"Got Room?"

Devotion - December 25, 2008 - Dr. Joe Savage

We are all in different situations in life right now. Some are doing well. Some are doing not so well. Some are facing huge challenges and some are in the midst of great excitement and expectation. No matter where you are today I hope that you realize how much God truly loves you.

The entire concept and purpose of Christmas can be summarized into one sentence: "For God so loved the world (you) that He gave His only Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

On the night God gave His only Son, no one had "room" for the Savior's birth. The citizens of Bethlehem made a choice to deny Mary, Joseph, and the one who would be called Jesus or "Savior." I'm not sure the reason people didn't invite the young couple into their home, but I'm sure they each had their reasons.

The same is true today. Often we find reasons not to make room for Jesus in our lives. We don't do it out of hatred, wrath, or ignorance. We typically do it out of busyness, complacency, or simply the lack of focus. I think we often take Jesus for granted.

To make "room" for Jesus (God's gift) is a choice. Either you can accept and make room for Jesus (the gift) or you can instead simply say thank you while never using the gift that God gave.

I pray that you will make room for God's greatest gift of love. How? First by asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Below is a sample prayer to help you.

Second, by taking the time to quietly meditate and pray to God. Think about His gift. Read the Christmas story. Reflect on His goodness. Talk with God today!

Have merry Christmas!

Joe Savage

Today's Prayer
"Father, I welcome your gift of Jesus into my heart. I ask you to be my Lord and Savior. I accept your gift of salvation. I thank you for your amazing gift of love. Forgive my sins this night and help me to love and serve you all the days of my life. Thank you Father. Thank you Jesus. I love you. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen."

NOTE: If I can be of any assistance regarding having a personal relationship with Jesus or any other spiritual matter, just let me know. You can respond to this email. Joe
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"Seriously . . . It's about Jesus"

Devotion - December 20, 2008 - Dr. Joe Savage

Let me get right to the point.

Christmas is totally and completely about Jesus. If there was no Jesus being born in a manger then there is no Christmas today. It is just that simple.

Do you realize how much symbolism and Christmas traditions are centered on Christ? Let me give you some example:

The candy cane - The popular holiday candy was originally made by a candy maker as a way to teach children in a church Christmas play about Jesus. The candy was shaped like a shepherd's staff to teach how Jesus came to be our shepherd; its red and white color was to symbolize his blood that makes us "white as snow"; and it was striped to symbolize how "by His stripes we are healed".

The Christmas tree - Made popular by Christians living in Europe as a way to reveal how Christ "died on a tree" (the cross) for our sins.

Ornaments - Originally Christians hung apples on their trees symbolizing the fruit that Adam and Eve ate in the garden on Eden that was the first human sin.  The idea of hanging ornaments (apples) was to remember how they needed to hang their sin on the tree (Christ's cross).

Gift giving - Originated by Christians who exchanged gifts as a way to remember the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus after his birth." Also it revealed how Jesus was and still is "God's gift to us."

Music (Christmas songs) - Many of the great cathedrals in Europe and even some of the small villages would present dramas and musical productions during Christmas for all to attend. Many of our great holiday songs derived from these productions.

Santa Claus - "Saint Nicholas" was a Catholic saint in Europe who provided gifts to impoverished children as part of a way to acknowledge God's gift to us - Jesus.  His acts of kindness and generosity ultimately became the person we now revere as Santa Claus.

The list could go on and on. Christmas is a Christian holiday! Christmas is about Jesus! The summation of the real Christmas story comes from Matthew 1:21, "She will give birth to a son, and you [Joseph] are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." The name Jesus means "Savior."

No doubt, Christmas is an awesome time to gather with family, give gifts, decorate homes, and eat plenty. BUT, please remember; without Jesus there would be no Christmas! 
 

If you go through this next week without really and sincerely giving your focus, heart, and worship toward Jesus then you will absolutely blow it!

Don't miss the real reason for the season. His name is Jesus, period!

Today's Prayer
"Lord, I acknowledge that Christmas is about Jesus. I desire to worship you this week. Help me to see this Christmas and to live this Christmas with you as the focus of all of my life. I look forward to worshipping you this week. In Jesus' name. Amen."

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