Because God loved us so profoundly, He did not remain distant—He came near. The birth of Jesus is more than a seasonal celebration; it is the divine declaration that God keeps His promises and chooses to be present with His people. From Isaiah’s prophecy of Immanuel—“God with us”—to John’s proclamation that the Word became flesh, Scripture reveals a God who steps into our world, carries our burdens, and shines light into our darkness.

Gratitude grows when we recognize that Jesus’ coming was not accidental or last-minute—it was intentional, foretold, and driven by love. The God of heaven wrapped Himself in humanity so that we might know Him, receive Him, and live as His children. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we are reminded that the greatest gift is not what God gives us, but God Himself dwelling with us.

Lesson Point 1 — The Light That Came Near

John 1:9–14

Gratitude flows from recognizing that God loved us enough to step into our world and dwell among us as the true Light.

Lesson Point 2 — The Gift of Saving Love

John 3:16–19

We express gratitude because God’s love moved Him to give His Son so we could receive eternal life and walk in His grace instead of condemnation.

Lesson Point 3 — The Promise Kept

Isaiah 7:13–16

We are grateful because the birth of Jesus fulfills God’s promise of Immanuel—proof that God is faithful and chooses to be with His people.

“As I unpack today’s lesson, I want you to ask yourself this question: How does the promise and fulfillment of “Jesus’ birth” invite me into deeper gratitude for God’s love?”

Today’s lesson was brought to you by V.T. Adams Speaks—

A progressive ministry teaching the ways of Christ through a spiritually-centered and mental-health-informed approach, using scripture as guidance.

Guiding Question

How does gratitude reshape a believer’s inner life, their relationships, and the way they reflect Christ in the world?

Lesson Point (Big Idea)

Gratitude is a spiritual posture that transforms how we think, love, and behave. When gratitude becomes a daily discipline, it changes our attitudes, our interactions, and the way we live out God’s character before others.

I have three points for today’s lesson:

1. Gratitude That Renews the Mind — Romans 12:1–2

A grateful heart transforms how we think and aligns us with God’s will.

2. Gratitude That Strengthens Community — Hebrews 10:23–25

Gratitude deepens unity and inspires us to support and encourage one another.

3. Gratitude That Produces Generosity — 2 Corinthians 8:1–5

Gratitude compels us to give freely because we recognize God’s grace in every blessing.

While I unpack this lesson, ask yourself:

How is gratitude reshaping my heart, my thoughts, my relationships, and my witness for Christ?

Today’s lesson was brought to you by V.T. Adams Speaks—

A progressive ministry teaching the ways of Christ through a spiritually-centered and mental-health-informed approach, using scripture as guidance.

Guiding Question:

How does gratitude anchor my faith when life feels unstable?

Lesson Point :

Gratitude stabilizes the believer by focusing the heart on God’s peace, God’s presence, and God’s everlasting love.

Today, I have three points to make.

POINT 1 — Gratitude for God’s Peace

Philippians 4:4–7

This passage teaches us that thanksgiving invites God’s peace into our lives, calming anxiety and guarding our hearts when chaos tries to overwhelm us.

POINT 2 — Gratitude That Shapes Our Thinking

Philippians 4:8–9

Paul shows us that gratitude helps us focus our minds on what is true, noble, righteous, and praiseworthy — creating stability in our thoughts and actions.

POINT 3 — Gratitude for God’s Enduring Love

Psalm 100:1–5

This psalm reminds us that our gratitude is grounded in God’s goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness that reaches every generation.

Before I unpack this lesson, I want you to consider this:

How does gratitude anchor my faith when life feels unstable?

This lesson was brought to you by V. T. Adams Speaks.

Guided Question

Have you ever prayed for something and almost missed God’s answer because it didn’t come the way you expected?

Lesson Point

Sometimes we miss the miracle because it doesn’t look miraculous.

We expect thunder and light, but God often moves through whispers and small gestures.

He answers prayers through people, circumstances, and timing.

When we pray, God moves—but not always in the way we imagine.

And if we’re not paying attention, we can send the blessing away by rejecting what doesn’t look divine.

