...from Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional

What time is Christmas this year? You find the answer in four statements the angel said to the shepherds at the first Christmas (Luke 2:10-14).

1. Its time to release your fears! The first thing the angel said was, Do not be afraid! Fear is your greatest barrier to knowing God and fulfilling his purposes for your life. Fear is a self-imposed prison that keeps you from living the life God intends for you. So whatever you are afraid of - Christmas is the time to let it go. The Bible contains 365 "Fear nots - one for every day of the year! Its time to stop worrying and start worshipping. Stop tensing up and start trusting God

2. Its time to renew your faith! Next, the angel said I bring you good news with great joy, and it is for everyone! The Good News of Jesus keeps getting better because the bad news of the world keeps getting worse. The Good News is that God loves you, he created you for a purpose, you can know God personally by trusting in Jesus, and he wants you to spend eternity with him. God has really long range plans for your life! Christmas is time to come back to God.

3. Its time to receive forgiveness! Next the angel said, Today a Savior has been born for you; He is Christ the Lord! If our greatest need was education, God would have sent a teacher. If our greatest need was health, he would have sent a doctor. If our greatest need was financial, he would have sent an economist. But our greatest need is forgiveness, so God sent a Savior. It doesnt matter what wrong youve done, Jesus paid for it on the cross. Accept his forgiveness.

4. Its time to rebuild relationships! Finally the angel said, Peace on earth, and goodwill to all people. Once youve accepted Gods forgiveness, He wants you to forgive everyone else. Who do you need to offer forgiveness to this Christmas? Its time to make peace!