To me there is not a more welcoming place to be than in the presence of God. From the time I was young, I have always loved church, loved God’s people and loved serving God in any way. When Jesus came to live inside of us, we can have His presence with us everyday, not just when we go to church. Our hope is fulfilled in knowing that He is always with us. So, my encouragement to you is to make God feel welcome in your life everyday! God takes attendance daily! He notices if you notice Him! Even though the song says that Santa knows when you are sleeping and knows when you are awake, God is the one who really knows everything about you. He counts the numbers of hairs on your head, and knows the thoughts and intents of your heart. Nothing escapes Him. So we should lay out the welcome mat for God permanently. He wants to be involved in your life moment by moment. My hope is that during this season, that you realize that God’s hopes and dreams for you are more than you can even believe. He says your future is filled with hope! He places great value on you and wants you in His close circle of friends. Friendship with God is wonderful and rewarding. Getting to know God up close and personal bring us hope for tomorrow. Knowing that God wants that for us, and was determined enough to make it happen through a baby in a stable, makes the Nativity story come to life. It is more than a story, it is God revealed to us, to live with us, and reside within us as our Emmanuel, to change our life forever.
Advent Activity: Do you have a relative who lives far away who won’t be able to spend Christmas with you? Take time today to make a little video of your decorations, maybe including some singing by your kids, or some of your special Christmas traditions. Get it in the mail, so they can have it to watch by Christmas.
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