Was there a person this Christmas that gave you a gift that you were not expecting? A gift that you didn't expect to receive, nor were you prepared to reciprocate in giving because you have nothing equal to exchange for the gift. God has given us a gift that we were not expecting and we certainly have nothing of equal value to give back to God. 

The Christmas story is one of the most famous. It isn’t just a story. God had a purpose for coming in humility when He could have come in majesty.

Christmas season is often a very busy time in our lives. It's filled with Christmas parties, parades, shopping, etc. It's easy to focus on everything we have going on and forget about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospels tell us the story of Jesus' birth, but Matthew is the only gospel that mentions the star and wisemen (Magi). 

Nativity scenes have Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and even the animals focused on Jesus. Give Jesus His rightful place.

Believe that when you put God in the middle of all your circumstances victory is yours. Give God the honor, depend on God, and obey God. 

Too often we only want to thank God when we can see the evidence of His presence. When we are growing in gratitude, we are thankful in the "even though".

For I have sent you a proclamation this morning. I am your God and beside you there is none other. You are My people I know your heart I know your mind I love My people and I care for My people. If ye shall cast upon Me all of your burden all of your care I will forgive and I will heal and I will wash and I will bless and you will serve Me with joy and gladness.

For I am not a God that cannot be touched by My people. I long for those times when we gather together when My people are refreshed in My presence when praise and worship comes up unto Me as a sweet savor. You are the apple of My eye and you are the righteousness of your God. 

We are citizens of heaven and are bonded with our great God and other worshipers of Him.

For the Lord God reigneth over all things. I am your sovereign God says the Lord. Trust Me. My eye is upon you My hand is extended toward you. I am aware of who and what and where you are. I know you sayth the Lord. I have known you your whole life. I have done things in your life that have astounded you. If you will seek My face and if you will turn from your way, I the Lord will give you peace and rest forgiveness love and joy. 

God is committed to us and expects us to be committed to Him. In the book of James, we are instructed to provide help to those who have strayed from the Truth and direct them to the voice of the shepherd.