Thursday Devotional - A Christmas Focus

James is still struggling with asthma and had a terrible virus this past week. He apparently shared it with Sarah, too, so now she is down with it. They were to be in a Christmas program Monday night, but as much as they wanted to be in it (and I wanted to see them in it), I knew it wasn’t best for everyone involved. Sarah’s teacher even called to see just how sick Sarah was, because she had a special part she had learned!

As frustrating as it is to miss out on activities and let people down, Lord willing, there will be many more years of Christmas programs. Plus, often we get too busy with Christmas programs, parties, gifts and activities, that we forget the whole reason for the season! I think it would most honor God if we took more time to quietly reflect on His gift, praise Him for it and share it with others.

Although the kids missed several programs, classes, activities and parties this week, we did get extra time together to sing Christmas hymns around the piano, dance to Christmas music, read the Bible together unrushed, read Christmas books focused on God’s gift, and pray for the people that sent us Christmas cards.

As I continue in this Christmas season, I pray God would help Psalm 57:7-11 to be true in my life:

My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
⁸ Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Will you pray with me that our hearts would be steadfastly focused on Him, honoring Him, praising Him and exalting Him this Christmas season? God is loving, faithful, and glorious! What better Christmas focus?!

Alice