Reviews

While not all Canadians enjoy the cold, most look forward to the Christmas season. People enjoy sparkling lights in the snow, cozy family time protected from the cold, Christmas music, baking and a myriad of other Christmas traditions. One of my favourite customs in December is reading 31 Days at Bethlehem's Manger, the first Christmas devotional from Shane Johnson. Over the years I've realized how absolutely crazy the Christmas season can become. As a child there is a Christmas program to participate in, a gift or two bought for mom and dad, and attending family events. The full realization of what had to happen for different events doesn't sink in until you've helped out or organized something yourself. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the planning, spending, shopping, cooking, baking, running around, and general preparations. Often we are told to remember what we are celebrating, but do we take quality time to do so? We enjoy Christmas themed messages on Sundays, but is that where it ends? The verse in Luke often comes to mind, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34). How I spend my time is often a good representation of where I'm laying up treasure. 31 Days at Bethlehem's Manger has been such a blessing for me in the midst of the busyness of Christmas. It forces (yes, forces) me to be still and reflect on the significance of the holiday. Every morning and evening can be spent meditating on different aspects of the Lord's coming. Each piece of this historical event has significance we may not otherwise spend time thinking about. Christmas is not just about the baby who came, but about the Man who died in my place. Shane celebrates the baby's coming while pointing to His ultimate victory over sin. I look forward to adding these devotional thoughts to my day to re-focus on what Christ has done for me. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 To God be the glory, Danielle Robins September 2016