From The Publisher

Each Christmas season, the familiar words echo through songs, cards, and candlelit services: “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” First proclaimed by the angels on the night of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:14), this message was not merely poetic—it was a divine declaration of God’s heart for humanity. From a Christian standpoint, this heavenly announcement reminds us that true peace and genuine goodwill find their source in Jesus Christ.

The peace promised at Christmas is not the absence of conflict or hardship, but the presence of God with us—Emmanuel. Jesus came into a broken world filled with division, fear, and injustice, much like our own today. Yet He offered something far greater than temporary relief. He brought peace between God and humanity through His saving work on the cross. As Scripture tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NIV). This restored relationship becomes the foundation for peace in our hearts and, ultimately, peace in our world.

Good will toward men flows naturally from this peace. When we recognize the depth of God’s love—demonstrated by sending His Son for all people—we are called to reflect that love in how we treat others. Christmas challenges believers to extend grace, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, even when it is difficult. Good will is not selective or conditional; it mirrors Christ’s love, which reaches across social, cultural, and personal divides.

In a season often marked by busyness and distractions, Christmas invites us to slow down and intentionally live out the message the angels proclaimed. We can offer peace by listening instead of arguing, by reconciling rather than holding grudges, and by serving those in need with humility and joy. A kind word, a generous act, or a forgiving heart can become a powerful witness to the peace Christ brings.

This Christmas, may peace on earth begin within us—as we surrender our worries, fears, and pride to Jesus. And may good will toward men be evident through our actions, shining as a light in a world longing for hope. As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us carry His message beyond the season and into every day of the year. - John Ellis

Daily Devotional Guide

Sunday, December 21 – Preparing Our Hearts

Scripture (Luke 1:38, NIV):

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

As Christmas approaches, Mary’s response reminds us that God looks for willing hearts. She did not have all the details, yet she trusted God completely. Preparing our hearts for Christ means yielding our plans, expectations, and fears to Him. God still works powerfully through humble obedience.

Prayer:
Lord, I offer myself to You. Prepare my heart to receive Your will with faith and trust. Amen.

Monday, December 22 – God With Us

Scripture (Matthew 1:23, NIV):

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Christmas is the celebration of God’s nearness. No matter how lonely or uncertain life may feel, Jesus is proof that God chose to dwell among us. You are never abandoned—He is with you today and always.

Prayer:
Thank You, God, for being present in my life. Help me rest in the truth that You are with me. Amen.

Tuesday, December 23 – Fear Not

Scripture (Luke 2:10, NIV):

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

Fear often steals our joy, but the announcement of Christ’s birth was meant to replace fear with hope. The good news of Jesus still brings joy today. Let His promise calm your heart.

Prayer:
Father, help me release my fears and receive the joy You offer through Christ. Amen.

Wednesday, December 24 – The Gift of Peace

Scripture (Isaiah 9:6, NIV):

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

On Christmas Eve, we remember that Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. His peace settles our hearts even when life feels chaotic. True peace begins with Him.

Prayer:
Jesus, fill my heart with Your peace as I prepare to celebrate Your birth. Amen.

Thursday, December 25 – Christ Is Born

Scripture (Luke 2:11, NIV):

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Christmas Day proclaims the greatest news ever told—our Savior has come. Take time today to worship, rejoice, and thank God for the gift of salvation.

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for sending Jesus to save me. I praise You with a grateful heart. Amen.

Friday, December 26 – A Love to Share

Scripture (John 1:14, NIV):

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus came full of grace and truth, showing us how to live and love. Christmas love is meant to be shared through compassion, forgiveness, and generosity.

Prayer:
Lord, help me reflect Your grace and truth in my words and actions. Amen.

Saturday, December 27 – Carrying Christmas Forward

Scripture (Colossians 3:17, NIV):

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Christmas doesn’t end when the decorations come down. We carry Christ into the days ahead by living lives that honor Him. Let your faith shine year-round.

Prayer:
God, guide me to live every day for Your glory. Let the spirit of Christmas remain in my heart. Amen.

Food For Thought

Helping Others Follow the Star to Find Jesus This Christmas:

The Christmas story is filled with wonder, promise, and divine direction, and one of its most powerful images is the star that led the wise men to Jesus. Guided by God’s light in the night sky, they traveled far, seeking not comfort or recognition, but truth. This Christmas, that star still shines—not in the heavens, but through the lives of believers who are called to help others find their way to Christ.

The star did not save the wise men; it pointed them to the Savior. In the same way, our role as Christians is not to be the focus, but to reflect Christ so clearly that others are drawn to Him. Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Our words, actions, attitudes, and love can become signposts that guide searching hearts toward the hope found in Jesus.

Many people experience the Christmas season with joy, but others walk through it with loneliness, grief, or spiritual emptiness. They may be searching for meaning without knowing where to look. When we show kindness to a neighbor, offer forgiveness, invite someone to church, or share our testimony, we help illuminate the path. Simple acts of obedience—done with humility and love—can become the “star” God uses to draw someone closer to Him.

