A True Confession

I admit. Christmas has come and gone and I've been in a slump. Forgive me, Lord. It IS the most wondrous time of the year! How could I let sickness and the blues consume me this year? For the first time in a long one, I couldn't shake the feeling that something major had changed in this world. We seem to be all caught up in consumerism, and selfishness. Including me!

What happened to the wonder? Where is the majesty? What happened to the excitement, the joyfulness, and the awe?

We just celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The One who entered the world as the most vulnerable being, a baby, who depended upon others to do and be everything that He needed. And He came in the lowliest of ways-born in a manger because the world did not, would not, could not, make room for Him.

Angels filled the skies to announce this miraculous birth to the shepherds. God sent dreams and a star to the wise men to guide them to the King! They brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the feeding trough which held the babe.

And Mary pondered these things in her heart. All his days held a precious burning within her chest.

To be honest, I missed the wonder this year. Maybe sickness robbed me of the moments of awe. Maybe the enemy drowned out the joy that should have filled my heart. Maybe despair attempted to steal the goodness that is still in the world. Maybe the enemy of my soul is responsible for clouding my vision, and distorting my view.

For God sent His only Son, Jesus, to carry the weight of our sin, paying the debt that we owe, so that we can stand in awe and wonder and worship His Son. This perfect plan played out in history. The perfect sacrifice for the imperfect people.

"Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Luke 2:11-12

'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

I may be a little late in giving Him the appropriate response. Not to take His gift for granted, but I think He understands. Jesus is the true hope of the world.

If you missed Him, too, like I did these past few weeks, may you discover Him right here, right now. For His mercies really are new every morning and His grace IS sufficient for us.

Dear Lord, I'm sorry for not living in the awe and wonder of your birth, your grace, your holiness every single day. I'm sorry for the days that slip by in anxious thoughts, selfish motives, busy-ness and lack. Please forgive me when I put you in second place. You deserve more than that. You deserve to be placed first and foremost in my life. You deserve all praise, honor and glory. Please let me NOT miss another moment to praise you! In your precious, holy name, we pray. Amen.