Jesus was born
In Bethlehem
But until I let Him
Live in me
I couldn’t see
His glorious reality!

Religious ceremony
And sanctimony
Are no substitute
For a personal testimony
About how Jesus
Became real in your life.

Emmanuel, God with us.
Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Without heart surrender
To the living Jesus
Christmas celebration
Becomes mere sentimental
Ornamentation.

Christ in the manger was step one but let Christmas continue until Christ is living in you and transforming you with His glory. To shift your focus to the Light of Christ keep your attention on the living Jesus and let His presence ever consume you. (Listen to the song, “Nothing Else” by Rick Pino.)

Christmas is seasonal. Christ in you should never be tied to a season!

Jesus presents His presence and offers to take up residence in and to direct the present moment of those who will perceive, receive, and obey Him. From the Christmas events to the Cross and Resurrection, the four Gospels are full of Christ encounters. Don’t just read them to learn. Read them to discern and to encounter the living Jesus. Christ in the manger was step one but let Christmas continue until Christ is living in you and daily transforming you with His glory.