Jesus Calling Christmas Devotional - Week 4 by Thomas Nelson

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Week Four: Thankfulness Introduction to Week Four: When we begin to grasp the boundless love of God that brought Jesus to earth so many Christmases ago, our hearts naturally well up in praise. It is no accident that Isaac Watts' carol, "Joy to the World!" has become such a favorite of Christians all over the world. Ponder again those familiar words: "Joy to the world! The Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing." Christmas and the joyful giving of thanks go together like evergreens and presents, like children and laughter, like frankincense and myrrh. And yet . . . too often, it seems, our longing to thank God for His good gifts gets swallowed up in unexpected trials or unwelcome surprises. The wisest and most joyful of Christians through the centuries, of course, learned how to give thanks despite their circumstances. How can we join our voices to theirs? That's what we want to consider this week, and so make this Christmas a time of thanksgiving like no other.

Day Twenty-Two: Let Thankfulness Flow Read Micah 5:2-3; see also Psalm 90:2; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:15.

Prayer: How can I begin to give You thanks, dear Jesus? You came down from the glory of heaven to put on the body of a human being—as a baby, no less. You grew up, fell and skinned Your knees, ate good food, drank from cool streams, enjoyed the breeze on Your face. You experienced the joys of this earth that You Yourself created, as well as the sorrows and sadness that came as a result of sin so many aeons ago. You went through it all—enduring my temptations, feeling my happiness, weeping my tears. Why? So that You could return to heaven and forever be an advocate. So that You could know my frame, understand my struggles, and be able to say, “I died for her so that she might live. I died so that sin and death might never hold her. I rose again so that she, too, could one day live forever.” What can I say to such love? I am overwhelmed. I did nothing to deserve it. In fact, I pushed and pushed and pushed You away until one day You finally won me over. And my life has never been the same. Thank You, Lord, for Your indescribable gift! — Patricia

Devotion: I speak to you from the depths of eternity. Before the world was formed, I am! You hear Me in the depths of your being, where I have taken up residence. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. I, your Lord and Savior, am alive within you. Learn to tune in to

My living Presence by seeking Me in silence. Whenever you consider the wonder of My birth, celebrate your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful. (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: In what ways has the Lord already been good to you this Christmas season? Write down as many of His blessings as you can think of, and then spend some time praising and thanking Him for His goodness to you.

Day Twenty-Three: The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving Read Hebrews 1:5-6; see also Psalm 116:17; Jonah 2:9; 1 John 1:7.

Prayer: I always want more than I have. Or better than I have. And I’ve been that way since I was a child, Lord. Never quite satisfied, never willing to count the blessings I do have for fear that I’ll be frustrated at how many things are missing from my must-have list. Is it just me? Why am I never happy? When I was little, I thought that having that great bike in the store catalog would do the trick. As a teenager, I was sure that designer labels would suffice. Then I figured getting married would fill the void. Then children, then a nice house, then . . . The list just goes on and on. Even now, I catch myself thinking, Once this problem is laid to rest, I’ll be happy. Or, If only I could go on that cruise, I’d have my dream vacation! But I’m starting to realize that none of these things is the answer. And I can tell that this growing realization is from You. I’m not sure what the solution is for this problem of mine, but I do know this: You have the answer, and You can change my heart. — Mary

Devotion: Bring Me the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. Before Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, thankfulness was as natural as breathing. Satan’s temptation involved pointing Eve to the one thing that was

forbidden her. The garden was filled with luscious, desirable fruits, but Eve focused on the one fruit she couldn’t have rather than being thankful for the many good things freely available. This negative focus darkened her mind, and she succumbed to temptation. When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.” When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through. Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving. (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: You've focused on the reasons you have to be thankful this holiday season; now expand your vision outward. Ask your family members or closest friends to tell you what they have to be thankful for as Christmas approaches. Ask them to describe specific answers to prayer, blessed surprises, long-term faithfulness. And together, if it feels appropriate (or otherwise by yourself), spend some time thanking God for His provision.

Day Twenty-Four: Gifts of Supernatural Proportions Read Hebrews 13:15; see also Luke 24:36; Matthew 28:20; Acts 18:10.

