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The Christmas Wreath
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28
The evergreen wreath is a perfect symbol of Christmas. The evergreen leaves signify everlasting life. The circle symbolizes eternal life with God through Jesus Christ. Have you adorned your home with a wreath? If so, let it be a reminder of God’s gift to you of never ending, eternal life . Let it be a reminder of the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Let it be a prompt to check and see if the eternal Holy Spirit is filling your spirit so your countenance reflects Christ’s grace and love. The Christmas wreath. More than a decoration. A reminder.
Blessings, sweet friends, as the Christmas wreath reminds you of your eternal life and in that reminder, you are filled with joy.
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Musical Instruments
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members INSTRUMENTS of RIGHTEOUSNESS to God. Romans 6:12-13
Musical instruments play a key role in the Christmas season. While the secular world plays jingles, Christians use music to encourage and bless others by focusing on Jesus’ birth. Decorating with angelic harps and trumpets remind us to praise Christ our King, whose birth we celebrate. In addition, musical instruments remind us that Christians are God’s instruments. We are instruments of His grace. We are instruments of His love. In His hands, He can use us to herald people to His throne. With that in mind, sweet friends, let us tune our hearts to God each morning. Let us keep our thoughts and voices in harmony with Him. Let us rest in the Master’s hands trusting Him to make all things beautiful in His time.
Better Than Mighty Mouse
When you were a child, did you watch the cartoon, “Mighty Mouse”? Do you remember the chorus, “Here I come to save the day!” When I was young, I was confident Mighty Mouse would save the day. Growing older doesn’t mean we no longer need someone to save us. We do. We need someone to save us from our sins. We need someone to save us from physical, emotional, and spiritual threats. Unlike Mighty Mouse, the One on whom we call is real. Joshua 22:22 says, “The MIGHTY ONE, God, the Lord, the MIGHTY ONE!” Our God can save our today and tomorrow. Call on Him. Commit Psalm 119:147 to heart, “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.” Learn ways you can call on the Mighty God by getting a copy of my book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.
The Christ Dove
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him.”Matthew 3:16
My mother loved birds and used them to decorate our home throughout the year. At Christmas, doves found their way onto the boughs of the Christmas tree and served as a reminder of the Holy Spirit who rested on Jesus at His baptism. The Holy Spirit identified Jesus with God and empowered Christ. The Holy Spirit also rests on believers, identifies us with God, and empowers us to live for Christ. Bless you, sweet friends, as you think on the Holy Spirit who rests on Christ and rests on you this Christmas season.
Christmas LIGHTS
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
“Then Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” John 8:12, Matthew 5:16
During the holidays many of us enjoy decorating our homes with outdoor lights. Their glow provides light on overcast days and when night falls. Lights beacon family and friends to the warmth of our homes. Even so, Christ, the Light of the World, beacons us to His presence. He lights the way to His Father’s home. As do lights, candles add warmth to our homes. Their warm glow reminds us of the Holy Spirit who warms our hearts and enlightens us to God’s ways. Fragrant candles are a reminder that we are to be a fragrance of Christ to others.
Blessings, sweet friends, as you, like a candle, spread the light and fragrance of Christ to others.
Christmas Candy Cane
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:8, 20
The candy cane is not only festive, it is also symbolic for Christians. The shape reminds us of the shepherd’s staff and of the shepherds in the field who heard the angelic announcement of Jesus, the Good Shepherd’s birth. In addition, the colors of the cane cane are symbolic. The red stripes remind us of the stripes Jesus took on His back for our sins. The white stripes remind us of Christ’s purity. And the sweet taste? A reminder of the sweet Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. This Christmas let the candy cane be more than Christmas candy. Let it be a reminder of Jesus and the real reason for the season.
Blessings, sweet friends, as you think on the incredible gift of Jesus this Christmas.
I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11
Bells – Are You Listening?
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around on the hem of the robe, alternating a bell and a pomegranate all around on the hem of the robe for the service, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Exodus 39:25-26
What would Christmas be without the familiar, “Silver Bells,” being sung or the Salvation Army bell-ringers calling us to give to those in need? Although bells remind some people only of Santa’s sleigh bells, for Christian, tinkling bells have far greater significance! The Bible tells us that gold bells were sewn on the hem of the Jewish priests’ garments. As the priests went about their service, the tinkling of the bells could be heard. That has special significance for Christians. Why? First Peter 2:9 describes believers as ”… a royal possession, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” In other words, Christians are described in the Bible as priests of God. May the sound of our movement this season be as the sound of the bells on the priests’ robes, bringing glory to Jesus as we serve Him!
Blessings, sweet friends.
The GIFT
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
And coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
What was your home like during the Christmas season when you were a child? Mine buzzed with activity as family members made gift lists for everyone from mama and daddy all the way to aunts, uncles, the postman, and anybody who might drop by our home. Love was the motivating factor. In buying a gift for someone, there is no selfishness. It costs not only money, but time, thought, and energy. Certainly no one has given more of Himself in giving a gift that would be perfect, timeless, and for all people than God when He gave His only begotten Son to us. The wise men recognized and worshipped God’s gift of Christ Jesus. They demonstrated their adoration by falling before Him and worshipping Him. This Christmas, as we demonstrate our love for one another by giving gifts, let us be careful to be as the wise men and not neglect to fall before Jesus and worship Him, the greatest GIFT.
