Recapturing the Wonder of Christmas: Experiencing God’s Love

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Take a moment to think about what your calendar looks like over the next couple of weeks. Do you feel like your schedule has power over you, or do you feel like you have power of your schedule? Unfortunately, many may respond by openly acknowledging that your schedule has power over you. There’s so much to do and so much more that needs to be done, you feel like you won’t ever catch up.

Peter Scazzero, author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, came to recognize that being with God was far more important than doing for God. Over a period of 25+ years, each member of his church staff agreed to intentionally pause to be with God two to three times a day to remember Him, spend time in communion with Him, preferably with Scripture, silence, meditation and prayer. Not only that, but they each took one full day every month to practice being in the presence of God. It took years of practice, but the results have been life-giving for their staff and their church. 

On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to experiencing the love of God on a daily basis? 

What is love? Love is choosing to become more and more like Jesus. 

READING & PRAYERS:

    ROMANS 2:4, 8:38-39, 12:2, EPHESIANS 4:32

PRAYERS:

Take the opportunity to write the following prayers down at least once a day to help these truths transform your life. 

Heavenly Father, help me to remember today and every day that I am totally, completely, wholeheartedly, and unconditionally loved by You. No matter what I do, no matter what I say, no matter what mistakes I’ve made…nothing, absolutely nothing can separate me from Your love. May this truth permeate every aspect of being and transform any unhealthy thoughts I may have about You, myself, or others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Romans 8:38-39, Romans 12:2)

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that it is Your ongoing kindness which draws me closer to You and leads me away from sin. Today, may I accept Your invitation to reflect the wonders of Your love and kindness toward others in everything I do and say. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Romans 2:4, Ephesians 4:32, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Luke 6:27-36).

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)