Introduction
It’s easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of the holiday season. We host parties. We worry about having too many plans – or that we don’t have any plans at all. We wonder who we will see during the holidays – will far away family come home this year? We think of ways we can make our festivities better or more nostalgic. We look for the perfect present, or we procrastinate and end up trying to find any present.
It’s safe to say that the Christmas season comes with a good amount of extra stress, busyness, and tension. That’s why I want to start this book with some good news: Christmas is about more than traditions, sparkling nights, and shopping. When we celebrate Christmas, we’re remembering the miracle that happened when Jesus entered into time to bring us salvation and overcome the world (John 16:33)!
As you begin this holiday season, I want to ask you to consider your Christmas activities in a new way:
* Where is Jesus welcomed and celebrated, and where is he forgotten or purposely omitted?
*Where is God’s presence central to what you are doing, and whereas He squeezed into your holiday plans as an afterthought?
*Do your long-held family traditions build toward legacy of faith or diminish it?
*In all you do, ask the Holy Spirit to help you prepare room for Him in your life, your heart, your plans, and your interactions with others.
In all of this, our purpose is simple: to draw your thoughts away from “how you’ve always done” Christmas and instead focus on Jesus, the miracle of His birth, and his assignment for each of us to bring God’s light into the world. Now, let’s “throw off everything that hinders” us. (Hebrews 12:1-3) and get into the race!
Devotional
GOD WITH US
Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Day 1
Many people hesitate to take a step of faith toward Jesus because they know they do not have the will power or strength of character to overcome their old selves. During the holidays, we’re surrounded by stories of transformation – from movies on TV to songs on the radio – but the hope for change these fictional narratives offer us a human-driven and therefore temporary. When we become brand new in Christ, however, there is a new power at work within us to give us a fresh start, and it is nothing less than the Spirit of the living God. The Bible says the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in you and me, ready to transform us (Romans 8:11). No matter what pain we have endured, or what limitations we have had to overcome, because of Jesus’ entrance into time and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we now have God with us. He lifts the ceiling on our future and opens doors of possibility we never dreamed of.
Think about it: as the holidays draw near, reflect on the past year. How has following Jesus helped you overcome limitations? How has He transformed your life or opened new doors of possibility and opportunity?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about my well-being. By your Spirit, You give me hope for my future. Show me your will, and help me to follow it. Thank You for enabling me, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to navigate the paths You open before me. I trust You to fulfill Your promises to me, Lord, because You are faithful in all things. May I please you in all I do. In Jesus name, Amen.
I pray this is your most meaningful Chrisrmas ever!
Pastor Allen Jackson