As I read Luke 2:1-7 this week, the word contentment came to mind.  Jesus was content with who He was (an outcast, poor, humble beginning, Savior) and didn't have to have the stuff, or the celebration or the recognition that He truly deserved.  He was content.

How content am I, especially after I feel I deserve something.  Take my cat for example: in order to get the cat into the basement every night, we give her a treat (we used to have to hunt her down). She used to hang out upstairs until I shook the bag of treats, then came running.  Now, at about 10:45, she goes to the door and starts meowing or grunting as if to say, ‘Hey, its time for my snack.'  She has come to expect it.  If I take it away, she would be disappointed.  But if she never had that treat, she wouldn't be missing anything would she?  She isn't happy without her treat at night.

Jesus probably knew that He was poor and an outcast, but that didn't stop Him from saving us all!  What about us?  Are we content with what God has given us?

The message I am telling myself:

-          Be content…don't get so focused on the stuff this Christmas

-          Jesus came to save us…he didn't care about status or wealth, he cares about us!  He gave us something we didn't  deserve…unconditional love, eternal life in Heaven.

I hope that His lowly birth helps you be more thankful this Christmas!

PB