Christmas Tip #4

After reading in Luke chapter 2 the story of the birth of Jesus, one key phrase jumped out at me.  Luke 2:7 says "and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Can you imagine going to a house (or hospital) and being in labor and the guy at the door telling you, "Sorry, I don't have a room for you, but you can use the barn" (or the extra bed in the hospital basement).  Who knows how it was actually stated, but it doesn't really matter.  It made me ponder the idea of us this present day still not having room for Him in the inn, our hearts.  Isn't it daily that we have the choice to allow Christ to flow through us?   We are the inn and He is the guest.  This Christmas I pray that you will allow the true spirit of CHRISTmas to flow through you and your home.  Make room for Him by focusing on Him more than all the preparations to be made.  Yes, you still have all the preparations to do but you have a choice how you do them.  When you find yourself all stressed out, you have wandered from the truth.  Recognizing that and refocusing will get you back on track.  Try to figure out the motive of your heart.  Why is it so important to have everything just so?  Are you trying to impress others possibly?  The gifts that you give or the party that you host does not define who you are.  The relationship we have with Christ defines who we are IF we allow Him.   I hope we all can try to impress Jesus instead of our earthly families with the gifts that we give and the celebrations that we host (or attend) this Christ filled holiday season.

May you find your Merry in this holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Merry CHRISTmas from our family to yours!!