A time filled with fun, friends, and family.
A time of relaxation, yet a time of hectic busyness.
A time of traditions, but most importantly for me, a time for reflection.
Every year, I hear the same story. An angel appearing to a virgin, telling her she'd give birth. Shepherds watching over their flocks by night. Magi from the East traveling to worship their King. A baby lying in a manger...
That's what I've been taught is the true meaning of Christmas. But as I've been taking this past month to study Luke 1-2 in-depth, God has been teaching me even more:
- The true purpose of Christmas: the CROSS
- The true attitude of Christmas: HUMILITY
- The true response to Christmas: THANKFULNESS and PRAISE
Because of what God has done for each of us in providing us salvation through sending Jesus as the Substitute for our punishment, our response should be complete, humble thankfulness and praise.
Of course, that's generally not the case (despite my best intentions of having a thankful attitude...). However, every year at my church we return "birthday presents to Jesus" (“return” because anything we give is really only from what He's already given us from His hand). These gifts are not monetary, but rather, they are an action. Every year, God puts something on my heart to return to Him as my “gift” – and every year, He teaches me it's His gift to ME.
Looking over last year's gifts, I was amazed. God laid it on my heart to trust Him, give of myself for His use, and spend more time fasting/praying. Then He far exceeded my wildest dreams throughout the year as He taught me and blessed me with opportunities to continually return those gifts to Him.
This year, my presents to Jesus include:
- Asking God to help me to TRUST Him more wholeheartedly, knowing He has a perfect plan in everything.
- Relying on God's strength to humbly RELINQUISH my selfish desires for His sovereign plan, all for His ultimate glory.
- Turning to God for the grace to have intentional HUMILITY before Him through confession.
It's my prayer that God will see fit to provide me with even more opportunities to return these “gifts to Jesus” all throughout this year! I'm excited to see how He will continue to guide my steps!
One step at a time...
Rachel <><
