Daily Devotional for December 22, 2014

Zephaniah 3:16-17
Jerusalem, the time is coming,
    when it will be said to you:
“Don’t be discouraged
    or grow weak from fear!

The Lord your God
wins victory after victory
    and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
    because of you,
and he will refresh your life
    with his love.”

 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
We’re in the “home stretch”!  Timothy held up three fingers today (meaning three more “sleeps”) and said, “Thursday is Christmas…and we come to YOUR house!” All over the world, thousands of people have a lot left to do in those “three sleeps”.  My cousin has a 7-foot trampoline on his carport that has to be assembled.  People were scrambling up and down the aisles at Wal-Mart today to purchase food for holiday meals.  Others have presents to wrap, turkeys and hams to cook…and no doubt, more than a few parents have toys with hundreds of parts to assemble before Christmas morning.
 
As you “race toward the Finish Line” of this Christmas week, stop to take a few minutes and reflect on what is really important.  Take time to put some coins in the red kettle as you exit the store.  Spend a few minutes in conversation with someone you meet in the parking lot…or a shut-in who could really use a visit in the next few days.  Do something wonderful for someone – not because it is Christmas, but “just because”.  Call someone you have not talked to in a while…if only to say, “Merry Christmas!”
 
Don’t get bogged down in the “busyness” of this week.  Stop and celebrate the victories that Jesus wins for you.  Revel in the confidence that He is always with you – that He truly does celebrate and sing - because of YOU.  Feel His refreshment, His love, and His presence.  Be filled with joy that Jesus loves you…now and forever!
 
Make a concerted effort to celebrate Jesus these next few days.  He truly IS the reason for the season!
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

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