"Christmas - Part 2"

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
Luke 2:19-20

     In last week's edition we learned that if Christmas is going to be a matter of the heart bringing praise and glory to God, there are a few things we must hold to. Below is the continuation of last week's devotion.

T –Traditions
   Establish some family traditions that will have you looking forward with anticipation every year. Having certain things that you always do adds to the richness of the season. Maybe it would be a certain day you go pick out a tree, or a certain night to decorate it, or a day to decorate the exterior of the house, or a drive to look at Christmas lights, but think of special traditions your family could establish. We enjoy getting up early Christmas morning and reading the Christmas story (Matthew 1:18-25 or Luke 2:1-20) before we open up presents.

M –Memories! Memories! Memories!
   Make the most of every moment, so you will have some things that you can keep and ponder in your heart the rest of your life. That is exactly what Mary did at the birth of Christ. Oh, the precious memories I have of childhood Christmases, and time with mother and dad. These things are what last a lifetime. The gifts may fade and wear away but memories last!

A –Attitude
   Some get a bad one this time of year. Maybe there has been heartbreak, or trouble, or finances are low, or it's just a bad spirit, but there are some who want to “bah-humbug” Christmas. No matter what you have been through, Christ has the answer so you can praise and glorify God like the shepherds did! If you have lost a loved one, thank God for Christ coming to make a way to heaven! If you have been hurt in some way, thank God for the healing touch of Jesus! If you don’t have the money you think you should have, thank God for what you do have! No matter what, have a good attitude!

S –Surprise
   Keep the gifts a surprise for Christmas day. This adds fun and festivity to the season. Some people can’t keep secrets! Surprises help keep the anticipation, and that’s part of the excitement for the children. It also adds to the meaning of the gift. In other words, making someone wait on their gifts adds a greater value to it. It will be cherished more. Why did God keep promising a Saviour and a Deliverer thousands of years before Christ? He had His people looking forward with anticipation. The same applies to the return of Christ! We are to be watching and waiting for Him!

Enjoy your Christmas season. Make the most of it!

Study verses: Gen 3:15 with Gal 3:16; Hosea 11:1 with Matthew 2: 14, 15; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20

Previous devotions

"Christmas - Part 1" - December 9, 2009
"Walk in Truth" - December 2, 2009