Last night as I was reading to Georgia before bed, the Lord spoke. We were reading an awesome book about birthdays, not because I am some great mom theologian teaching about Jesus on Christmas Eve… but she picked it out because it is one of her favorite books. Throughout the book it speaks of hanging the decorations, sending the invitations, opening the birthday presents & the birthday cards and then at the very end it speaks of how thankful the little girl was for spending time with her at her birthday party. And that is when it hit.
Has Jesus ever told me “thank you” for spending time with Him on His Birthday?
This year, Christmas has been completely different for me. This year, I forced myself to be less busy and to truly focus… and it has changed my Christmas.
When I was a kid, and even many years into my adulthood (honestly, until last year), Christmas was really only about the presents. I would get so excited about what I would open and what I would get to take home with me. But this year, after spending more time with Him in His Word than ever before, this Christmas is truly about so much more. Even when you look at your grandparents and how they celebrate Christmas. They literally only want to be around you and family. They want your presence, not your presents. Maturity equals a switch in focus. Time with Him changes your viewpoint on life and then on Christmas. Jesus wants our time. Jesus wants our presence.
This December has been the best December in my entire life.
If I were to give Jesus a birthday present, something that He has never had before… what would it be? Today, in this early morning moment on Christmas morning, while my house is still and quiet and the only thing on is my Christmas tree lights and my coffee pot. Today, I want to give Jesus the one thing that he really wants… my time. The first hour of every day, may it always be devoted to Him. Happy Birthday, Jesus! Happy Birthday.
P.S. Thanks Georgia for choosing the absolutely perfect book to read on Christmas Eve!