So, what do you want for Christmas? The annual question. I hear lots of different answers – most of the grown-up responses begin with ‘All I want (fill in the blank)’. Then wrapped in shiny paper or draped with a big bow, voila. No sooner do we get what we asked for and we’re once again unsatisfied.
“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 CSB)
Hmm, anything?! Here’s the deal – did you read the whole verse and what comes before and after? God isn’t a genie and Jesus isn’t a fairy god mother.
No verse has been taken out of context more than this one. Before and after this verse here is what we are being taught: (my synopsis) as followers of Jesus Christ, in order to show outwardly who we are and Who we follow, we must stay very close to Him. Learn more and more to become like Him. Realize that we are powerless on our own. Bring glory to the Father.
And as we grow and mature in Him, we will know the things we should ask for. The things we ask will bring Him glory. The Holy Spirit will speak to God on our behalf – and yes, all our true desires, that are according to His will, will be granted. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1John 5:14 NIV)
This is the Good News! Because of Jesus, we have direct access to God, 24/7. Before Messiah: sacrifices and priests and laws. Now Emmanuel, God with us: He hears us. No religion – no traditions – no rituals.
This is the merry in our Christmas. We are not alone, this hard world will not always be, and we who call on the only Name that can save will forever have what our souls long for. People must know and we must tell. God is not silent, and He doesn’t want us to be.
So, what do you want for Christmas? Let’s fill in the blank with: more Jesus – in us and in the world.
“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that
all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the dark.”
(John 12:46 NLT)
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Thank you for that answer! Now I
I know how to respond when somebody asked me what I want for Christmas…… More Jesus in me and in the world… Thank you once again for your encouraging words ❣️
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People must know 🙂 Let’s start with wanting it most, blessings dear one as you want more of Him daily!
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I once heard it said that as we grow in Christ, He aligns our wants with His will. And so, we come to ask according to His will. May we want more of Him in our lives, in our families, so that we shine as lights in this dark world.
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Yes that is true – the more we seek, the more we find. Blessings as you want more of Him knowing He will certainly answer that request 🙂
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The quest for MORE does seem to be endless in our culture. The question believers need to consider is this: Do we believe God is enough?
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Enough – yes, He is and more so, right! Blessings as He gives more of Himself to you…
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More Jesus. Yes, that is the perfect answer. I want to become more like him as he lives through me. Thanks!
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Me too – the best gift and He just keeps giving…Blessings as you accept all of Him.
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