Thoughts for another day

Dec. 25, 2012.

Today's verse: Luke 2:6,7. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Isn't it rather odd that the King of the universe, the LORD God Himself, when He came on earth was greeted, not inside walls, but rather in a damp cold manger, out in the open among cattle and the farmyard beasts? 

Consider this with the kind of festivities we have today: There's so much jubilation yet not a single strain sung to His tune to please Him. I for one, love to stitch new clothes and have new threads all over me and of course new perfumes, new watches, new this and new that.  I make it a point to drape myself in everything new and grand to the best of my ability for I believe Christmas comes once a year when one can really pamper oneself and give in to ones desires for what else should one do on such a grand and great day.  Fit and proper right?  Yes, of course for isn't it a majestic day when the LORD of the universe took birth on earth?  But, just before I get carried away with the fact that the occasion demands celebration and celebration demands new clothes, new shoes, new whatever, there's also a new something that I must work toward and that's the new heart that I must wear in me so as to be a pleasant gift to my Savior and my GOD.

Though I've gone by this year with absolutely no preparation of heart and in come cases, with a mere set of rituals which apparently cleanse me, making me feel I'm holy.  Yet, it's grossly insufficient and also dangerous for through mere rituals, I may feel that I have righted myself before God, but not so, for my heart is still in rebellion with my heavenly Father.  I must now hold my heart out to my God and offer Him some space in it to atleast allow Him a toe-hold which in turn over time must make way for His Presence completely, as to make Him the 'reason for my life.'  A life He can use to do and will as He pleases and in which also I will gain His favor and bring His salvation to a cold and dark world that did not even contain room for Him at His birth.