31 Family Devotions For Christmas Day TWO Dec. 2nd

23 Days Until Christmas

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:1-2

A Christ-centered holiday begins when we set our hearts on things above. Decide today that you will not let the commercialism of the holiday spoil the simple message of God's love for us. Fix your heart on the true meaning of Christmas: God sent His only Son to earth so that we could be with Him for eternity! If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, take time right now to ask Him to come into your life and forgive your sins. You will never experience more joy in this world than when you allow the love of GOd to inhabit your soul.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for loving us and sending Your Son into the world to save us from our sins so that we can be with you forever. Help us to set our hearts and minds on You today and always. In Jesus' name, amen.

Family Activity:

Make your own Advent Calendar. Spend time as a family each day counting down the days until Christmas. One way to do this is to make a paper chain, adding one link every morning using it to decorate your tree on Christmas Eve.

Stress-Free Tip:

Start making list for the stuff you'll need for the holidays. These include a baking list, a craft list, and a gift-giving list. Keep a special notebook with you at all times so that when you remember something you need to do, you can write it down right then and there. It's also a good idea to mark your calendar with each event to which you will need to bring a dish or dessert. That way you won't forget and have to scramble for a store bought item at the last minute.

Recipe:

Oatmeal Scotchies

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups rolled oats

2 cups butterscotch chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well. Stir together dry ingredients with a wire whisk until well blended. Gradually add to creamy mixture and stir until blended. Stir in the oats and the butterscotch chips. Drop spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 7-9 minutes until edges begin to brown. Store in sealed container. Makes abou 4 dozen.

Curtesy of Value Books. 31 Family Devotions for Christmas written by Marilee Parrish.