An Important Reminder On Christmas Day

I got up this morning around 6:30 or so and decided to watch the 3rd Spiderman movie on my laptop. It was a really good movie. After that, I texted my boyfriend telling him about it and I wished I had saved it for when we saw each other again. We talked for a little while longer about different things-mainly about Christmas. After I got off the phone with him, I went online to read Our Daily Bread which is a devotional I learn so much from. This time the message really struck a chord within me. The title of the message was called "The Blessing Tree" and they read from Luke 1:46-55. It talked about how Mary was rejoicing. She said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior" (vv. 46-47). In the message itself, it talked about this young couple who's business had failed and they had to move out of their home just after New Year's! Since it was Christmas, they didn't want that situation to ruin it so they decided to throw a party. They found a cedar tree and decorated it with one string of lights and paper rolled up into balls tied to the tree with ribbon. When their guests arrived and saw the tree, they happily said "Welcome to our Blessing Tree!" The young couple explained to their guests that they dedicated their tree to God. No matter what hard times they faced, God blessed them in so many ways. They said that each piece of paper represents a blessing God has given them this year (which was that year they celebrated as they did).

I quote directly from the devotional this: "This couple has faced more trials since then, but they have chosen to stay focused on the Lord. They often remark that the Christmas with the “blessing tree” was one of their most beautiful, because they could testify as Mary did: “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. . . . He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:47-49). I can truly identify with this couple. I've been through some very hard times (e.g. trying to stay in school) and I'm still going through hard times now. Yet, this reading reminded me that through tough times, I can rejoice in the Lord. He has blessed me in so many ways. He blessed me with a wonderful family, a place to live, good friends and an amazing boyfriend. Most of all, He has blessed me with true love-a love only He can give.

What really put a hold on me was the reminder that was included in this message. They usually end their devotions with a poem and a reminder. It's short but absolutely sweet. Here is the poem first:

Jesus came—and came for me!
Simple words, and yet expressing
Depths of holy mystery,
Depths of wondrous love and blessing. —Havergal

And the reminder was: To give meaning to Christmas, give Christ first place. Oh my gosh, that hit me hard! So hard, I nearly cried. That line convicted me so much. Did I give Christ first place today? No, I didn't. I gave Spiderman and my boyfriend first place today. It hurts but it is the truth. Right then and there I repented before God. I asked Him to forgive me and I know He did. I love how God forgives us and tosses what we repented of into the Sea of Forgetfulness. That's such an awesome thing to think about! What I learned today was this: there is a time and a place for everything but we need to remember that God is first in place. Yes there is always time for talking with friends and watching movies, but it's absolutely imporatant that we're aware of the fact that God IS with us....not just some of time but all the time!! "Put God First?" It's not just a saying-it's the way of Christian life.

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You and praise You so much for this wonderful reminder You have shown me today. You are such an awesome God! May I never forget that. I pray that as I keep on living, I'll learn more and more to put You first in EVERYTHING I do. You are my #1 and my Inspiration. You are my Magnificent Obsession, the One I need, the One I thirst for and long for. I praise and thank You for being born on this day. I just want to say with everything that is within me HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!! Words can't describe how much You mean to me. I love You so very much and I give Your precious name ALL praise, ALL honor and ALL glory forevermore!! In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen!!!