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Merry Christmas!

There is little that hasn’t been said, written, read or preached when it comes the story of Christ’s birth. It is so familiar and traditional that the reality is almost lost in the mystery. The fact is, God came to live among us and to be revealed in us, as the song says…God with us, revealed in us! Why? so that we could bring His hope to a lost and lonely world. In 2 Cor. 2:14 Paul writes, God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. God didn’t come so we could celebrate a holiday once a year and experience a few gushy feelings. He came to love the unlovely, the un-loveable. We were once that person; but now, after receiving Christ, we have a divine purpose—to spread his love and share His salvation with everyone wherever we go.

Scriptures
Matt 1:23; 2 Cor. 2:14; Phil 2:3; Rom 12:1-2

Verses
“The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matt 1:23)

Thought
We should always be conscious of what our presence means in each and every situation we encounter. We need to show Christ’s love and regard others more highly than ourselves (Phil 2:3). It is difficult to set aside our personal wants and agenda and the BIG “#selfie” that is the general mentality of our society. However, doing so is how we are called to worship Him (Rom 12:1-2). Jesus came to save us, setting aside his position, glory and personal wants in order to seek and save the lost. We are now his ministers commissioned to reach a world in need of His love!

Questions
What perfume are you leaving after your personal encounters? Do people look forward to the joy you show and hope you share with them? Can you think of someone you know that brings joy?

Response
Remind yourself in every conversation and every encounter that it’s not about you! This is the first line of Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life. Internalize this concept; it will change your life forever!

Prayer
Lord, help all that I do to be about YOU and about others. Teach me to put aside my selfish desires and to want what you want for my life. Open the doors of your grace and glory that I might experience your presence in new and amazing ways this Christmas. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

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