Helping others follow the star also requires intentionality. The wise men paid attention to God’s leading and were willing to move when He called. Likewise, we must be attentive to opportunities the Holy Spirit places before us. This might mean stepping outside our comfort zone to speak about our faith or being patient and present with someone who is struggling.

Christmas reminds us that God came near so that all might find Him. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us ask ourselves how we can point others to that miracle. When we live with compassion, speak truth in love, and walk faithfully with God, we help others follow the star—and discover that it still leads to Jesus.

Crossroads Church of Benson, North Carolina, has been honored as this week’s Church of the Week, a recognition that celebrates its vibrant ministry, deep commitment to discipleship, and active role in the local community. Located at 301 South Walton Drive in Benson, Crossroads Church warmly welcomes individuals and families seeking a place of belonging, spiritual growth, and authentic Christian community. The church’s mission—to glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus—reflects a clear focus on both faith formation and practical outreach.

Under the leadership of Lead Pastor Kris Romito, Crossroads Church has built a reputation as a welcoming and engaging spiritual home. Pastor Romito’s passion for guiding others toward a meaningful relationship with Christ is evident in both his teaching and the church’s various ministries. Whether through weekly worship services, small groups, or service opportunities, the church strives to help people of all ages grow in their faith and live out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life.
Crossroads Church offers dynamic Sunday gatherings where worship, biblical teaching, and community connection are prioritized. These services provide a space for reflection, celebration, and encouragement, drawing together a diverse congregation from across Benson and surrounding areas. Additionally, the church emphasizes the importance of community involvement and outreach, encouraging members to demonstrate Christ’s love through acts of service and support both inside and outside the church walls.
One of the hallmarks of Crossroads Church is its commitment to helping individuals find true identity and purpose in Christ. With ministries tailored to children, youth, and adults, the church ensures that every stage of life is supported spiritually and relationally. Groups and Bible study opportunities further foster deep connections and spiritual growth among church members.
For those interested in learning more about Crossroads Church, their mission, ministries, or service times, visit the church’s website at www.crossroadsbenson.com. There, visitors can find details about upcoming events, ways to connect, and resources to support spiritual growth throughout the week.
Being named Church of the Week highlights Crossroads Church’s ongoing dedication to faith, community, and transformative love—making it a true spiritual home for many in Benson and beyond.

* If you would like to have your church spotlighted then reach out, via email, to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Special Music

Bible Reading Guide

We continue our year long project of reading the entire Bible in its entirety by Thanksgiving 2026. Let's continue on.

Sunday 12/21 - Leviticus 19-20 and Psalm 36

Monday 12/22 - Leviticus 21-23 and Psalm 37

Tuesday 12/23 - Leviticus 24-25 and Psalm 38

Wednesday 12/24 - Leviticus 26-27 and Psalm 39

Thursday 12/25 - Numbers 1-4 and Psalm 40

Friday 12/26 - Numbers 5-7 and Psalm 41

Saturday 12/27 - Numbers 8-10 and Psalm 42

We would love to hear about your progress. Send results to believersbulletin004@gmail.com

Personal Testimony

Each week will provide an opportunity for a fellow brother or sister to share their personal testimony. This week we are honored to have Sheila Williams of Raleigh, NC share with us.

"I am a 57-year-old psychologist, and for most of my life I believed that faith was something people leaned on when logic failed them. I was raised by loving, intelligent parents who were committed atheists. Our home valued education, science, and critical thinking. God was not mocked or debated—He was simply absent. As I grew older, I followed a similar path, dedicating my life to understanding the human mind, helping others cope with trauma, anxiety, and grief. I believed meaning was something we created for ourselves, and peace was something we managed through insight and discipline.

One cold night in December, everything I thought I knew was challenged.

I came upon a serious car accident on a dark stretch of road. Two vehicles were involved. The people in the first car were shaken but physically fine. In the second car was a young man, no more than 24 years old, badly injured. It was clear his wounds were life-threatening. Emergency services were on the way, but in those moments, all I could do was stay with him so he would not be alone.

As a psychologist, I had sat with many people in crisis. I expected fear, panic, or despair. Instead, I encountered something I had never seen before—peace. Despite his pain and the gravity of his injuries, there was a calm about him that was unmistakable. As we talked quietly while waiting for first responders, he spoke to me about God. He told me that God loved me, that He loved everyone, and that He had sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins so that I could have eternal life.

What struck me most was not just what he said, but how he said it. His concern was not for himself, but for my salvation. Facing what he clearly understood could be the end of his life, his focus was on pointing me to hope. I had spent decades studying human behavior, yet I had no framework for the peace I was witnessing. In that moment, I realized that what he had was something I did not—and something I desperately needed.

Right there on the side of the road, under the December sky, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I prayed for the first time not out of habit or tradition, but out of surrender. A peace unlike anything I had ever experienced filled my heart—deep, steady, and real.

