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Our clothing consists of hearts that are tender and filled with compassion displaying mercy; human-kindness that overflows to meet the needs of others; a humble preference to put others first; a meek, spirit-controlled temperament; and the willingness to go the distance with others without complaint-these are the new clothes.

We often miss our most important responsibility to our children: tilling/cultivating the soil of their heart (getting rid of all the growth-hindering rocks and all the life-choking weeds of distraction) and planting the seed of God's Word in it (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23). Wisdom for living is ONLY found in the WORD of God and only the Holy Spirit can guide us through life. So, let us "clothe" our children in the scarlet Blood of Jesus Christ so that they will be prepared for the harshest winters of life.

This Christmas, let us never lose sight of this fact: that He was born to die so that we who are dead could live. In the exultant celebration of Jesus' birth, remember that the gift God gave us is Jesus' death.

Just as a loving mother restricts her baby's motion to help it to rest more comfortably, let us allow God to swaddle us with His Word so that we might find true peace. And may God swaddle us with His Will so that we will love and serve our fellowmen, putting their needs ahead of our own.

It is quite revealing to compare how much time, effort and money we spend on our outward appearance versus our heart (inward appearance). Think of how much is spent each day on preparing clothes, hair, skin, diet and physique. So much time, so much effort, so much money spent just to look good enough for those around us. How does it compare to the time and effort spent in preparing our hearts for God?