December 25, 2020
What Do You Give a King for Christmas?
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
Friend to Friend
Every year, I make a Christmas list comprised of every person for whom I am buying a gift. Beside each name, I put a dollar amount, a limit of how much money I will spend for that gift, vowing not to spend one penny more than the set limit. (Somehow, the amount I actually spend rarely coincides with the amount I intended to spend. Can you relate?) With every purchase, I then draw a beautiful red line through that name. Done!
I carry that list everywhere I go because sometimes I find a gift during a random shopping trip but mainly because I can’t afford to let it out of my sight. There are evil people lurking in my home who will go to any lengths to find that list.
You see, I am the Queen of Surprise when it comes to Christmas, so I must guard my list with my life in order to keep my “Queen-ship” status secure. Consequently, the list is hidden in various and unusual places such as a random file on my computer, in my closet, in an old purse, in a sock drawer, in a flowerpot – you get the picture. I know where that Christmas list is at all times because it is my gift-giving plan for the holidays.
One name on that list stands out above the rest. Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But what do you give a King for Christmas?
I really believe the greatest gift we can give Jesus is an obedient heart. That’s where His list comes in. I wish I were just as concerned about "God's list" for my life; carrying His life plan for me in my heart and mind as I live each day, constantly making choices and decisions in light of that list, guarding it like the treasure map of eternity that it truly is. God’s plan for our lives is a good plan, a plan that promises us hope and an eternal future.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
God’s list boils down to one word – obedience. Just knowing the plan God has for me does not guarantee success. I have to actually do the plan. That is where the choice to obey comes in.
I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your law is written on my heart (Psalm 40:8, NIV). O God, my heart is fixed! (Psalm 108:1, NIV).
An obedient heart is a “fixed” heart and is the gift God wants from me this holiday season. A “fixed” heart is a determined heart, a steadfast heart that is rightly focused on God and His will, His plan. When we choose to follow God’s plan, the desires of our heart will naturally line up in obedience to that plan. We will find our greatest joy in pleasing God, in doing His will because that is what we were created to do.
Maybe today is a good time to stop, go back over our God list, and review those life lessons we have learned, checking to see where we really are in our walk with God – and where we need to go from here. I want to become a woman whose gaze is on Him, and my glance is on my circumstances.
Maybe today is the perfect time to revisit the manger to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by giving Him the gift of obedience.
Let’s Pray
Father, I love You. Forgive me for the times when I choose to follow my own will instead of Yours. Teach me how to fix my heart on You and give me the strength to do what You created me to do. I know Your plan is the highest and best plan for me and that I was created in response to that plan. Thank You for the purpose that doing Your will brings to my life. Today, I choose to seek You and obey Your Word.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Can you believe that 2021 is just around the corner? If one of your resolutions for the New Year is to have a daily quiet time, and you need help 
© 2020 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.
Originally published Friday, 25 December 2020.
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