Prayer: I’m ashamed to confess that I thank You only when times are good. I forget to thank You in the rough times. Like now, when I’m having to endure such physical and emotional pain. But there’s no time like the present, is there? So, thank You, Lord, for this hard lesson. Without it, I would never have experienced Your presence like I’ve experienced it in these past few weeks. When I was alone and in pain in the middle of the night, You whispered a word of love and blessing to me. When I despaired and was tempted to complain in the middle of the day, You reminded me of a praise song that spoke of how You would never forsake me. And then You proved Your promise by immediately having a friend call me just to say she was praying for me. I wanted You to take away the pain. Oh, how I argued and railed against You! But rather than giving me what I thought I wanted, You chose instead to give me more of You. This was a gift I didn’t appreciate even a week ago. Now I do. Thank You. — Avery

Devotion: Thank Me throughout this day for My Presence and My Peace. These are gifts of supernatural proportions. Ever since the resurrection, I have comforted My followers with these messages: Peace be with you, and I am with you always. Listen as I offer you My Peace and Presence in full measure. The best way to receive these glorious gifts is to

thank Me for them. It is impossible to spend too much time thanking and praising Me. I created you first and foremost to glorify Me. Thanksgiving and praise put you in proper relationship with Me, opening the way for My riches to flow into you. As you thank Me for My Presence and Peace, you appropriate My richest gifts. (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Take a tour through your favorite Christmas carols, noting all the times they praise God for His grace and love and good gifts. As you read the lyrics, treat these thanksgiving sections as prayers, and lift your voice in adoration of your King.

Day Twenty-Five: Take the Sting Out of Adversity Read Philippians 2:5-7; see also Ephesians 5:20; Psalm 89:15; 118:1.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You know how I am struggling and how bleak everything looks. I’m not only finding it difficult to be grateful; it’s nearly impossible for me not to be bitter all the time. Yet I know that my emotions are deceiving. They reflect only a portion of the whole story. So despite my dark frame of mind, I choose to follow Your command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks.” Hear my heart when I say thank You that the sun is shining brightly today and shows the beauty all around me. Thank You for the people You have placed in my life who bring me laughter and comfort in hard times as well as friendship and love in good times. Thank You for providing for my needs. Even when I’m not sure how You do it, You supply the things I truly require. Thank You for the interests and hobbies that give me pleasure. Thank You that I need not fear for my physical safety. Thank You for the possibility of hope in all situations. And especially, thank You for loving me enough to die for me! — Kendall

Devotion: Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your

circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience—at times, blind obedience. To people who don’t know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain. Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances; but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity. (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Take a quick trip to the mall or some other public place where you're likely to see a lot of people. Notice the individuals—what they're doing, how they're talking, the state of their emotions. Really look at them (without staring!), and then begin to pray that God would break into their lives in a way that they, too, could find the secret of thanking Him. And if the Lord should prompt you to bring some cheer into their lives, follow His nudge.

Day Twenty-Six: A Safeguard Against a Deadly Sin Read John 1:14; see also 1 Corinthians 10:10; Ephesians 5:4; Hebrews 12:28, 29.

Prayer: Today I thought about what has happened to me over the past few weeks, months, years. I recall a lot of pain. There has been heartache, hurt feelings, betrayal, and even some anger. Slowly, as despair crept into my heart, I began to wonder why You would allow such distress to invade my life. But then my thoughts turned to the recent accounts of some visiting missionaries. They related the day-to-day situations of those to whom they minister—from persecution and sickness to abject poverty—and I realized how truly blessed I am. I recognize that You allow each one of Your children to experience exactly what You know we can endure—and no more—so that we may one day be a help and a blessing to others. I have no right to complain, do I? In Your infinite wisdom, You know how each experience will shape me and mold me into someone who will be an effective witness for You. Help me to always be thankful, even when I feel despair tugging at the corners of my heart. — Erik

Devotion: Let thankfulness temper all your thoughts. A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me. I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising My sovereignty. Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin. Furthermore, a grateful attitude

becomes a grid through which you perceive life. Gratitude enables you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances. Cultivate a thankful heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy. (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: The only thing better than cultivating a heart of thankfulness is to help others cultivate it in their hearts, too. How can you be an encouragement and a model for others to express their gratitude to God? Who in your life might need some unexpected encouragement from you in order to develop a thankful heart? How can you partner with God in the ministry of nurturing thankful hearts, especially as we prepare to celebrate the birth of King Jesus?

