Christmas is Coming – the best Christmas gift
This past week, we cooked our Thanksgiving feasts and chugged up and over holiday hill. This is when our to-do list seems too long and the days too short. The quest begins for the best Christmas gift for those on our list.
If we aren’t careful, heavenly peace can become fretfully chaotic with thoughts like:
How many more shopping days?
When do I need to mail my gifts to arrive on time?
Where are the Christmas stamps?
Retailers live all year for this season, beginning with Black Friday. They have only days to make their year count. They go all out to draw our attention.
What if a baby in a manger is the thing that makes our life count? Share on X
Christmas can have a way of drawing our attention to the reason for the season: Jesus.
God’s best Christmas gift was a baby, sent to live among us. Scripture says He dwelled or tented with us. In a temporary body just like ours, He arrived as a helpless baby.
Why did He come? What’s all the fuss about? What if a baby in a manger is the thing that makes our life count?
As I read about the baby born in Bethlehem
How amazed Mary and Joseph must have been after their long journey to Bethlehem for the census. Only God could have orchestrated the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Mary pondered.
Yet so many missed it. Who would have expected the Messiah to come in this way? Not much fanfare. He wasn’t born in a palace or royal halls. And a baby isn’t very fierce.
But the few we read about in scripture who did notice: the magi, shepherds, Anna, and Simeon, saw the signs and heard the proclamations clearly.
Follow the star.
A child in a manger.
Go and tell others what you have seen and heard.
They pondered too.
How amazed are we as we ponder His coming to us?
Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus because He is the best gift.
We love the traditions that surround the holiday, but try not to get caught up in the excesses. Instead, we seek simple reminders of the Light of the World who came into our darkness.
Seek simple reminders of the Light of the World who came into our darkness. #BestGift Share on X
It begs our attention. We don’t want to miss it.
We celebrate every December but, do we know Him personally? He came as a baby to live like us, and show us the way. And He gives birth to the Spirit within us when we see Him for who He is.
The Savior of the world.
Time has passed, but the miracle remains.
Jesus came. The best Christmas gift. For you. For me.
And He tells us to go and tell all that He has done for us.
To help you ponder His coming, download your free copy of, A Baby Changed Everything. Read the story in Luke and Matthew’s gospels with fresh eyes and open hearts. This 7-day journey is perfect for individuals, families, or small groups during Advent which means, Someone is Coming! And His coming is the best Christmas gift.
What brings you joy during this season? As you ponder the Christmas story, share something that amazes you in the comments below.
Jeanne
When our to-do list seems too long and the days too short. Will heavenly peace become fretfully chaotic this Christmas? #BestGift Share on X
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Thank you Jeanne for this reminder….as my mind races with who I need to get gifts for, when will I get out and shop?, etc. Need to refocus on the baby in the manger who later was put to death for the sins of the world. The miracle of it all. and just take time to praise Him!
I struggle too, Jeanette. I have been sick this past week and this morning began to think I could venture out to do some shopping even though I am not 100% yet. Ha, it can wait.
Hi Jeanne,
I am amazed that despite the secularization of Christmas, there is still a sacredness that people take notice of regardless of their background. Most businesses with the exception of a few, close their doors on Christmas. Furthermore, many churches have a slight increase in attendance as folks who do not attend all year long recognize the need to honor Christ. Praise God for the power of His presence.!
This is true, Sheree. We have hope that seeds are planted in the hearts of people this time of year. Thanks for your observations.
Jeanne, I love Christmas! That’s probably a statement that nearly everyone can make. But, like you–those questions such as “When will I get everything done?” or “What happens if I can’t find the right gift?” or some other mini-crisis will distract me from the true meaning of Christmas. That little child, born in poverty changed everything. Oh, how blessed we are. Wishing you a joyous Christmas!
We are so blessed, Katherine. Thanks for sharing your heart here with us. He really did change everything. Hope you downloaded a copy of, A Baby Changed Everything. It is my free gift to everyone and wonderful to use this time of year. Christmas blessings…
The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear Christmas is Jesus laying in the manger.
Me too, Jann. I remember as a little girl, our church had a nativity display. All month it glowed as a reminder, though Jesus was missing. And then on Christmas morning, Jesus was in the manger. It felt magical. He came!! He came for you and for me.
It’s good to remember not to let periphery things get in the way of focusing on Jesus this Christmas. Streamlining my focus is something I’ve been trying to do for the past few years. It takes a lot of pressure off of having to do this and that before Christmas Day arrives.
Katy,
There are many wonderful things – and so often we don’t want to miss anything. But you are right; picking the ones we are most passionate about helps to keep our perspective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic.