What plans do you have for Christmas? Skiing in the Tetons? Sunning in Cancun? A family gathering in an idyllic snow covered cabin in the Smoky Mountains? Christmas beckons us to enter into great joy, love, laughter, peace, family, friends, gifts and peace. We greatly anticipate this gift of time celebrating what means most to us. But, ah my friend, I can tell you that there is nothing that makes the celebration of Christmas more meaningful than when our plans are enriched by the Almighty presence of God.
When God is our center, He gives us the richest plans for Christmas!
After all, it is HIS birthday we are celebrating, and it should be ALL about HIM. It’s ironic how Christ’s birth set in motion a plan—that was all about US—so He could make us more like HIM. When we tune into Him, He gives us a plan to experience the TRUE richness of Christmas!
What do I mean by “richness of Christmas?”
Well, let’s look at the example of Christ. The Bible says:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
We cannot fathom the degree of richness Christ gave up in leaving the splendors of Heaven in order to come to earth to die for us. Why did He do this? Well, so WE could become “rich.” My friend, if you don’t feel rich now—it’s NOT because you don’t have enough stuff. We were created to be rich in something much greater than worldly possessions.
We were created to enjoy riches far greater than money or things.
The Bible explains:
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with EVERYTHING to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
God has a plan for each of us to take hold of that which is truly life! What about giving yourself THIS gift at Christmas? If you have been born again, you have taken the first step! The journey begins and the daily challenge of 100% surrendering to God.
Do you REALLY want to know God’s RICHEST plan for YOU for this Christmas?
If so, you’re in for a treat! It’s always amazing how when we ask God for guidance with a heart fully open to His plan, He is so faithful to give us an experience of joy far exceeding anything we would have discovered on our own. God’s plan is to take us from our selfishness, fear, pride, and vanity—these things that rob us of joy—and introduce us to giving the way He gives.
Jesus gave His heart and time to people everywhere He went. He didn’t give them cars, money or homes. He gave them love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, and all the gifts of His Spirit. Jesus didn’t discriminate based upon economic status, social foibles, religious affiliation, failure, race, or any human factor. His focus was the treasure He saw in each person who is created in His image. When we live in His presence, we capture the essence of the richness of Christmas and “take hold on that which is truly life.” We give His eternal gifts to others!
The richness of Christmas becomes our gift when we give 100% of all we have to Christ and He, in turn, uses us to give—the richest gifts we possess—to others.
