Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:1
Hello Friend,
Last week I invited you to put on your traveling shoes and journey to Bethlehem. During Advent, our minds and hearts should be focused, not on the latest sale at Macy’s, but on the free gift God sent to us at Christmas. Our gifts of forgiveness of our sins and the precious blessing of eternal life should be at the forefront of our minds. This is the reason God sent His son. Have we stopped for a minute or two today to thank Him? We don’t have to travel miles across dangerous deserts to visit the Christ Child. We can bow our heads and worship him from wherever we happen to be. Why then, don’t we?
Where is your focus this week? Are you so wrapped up in preparations—shopping, cooking, decorating, and parties that you forgot to visit the manger? No doubt the magi had jobs to do. Possibly families. But their priority was to travel to worship the Christ Child. And they made time! Wise men still seek Him. Wise women, too. Let’s open our hearts for prayer.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear God, sometimes I get so busy I forget to spend time with you. I know in my heart of hearts that I need your peace. I feel heavy laden, and so right now I come to you. Help me complete my preparations for the Christmas season with grace and dignity. Teach me to rest in your presence. As I wrap each gift, gently remind me of the best gift of all—your love. Amen.
Praising God for the Best Christmas Gift Ever,
Linda