Christmas Devotional 2008

Years ago the Lord spoke to me as I sat down to write the traditional family newsletter to be included with our Christmas cards. As I was jotting down the highlights of the past several months, excited to share successes and accomplishments, the Lord revealed that my heart was filled with pride. Our family had been truly blessed, but my motive behind my sharing was wrong. Christmas was not about me or my family. Our Christmas letter was not to be used as a bragging tool, but a time to point friends and family to the real meaning of our celebration. Since that time I have written more of a devotional each year to share His heart. I thought I would post this years letter. I hope you enjoy.

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Do you ever get a thought in your head that persists like a broken record? Recently the title of a very familiar Christmas carol will not stop circulating in my mind. Actually, the title of the carol asks a question that requires an answer.

“What Child is this?”

So much rests dependent on your answer. To some He is nothing more than a fairytale. A myth. A sweet baby with a story surrounding His life that holds no meaning whatsoever. A glance at the nativity stirs no feeling. They see the figures as manmade and assume the same for the epic account encompassing them.

Yet, for thousands of years, He is still remembered and His birthday marked on every calendar. From shepherds to Kings, from homeless to millionaires this Child still receives attention. Although cast aside by some, He remains the center of our celebration. Whether you choose to acknowledge Him or not, His existence is not dependent upon your opinion.

I can answer the question above with confidence. In Luke 2:11 we are told, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord.” What Child is this? He’s our Savior. He’s my Savior.

With the economic upheaval we are all facing, I don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful and glad to have a Savior. Placing our trust in someone else or anything other brings false hope. There is only One who can give the peace for which our hearts long in these days of uncertainty.

If you acknowledge the answer to the first question, another one begs to be asked. A question asked of Peter in Matthew 16:15 - “Who do you say I am?” It’s one thing to believe there is a God, but quite another to know Him personally.

This Child is also called Immanuel - God with us. Do you hear the cry of His heart right now saying, “Child I want to be with you. Not only will I be your Savior, I will remain with you. I already know you intimately, don‘t push Me away.”

There is no better present you could unwrap this Christmas than His presence. Who is this Child to you? Have you even stopped to consider the reason for the season? If you celebrate Christmas at all, you are celebrating Christ. Christ cannot be separated from Christmas, only ignored. He is there amidst your tree, parcels, feasting and decorating. As my friend Renee reminded me, it’s not too late for your heart to be His manger.

Receive. Believe. Merry Christmas!