Blessings, sweet friends, as we celebrate the gift of Christ.
The Christ Star
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2
Every morning when I have my quiet time with God, I look out at the black sky. If it is not too cold or rainy, I walk outside and gaze heavenward praising the Almighty. I love mornings when the black sky is star studded. Twinkling lights beacon me to worship the One who made the heavens and set the stars in their places.
Atop Christmas trees and perched on rooftops, the Christmas star is a reminder of the star that guided the wise men to worship the Christ child. As the wise men followed the star, may we each turn our hearts heavenward and not just admire Jesus, but follow Him.
Blessings, sweet friends.
Are We Forgetting Something this Christmas?
It was a sweltering day, a hurried arrival at the hotel, and a quick change of clothes before our host driver would pick up my daughter and me to take us to Pam Kanaly’s Arise Conference. I would be presenting Kidz Time Devotional for moms to use to teach their children God’s Word. Lauren and I rushed as we changed out of our travel clothes. Slipping on a long tunic and my shoes, I announced, “Okay, let’s go!” Lauren looked at me and in an unusual tone of voice asked, “Are we forgetting something?” Seated, I looked up into her questioning eyes and replied no. “Mom,” she countered, glancing at my legs. “Your pants?” Now before you judge me too harshly, I have to say in my defense that the top I was wearing was almost down to my knees. Did I mention we were rushing to get out the door?
When It’s Not a Good Laugh
Lauren and I had a good laugh as I slid on my legging pants. I still chuckle when I think about it. But, there is something God tells us to put on that is no laughing matter and it’s important that we remember it this Christmas season. What is it and why is it important?
What Must We Remember?
During the Christmas season, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of shopping, baking and decorating. Anxiety levels can rise with additions to our already full to-do list. That’s why it is good to remember that Jesus came to rescue us from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and that Satan fought Jesus every step of the way even before he was born. Christmas is about Christ’s birth, but it’s about more – the reason for His birth – to win the victory over sin, death, and Satan in order to secure our eternal salvation.
This Christmas season it’s important for us to remember that the enemy Christ was born to defeat still roams the earth. (1 Peter 5:8) We are in an ongoing battle against what Ephesians 6:12 describes as world forces of darkness and spiritual forces of wickedness.
Is the Battle Real?
The Bible records Satan tempting Jesus, influencing Peter’s thoughts and words, and entering into Judas, who betrayed Jesus. Yes, the battle between God and Satan is real. We see Satan’s hand in murders, mutilations, horrendous abuse, self-destructive cutting, addictions, lying, gross immorality, degrading behaviors. The good news is that Satan can’t enter into a believer. However, he can tempt and influence believers. That is why this Christmas season we must be diligent to put on the armor God has provided for us. Just as it’s our responsibility to put on our physical clothing and we wouldn’t dare walk about naked, it is our responsibility to put on God’s armor so we’re not naked targets for Satan.
Let’s Get Dressed (Ephesians 6:10-18)
First, we need to reach for the belt of truth. Why? It is central to everything. How can we stand against Satan’s schemes if we don’t know the truth from a lie? We can shop for truths to put on by reading our Bible every day.
Second, we need to cover our chest because our heart is vulnerable to sin. Mindfully contemplate the gift of Christ’s righteousness as you cover your heart with His breastplate.
If you’ve ever run out the door without shoes, you know the pain of sharp rocks and stickers. Hopping around on one foot is no fun plus it is debilitating. Take a moment every morning to strap on Christ’s gospel of peace. Walk in peace this Christmas, sure-footed against Satan’s schemes, sharing God’s grace with others.
Something we don’t wear but need to have in our hand like a fireman needs a fire extinguisher is the shield of faith so we can extinguish what the Bible describes as “flaming arrows of the evil one.” Yes, the evil one aims arrows lit from hell at us. Don’t believe it? Look at loved ones and friends burning in anger, lit with depression, fuming with bitterness. This is real, friends. The same Bible that says Jesus was born of a virgin to die for our sins is the same Bible that says we need to put on the full armor of God to resist the devil.
Two last items: the helmet of salvation. Every morning it is important to mindfully remember that Jesus was born and “saved us not on the basis of deeds we have done, but according to His mercy, …, “ Titus 3:5. This can’t help but put a smile on our faces. Lastly, take the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, in your hand. A Bible wielding Spirit-filled Christian is a tougher target than a Christian with no sword. Plus, you will be a blessing to others this Christmas instead of a stressed-out Christian.
Have We Forgotten Something this Christmas
It’s easy in the midst of the Christmas season to forget that a spiritual battle ensues. Let’s cautiously, wisely armor up every day. It’s no laughing matter.
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us what You see in the spiritual realm that our eyes can’t see. Thank You for telling us what we need to do to stand against evil and for providing us with Your spiritual armor. Please help us get in the habit of daily “armoring up” so we represent You well not only this Christmas season but every day.