Shopping lists. Laundry. Christmas cards. Bills. Cookie Exchanges. Final Exams. Christmas Caroling. Picking up kids from college. Secret Santas. Mop the floor. Black Friday specials. Doctor’s appointments. Women’s Christmas Tea. Soup kitchen. Nativity programs. Homework. School programs.
But where does Jesus fit into our holiday rhythm?
Our December calendars are jam-packed with traditions and festivities, squeezed into already too full schedules. Survival requires finding an extra five hours a week to keep up with the commitments, and in the process maintain our sanity and sweetness. I don’t know about you, but I’m not that good! I can’t stop the clock!
When the schedule leaves no time to breathe or reflect, I become simply irritable. That, my friends, is not how I want to experience this holiday season. So, I’m going to do something entirely different. I’m going to put my eyes on the Lord.* I’m going to focus on hearing Him, seeking Him, finding Him, and needing Him more than ever before.
It means I’m going to pass on some of the holiday commitments and put off some chores until January. I might not do Christmas cards and the stockings might be a little less full. Yes, my house might get a little bit more dusty and the kids might need to pick through the clean laundry baskets for their clothes. Because I’m going to chose to slow down to make room for Jesus this Christmas.
I don’t want my inn to be so full that He gets turned away again.
Without our manager-child, there would be no Christmas. I can think of no better time to treasure the gifts I can never buy, 12 eternal gifts.
Will You Join Me in Treasuring 12 Eternal Gifts?
It is simple. Each day I’ll post an “eternal gift” along with a verse and prayer. My words will be few. You can join me by linking up to a post, a facebook thought, a twitter sentence, or a comment sharing about that day’s gift through a verse, song, picture or personal reflection. You don’t have to participate every day. This is a journey for you with the Lord. Participate when you can. Share when you do.
Take a minute to link up on this post to let us know you plan on treasuring 12 eternal gifts this Christmas season. Feel free to post the button at your blog and spread the word. It would be fantastic to have a community treasuring God’s gifts together.
Day 1 ~ Let my Spirit fill you.
Day 2 ~ Let my Word satisfy you.
Day 3 ~ Let my Living Water refresh you.
Day 4 ~ Let my love surround you.
Day 5 ~ Let my forgiveness heal you.
Day 6 ~ Let my grace transform you.
Day 7 ~ Let my mercy undo you.
Day 8 ~ Let my purposes direct you.
Day 9 ~ Let my plans delight you.
Day 10 ~ Let me. Let me in.
Day 11 ~ Let me rule. Let me reign.
Day 12 ~ For my glory.
click the thumbnail image if you’d like to print an 8.5 x 11 size
* These 12 eternal gifts were penned in a time of prayer, when the Lord pried open the eyes of my heart to see the many ways I’ve shut Him out, and with the gentle hand of a loving Father urged me to live with His presence dwelling full with in my soul. These words hang on my bathroom mirror, reminding me each day to Let Him In.
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What a beautiful way to go through the Christmas season! Sometimes life can get so hectic and it can be all too easy to get my focus on these activities instead of Jesus. This is a timely reminder as December is fast approaching. I will help to spread the word.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thanks so much for joining in and spreading the Word, Debbie. Writing this series has been huge on change my perspective and bringing joy to my heart in the chaos of Christmas!
What a fantastic idea! I stumbled across your new blog after visiting your original blog that I use to read, “Extravagant Grace” and was thrilled to see how our Father had led you in a new direction!
Making sure to add this site to my blogroll so I can be kept up to date with the latest posts and do count me in, on joining in with,”12 Eternal Gifts”.
Sunflower Faith recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving
Sweet sunflower faith…just feeling blessed to be in contact with you again!
Blessings Elisa,
You always come up with the BEST creative ideas! This is such a wonderful way to prepare our hearts (I clicked back here from your Advent post) and then fast forward to Day 1 and now I’m back here.
“I don’t want my inn to be so full that He gets turned away again.”
me either… in fact, I would have loved to JOIN you on this and may still have to find a way… ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ but I just started a “COMPLETELY LOVED” study for these 30 days and that will pretty much occupy my time available. But you do make this so simple!
I so agree that it would be fantastic to have a community treasuring God’s gifts together and what a beautiful way to share the Greatest GIFT! I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! May I post your button and 12 days??? I so love them!
I also delight that something God spoke to you back in September in a time of prayer and closeness comes forth in such a wonderful BLESSING for us all to share! Thank you, Elisa! Much to learn in MORE TO BE! (sorry I’m so late to the party-lol)…
May this season find you with your eyes wide open beholding the GIFT already within you!
Love and many prayers as you open each GIFT,
Peggy
Peggy recently posted..COMPLETELY LOVED: OUR CREATOR
Peggy, thanks for your encouraging words and stopping by! Yes, please do post the button and the 12 days. Happy to share and bless others, in an simple way. And join in when you can, even if it just a comment to let you know you’ve been by!
Even though I am only seeing this page today, I have been on board and so look forward to your writings Lisa
I find myself being rushed into Christmas with a feeling like I am in a crowd of people being pushed along 
I so want to slow it down and spend time with my Lord 
Your blog’s really help set the tone for the day and gives JESUS His rightful place in our hearts. Thank you and bless you my dear friend.<3
To God be all the glory for using this space and words to encourage you! That’s exactly why More to Be exists!
Such a great idea.
Denise recently posted..Word Filled Wednesday
Thanks for stopping by!
What a lovely idea! I’ll be back to read through your other posts. Blessings!
Renee recently posted..Treasured in the heart