Busy. Busy. Busy. Christmastime ushers a multitude of seasonal activities and responsibilities into our already packed lives.
For some, this is a season of great joy and fun—a time to reconnect with family and friends. But for many, many others, the days surrounding Christmas seem to simply accentuate their sense of loneliness and heartache.
But one thing is for sure … we ALL have reason to celebrate the birth of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We hear Christmas carols being sung and played all around us—on the car radio, during television commercials and movies, and in the stores. We might hum along or even join in with words. But I wonder how many of us have become spiritually desensitized to the meaning of the songs penned long ago in an attitude of worship and praise.
For the month of December, I’m going to post a short devotion each day based on a traditional Christmas carol. As we revisit the meaning or background of these lyrics, perhaps we’ll be quickened in our spirits to offer up a moment of worship to our King when we hear these songs throughout the day. And even in the busyness of the season, we will find love, joy, and peace when we take just a moment to be still and bask in His presence.
AWAY IN THE MANGER-devotional
Our Father in Heaven provided a way in the manger so many years ago. A way to have our sins forgiven and to receive eternal life.
And God is still making a way for us, today. The Bible promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that "God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." Christ is THAT WAY!
Jesus Christ came as a baby, humble and pure, that we might someday become part of God’s family. Children of God.
So as we hear Away in the Manger, let’s focus on the gift of eternal life in Christ. Let’s pray the lyrics of one of the stanzas in an attitude of gratitude and intimacy.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all Thy dear children in Your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with You there.
Today's the Day!
Barbara E. Haley
11/3/2024
God Has Great Ideas!
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10/10/2024
A Ticket to Ride
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4/29/2024
Why I Write . . .
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4/24/2023
A New Morning Awaits!
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3/5/2023
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3/1/2023
When Bad Things Happen to Good People ...
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2/20/2023
"Love is ..."
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2/13/2023
Read Between the Lines
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2/5/2023
Just because . . .
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1/29/2023
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
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1/23/2023
Ever Been Visited by a VIP?
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1/15/2023
God-Moments
Barbara E. Haley
6/8/2019
When Life Happens!
Barbara Haley
1/23/2019
Great Deals for Christmas!
Barb Haley
11/24/2018
Guardian Angel to the Rescue
Barbara E. Haley
9/16/2018
Biz On the Go Now Available!
Barb Haley
6/10/2018
Nothing Compares!
Barb Haley
4/5/2018
STUCK in your Comfort Zone?
Barb Haley
2/5/2018
There's a Song in the Air!
Barbara E. Haley
12/15/2017
When you think you're finished, and then . . . God!
Barb Haley
8/6/2017
Those Branches HAD to Go!
Barb
5/30/2017
Eight Years Later ...
Barb
1/9/2017
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Barb
12/16/2016
O Holy Night
Barb
12/15/2016
A White Christmas
Barb
12/13/2016
We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
Barb
12/12/2016
We Three Kings
Barb
12/11/2016
Birthday of a King
Barb
12/10/2016
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Barb
12/9/2016
Hallelujah Chorus
Barb
12/8/2016
Joy to the World
Barb
12/7/2016
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Barb
12/6/2016
O Little Town of Bethlehem
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12/5/2016
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
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12/4/2016
Angels From the Realms of Glory
Barb
12/3/2016
Silent Night
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12/2/2016
A Closer Look at the Christmas Carols
Barb
12/1/2016
When Prayers Take a LONG TIME to be Answered
Barb Haley
10/19/2016
Anybody Up for a Bit of Transformation?
Barb Haley
9/24/2016
Diving in the Wind
Barb
8/16/2016
Because I Can!
Barb
7/12/2016
Baby Steps
Barb
6/30/2016
No Help From Me
Barb
6/12/2016
Day One: Do I Need a Blindfold, Lord?
Barb
6/10/2016
Depression? I'd Kick It if I Could
Barb
6/9/2016
God Has Our Backs
Barb
2/8/2016
The Winner Is...
Barb
11/30/2015
Sample sections from A Second Wind
Barb
11/28/2015
Has Anyone Heard From the Lord Lately?
Barb
9/13/2015
The Emotional Strain of Chronic Pain
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9/8/2015
Why does God test us?
Barb
1/29/2015
Inciting Incident-What?s That?
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9/1/2014
Act One?the Ordinary World
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8/24/2014
Tell Me the Story of Jesus
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8/14/2014
Story or Plot?
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8/8/2014
True Light
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4/15/2014
Words of Love Last Forever!
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7/19/2012
Alzheimer's-Not the Only Way to Let Go
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7/9/2012
The Hunger Games
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6/26/2012
What Would God Say?
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6/13/2012
Keeping It All Inside
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6/3/2012
The Rest of the Story
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5/29/2012
Trust and Obey
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5/25/2012
Hidden Dirt
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5/22/2012
One Layer at a Time
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5/17/2012
Welcome!
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5/15/2012
