Dear Ones,
Hope you wake to a peace-filled day. Christmas is only days away and is there a  family tradition you have that is meaningful to you? Our family gathering may be over 40 relatives at a hotel and I love that we can catch up with one another and go home knowing more how to pray for each one. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
As we get closer to Christmas, we have to make a conscious choice to make Jesus our first priority. It is easy to crowd Him out as we rush to buy the perfect gifts for others, bake special pastries, plan gatherings, go to Christmas parties and programs etc. Debbie McDaniel writes a prayer that can help us put the focus where it should be, on Jesus, and make room to keep Him first.
“Dear God,
Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you today…and keep you first in our hearts and lives.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Challenge for today: Pray this prayer from your heart and choose to put Him first.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy