HEARING THE BELLS

Today's reading: Jude

"May you receive more and more of God's mercy, peace and love." Jude verse 2 NLT

This Christmas Eve morning, as I read the words of Jude, I am ashamed to say I've not paused long enough this Christmas season to receive all God has for me.

I've hustled and bustled.

I've skipped merrily from Christmas party to Christmas program to cookie swap to holiday meals.

I've shopped, I've bought, I've wrapped with abandon.

But I've not slowed down to consider the greatness of what this season celebrates...

Jesus.

He came so that I could receive more and more of God's mercy, peace and love.

He came so that I could be made right with God.

He came so that my eternity could be secured in His act of salvation on the cross.

And with Christmas less that 24 hours away, I could have easily sailed right past celebrating Him.

What a gift this morning's verse is to this holiday-weary soul!