But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2: 10-11  

Do you have a special childhood Christmas memory? I have many, but my favorite memory was the sleepless, adrenaline-filled nights: wrestling with my weariness, watching the clock, and allowing my imagination to present a perpetual carousel of awaiting gifts. Expectation captivated my mind and body until the morning sunrise stirred my shallow sleep.  Without prompting, and with unyielding anticipation, I huddled around the colorful, carefully wrapped packages, wondering what gifts were for me.

For centuries, prophets, priests, and kings foretold of the promised Messiah. Year after year, they prayerfully anticipated His arrival. On that first Christmas night, an angel announced the Messiah’s arrival and the world changed forever. During this Christmas season, don’t allow busyness, consumerism, or even familiarity to distract you from anticipating and celebrating God’s greatest gift – clothed in humility and fragile flesh – Jesus, your Messiah.

Have you forgotten the spectacular splendor of this gracious gift? Reflect on the lyrics of Downhere’s contemporary Christmas song “How Many Kings”:

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me….

May the miracle and majesty of God’s greatest gift captivate your heart with renewed anticipation and expectation. May His presence resonate in your heart throughout the Christmas season and the coming year.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to restore my relationship with You. Help me to realize and honor this precious gift by not allowing anything to distract me from the reason for the season. Amen.

Take Action

Write down any distractions that may prevent you from focusing on God’s gift to you. Ask Him to help you prioritize the reason for the season.

Here’s some help to make the most of this wonderful time of year: Turn Christmas Upside Down



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