Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to reflect, to honestly assess the events of the past few weeks and ponder them in our hearts.
If we’re like many Americans, when we look back on our journey of Christmas past we will see that we’ve been to the basement and attic to haul out our decorations; we will have been to Home Depot to replace those lights that were supposed to remain lit when one burned out; we will have been to the mall to buy gifts; we will have been to the mall to return them; we will have been to seemingly endless programs and concerts at schools and churches; we will have been to work parties to spend even more time with people we would rather not spend as much time with; we will have been to family gatherings; we will have been to the grocery store in preparation for family gatherings; we will have been to the therapist as a result of family gatherings.
But perhaps the primary question we should ask ourselves is this: Have we been to the manger? Have we taken the time to simply seek the company of the Son of God come to earth? Have we allowed ourselves to experience in our hearts what that little baby came to bring--namely, peace to those on whom His favor rests?
The shepherds left their flocks and cares in the field so they could kneel in amazement before the Savior of the world. The wise men took years out of their schedules to follow the star pointing them to Christ so that they could bask in the presence of the One who came to take their sins away. Even the angels left their heavenly home to be a part of the celebration on earth.
If you’ve not done it yet this Christmas season, it’s not too late. In fact, you may consider making it a regular part of the new year.
Right at the very top of your resolutions list, write: Spend regular times alone with Jesus. Block out specific afternoons, days, or weekends for spiritual renewal. And, just to be clear, this does not include time you are already spending with Him in church, in prayer, and in your Bible reading. I’m talking about times carved out for just the two of you, where you simply kneel in amazement before him and bask in His presence; where you praise Him for His promises of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting to all who believe, thank Him for all He’s done for you, draw on His strength when yours is waning, discover hope in Him when circumstances in your life appear hopeless.
Spend time with your Savior this Christmas season. Commit to spending regular time with Him in the new year. Take a break from the craziness of life and simply ponder the depths of Christ's love for you. I guarantee you will discover a new peace, a new purpose, a new you.
If we’re like many Americans, when we look back on our journey of Christmas past we will see that we’ve been to the basement and attic to haul out our decorations; we will have been to Home Depot to replace those lights that were supposed to remain lit when one burned out; we will have been to the mall to buy gifts; we will have been to the mall to return them; we will have been to seemingly endless programs and concerts at schools and churches; we will have been to work parties to spend even more time with people we would rather not spend as much time with; we will have been to family gatherings; we will have been to the grocery store in preparation for family gatherings; we will have been to the therapist as a result of family gatherings.
But perhaps the primary question we should ask ourselves is this: Have we been to the manger? Have we taken the time to simply seek the company of the Son of God come to earth? Have we allowed ourselves to experience in our hearts what that little baby came to bring--namely, peace to those on whom His favor rests?
The shepherds left their flocks and cares in the field so they could kneel in amazement before the Savior of the world. The wise men took years out of their schedules to follow the star pointing them to Christ so that they could bask in the presence of the One who came to take their sins away. Even the angels left their heavenly home to be a part of the celebration on earth.
If you’ve not done it yet this Christmas season, it’s not too late. In fact, you may consider making it a regular part of the new year.
Right at the very top of your resolutions list, write: Spend regular times alone with Jesus. Block out specific afternoons, days, or weekends for spiritual renewal. And, just to be clear, this does not include time you are already spending with Him in church, in prayer, and in your Bible reading. I’m talking about times carved out for just the two of you, where you simply kneel in amazement before him and bask in His presence; where you praise Him for His promises of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting to all who believe, thank Him for all He’s done for you, draw on His strength when yours is waning, discover hope in Him when circumstances in your life appear hopeless.
Spend time with your Savior this Christmas season. Commit to spending regular time with Him in the new year. Take a break from the craziness of life and simply ponder the depths of Christ's love for you. I guarantee you will discover a new peace, a new purpose, a new you.
RSS Feed