christmas thoughts

HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!  i am so blest to see so much family in one day!  the highlight of my day was watching my 16 month old nephew open gifts. although he doesn't yet understand the concept of unwrapping gifts, he sure did like what was inside. he would open a book and want to read it immediately. we joked that out of all his fancy gifts, he loved the matchbox cars the best-- simple, inexpensive, classic toys.

i also exchanged emails with a dear friend today about the Dec. 24 reading from My Utmost for His Highest. one specific line from it was, "The most dangerous and unsure thing is to try to live without God."   it reminded me that God is with me (Immanuel) and was a refreshing devotion to take in this morning. my friend's response was spot on: "It is Christmas and I am lost in presents and video games and movies and noise and I need Jesus to fill me. He is the only stable, sure, worthwhile thing there is."

my nephew was a picture of how i ought to be not only on Christmas, but every day. my focus should be first and foremost on Christ. nothing else will fill me or offer me the security like my Heavenly Father. i leave you with an excerpt from the aforementioned reading. 

It is virtually impossible to doubt when He is there. Every time you are in personal contact with Jesus, His words are real to you. “My peace I give to you . . .” (John 14:27)— a peace which brings an unconstrained confidence and covers you completely, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. “. . . your life is hidden with Christ in God,” and the peace of Jesus Christ that cannot be disturbed has been imparted to you.