Since that night, my life has been forever changed. I still value knowledge and reason, but now they are grounded in faith. I wake up each day with a purpose beyond myself. I strive to love others as Christ loves me and to share the hope that was so freely given to me. When my time comes, I pray that my life will have helped make Heaven a little more crowded—just as that young man did for me." - Sheila Williams

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

Which Old Testament prophet confronted King David after his sin with Bathsheba, using a parable about a rich man and a poor man’s lamb? _____________________
In the New Testament, which city did Paul and Silas sing hymns in prison before an earthquake opened the doors and loosened the prisoners’ chains? _______________
What object did God instruct Moses to lift up in the wilderness so that anyone who looked at it after being bitten by a snake would live? _________________________________

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Ezekiel

Jephthah

2 Corinthians

Each week we spotlight a Christian owned business that operates under Christian principles. 

This week, we are honored to feature Quality Comfort Services, Inc. as our Christian Business of the Week. Located in Knightdale, North Carolina, Quality Comfort has faithfully served the greater Raleigh and Wake County area since its founding in 1999, offering reliable HVAC services rooted in strong values and neighborly care.
Quality Comfort is a family-owned and operated company providing comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for both residential and commercial customers. From routine maintenance and new system installations to emergency repairs available 24/7, their experienced team ensures comfort and confidence for every client, no matter the weather.
What makes Quality Comfort stand out is not just the excellence of their technical work, but the heart behind it. Their commitment to serving “neighbors” reflects Christian principles of compassion, integrity, and stewardship—values that guide how they show up for each family and business they serve. Quality Comfort approaches each job with a servant’s heart, listening well, acting honestly, and delivering solutions that bring peace of mind to their community.
In a world where excellence and ethics don’t always go hand in hand, Quality Comfort demonstrates that professional expertise and Christian character can work together beautifully. Whether installing a dependable HVAC system, responding to an urgent repair call, or simply offering honest guidance, they embody the call to love and serve others with skill, respect, and dignity.
We celebrate Quality Comfort Services, Inc. this week—not only for the comfort they bring to homes and businesses—but for the light they shine as a Christian business committed to uplifting their community, one neighbor at a time. Visit them online at www.qcshvac.com to learn more.

If you have a business that you know operates under Christian principles then feel free to nominate them by emailing us at believersbulletin004@gmail.com

Prayer Request

Please keep the following brothers and sisters in your prayers. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please submit the names to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Phillip Adams

Delma and Joyce Austin

Cathy Baker

Julia Barrett

Molly Barrett

Lucas Bennett

Samuel Briggs

Nathan Brooks

Helen Bunn

Megan Caldwell

Emily Carter

Ryan Chandler

Lily Chapman

Sarah Collins

Blake Dalton

Sue Dupree

Paige Ellison

Dylan Fletcher

Antoinette Griffin

Abbie Guthrie

Rachel Hammond

Joshua Harding

Olivia Harrington

Zoe Harper

Benjamin Hayes

Cole Jennings

Brandon Kent

Matthew Langford

Derek Lawson

Gavin Maddox

Meghan Maynard

Tyler Monroe

Glen Morgan

Brandy Osario

Hannah Porter

Claire Preston

Jacob Reynolds

Daniel Rivers

Trevor Sinclair

Victoria Sloan

Sue Smith

Natalie Thornton

Abigail Turner

Jenna Wallace

Grace Whitfield

We are looking to expand the Believer's Bulletin and will be growing the following sections:

Upcoming Events

Family and Faith Resources

Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Classified Marketplace to share information between churches and people in the area.

If you have anything that you would like to list, please forward to believersbulletin004@gmail.com the Wednesday prior to the Sunday that the edition is scheduled to go out.

Final Thoughts

The Advent season offers a beautiful opportunity to shape the hearts of the children in our lives, helping them understand that Christmas is about far more than presents—without taking away the joy that comes with giving and receiving gifts. Advent is a time of waiting, watching, and preparing our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and when shared intentionally, it can become one of the most meaningful parts of a child’s Christmas experience.

Children naturally love anticipation. Advent embraces that excitement by stretching the story of Christmas across days and weeks rather than confining it to a single morning. Using an Advent calendar, nightly Scripture readings, or a simple candle-lighting tradition helps children see that Christmas is a journey. As they open a door or light a candle, they learn that each day brings them one step closer to celebrating the greatest gift of all—Jesus.

Maintaining joy in receiving gifts does not conflict with teaching gratitude. Instead, it provides an ideal teaching moment. Parents and caregivers can explain that gifts are expressions of love, just as God showed His love by sending His Son. When children understand that presents are not earned but freely given, they begin to grasp the concept of grace in a tangible way. Encouraging children to say thank you, to recognize the thought behind a gift, and to pray for the giver helps anchor joy in appreciation rather than entitlement.

Equally important is helping children experience the joy of giving. Simple acts—choosing a toy to donate, making a card for someone who is lonely, or helping purchase a gift for a sibling—allow children to discover that generosity brings deep happiness. These moments reinforce that giving is not about losing something, but about sharing love.

When Advent is shared this way, children learn that Christmas joy is not diminished by faith—it is enriched by it. They discover that celebrating Jesus and celebrating one another belong together. In embracing both the wonder of receiving and the blessing of giving, children grow into hearts that understand Christmas not just as a holiday, but as a season of love, hope, and lasting joy.

IT'S COMING