A week from today is the annual Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Christmas is the only birthday party I’ve ever known when the participants exchange gifts with each other instead of presenting them to the “birthday boy”. After all, what do you give the one through whom all things were created? What present befits the one who loves us so much He died for our sins and rose again to prove His promise of eternal life for everyone who believes in and follows Him? Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure He is fine with our exchange of gifts. He commands us to love one another just as He loves us. I just think we should give Jesus the gifts He wants from us.
What does Jesus want to receive from us? In addition to our faith in Him, our praise and worship, He wants some of our time each day to be spent with Him. I work with Him on my blog twice a week, usually between 10pm and 11pm. It seems like a good time to avoid interruptions and distractions. It also helps me sleep soundly afterward. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, beginning on Christmas Eve I plan to dedicate an hour to spend with my Lord every evening for the next year. I’m hoping by that time it will become a cherished habit. One of my favorite old hymns is Sweet Hour of Prayer. In this fast paced world, we are lucky if it is, sweet five minutes of prayer. I hope to correct that.
I’m not going to challenge you to do the same. I never accept challenges online either, but maybe you might want to spend more time in prayer with our Lord each day. My time with Him has always had a positive impact on me.