Christmas Presence

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!  

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" - 2 Timothy 3:5 (NLT)

Lord, it has been a chaotic season for most of us.  The to-do list, challenges and responsibilities pull at us from all directions.  Our tendency is to be drawn to the things that shout the loudest.  Father, in the din, help us to not miss Your still, small voice that calls us into intimacy with You.  In the busyness of preparation to celebrate Your birth, help us to not miss the whole point of the celebration.  How unfortunate it would be to accomplish the technical aspects of a visual celebration without truly celebrating in our heart - to have an appearance of worship - going through the motions - while our minds are on the to-do list and the merry-go-round of chores.  Going through the motions does not bring the peace we desperately need.  It is only through taking our thoughts captive and disciplining our minds to be present with You, that causes that precious doorway to peace to appear.

Father, I lift my friend before You.  Quicken them when they are being drawn into the surging riptide of cares that threatens to drag them from the peaceful shore of intimacy with You.  Help them to simplify the elaborate and the settle the busy in order to enjoy the magnificence of finding their true home, being held in Your arms and bathed in the fragrance of Christ - an encounter that is not just happened upon, but only found through intentional pursuit.  Teach them to set the focus of their search today on finding the best gift.  And give them eyes that seek less for Christmas presents and more for Your Christmas presence.  In Jesus Name ❤️

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