By Heidi Gaul

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

The Christmas tree is decorated, and stockings are hung. Carols waft through the air, joining the scent of holiday baking to create a sense of home and love. And giving.

Every year, I look forward to this season. I enjoy selecting presents that speak to the loved ones in my life, letting them know how much they mean to me. The gratitude I see in their eyes is priceless. And when I give something that’s especially dear to me, it makes the moment even more precious.

This Christmas, hidden among the pile of boxes and bags beneath the tree is a tiny package for my daughter. It’s a gold ring set with a semiprecious stone I gave my mother long ago. Mom wore it for special occasions until she went to be with Jesus. It’s time for me to invite my daughter into the circle of love this bit of jewelry represents. I know she’ll cry. I will too.

Long ago, God considered me and my hopeless situation. He saw past my sin and knew exactly what I needed. Surrendering this baby, his Son, would hurt him more than I can imagine. But he did it, so I could enter their circle of love.

Through Jesus, he gave us eternal life and life abundant. It’s a gift. Open it. And try not to cry.

Faith Step: Remember the Gift you were given. What special item can you let go of to welcome someone into your circle of love? If it’s a gift, wrap it. If they’re words, speak them.

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Taken from Mornings with Jesus 2020: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul by Guideposts. Click here to learn more about this title.

From the editors of Guideposts comes Mornings with Jesus, an annual, 365-day devotional, delights devotional readers with daily entries that include a Scripture verse, reflection on Jesus’s words, and a faith step that inspires and challenges.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Spend the year following Jesus, reflecting on daily devotions that show us His unchanging love and faithfulness.

In Mornings with Jesus 2020, you can read one all-new devotion each day that will encourage you to embrace Jesus’s love, to lay down your worries and abide in Him, and to focus on Him as Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One. Lifting up their voices in heartfelt gratitude, thirteen writers consider the character and teachings of Jesus and share how He enriches and empowers them daily and how He wants to do the same for you. Every day you will enjoy a Scripture verse, reflection on Jesus’s words, and a faith step that inspires and challenges you in your daily walk of living a Christ-like life.

In just five minutes a day, Mornings with Jesus 2020 will help you experience a closer relationship with Jesus. It’s full of inspiring and lasting motivation and spiritual nourishment to fill you with hope and direction.