Oak Hill Church of Christ 12-29-24 Message: "What Did You Get For Christmas?"

Oak Hill Church of Christ preaching minister, Randy Sterling, delivers a message on the importance of patience and faithfulness in noticing God's blessings.

There are changes that come about as people age. They might not be as strong as they once were, their stamina lessens, they're more apt to injury, they get cold more easily, they sleep too often or too little.

There are other changes that come about as people age, but they have more to do with the temperament than the body. They become more patient, quieter, more stoic in the face of trials. Their many years have taught them that being the loudest and angriest solves few problems, and causes even more. They've learned that working faster doesn't always mean working better. They've learned that life's trials aren't curses, but challenges that build strength and maturity.

In Luke 2:21 and following, we learn that there were two older folks spending their days in devotion to God at the temple. They had no fantastic titles or entourages surrounding them. They were not at the temple that day to receive Jesus with pomp and circumstance from a high place. They were simply doing what they knew was right to do, trusting God to do His part.

God blessed their humble, patient faithfulness with a great reward: They were able to see the infant Jesus, the Son of God and Savior with their own eyes and to hold him.

God brings that same promise to us, now. God blesses the patient and the humble, who live in devotion to Him. We never know how God might choose to bless us, but the Bible shows us that God rewards those who follow Him with humility and righteousness. God sent His Spirit to dwell in the hearts of every believer who accepts His Son.

As you prepare for the New Year, consider embodying that same patient, humble maturity, and see what blessings God might bring.