How many Christmas parties are you going to this year? I have stopped counting! I am grateful for any occasion where friends and families gather together to celebrate Christmas, often sharing memories, jokes and encouragement as well as gifts and food.
This year, God is inviting us into His own celebration. He is drawing each of us deeper into His throne-room, the place where He dwells continually. When we encounter Him, life is abundant. As Psalm 16 says: 'In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever!'
Has anything been discouraging you from enjoying His presence recently? Have you been troubled by the many gifts to buy, or the many arrangements that need to be made? Fear and shame can cause us to hide from God's presence. He is inviting us to give Him anything that hinders us from approaching His throne of grace with boldness. As we offer Him our anxiety and uncertainty, He fills our hearts with peace, rest and joy.
In Isaiah 61 God's children receive a promise: 'Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, and instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion...'. God has many gifts and blessings to release to us! Today, let's boldly accept His invitation to enjoy His presence. As we join hands with Him, nothing can hold us back.