Dec 23 2008
Practicing His Presence at Christmas
It’s that time of year again when the pressure builds as we decorate our homes and trees, often spend money we don’t have, feel overwhelmed by the parties and get togethers that seem to demand our presence, and spend time with people who make us crazy. All because it’s Christmas!
But that’s not exactly what God had in mind when He sent Jesus to that manger bed. God actually intended Jesus to have the opposite effect. To take our minds off the glittering things of earth and focus our attention on heaven and the greatness and love of God.
In essence, He sent Christ to simplify and cut through the complex web of sin and captivitiy, turning logic on its ear and dash mankind’s expectations, replacing them with what we didn’t even know we were missing.
So how do we get through Christmas with our spirits intact? How do we navigate the maze of activities and challenges? We make time to worship no matter what else we’re doing. If we’re shopping, we can praise Him. If we’re cooking or cleaning or wrapping gifts, we can put on praise music or Christmas carols and praise Him at the top of our lungs.
Psalm 22:3 says, “But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” He inhabits the very praises of His people. Not only did He come to earth, He came to our hearts, and He is worthy of our praise.
I want to take advantage of this season to make a place for Him in my heart, my attention, my schedule, and most of all, my attitude. Instead of getting weary and out of sorts, amid the whirlwind of activities, I want to have a tender heart toward the things of God no matter what the season, because that’s the reason He came. Because, as trite as it may sound, He really is the Reason for the Season and most important of all, our place of rest.
Because of His great love,
Nancy
