Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Practice the Presence!

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Dear Friend –

Consider the Christmas music in our homes,

     the Christmas story in our churches,

          the Christmas gatherings of family and friends,

               and our Christmas shopping (and Hallmark movies),

All of those activities, which capture our attention and bring joy in themselves, are also simply the wrapping!

The true gift is the presence of the person of Jesus, a babe in a manger no longer, now our risen Lord!

Allow the music, the story, the gatherings and the gifts of Christmas to move beyond capturing your attention to directing your attention to the presence of Jesus.

Practice (be aware of) the presence of Jesus, and be glad!

Joy to you – Stan  

© Copyright 2024 E. Stanley Ott

Scripture from the ESV

1. Ask our Lord to help you become more aware of his presence in your life, in every moment of your life.
2. Practice Examen - see our podcast number 89 - as a way to become more aware of Jesus in your life.
3. When you awake in the middle of the night - get up briefly or for a while longer and simply be aware of your Lord and talk with him!
4. Spend daily time in Bible reading and prayer (your devotions - morning watch -Quiet Time) and practice (be aware of) the presence of Jesus.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash