Christmas Day is right around the corner. A day to celebrate, thanking God for the gift of His only Son, Jesus. The Babe of Bethlehem. The promised Messiah, who saves us and makes us His own. That should be the best Christmas gift of all. Is it enough for you?

As you explore this gift, you discover that you can have a relationship with God unlike any other. Where you can cozy up closer to Jesus and pour out your heart to Him. Is that like your bond with God? Or mine? Or are we a tad too polite to ask Him for something? Presumptuous to expect the Lord of Creation and History to pay any attention to little old me? Or you?

I’ve known some who think it’s selfish to ask the Lord for anything for themselves. And we know many who can’t see beyond themselves. Oy veh, such a choice. I’d rather be like those found in Psalm 107.

In what way? All throughout this psalm, a certain phrase is repeated–‘Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress’ (Ps. 107: 6, 13, 19, 28). Four times they wail and howl to God, shedding buckets of tears. All their troubles are placed at His feet. He hears everything and answers them all in His way and in His time. Should we hold back and tough it out all on our own? Not on your life. For cryin’ out loud, tell your Lord!

There’s even more found in Psalm 107–‘Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man’ (vs. 8, 15, 21, 31). Don’t forget to be thankful, especially during the Christmas season. Keep Christ front and center. Never use His name as a swear word. Never. But bless Jesus, exuding appreciation and gratitude. Instead of a potty mouth, always have a holy one.

Enjoy a very Merry Christmas. And a Happy Christmas to all our British and Commonwealth readers as well!

Thank you, Jesus, for coming into our world to love and save us and be with us forever. Such a gift. Amen.