own name being called by God himself with the phrase “Well done good and faithful servant” Our name is what calls our attention at any moment. 
Imagine Jesus entering the world cradled in Mary’s arms in that stable in Bethlehem. One of the first words Mary and Joseph would say was, “Jesus!”  God had kept His promise to them just as He said. From that day forward every time Jesus heard His own name it would be a reminder of why He had come. When He was growing up in the home with His brothers and Mary called out, “Jesus” he would remember that he was different. God had sent Him not just to be born in the humble stable, but also one day to give His life as a sacrifice for us.

31 Days of Hope – Devotions in the Storm by Peter Caligiuri [REVIEW] — My Life in Our Father’s World

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SYNOPSIS This is first a book of hope. The Corona virus outbreak has changed our world since I wrote Thirty-One Days of Hope back in 2017. Though hopelessness is certainly nothing new, this disease that has killed millions of people around the world has made the battle personal for us all. How should we live […]

31 Days of Hope – Devotions in the Storm by Peter Caligiuri [REVIEW] — My Life in Our Father’s World

I was so pleasantly surprised and thankful that my friend Barbara took the time to read and review my little devotional and post it on her blog. Barb writes on a variety of subject besides her book reviews. My favorites are her experiences with grade schoolers on the school bus and in the classroom. Thank you so much Barbara!