Luke:2 (NIV)

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

As Christmas day approaches, you may have a list of people you intend to bless with gifts.

You may even participate in a secret gift exchange with a group of friends.

You’ve probably been checking the sales and going from store to store trying to get just the right gifts.

Today there’s even the convenience of online shopping and you can order gifts from your laptop.

  Or perhaps you have been so kind as to make donations of toys or food to a family in need during this holiday season.

In Luke 2:10 the announcement of the birth of Jesus is described as an event that would bring great joy to all people.

 The angel was very clear in the declaration that the birth of Jesus would not only bring joy to those who were living during those times  but His birth would bring each one of us great joy!

There was no making lists with names, there was no pulling names from a hat,  and there was no searching to find what particular family was in need.

 The birth of Jesus was and still is a gift of great joy to all of us.

 What an awesome gift!

 All you have to do is accept it and say thank you, Lord.

 The gift was lying in a manger and was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

 There was no elaborate wrapping paper, but yet it is the best gift anyone could receive.

In good times and in bad times, treasure your joy because it truly is a gift from God!

This Christmas season, I am praying you all have a blessed time with family and friends.  I pray you are safe in your travels.  I pray you are happy with the gift of joy that has been so graciously given to each of us.

Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Joy to the world!

 ( Psalm 121: 1-2)

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help! My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth!                             

Where is your focus? Do you constantly look at your situation and try to figure out how you can fix it? Change your focus! Stop looking at your problem and look to the Lord! Psalm 121 tells us to look up to the hills and we will see where our help comes from. Our help comes from the one who made heaven and earth!

If we truly believe God created the heaven and earth, then surely we can seek Him in times of trouble.  We can look to Him for guidance.  We can look to Him for comfort.  We can look to Him in our brokenness and He will be our present help.

Knowing He is the Creator of all, it should come natural to take all of our cares to Him.   For some, that is easier said than done!  How many times have you prayed over a situation, said you were giving it to God to handle and then within a few minutes you have taken it back? Although the prayer has been said, you are not completely letting go and letting God.  Change our focus!  You are too busy focusing on your problems and not focusing on the Lord.  How quickly we are to  cast our cares on Him and say He is our burden bearer.  Then we allow negative thoughts or doubt to kick in and we get distracted from God.  We start to worry over the very thing we said we would give God to handle!

Remember to look to the hills from whence cometh your help!  Look up towards the heavens and know that God is always there.  You are never alone.  Whatever path you are on in life  and no matter how bad things may seem, look up, trust God and let it go!  Trust Him with your family. Trust Him  with your healing. Trust Him with your future. Trust Him with everything! God will take care of all your needs.  He can fix all of your problems.  He can heal your brokenness and restore you to new heights in Him.  Change your focus!

God does not see things as you do.  He already sees you are victorious and He already knows you will be delivered from your brokenness.   Your problem may not resolve itself overnight, but there is a new hope when you turn your problems over to the Lord.  There is a peace that overcomes you when you know God is working things out for you.  Change your focus and look to the hills.  Your help is on the way!

Prayer

Dear Lord, I look to you! I trust you with all that I am going through.  When there is worry, doubt or fear, I will look to you. When there is  lack of confidence, frustration, anger or despair, I will remember to look to the hills from whence cometh my help. I will remember that you created the heavens and the earth. I will remember you are working things out for my good and that you will never leave me or forsake me.  God, I will change my focus and look only to you! You are my help today and always.  I give you all honor and praise! In the wonderful name of Jesus I speak these words unto you and say Amen!