This Christmas season, take a moment to reflect on the heart of what it’s all about with Unwrapping Christmas, a beautifully designed devotional guide. It includes four meaningful lessons, each with a simple challenge to put into practice, a prayerful meditation, and a Christmas song to reinforce what you’ve learned. This week, I’m sharing the first devotional as a preview. To experience the rest, be sure to download the full guide and unwrap the joy and peace of Christmas in a deeper way.
TRUTH #1 - You Are Chosen
Raise your hand if you remember one special gift you received at Christmas time!
I remember unwrapping that gift as if it were yesterday. While the bright print of the wrapping paper has long since faded from my mind, that joy of tearing and ripping through to what was hidden beneath has not!
This was the era of Barbie & Ken dolls, and I wanted nothing more than Malibu Barbie and her very cool Beach Bus. I could just picture all the sunny, seaside adventures I could create to counter the reality of the dreary winter days I actually lived in. It didn’t matter that I’d never been to the ocean. With Malibu Barbie by my side, I was sure I could taste the tang of sea salt in the air!
Imagine my glee when I ripped through the paper to discover that very epic treasure! In my hands I now held the shiny new Barbie Beach Bus to transport Malibu Barbie, Malibu Ken and, of course, me on our epic adventures together.
That treasured memory of joyfully unwrapping my gift brings to mind an even greater truth. Just as I felt incredible excitement discovering what was hidden beneath the paper, God experiences boundless delight in the gift of His cherished creation--you.
When you were unwrapped and brought into this world, angels celebrated. God smiled broadly at His handiwork. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it!” (Psalm 139:13-14 TLB).
You matter to God. Always, He is by your side. “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.” --Psalm 139:1-3
In the midst of chaos and brokenness, Jesus came to bring light, love, and purpose. His birth wasn’t just a moment in history; it was an invitation into something greater. Through this baby born in a stable, God gave the gift He always wanted for you: a deep and lasting sense of belonging.
Yes, you belong. To a loving, thoughtful, powerful Creator who crafted you with care and continually chooses to walk alongside you. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
This holiday season, whether you find yourself surrounded by loving family and friends, or alone in your pj’s with an empty day ahead of you, remember. Remember that you are chosen and loved. Remember that Jesus is sitting beside you, smiling, happy to be with you. Because He is there. Right. Now.
When the enemy comes knocking this Christmas season, he’ll try to make you forget. He will use every weapon in his arsenal to invite you into sadness and despair, to eat from the table of loneliness and isolation. He’ll try to steal the precious gift of belonging given to you by the Son of God Himself.
But you don’t have to accept the invitation. Instead, choose to remember. “You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head. This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking of me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!” (Psalm 139:5-7, 17-18).
When isolation, loneliness or feelings of unworthiness come knocking, uninvite them from your table. Instead, look at the epic gift that lies right before you. A gift of belonging, adventure, joy and true peace. One that’s bigger than your circumstances of the moment.
This Christmas, unwrap the gift of God’s presence. Remember, chosen and dear one, that you belong. You are deeply loved and valued--today and forevermore.
To download the rest of the devotional along with the Unwrapping Christmas guide, DOWNLOAD HERE.
ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY
Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.
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