Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Zechariah 8:1-23, Revelation 16:1-21, Psalm 144:1-15, Proverbs 30:29-31

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A Promise of Home

“I will bring them home again… They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just to them as their God.” – Zechariah 8:7–8 (NLT)

This is why Jesus stepped down from His throne and was born a mortal man—to save us and bring us safely home.

Through the prophet Zechariah, the Lord promises something new:
“I will not treat the remnant of my people as I treated them before” (v.11).
Justice would be satisfied. The striving would end. Fear would be replaced with mercy.

Under the Old Covenant, the people lived under the weight of the Law—always aware of their failure, always afraid of judgment. But on Christmas Day, we remember the moment God put on flesh to fulfill what we never could. Through Christ, justice was met, and grace was poured out. Now we live under a New Covenant, with full access to God—not as servants trying to earn favor, but as children welcomed home.

Because of Jesus, the Lord now plants “seeds of peace and prosperity” among His people (v.12). He is faithful. He keeps His promises. And because of that, we no longer need to be afraid.

Instead, He calls us forward:
“Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple” (v.9).

We are that temple now.

Rebuilding happens as we seek Him—His presence, His truth, His ways—and allow Him to restore us line upon line, heart upon heart. Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger; it is about a Savior who came to make His home within us.

And the invitation still stands:
“Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us. Let’s worship the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go!” (v.21)

This Christmas Day, are you determined to go? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Pause today—before the noise, before the festivities—and intentionally seek the Lord. Invite Him to continue rebuilding His temple in you. Choose worship over routine, presence over tradition, and surrender over striving.

Take five minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let today be a day of gratitude and honor to the Lord.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping down from Heaven to bring me home. Thank You for mercy instead of fear, grace instead of striving, and peace instead of judgment. Rebuild me as Your dwelling place. I choose to worship You—not just today, but always. I am determined to go with You. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.