DECEMBER 2009 DEVOTION

I absolutely love the Christmas season.  I decorate my home in early November and thoroughly enjoy the spirit of the holiday.  While I understand the resistance of many to the commercialization and materialism of Christmas, my heart rejoices in the carols playing over store sound systems and the prevailing sense of generosity that fills the air.  Even non-believers or those who choose to celebrate only Santa rather than Christ often are moved by the supernatural foundation of Christmas - I've seen it with my own eyes!  It is amazing.

But I would be remiss if I did not take this time to remind all who will listen that Christmas need not be limited to a few weeks out of the year.  Christmas is about God coming to earth to connect with each of us personally, and He desires that intimacy daily, not just during November and December.  So our prayer for you this Christmas is that the season will be special, but that Jesus will be at the center of each life all day, everyday.  Merry Christmas!

Let's pray.  Father God, thank You for the miracle of Christmas!  Jesus, thank You for leaving heaven, entrusting Yourself to a woman's womb and this crazy earth, and dying for us and rising again that we might know You personally.  Spirit, thank You for the overwhelming sense of Your presence during the holidays.  Please help us to experience and enjoy Your Presence and Your friendship all day, everyday during Christmas and throughout the year.  In Jesus' Precious Name we pray.  Amen.