“Look for a Sign”

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

Luke 2:12

 

 

We get caught up in life and sometimes miss the simple things God is trying to tell us. Who might have thought a baby wrapped in blankets or the animals laying in a feeding trough might have been the sign God sent for man to see the Savior in human likeness?

 

What is God trying to tell you today or any day? Do you take the time to grow your personal relationship? Do you talk to God? Do you miss the simple signs God uses to communicate with you? I know in my humanness that I begin to get confident and find myself moving away from God “because I can handle it myself.” Then in the quiet, still moment God reveals himself and is so real—it can be as simple as the stars on a clear night, a rainbow on the way to the soccer field, or a baby wrapped in blankets lying in a manager.

 

Application

 

Make the commitment to communicate with God. Watch for His signs. He wants to communicate with you.

Prayer

 

God, in my busyness, let me always find time to grow and walk with you. May your signs of communication with me be clear—heard or seen.

 

“Simple Things”

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:6-7

 

Growing up, Christmas was a simple celebration. I can remember we didn’t put a tree up until about two weeks before Christmas. My daddy would take us to cut the tree down. Then we all decorated it—big colored lights, tinsel, and a few store bought ornaments. There were presents; Santa Claus came. But nothing elaborate.  Christmas has become more commercialized than ever. The more extravagant the better seems to be the trending theme.

 

Over 2000 years ago the days leading to Christmas were not filled with chaos and bright lights. I imagine quiet days filled with humble anticipation of a birth. What might the holidays be like, if we took a step back and focused on the simple things this season—the true meaning of Christmas?

Application

 

Spend time with family this holiday season and focus on what really matters.

 

Prayer

Help me experience the joy of Christmas in my heart.

 

“White Christmas”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:16

 

“Hurry up! We’re going to be late for the Christmas play at school.”

“We don’t have much time. The party starts in an hour, and we still have clutter all over the house.”

 

“I don’t want to miss the door buster sale, let’s get in the car. I can’t miss out on the deals today!”

 

The holidays are here—parties, pageants, shopping, concerts, baking, family gatherings. It all happens too fast. And we try to cram it all in. We may be singing “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,” but what we are really dreaming of is more white space on our December calendar! With all we pack in, do we miss the real meaning of Christmas? Do you think Mary and Joseph were rushed and hurried the weeks before Jesus’ birth or the night he was born? What about the shepherds in the field?

 

I know just being around a newborn baby changes my countenance. I slow down, focus on the baby and want to hold, love, and talk to him in hushed tones. God wants us to meet him in a quiet moment to love and talk with him.

 

 

Application

Make this a White Christmas—create some space for God this holiday season.

 

Prayer

May I remember Lord, it’s you I should rush to this holiday season.

 

“Power”

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

 

Reflecting on the story of the birth of Jesus reminds me that the circumstances then weren’t much different than circumstances today. Herod was in power over the Roman Empire. The odds were against Joseph and Mary—two ordinary people with no connections from a nowhere town. On top of all that, Herod is tipped off that there is a king coming. However, God’s will prevailed.

 

God chooses weakness to demonstrate power. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness,” is what Paul conveyed from God. The bottom line is that the Christ Child is born into a dangerous and threatening world, and God’s will is done.

 

No matter where you are or what situation you find yourself, remember God uses our weaknesses to bring truth to life and life to truth.

Application

Next time you feel the situation is “just ordinary” reflect on how God is working through the situation.

Prayer

Father, strengthen my faith that I may see your power in my weakness.

 

“Please Call”

Pray continually.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Have you ever sat by the phone and hoped it would ring? Parents often long desperately to hear from their children once they grow up and leave their home. Knowing in the big picture they are okay and that if anything were truly wrong, a call would come. The majority of time a busy life is what takes the focus off of the simple things in life.

Ever wonder if God feels the same way when we don’t call him? Short, simple prayers all through the day to God keep your relationship with Him growing. I’m sure He feels just like a parent who hasn’t heard from their college student in over a week. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram let a parent keep a watch over their kids from a distant, just like God keeps a watch over us.

But oh, the feeling when the phone rings and you hear their voice. Five minutes of conversation keeps the relationship alive.

Application

When is the last time you talked to God? When is the last time you called home?

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for being patient with me, even when I don’t talk to you.

 

“Contentment”

The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters; he restores my soul.

 

Psalm 23:2-3

 

 

Our first home was in an area that backed up to the woods. The neighborhood had not yet developed, so seeing a deer in the backyard was not uncommon. Deer liked to come up in the yard on the soft grass out of the woods. They were a joy to watch. And we rarely did anything to scare or disturb their visits. It was a scene of peace.

 

There have been times in my life that weren’t scenes of peace. My place of employment laying-off and eliminating jobs due to the economy is as vivid scene of unrest. I was directly affected by the downturn in the economy. There were many days I felt stress; however, I knew where and how to find peace—God.

 

No one knows what tomorrow holds. But we do know the promise of today, and that God never changes.

Application

Where is the source of your unrest today?

 

Prayer

Father, thank you for being my constant and help me to always find rest in you.

 

“Ride the Wave”

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.

Psalm 93:4

 

I remember at an early age venturing out into the ocean to experience the waves. My father had a love for the ocean. He loved to be in the water and ride the waves. I remember how he taught my brother and me to back into the water to break the waves and how to ride a wave. After several jumps, splashes, dunks, and mouthfuls of water, we had the confidence to enjoy the water.

 

Learning to enjoy the ocean water is much like steering through life. The water is unpredictable and will take you down in an instant; however in the next sweep, you may have the ride of your life at the top of a wave. The wave that may knock my brother down may be the wave that I ride.

 

We cannot predict the hard or easy times of life; nor, can we always be prepared. God, however, knows and sees the waters of our life. We are never out of His sight. If we will keep our eyes on Him, he will navigate us as we ride the waves of life.

 

 

Application

Are you focused on what knocks you down or what can carry you through?

 

Prayer

Father, help me remember that you teach and guide. May I rest in you.