I Have Three Points for You Today

1. When We Pray, God Delivers — Acts 12:5–11

2. When We Pray, God Moves — John 14:12–14

3. When We Pray, God Draws Near — Psalm 34:15–19

As I Unpack Today’s Lesson,

Ask Yourself This Question

Have you ever prayed for something and almost missed God’s answer because it didn’t come the way you expected?

This lesson was brought to you by VT Adams Speaks — a progressive teaching series that focuses Christianity on Jesus’s way, helping believers grow deeper in understanding and stronger in purpose.

Prayer is not a single act but a continual rhythm of renewal, alignment, and desire — the daily practice that keeps our hearts connected to God.

Now, I have three points today

1. The Rhythm of Retreat — Withdrawing to Be Renewed

Luke 5:12–16 (NIV) Jesus teaches us to step away from the noise to be restored in quiet places. Prayer was His rhythm of renewal after ministry. Prayer as recovery and rest — not just request.

2. The Rhythm of Decision — Aligning with God’s Will

Luke 6:11–16 (NIV) Before any major decision, Jesus spent extended time in prayer. His practice shows that clarity comes through communion. Focus: Prayer as preparation for wisdom, direction, and discernment.

3. The Rhythm of Desire — Longing for God Continually

Psalm 63:1–8 (NIV) David shows that prayer is more than words — it’s the longing of the heart that seeks God morning, noon, and night.Focus: Prayer as lifes

John 14:12–14 Acts 12:5–11 Psalm 34:15–19

Prayer is not about informing God of our needs; it is about inviting Him into every part of our lives. We pray because it aligns our hearts with His, builds faith through action, and opens the door for healing, forgiveness, and restoration in our communities and within ourselves.

I have three points I want to share in today’s lesson.

Point 1 – Prayer in Every Circumstance James 5:13–15 We pray in times of trouble, joy, and sickness because prayer keeps us connected to God’s presence and reminds us that He is both our healer and our helper.

Point 2 – The Power of Righteous Prayer James 5:16–18 Summary: The prayers of those who walk with God carry power—not because of who we are, but because of who He is and what He can do through faith-filled, sincere prayer.

Point 3 – Prayer That Restores Others

Related Verse: James 5:19–20 Summary: Prayer reaches beyond our own lives to bring back those who have wandered from truth, helping to restore relationships and redeem hearts through God’s mercy.

Lesson Summary

In this second lesson of the Teach Us to Pray series, we explore the purpose behind prayer. Prayer is more than words—it is the heartbeat of our faith, connecting us to God’s presence, His will, and His transforming power. Through James 5:13–20, we see that prayer restores, strengthens, and redeems.

Guiding Question

Why do we pray, and what happens in us and through us when we do?

Lesson Point

Prayer is not about informing God of our needs; it is about inviting Him into every part of our lives. We pray because it aligns our hearts with His, builds faith through action, and opens the door for healing, forgiveness, and restoration in our communities and within ourselves.

I have three points I want to share in today’s lesson.

Point 1 – Prayer in Every Circumstance James 5:13–15 We pray in times of trouble, joy, and sickness because prayer keeps us connected to God’s presence and reminds us that He is both our healer and our helper.

Point 2 – The Power of Righteous Prayer James 5:16–18 Summary: The prayers of those who walk with God carry power—not because of who we are, but because of who He is and what He can do through faith-filled, sincere prayer.

Point 3 – Prayer That Restores Others

Related Verse: James 5:19–20 Summary: Prayer reaches beyond our own lives to bring back those who have wandered from truth, helping to restore relationships and redeem hearts through God’s mercy.

Closing Reflection

While I unpack this lesson, I want you to ask yourself: Why do I pray, and what does God want to accomplish through my prayers?

Wisdom Begins with God – Proverbs 1:7–9; 2:1–5; 3:5–7

How do we keep God at the center of all we do?

The fear — or reverence — of the Lord is not fearfulness but the foundation of a meaningful, purposeful life.

Growing up, I often heard the elders in church say,

“God is the head of my life.”

At the time, I thought I understood what that meant. But as I grew older, I realized it’s one thing to say it, and another thing to live it. Keeping God at the center requires daily surrender — it means giving Him the first word and the final say in every decision.