My Jesus

"With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we tend to forget Who it’s all about."

“For unto you is born this da y in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (KJV)

For many years I was a daycare preschool teacher. It was such a fun job! My favorite part was storytime, their little faces all staring and enthralled by what you were reading. At Christmas time one year I read the picture book, Mortimer's Christmas Manger, to the kiddos. It’s about a little mouse who is looking for a home when one day he spies a nativity scene. He moves in by tugging and lugging and pulling the baby, Jesus, from the manger, so that he, Mortimer, can crawl in and sleep there instead. But each time he goes back to the nativity the baby has been put back in the manger! One evening the little mouse hears the family reading Luke chapter 2, and he hears all about Jesus being born in a manger and that this baby will be our Savior! It dawns on him that he has been taking Jesus' spot and the little mouse cries and asks Jesus to bring him a new home. As I read this part to my little preschoolers, tears were running down my face and my coworker was crying too.

I know that may seem silly, but it was such a powerful moment. Jesus came and gave it all for us! We have someone who we can give our troubles and our desires to. With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we tend to forget Who it’s all about. In that moment I was reminded to be thankful for all that Jesus does for me. He is my Immanuel (God with us), my Prince of Peace, my counselor, my Father, and my mighty God!

So with all the lugging and tugging that goes with this time of year, remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Take time to be with him. Let Him be first in your thoughts while you’re going Christmas shopping, out to holiday parties, or spending time with family and friends. Let His light shine through you, so those around you can see Him in you! Remember, Jesus is our Emmanuel, our counselor, our mighty God, our everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. Let’s not put Him in the manger and forget about Him. Let's take Him out with us throughout our day. I pray you’ll be like Mortimer and remember that Jesus came to save us and be our friend. Merry Christmas!!

Action Steps:

• I encourage you to do a Christian advent devotional with your whole family. It's a great way to be close with each other, and remind us that it’s not about presents and parties. Add in some special traditions that have to do with Jesus.

• Take time each day to pray and ask Jesus for peace and joy during this busy season. I know this is the most wonderful time of the year, but as mommas it can all feel overwhelming. Go to His word each time you feel stressed and find the peace and understanding that only Jesus can give.

Written by April, mom of 3, making room for Jes