The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence. Our Scripture for today comes from James 4:8, and today's worship is As The Deer  by Shane & Shane Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast, the importance of drawing near.  As we begin this week-long focus on what it means to draw near to God in this busy Christmas season, I want to encourage you to create some space today to think about how you can meet with God consistently across the next few weeks. As your schedule inevitably changes some, how can you get ahead of those changes by finding a place and time you can still commune with God, and rest in his presence?   In the midst of the holiday busyness, may we find peace and rest in relationship with our good and near God.  Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.