Day 365: Are You Willing…

Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Here we are at the turning of the page on another year, a time of reflection of what has passed, and a time to look forward to new possibilities and new opportunities in the year to come. May we be reminded that God gave us His indescribable gift of Jesus, the One who came to redeem us, changing our hearts and lives forever. May the following words by Henry Van Dyke also remind us what it truly means to “keep” Christmas in our hearts: by serving others in the name of Jesus. May you, dear readers, have a blessed, Christ-filled New Year.

“Are you willing…

To stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children;

To remember the weaknesses and loneliness of people who are growing old;

To stop asking how much your friends love you, and to ask yourself if you love them enough;

To bear in mind the things that other people have to bear on their hearts;

To trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you;

To make a grave for your ugly thoughts and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open?

Are you willing to do these things for a day?

Then you are ready to keep Christmas!

After all, Christmas-living is the best kind of Christmas-giving.”

I am honored that you have read my devotions this past year, and pray you have been encouraged by them and that God has been glorified. As we enter a new year, which will be year nine of posting daily devotions, things may look a bit different, and more changes may be coming as I navigate life changes and opportunities. I trust you will continue to enjoy them, and I encourage you to consider subscribing to this website by going to the homepage and clicking on “Subscribe.” Thank you!