2020 Daily Devotion - Day 269

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A little girl was pushing the limits and on her mother’s very last nerve. Mom was nearing the end of a hectic season of cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping and church stuff. She was also nearing the breaking point with her little preschooler.Finally, the little girl was bathed and ready for bed. As she knelt to say her prayers, Mom listened as her sweet three-year-old theologian "customized" her evening prayer, “...And forgive us our Christmases, as we forgive those who Christmas against us!”

While this might bring a smile to our face, it is a good reminder that during this Advent and Christmas season, we need to be sure to make “the main thing the main thing”. It is wonderful to have all of the trappings of Christmas, but we must not allow those special activities to distract us from the central message. This is the good news that God became a man in Jesus, died on a cross and was raised from the dead so we might be forgiven and receive eternal life.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, this Christmas, help us to make “the main thing the main thing”; the great truth that You have entered this world to save and redeem us, and in Christ Jesus there is forgiveness and renewal. In His holy name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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