Christmas Day 5

Tonight I am venturing away from the tangible ways I am attempting to bring the Christmas Spirit into my home and taking a look at the actual Spirit of Christmas.

As I sat listening to our youth Pastor deliver a message this morning in his series entitled "X-mas Files" I was moved by the simplicity and depth of all that Christmas holds.

During these days of December I have been focusing on the preparations of the Christmas season. Yet I wonder if I am fully prepared for Christ Himself!

Sharing from a personal story Pastor Nate was used by God to speak loudly to my Spirit. There was a time when Pastor Nate was in the right place at the right time to be used yet he was not fully prepared so he was passed by and I'm sure felt dejected. Eventually he came to a place of repentance and ultimately God's grace was poured out over him so that when the opportunity arose again he was not only in the right place at the right time but he was also Prepared.

Of course, that is a short synopsis of the story yet if we look at the parable of the 10 virgins in the first part of Matthew 25 we see a similar story; a story that speaks directly to not just being in the right place at the right time but being fully prepared.

Being fully prepared to be used in God's kingdom, for His glory, and for His purposes!

I wonder tonight if I am prepared! Prepared to say yes when an opportunity arises to be used in the life of a hurting soul, prepared to speak truth to a broken heart, prepared to feed, clothe and fulfill the needs of someone suffering a set back, prepared to offer hope to the lonely.

It has been an extremely difficult season in our home and I admit I've become a bit depressed and self absorbed through it all. There are days I just dream of having someone minister to me instead of me having to minister to my hubby and family, yet I don't think I could do life any other way. God has bolstered me up under the stresses of this season and has given me the confidence in knowing that He sees my heart, knows my thoughts, feeds my soul and aptly supplies my needs spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Taking the necessary steps to 'get into the spirit of Christmas' is important to me this year but not nearly as important as understanding and living the Christmas Spirit. The Christmas Spirit is the Spirit of Giving, The Gift God Gave, The Gift We have Received, The Gift of Life!!! The Christmas Spirit I wish to maintain throughout my year and my life must be foremost in my heart.

How do we become fully prepared? Relationship!!! It's all about our daily walk with Jesus!! Are we spending time in His Word? Are we taking daily time to just listen to His still small voice? Are we worshiping our Creator? Are we in the midst of Relationship with Him? Do we have our armor on? Is there oil in our lamps?

Tonight I am thankful for the reminders of my need to be prepared!

Though I may still be struggling with the 'tangible' preparations, I am resting in the Lord knowing that my heart is linked with His and we will continue to build our relationship.

Considering The Christmas Spirit With Joy,
Cindy