Open Your Ears and Listen

Christmas day 3

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“Listen in silence because if your heart is full of other things you cannot hear the voice of God.” -Mother Teresa

 

  • It’s time to spend some quality time with our loving Savior. Grab your Bible, notebook, and a hot, delicious beverage.
  • Begin by opening your Bible to John 14:26-28. Write the passages in your journal or record them on your phone. Pay particular attention to verse 27. Read the whole chapter for a beautiful blessing.

Open Your Ears and Listen

Distractions. Hundreds of distractions surround us every day. Phones ring, children cry and daily responsibilities become overwhelming. We find ourselves at the beginning of the Christmas season so overwhelmed with social obligations and traditions that we tend to overlook the most important piece- Jesus.

Psalm 46:10 tells us: “Be still and know that I am God.” Stop. Listen for the baby Jesus. If you are not still, you might miss what God is trying to tell you. God is crying out to you, telling you He loves you. Be still and listen.

Do not find yourself so busy that you cannot hear the baby Jesus. As a first time mom, time stops for the first few weeks of your newborn baby’s life. The tiny life you are now responsible for is all-consuming. You can hear every noise they make from across the room and let’s be honest, that baby does not leave your sight in the beginning.

What if our relationship with Jesus was just like a newborn baby; all-consuming and compelling us to just be still and present with Him?

Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord. Colossians 3:15-17 tells us: “ Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for He in fact called us as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Maintaining peacefulness, especially when dealing with difficult situations, means being able to “let go and let God” all the time, constantly, in every moment; This is hard.

Consider giving yourself the following “gifts” this Christmas season:

  • Establish a daily quiet time. Use this Christmas season as a reason to start seeking the Lord every day.
  • Pray for feelings of peace and calm when you feel the need. You could do this while preparing your home for guests, shopping at a busy mall, or performing a simple task at home. Earnestly pray to God and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit of peace and to help you give over your yoke of anxiety.  He will shoulder your burdens.
  • Remember to put your trust in God. When the “noise” of the holidays drowns out the “still, small voice” of the One who came to us as a baby, put your trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.  Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”

Take these three simple ideas and tasks and incorporate them into your daily routine. Seeking the Lord daily helps us to learn how to recognize the still and learn to listen. Chaos is natural. Constant chaos is not natural. We should find quiet moments throughout our day to seek the counsel of God, to pray or to worship the Lord. Seek calm and quiet during this Christmas season.

Trust God. Make an effort to listen for the Baby Jesus.

Questions to Ponder: Write the answers to these questions in your journal.

  • What area or areas of your life are filled with distractions? Are you able to put aside any of those distractions? Remove them for good? Pray and ask God for wisdom and guidance in this area.
  • Being still is also being more aware of those around you. Are you actively engaging your loved ones by being present? Journal different ways you can show love to your family this holiday season.

Faith Filled Idea:

  • Are you comfortable with silence? Make an effort to create more quiet in your life. Make a goal of at least 15 minutes of complete silence a day. Use this time to pray or meditate. Seek God during these still times in your home.
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-What are some different ways you plan on slowing down this holiday season?

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Leslie Leonard
Latest posts by Leslie Leonard (see all)

12 Comments on “Open Your Ears and Listen”

  1. This is such a great reminder! I’m already feeling the burden of Christmas shopping and decorating. Taking time to slow down and appreciate Jesus is so much important though!

    1. I agree Heather. We need to make slowing down and listening to God our first priority this season.

  2. “Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord.” So hard but so vitally important! I love the 3 ideas/tasks you said to implement into our lives daily.

  3. I love how you ask: “What if our relationship with Jesus was just like a newborn baby; all-consuming and compelling us to just be still and present with Him?” This is an amazing goal to set this time of year!

    1. Goal setting is such an important area of our lives that gets set aside. What a great idea.

  4. What a wonderful reminder you gave us Leslie to be still and feel God’s peace! Thank you so much!

  5. Thank you for this reminder of Godly peace. Not the peace that the world offers but the peace that comes form knowing Jesus. Wonderful devotional Leslie!

  6. I love what Brandi said ” As much as we love traditions and the holidays we need to make it a priority to be with Jesus first.” She is right!We all needed this message this month! Thanks so much!

  7. This is absolutely spot on and so beautifully said. I think Every mama can be encouraged by this message this holiday season. Thank you so much for this quiet reminder. As much as we love traditions and the holidays we need to make it a priority to be with Jesus first. Love this Leslie, so wonderfully written.

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