Tag: Immanuel

Christmas Cleaning

Jeannie Waters14 Comments on Christmas Cleaning

Clean and Christmas just go together, don’t they?

  • We clean so that we can decorate, and then we clean and remove containers after decorating.
  • We clean before cooking delicious meals and baking, and then we wash the pots and pans until our fingertips turn into “raisins.”
  • We clean before company comes and then vacuum and straighten the house when they leave.,

So much cleaning!  Our homes should be diamond-sparkly this time of year. (Remember the old Mr. Clean commercials?)

Although our homes where people and pets live are rarely, if ever, spotless, we do like tidiness at holiday time. Before we decorate, cook, or entertain, we prefer cleanliness and order as a backdrop for our celebration, and we want our time with family and friends to be the best possible.

What makes Christmas time “the best possible?” An immaculate house with gourmet meals and beautifully wrapped gifts? Nope. Perfection is not an ingredient in the recipe for Christmas joy. In fact, perfectionism mixed with holiday prep can yield frustration, short tempers, and fatigue. (Can I get an Amen?)

I learned this lesson the hard way. After years of worrying about every detail and racing around in panic mode to have our home “ready,” I realized my husband and I began dreading the endless to-do list. We spent too much time on preparation and too little time on celebration. Had the luminaires on the driveway become more important to me than the light of Jesus shining from my heart?

The most important ingredient for Christmas joy is a clean heart focused on Immanuel, God with us. Unforgiveness, self-pity, selfishness, a judgmental attitude, perfectionism, and other sins clutter our hearts and occupy space that was designed for the peace and joy of Jesus during the celebration of His birth. I’m thankful He forgives us.

We still work hard to clean, decorate, and cook, but we’re enjoying the time more and reducing excessive planning in favor of focusing on the meaning of Christmas, family, and friendship.

As we clean and prepare our homes, let’s ask God to create a clean heart in us that we may celebrate His coming and the abundant life He offers to those who receive Him as Savior and Lord. Undesirable circumstances and difficult relationships may not change, but a clean heart promotes joyous celebration of His birth. His presence in a clean heart permeates homes at Christmas.

     Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

                                                                                                                                                                Psalm 51:10 ESV

May the peace and joy of Jesus fill our hearts and homes as we prepare room for Him.

How do you prepare for Christmas?

Echo of the Heart

Jeannie Waters7 Comments on Echo of the Heart

Yesterday, an echocardiogram revealed important information about my heart. I’m thankful the report was good.

During the procedure, I was amazed to see the inner workings of my heart on the screen. As the tech moved the probe around, some views showed all four chambers working in tandem, and some views showed how valves were operating. This technology enables cardiologists to assess heart health by observing the heart muscle at work and checking the efficiency of its pumping action.

Beyond the view of modern medicine, God sees into our heart of hearts.

. . . For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

                                                                                                                                                             –1 Samuel 16:7*

God knows my heart as no other. That thought led me to ask:

  • What does God see when He probes the inside of my heart—the real me?
  • Is my Christmas preparation pleasing to Him? (Sometimes my heart churns with “so much to do.” At other times, it’s filled with wonder that God loved me enough to lie on manger hay and later die for me.)
  • Do my activities honor Immanuel, God with us, or simply fulfill the tasks I believe I must do?
  • Is my worship fitting for the King of kings?
  • Do I laugh enough and enjoy His presence and blessings?

Although sin must be confessed, the condition of our hearts should not create despair. Followers of Christ have the hope and assurance that God will continue to teach us and transform our hearts.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

                                                                                                                                                     –Philippians 1:6

Another question I considered was, “What view of my heart is reflected to others?”

Whether engaging in conversation with me or glancing from a distance, do other people see the love, joy, peace, and patience of Christ, or do they see selfishness, frantic hurry, anxiety, and impatience? Do the yearnings of His heart shine through my countenance and words?

Father, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

One last question: What were hearts like at the manger?

 Joseph must have had a humble heart after his appointment as the earthly father for the long-awaited Messiah. Maybe he was a bit overwhelmed, too, with the responsibility.

Heavenly Father, give me a humble heart as Your servant. When I’m overwhelmed, remind me that You always promise guidance like you offered Joseph.  

Mary’s heart was filled with treasures as she pondered the happenings of that holy night in her heart.

Lord, speak to me from Your Word, and help me tuck the treasures you teach me deep in my heart so You may use them to echo Your truth.    

The shepherds’ hearts were filled with worship—true worship in an outdoor cathedral illuminated by a star.

Abba Father, as I complete daily tasks this month, give me a heart of wonder and worship.

 The busy innkeeper’s heart is unknown to us. Maybe he was indifferent to the traveling couple and the holy Child who occupied his stable. Did he hear the news later and regret missing the opportunity to sit at the feet of the Messiah? If so, did he spread the news to fellow businessmen?

Lord, I don’t want to miss an opportunity to praise and worship You due to seasonal rush. Lead me to take time to reflect and to share the good news.

 A Christmas Prayer

Lord Jesus, be at home in my heart this Christmas. Remove the tinsel and wrappings of sin that clutter the space reserved for You. May my heart and countenance echo the joy and peace of the night in Bethlehem when You became Immanuel, God with us. Seal the majesty of the manger in my heart.

Dear reader friend, please tell me how I can pray for you this Christmas, and add thoughts you want to share below.

*Scripture verses are from the English Standard Version.