Heightened awareness of the Jesus story
Deepening joy...or depression
More generous givingChristmas changes us because, for a few weeks, we let more of Jesus into the fray.
Nativity images, the fight to preserve Merry Christmas over Happy Holidays, increased church participation, music that stirs memories of past celebrations of the Savior combine to increase minutes focused somehow on Jesus.
Pondering him gives us access to his power, from which we come away always changed.
Talk of Jesus stirs our wiring that recognizes we are created to worship our Creator, leading us toward this truth in Hebrews 11:
...anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.Our usually hardened hearts find a moment in which we want to approach God. Will he reject us? How can he love me? Isn't this Christmas stuff basically commercial hype?
Fear of being stirred toward hope is a very real fear. It may change everything I am living for. What then?
To trust or not to trust the Christmas story...
We can love ourselves enough to risk being known and loved by God himself.
May this stirring of your wiring lead you to your true home this Christmas.
Tomorrow: We give with freer hearts.
Image: Little Wonders' Days
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