"And she gave birth to her first-born 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 emphasis mine)

This is a very different couple of weeks!  We have had "holidays" in the middle, travel (because of the holidays!) and then weather causing "snow days" - all of which has upset the routine.  It is hard to figure out the day of the week let alone stay on any kind of routine.  At the same time it can encourage thinking about "routine" and time with God.

It makes us start to question if we have "room for" the Christ.  Have we given thought to when we will be learning, growing and strengthening our relationship with the Christ child whose birth we have just celebrated?  Have we even thought about a "room/place" do be able to HAVE the time with God in God's Word?  We wonder about Mary, and Joseph, not being able to find a place for Jesus to be born but we often let our schedules/routines get so full there is "no room" either.

As we start into the new year it is something to think about.  Is there a way we can "make room" for Christ in our routines?  Is there a place, in our homes and in our routines, where we can s-t-o-p and be with God?

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well." (Romans 12:6a NLT)

Have you thought about giving yourself a gift?  During this season of gift giving - have you thought of yourself?  One of the training classes I was at, this fall, for a volunteer position I am in spoke about having bad days (like we all do sometimes!) --> give yourself a pick-me-up gift.  If you are having a great day (like we all sometimes do have!) --> give yourself a celebration gift.  A friend, in the same training I was in, agreed -- our idea of "celebration gift" was an ice cream dessert!  Sometimes to stop, take time for us, is the gift we can give ourselves.

God has given us, "in his grace," different gifts.  Each of us can do something that is special to us.  Yes, I like to quilt - like a LOT of other people - but I can do it as time with God, time in prayer and to give as gifts.  I will even admit that the gift I give myself, on occasion, is something to do with quilting (or knitting).  I might, although it doesn't happen often, actually even make something for me -- usually when someone has given me yarn/fabric specifically to make something for me.

This week we celebrate God's greatest gift to each of us -- Jesus, Emmanuel -- God with us.  We also know, however, God has given each of us "gifts we love to do".  What gift has God given you -- that you love to do?  How is it you spend time with God?  Can you give yourself a gift?  Can you give yourself the gift of some time with God?  Something to think about during this season of giving gifts.