“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
No room for them. No vacancy. No place. Words that still seem to hang close, even today.
In a world that seeks to crowd Jesus out, where busyness abounds, and hearts are stirred to focus on other things, it can be hard sometimes to choose to keep Him first. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the whole hurried dash of the holidays, and to give our attention to what seems more urgent. Our focus gets blurred; and the most important gets pushed aside.
It takes an active and daily choice to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says you’re too busy to focus there. Or that life is too full. And there’s no more room.
May God help us to choose wisely, what voices we listen to, and where we give our attention today.
He is the One who brings true meaning to Christmas.
He is the One who brings real peace in this all-too-often hectic season.
He is the only One worthy of our time and attention as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives.
We can know all of this in our heads, but may He help us to really believe it in our hearts…and choose to live it out this season.
Renewed.
Refreshed.
Making room for Him, first.
Dear God,
Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you today…and keep you first in our hearts and lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Less of me, more of Him, make room for Jesus…
Image by ibelieve.com
(This post also appeared here: http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-put-jesus-first-this-christmas-season-your-daily-prayer-december-20-2016.html)
Thank you! I can’t tell you how much I needed tO hear that today. I could sense God’s Spirit fall gently upon me even as I was reading the last of your post. And much-needed peace settled upon my heart! ♡ I pray God will bless you & your loved ones this Christmas!
Thank you so much Joni, for reading & being here, God’s blessings to you this Christmas & New Year!
Thanks Debbie, your words is blessing to many,May our loving God in Christ Jesus strengthen you and expand your boundaries this season of xmass.
This was great, Debbie! I love that you turned your desire to keep Christ in Christmas into a prayer!! ❤️
Blessings to you for sending this CHRISTmas message and prayer!
Amen! Stunning prayer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing the precious words the Lord put on your heart. Praying that you have a lovely Advent season. <3
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful message and prayer! They are gifts! This message was very real for me this week, and I have felt god’s very powerful presence. After 8.5 years of follow up I was released from the care of gynaeoncology care for Ovarian cancer. He told me I had a 50/50 chance of making it and I was on the right side of 50. I am feeling very blessed and gifted, with the grace of God I have been able to see my daughter graduate from university twice and last year we took a trip to four countries in Europe. His love for us is truly the greatest gift of all and throughout my experience no matter the outcome I knew he would always be by my side.
.
Beautiful prayer! Thank you for sharing! It serves as a great reminder.
Beautiful. Prayed this along with you.