No matter where you are celebrating and with whom, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. While Christmas is not all about gifts, it is nice to give and to receive. I believe the Lord blesses us when we give to others. The happiness we see on the faces of friends and loved ones when they find what is wrapped beneath the festive paper adds joy to our hearts.
Merry Christmas!
If you are one of the blessed few who have holiday gathers go perfectly each time; I'm thankful for your experiences. If you are dealing with difficult people, just remember
Jesus loves you. He willingly came to be born and placed in a lowly manger for you. He came to fulfill a promise God made long before His birth to send a Saviour, a Substitute, a Sacrifice for you and me. He knows what you are going through; He sees it and He hears it all. Lean on Him, trust Him and He will give you the strength you need to make it through this holiday.
I wanted to share with you a little of an email I received last week; it touched my heart and I hope it blesses you.
"The true message of Christmas is not meant just for a few days in December, but for all of our lives. The world around us urgently needs the Good News that Jesus’ coming to earth offers.
Keeping Christmas simply requires that our own hearts are where they should be. Mary lived in a nation ruled by a foreign occupying force, under a brutal king who would soon order the murder of all the boy babies in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill her son. She gave birth to her baby among the animals because there was no one willing to take her in. Yet circumstances could not take away what she kept in her heart."
You can find the rest of the devotional email
HERE.
O Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
If you haven't already, stop what you are doing and worship the Lord. Focus on Him, give Him part of your day. After all, it is the day we celebrate His birth, won't you spend time with Him today?
