Heart reactions to Christmas – Willing

Consider the Shepherds: Luke 2:8–20

{1} The Willing Heart - Responds to God

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

* What do you do when you find out you were wrong?

{2} The Willing heart - Reports about God

After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished

* How easily does your relationship with Jesus enter conversations you have?

{3} The Willing heart - Rejoices because OF God

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

* What brings you greater joy, what God gives you or God Himself?

Meditation: What area of your life are you willing to open up to God that He does not have yet? How willing will you be to share with others what Christmas really means to you? What are you willing to do to make this Christmas more about                                                                                 Him? Think of one person you can pray                                                                         for to know the true meaning of                                                                                     Christmas.

Heart reactions to Christmas - Seeking

Consider the Magi:

Matthew 2:1-2…Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

The Seeking Heart - understands priorities & initiates action.

Matthew 2:9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

The Seeking heart - will receive guidance

Matthew 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother…

The Seeking heart - will find

The reason we do not find is not because God is hiding it, we are not seeking. I have found several reasons that my heart deceives itself about seeking.

We say we are seeking, BUT

* We are seeking in the wrong places.

* We are seeking with an agenda already determined.

* We are seeking without being committed to respond.

A good example is found in Matthew 19:16–23 A rich young man claiming to have kept all the commandments asked Jesus what he lacked. Jesus said, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

Jesus told him he needed to exchange his god of "things"  for God!

* How Tragic!  He sought for Truth...but when it was given...his agenda refused to yield!

Matthew 2:11…and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Seeking heart - will respond.

Meditation: Am I seeking the real meaning of Christmas? How am I protecting my schedule to take time to enjoy God this Christmas? Is your heart ready to respond to what you find?