It's easy around this time of year to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of it all.

Did I miss anyone on the required card sending list?  
Where exactly did we pack the angle for the top of the Christmas  tree?
And  how much overtime am I really willing to work to pay for this all come January?

But, in the midst of all of the planning and presents, we can't allow ourselves to miss the real truth of what God wanted to show us through the birth of Jesus.

And what was that truth?

That God is with you.

Despite all of our sins and missteps, "God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." (Romans 5:8 AMP).

You see, even in the manger, the cross was God's end game.

Jesus was born so that God could be with you.  So that, like with Adam, God could walk with you and talk with you through His Holy Spirit.

Why?  Because He loves you with an unyielding love that just won't quit!

So, this year while you are out scouring the stores for deals, remember that God's Spirit is there with you.  Give Him a knowing smile.  Chat with Him in the car while you're driving, or in the kitchen as you're cooking that special dish.

Because that's the gift that Jesus came to give you.  Eternal life with God - And it starts today!      

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Monthly Meditations
Scripture Memory Card

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Print this scripture memory card and meditate on these words from God throughout the month.  Allow His Word to renew your mind into realizing that God indeed is with you.

Thank You Lord For Being With Me Today and Everyday! "Look! The virgin will conceive a child!  She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,       which means 'God is with us.'" -Matt. 1:23 (NLT) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not! -Heb 13:5-6 (AMP)

Guest Columnist Article: Spending Less Money This Christmas By Guest Columnist Janet B Pearson Thrifty living is not cheap living. It is living with the money you make. Christmas time is often a time we tend to splurge, take out the credit cards, and spend more than we can pay. This leads to year-long pain and bills. Be free of this stress and use some common sense ideas to cut your holiday spending (and enjoy the holiday more). Here's some tips to help: Make a list. Include names and spending limits. If you come from a large family, suggest drawing names or buying a family gift. Shop online. You can easily comparison shop and often find incentives like free shipping. That is a double savings -- save money and time. Give homemade gifts. People love to receive homemade breads, cookies, jellies, and crafts. Put them in dollar store baskets for a creative and useful packaging. Buy board games or card games for the entire family. Use your holiday budget. If you have been budgeting and saving all year, you can avoid the credit card purchases! Here's some thrifty ideas for decorations: Involve the whole family and make old-fashioned paper chains or popcorn strings. You might even get a bonus of some quality family time. Recycle old Christmas cards into ornaments using some scissors, a hole punch, some yarn, and imagination. Gather some pine cones and spray paint silver or gold. Finish with a sealer and use as ornaments or decorations in a clear bowl. For gifts and decorations, shop after Christmas sales and sales during the year. Just be sure the bargains are items you will really use! Also, if you are not faint of heart and can shop the day after Thanksgiving, you can get some super deals, especially in the early hours. Just remember, it really is the thought that counts and your friends and family might enjoy your time as much as a gift... Janet B Pearson is the editor of http://www.thrifty411.com.   She is married and a mother of 2 with a grand-daughter, and a new grandson! She recently completed an e book "Thrifty Living: Be Thrifty, Make A Budget, and Save Money!"  Her website, http://www.thrifty411.com, offers thrifty living tips, money saving ideas, and help on how to create a personal budget.