Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV 

We decorate our homes, shop for gifts and attend holiday functions as we prepare for Christmas. But how do we ready our hearts to receive the Christ Child and embrace the glory of His birth? 

Holiday stress can lead us far away from finding calm. We forget to consider what Jesus will do to strengthen our hearts with PEACE. We race ahead, focus on other things and place unrealistic expectations on what we need to welcome Christmas.   

Christ wants us to welcome Him with a willingness to discover what He provides. He leads us from the hectic pace of life and longs for us to follow Him. In moments to be still and find strength from surrender, we recognize how it feels to held by the goodness of His faithful LOVE. 

God will renew us with a willing spirit as we breathe in His fullness and reflect on the power of His plan. When we have been led where JOY is found, we will be ready to give the Son of God our adoration, appreciation and gratitude for ALL He has done for each one of us. 

Preparations are wonderful and fun. But we mustn’t become too busy to remember God's will was fulfilled because of Jesus; our HOPE for eternal life. The One who brought light to the darkness is the WAY the truth and the life. Jesus was born to save us of our sin and lead us closer to Him.  

Christmas is so much more than one day to share presents and food. God’s LOVE will remain in our hearts if we WELCOME the gift of His SON and allow Him to renew us with a steadfast spirit. It's GOOD to consider the events of Jesus’ birth, embrace gratitude and make room in our hearts for Him. 

“Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” 

Dear God, thank you for sending Your Son to teach us about the goodness of Your LOVE. Help us experience the beauty of surrender as we reflect on the power of Your plan and welcome strength to be restored. May we never allow JOY to be squelched by busy agendas. Help us begin each day with PRAISE from the moment we open our eyes. It is what we need to receive perfect PEACE and be grateful for Your GIFT to the world. Thank you, Lord. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Amen