Ah, the holidays are here! (enter declarative trumpet sound) Planning…presents…family visiting…those ever-growing wish lists (or to-do lists?). Today is Thanksgiving Day, and the stores already look like Christmas morning! It’s enough to keep anyone seriously considering some one-on-one time with “John” (tell me you have tasted the awesomeness of ducking in your water closet in the name of peace and quiet) and catching some zzz’s after having too much turkey and pumpkin pie. What about the homemade Wassail – it is a must-have. Or, perhaps the hardest part is waiting til Christmas to see those smiles and hear the squeals of delight. I’m feeling coo-coo and cross-eyed (and exhausted!) just thinking of it all!
How easy it is to get lost in the hustle and bustle – the time of year that brings out the “giver” in us (or the “gimme’s”), and lose sight of the “first Christmas” that started it all? It was important enough to split our calendar in half, move pens to write, feet to go to distant lands, bow the knees of kings, and set three Magi on a star-gazing trip, bearing the very first Christmas gifts of all. God put on human flesh, became a tiny, helpless baby, and traded his heavenly home for a feeding trough. His name? Oh He has many…Jesus…Prince of Peace…Wonderful Counselor… or this favorite: Emmanuel – “God with us.” God came to rescue you, and gave up everything just to adopt you as His own. This is why we celebrate: while we were still orphans, lost in our own mess, He came – because He loved us. God sent His Son Jesus to woo your heart, win you over, and save the day. Will you accept the greatest gift of all?
Purposeful Pause: What are you putting “first” this holiday season?
Worshipful Praise: “King of the World” – live acoustic by Natalie Grant
Prayer: Dear God, it’s so easy to get distracted from You. Help us to have a purposeful pause in the middle of it all, make time to sit with You, and thank You for the reason behind it all – Jesus.
Digging Deeper: Micah 6:7-8; Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians 13:1-2; John 3:16; Psalm 51:16-17; 1 John 4:10; Psalm 91:14-15; Jeremiah 29:11-14; John 12:46; Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Matthew 6:19-21
