What is This Season All About?

I went out for coffee with a friend yesterday and she had some great insight into the meaning of this Christmas season. It really helped put things into perspective for me, so I'd like to share it with you. Paraphrasing....


She said that whenever any of her boys (Paul, Drew, Jake) or Hubby (Brad) has a birthday, she spends a lot of time working out the details, planning every little aspect of the party. She thinks, "What kind of cake would he like?" "Who would he like to invite?" "What would make his day extra special?" She continued by saying, "Christmas has become just a routine for me, I put up the tree, buy the presents, make cookies, do all of the things I am 'supposed' to do for Christmas and yet I never ask Jesus, 'What would you like for your birthday party?' "

This really hit me and made me think about the choices that I make all month long during the Christmas season. I go to parties, spend time with family, wrap gifts, do everything that people expect of me and the things that society puts emphasis on, but don't often stop and say, "Jesus, what would YOU like me to do? How would YOU like me to celebrate your birthday?"

All day, I've felt that what He truly wants from me is my time and devotion to Him. He definitely deserves it all. He knows about the things that I have to do this month and this week, the preparations that have to take place, but the #1 priority this month is Him...it's His birthday celebration and I want to do it up big!

Father, I praise you for what you've done for me...you sent your Son to earth to save me from my sin and live a life of victory! I am eagerly anticipating the celebration of your Son, Jesus' birth. Help me to truly celebrate Him everyday! Jesus, I will give you the gift of my time and devotion this month. Continue to remind me that this is what it's all about!!