Christmas Devotions

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)

The days between Christmas and New Year often feel like a quiet in-between — a pause between what has been and what is coming. The world slows down, decorations linger, and we find ourselves reflecting on the year that is almost over.

Lamentations is an unexpected place to find a year-end encouragement. Jeremiah writes these words while standing in ruins — yet he speaks of God’s steadfast love and fresh mercies. He reminds us that God’s goodness is not tied to our circumstances, our successes, or our failures. It is tied to God Himself, and therefore it does not run dry.

As we approach the last day of the year, we may look back and see moments of joy and sorrow, victories and regrets. But God invites us not to measure ourselves by our record, but to rest in His compassion. Every dawn — including the dawn of a new year — arrives with an unspent supply of mercy.

Today, pause and breathe in the truth that God has carried you this far. And breathe out the trust that He will carry you into tomorrow. His mercies are new—not recycled, not diminished—new. And they are for you.

Imagine walking into a bakery early in the morning. The air is warm, and the smell of freshly baked bread surrounds you. No one is offering you yesterday’s leftovers; what you receive is fresh, warm, and made for this new day.

God’s mercy is like that. He doesn’t hand us stale grace from the past, nor does He ration His compassion based on how well we performed yesterday. Each morning, like the warm light spilling from a bakery oven, God offers mercy that is fresh, sufficient, and ready for whatever the day holds.

Prayer

Gracious God,

As this year draws to a close, I thank You for Your unfailing love and the countless ways You have sustained me. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning, and that Your faithfulness does not depend on my strength but on Your steadfast heart.

Help me release the burdens, regrets, and worries of this past year into Your care. Prepare my spirit to step into a new season with hope and trust.

Teach me to live each day aware of Your compassion, ready to receive Your fresh mercies, and eager to walk in Your ways.

Great is Your faithfulness, Lord. Amen.