Day Twenty-Seven: The Language of Love Read Luke 2:13-14; see also 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; Habakkuk 3:17, 18; Psalm 46:1.

Prayer: Sometimes I just long for heaven, Lord! What a wonderful place that will be. Certainly I have more questions than answers about what it will really be like, but Your Word gives enough information to excite me about going there. What joy to one day look into Your face, to sing with the angels, to praise You forever! Where I struggle is in the here and now, when I have to come back to reality. Knowing that the world is not a very nice place most of the time, I strain to reconcile the promise of heaven with the realities of earth—and to feel grateful about what we encounter while we’re here. The glimpses of heaven that I see in the smile of a child or the majesty of creation are shrouded by the sadness, the pain, the evil, the suffering all around me. The discrepancy is too big for me to solve. I almost feel guilty dreaming of heaven when I am surrounded with so many in-this-moment needs. How can I bring heaven to earth? That is, how can I bring an eternal mindset into my daily world? How can I bring my promised future into my present? — Becky

Devotion: A thankful attitude opens windows of heaven. Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity. Moreover, as you look up with a grateful heart, you get glimpses of Glory through those windows. You cannot yet live in heaven, but

you can experience foretastes of your ultimate home. Such samples of heavenly fare revive your hope. Thankfulness opens you up to these experiences, which then provide further reasons to be grateful. Thus, your path becomes an upward spiral: ever increasing in gladness. Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me. A thankful mindset does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations.. I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present and well-proved help in trouble (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Spend some extended time today just focusing on the Lord窶馬ot on His gifts, His benefits, or any element of His good creation. Focus your attention on Jesus Christ Himself. What does He mean to you? Why? When you get to heaven, what do you think you'd like to say to Him first? Soak your mind on thoughts of the Master. And then thank Him for everything He is to you!

Day Twenty-Eight: Let Thankfulness Rule Read Isaiah 12:1-6; see also Psalm 100:4, 5; Colossians 3:15; Revelation 19:3–6.

Prayer: Father God, I love You so much! My life has been mightily blessed, and I am grateful for all that You have done. Yesterday I was reminded of one of those huge blessings: Your answer to a prayer that I prayed five years ago. I was so burdened at that time, and I cried out to You, “God, I want to be free!” You not only answered that day’s prayer, but You have been answering it every day since. As I reflected on that, I could see all of the ways You have been moving in my life to bring me to freedom through the gift of redemption. My heart is overflowing with Your goodness and kindness. I am overjoyed at the many ways You have rescued me. Yes, there is more that needs to change in my life; however, I trust You, God. I trust that You will continue to answer prayer. And I will continue to praise You until the end of my days. — Alejandro

Devotion: Let thankfulness rule in your heart. As you thank Me for blessings in your life, a marvelous thing happens. It is as if scales fall off your eyes, enabling you to see more and more of My glorious riches. With your eyes thus opened, you can help yourself to whatever you need from My treasure house. Each time you receive one of My golden gifts, let your thankfulness sing out praises to My Name.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hallelujahsâ&#x20AC;? are the language of heaven, and they can become the language of your heart. A life of praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles. Instead of trying to be in control, you focus on Me and what I am doing. This is the power of praise: centering your entire being in Me. This is how I created you to live, for I made you in My own image. Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness. (From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Contemplate: Make sure you do your best to celebrate the birth of Jesus in the company of fellow believers. Whether it's a Christmas Eve candlelight service, a special worship service, or just a few Christians gathering to say "thanks" to their Lord, join your voice with those who also love Jesus, and let your overflowing hearts pour out your gratitude and praise to God. Regardless of your current circumstances, make your celebration of Christmas this year into a soul-lifting, rafter-shaking expression of joyful thanksgiving.