Your Invitation This Season

What part of the Christmas story speaks the most to you?

I think I like the way Jesus came the most.  In the stillness and darkness of night…inside a lowly stable…the long awaited Savior was born as a helpless babe…born into a humble family…first greeted by the animals and shepherds keeping their flocks nearby.

There was no show, although Jesus most rightfully is worthy of one.  But our loving Creator God initiated the restoration of the sinful world to Himself through a relationship from the very beginning.  A mother and father, a baby, a silent night, an intimate gathering to reflect the heart of an intimate Father.

Our world likes to take December and fill it with busy things.  It is tempting to fill our time with temporary moments of pleasure, and even things that hold some value…but when done outside of abiding with Him, leave us empty and wanting more.

It’s so easy to forget to sit at the feet of the One who is the reason we celebrate.  To forget to draw near and worship the Savior who came for us.

It is tempting to fall into the trap of keeping up with a plan more than finding rest through a Person.

But Jesus is calling each of our names.  Just as He revealed Himself to the Shepherds long ago, He is inviting each of us to run to the manger to see the thing which the Lord has fulfilled (Luke 2: 15).

And I ask myself these questions–am I running to Jesus at Christmas time or am I running to busyness?  Am I struck by the wonder of God’s keeping of promises through sending His son or am I amazed at my own striving to accomplish the Christmas experience I desire?

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  — Mark 6:31

This Season, I am inviting you to join me in the Jesse Tree.  A tool in which we choose to remain in the quiet and stillness of the manger.  Where the masks come off, strivings cease, and we allow ourselves to rest in God’s amazing love and provision through His son.

To come away with Jesus and get some rest.

To nurture the relationship.  To remember He IS the gift.

Know what I think would be awesome?

If you and I spent December enjoying extra long quiet time in God’s Word.  If we had quiet moments by the fire or our favorite candle listening to music, stilling our souls, waiting for God’s voice.

If we shared more face to face conversations, belly laughs, and physical touches with our friends and family.  If we stopped looking around us for what we may be missing and instead settled into our own space and days with gratefulness.  That we would pay attention to the gifts God gives right in the ordinary.

That we would spend more time doing the things that keep us from looking at our screens.  That we would enjoy the rest instead of feeling guilty about it.

That our perspective would be again and again turned to Jesus.  That He would glorify His name through us.

That we would look back at our month of December on Christmas Day and smile, because we nurtured the relationships we have been given.

We met with God in the quiet places and found rest for our souls.  Ahhhh.  Yes.

All reflected in the beauty, the simplicity, and the value in presence over perfection.

Next month, December, will be quiet as an encouragement and reminder (and accountability) to desperately depend upon and enjoy the gift of Christmas.

Oh I’ll be around and check in on you from time to time…but my priority will be leading you right back to the relationship that matters most.

What do you say?

Will you take the first step with me?  We can begin our journey hand in hand.

Grab your Jesse Tree family devotional for only $5 right now.  Coupon code is JESSE2018.

Oh I do hope you will join us!