DON'T MiSS HiM!!!

Don't Miss Him!
By Marybeth Whalen

"We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69 (NIV)

Devotion:
I remember reading an account of the Christmas story that focused on all the people who came in contact with that young couple searching for a place to stay--the busy townspeople dealing with the crowds, the innkeeper too busy counting his money and taking care of guests to be bothered for long, the other travelers worried about where they would sleep. The author pointed out that so many of us still make the same mistake of rushing past the drama that unfolded in a forgotten corner of Bethlehem that night. Consumed with our own problems and issues, we glance away from the significance of Jesus' arrival to focus on a myriad of tasks. And in all our rushing and stress, we miss an opportunity to connect with our Savior in a whole new way.
There are only a few people mentioned in the Christmas story, yet we know that the city was filled to bursting with travelers and citizens. There was no lack of folks there who could have welcomed the Christ child. They just didn't stop long enough to look for Him. Though He was right under their noses, they scurried right past Him. I often wonder if those who were there that night later told the story down through the ages, "I was in Bethlehem that night, you know. I stayed just a few houses away from that stable. I could have seen Him if I would have known." Those folks could have stood in adoration alongside Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds, marveling at what God was doing before their very eyes. And they missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
And yet, how many of us say the very same thing about Jesus, even now? If only we had more time. If only we had more money and didn't have to work so hard. If only we weren't so busy. "Then Jesus," we say, "Then I would be able to really know You. Instead, I race past You, unaware. And I lose out on the opportunity to see You in the process, to touch You. To know what it means to utter" Immanuel, God with us. God with me."
Don't miss Jesus this year in all your busyness. Don't be like the busy citizens of Bethlehem who could have had a part in God's story if only they would have stopped long enough to look for Him. Make Jesus your focus this year and allow Him to show you how to slow down, to be less busy, less stressed. Ask Him what you can let go of. Ask Him to give you the courage to say no when you need to. Ask Him to help you have an encounter with Him like never before. What better time to do it than now, at Christmas, when our thoughts are focused on His coming. There has never been a better time to allow Him to come into your life, your heart. Look for Him around every corner, in every face, in every moment.

Dear Lord, Right now I am stopping to tell You that I do not want to miss You. I am committing to look for You everywhere instead of rushing right past You. I want to know You intimately. Thank You for coming to earth back then, and thank You for coming into my heart and life now. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

this was one of my devotionals for the day. i just thought i'd share it for all of you americans out there getting ready for the CHRISTmas season!...I've been looking forward to this Christmas since I knew I was coming to Nicaragua. Yes, I dearly miss being in TN for Christmas b/c of my family and friends, the cold weather, and the sense of hope you get through this season, but I don't miss for one second, all the rushing around, hopelessly looking for that perfect gift (or 20 gifts) for each person. I finally have an opportunity in my life to get past all the materialism of Christmas in America and get my focus on the real reason for why we have this season. Jesus. Cheryl and I have been reading updates on all the businesses that no longer allow "Merry CHRISTmas" in their stores, etc. But if you take away Christ, you have no holiday. you have no celebration. that's the only reason we celebrate, b/c of Christ. so what are they celebrating during our season of celebrating our Savior!? hmm. i wonder if they have thought about that?? they take the part that they like (the gifts), and trash the rest. we, as Christians, must show them that there is more than presents and gifts for celebration. we must celebrate CHRIST!!! Don't miss him!!!
MUCH LOVE!