This devotional is taken from Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling for Christmas.

As you wait attentively in My Presence, the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines upon you. This radiant knowledge transcends all understanding. It transforms every fiber of your being: renewing your mind, cleansing your heart, invigorating your body. Open yourself fully to My Presence; be awed by My glorious Being.

I set aside My Glory so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions — a filthy stable. There was nothing glorious about that setting, though angels lit up the sky proclaiming, “Glory!” to awestruck shepherds.

When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, Heaven’s vistas open up before you — granting you glimpses of My Glory. I became poor so that you might become rich. Sing hallelujahs to My holy Name!

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. — 2 Corinthians 4:6

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. — Philippians 2:6-7

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest.” — Luke 2:13-14

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. — 2 Corinthians 8:9

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Rest in Me, My child, forgetting about the worries of the world. Focus on Me — Immanuel — and let My living Presence envelop you in Peace. Tune in to My eternal security, for I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you live on the surface of life by focusing on ever-changing phenomena, you will find yourself echoing the words of Solomon: “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”

Living in collaboration with Me is the way to instill meaning into your days. Begin each day alone with Me so that you can experience the reality of My Presence. As you spend time with Me, the way before you opens up step by step. Arise from the stillness of our communion, and gradually begin your journey through the day. Hold My hand in deliberate dependence on Me, and I will smooth out the path before you.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:22-23

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. — Hebrews 13:8

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” — Ecclesiastes 1:2

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:6

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

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Your Turn

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7.

Imagine that scene: there was no room for Jesus at the inn. Are you making room for Jesus this week? Invite Him into your prayer time. Focus on the Immanuel – God with us. It takes an active and daily choice to put Jesus first!  ~ Devotionals Daily