Sometimes I forget. All wrapped up in the Christmas-giving, I forget to unwrap the gift of Immanuel: God with me.

In all the rush I forget my  need for God’s soul-calming hush. But I want to remember. I want to unwrap not only the gift Jesus gives, but the gift He {is}.

His presence is the {present} I need most. And so I quiet my thoughts and whisper a prayer, asking Jesus to create a quiet space, a dwelling place for His presence in the manger of my heart…

This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with Your presence from the very start.
As I prepare for this Holy day and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift…the greatest gift ever.
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened; to reveal Your love to me.

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
when He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
And angels announced, “Into your darkness, God brings His Light.”

“Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call.
Setting all the distractions aside, to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear Your voice.
Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise.
Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.
In the midst of all the people and planning, I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.
Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.
Dwell within and around me as I unwrap Your presence each day.
Keep me close to You, Lord. It’s in Your wonderful Name I pray.

{written by Renee Swope. Copyright 2014.}

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