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December 24

BETHLEHEM

Presence of God.

Grace I Ask:
Grace to see what it is that makes my heart too crowded for my King.

Mental Picture:
(cf. Luke 2:6-7): Our shadows are getting longer and it is getting cool. I can see that Mary is tired . Joseph limps a little as he pulls the tired little donkey. "Just a few more steps." Over the hill there .. below us… the little town of Bethlehem. We must hurry… already many people are there. At the inn no room. We follow Joseph as he goes… house to house… "no, sorry, no room… all filled… sorry… no… no… no room."

Two shepherds comes up… their stable up the hills is open… just a little way distant. Joseph looks at Mary… for her, the best he can do. She nods gratefully. He turns in the direction the shepherds pointed… up a little hill.. along a sheep path… around a corner out of the wind… at last.

My Personal Application:
I have watched the people in the houses that were "too crowded." Is there room in my heart for Mary and her Son? Or do the many "things" that crowd my heart laugh them away -- lock the door -- turn away with "I'd like to, but …" Maybe I need a good housecleaning. If Christ can't come in, something is wrong.

I Speak to God:
There's room in my heart for you. Maybe it's not much yet, but I'll clear our what you can't use. Don't go away - -help me clean my heart -- help me to keep it free for you.

Thought for Today:
"…there was no room for them."

December 25

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

Presence of God.

Grace I Ask:
O Holy Spirit, give me the grace to appreciate this wonderful gift of God to me.

Mental Picture:
(cf. Luke 2:6-7): The dark cold of the night… we stumble along looking for the cave. Mary says nothing, but we know she is very tired. I run ahead… here it is! Joseph brings the wornout donkeys. I quickly make a place for Mary… Joseph lifts her down… he builds the fire. I look for a warm corner and clean straw to make a better place for Mary. After the donkeys are fed, and the fire is up, we eat a quick supper and get set for the night. In such a cave ,a stable for sheep… in strange hills, away from home… on a straw bed, with donkeys and Mary and Joseph and myself to welcome him… He is born! A little baby, crying and squirming in Mary's arms. Jesus Christ, the Son of God… God himself!

My Personal Application:
This is God's Christmas gift to me. He gives me His own Son to live a human life, and to redeem me. This little baby in the cradle of His mother's arms is born tonight for me. What return gift can I give for God Himself?

I Speak to God:
O Father, thank you for this great gift. It's hard for me to understand how great is your love for me. I want to understand more and more. Help me, you who gave your Son for me, help me to see the deep meaning of your gift.

Thought for Today:
"This day is born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."