Day 23 - The Lyrics of Christmas

I Ask Thee to Stay 

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay 

Close by me forever, and love me I pray. 

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, 

And take us to heaven to live with thee there. 

~from “Away in a Manger” 

Jesus isn’t just for Christmastime. You don’t wrap Him up and put Him away in a box until next year, like a Nativity figure. He isn’t just for Easter or Sundays or weddings or funerals either.  

Jesus is for always. He is the forever King. When you ask Him to come and be Lord of your life, you are asking Him to take full control. You are asking Him to “stay close by me forever.” 

Jesus is not an additive, a safety net, or a contingency plan. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Does He have full rule and reign over every aspect of your heart? Are you wholly and completely devoted to Him? Is He the sovereign ruler of your life?