True Meaning of Christmas

I've been so busy this week that the joy of this season began to escape me. I felt swamped in the midst of ministry, children, shopping, cooking and cleaning. As I served, I struggled with walking in love. I really had to pray and make a concious effort to give with a joyful heart. God wonderfully answered my prayer! We fed many families and gave away lots of donated gifts at church this week. It truly was a joy to serve others in this way right along side my family and friends. My children happily gave gifts to children who probably would not have had the opportunity to receive anything this Christmas, yet in my heart I struggled. I fought the enemy as I served, I so wanted those around me to sense the Lord's love through me. Praise God, He amazingly moved in my heart and I gave with joy!
I was extremely exhausted today and I just wanted to sleep when my husband reminded me of the candlelight service at church this evening. I truly had little desire to be there, I just wanted to sleep-so again I asked God for strength and strength He gave me. He completely changed my attitude and gave me the energy that I needed for the night! I'm so glad that I was there! Worshiping my Savior was the perfect way to bring in the celebration of His birth! Bowing down in His presence in remembrance of His coming was just what I needed. It was such a beautiful service and such a great time of fellowship with family and friends. It settled me and reminded me of the true meaning of this season. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin to set me free. Mary took the risk of simply trusting the word of God as she carried His Son. I want to trust Him like that. Jesus Christ was born in a manger to teach me humility. He was sought out to by the enemy to be killed, yet He escaped. The enemy wants to destroy me too, yet because of Christ, I'm free. It excites me to know that I have the victory-because of Him. Wise men sought Him out to bring Him gifts, do I seek Him to give Him the praise that He deserves? It's Christmas, the celebration of my king. Why don't you make Him your king today? Simply surrender all of who you are to Him. Just ask Him to forgive you of your sins and acknowledge Him as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Give Him your best gift today on His birthday give Him your life!