As we celebrate Jesus's birthday, we might ask ourselves whose party is it anyway? Lots of times, you see parties for really young children and they seem to be more for the parents to have the experience since the child is too young to appreciate it. Do we make Jesus's birthday more about us than him? It's really easy to make our prayers a monologue and tell God all that we want, but He doesn't want a monologue - He wants a dialogue with us - a conversation. Joseph heard from God and that led him to stay with Mary when he could have divorced her. Because he was listening to God, he was able to decide to lead his house for the Lord. Who would Jesus want at his party? It would be the people he speaks to and who call on Him frequently, with whom He has a true relationship. Jesus becomes the gift giver to us. James 1:17 tells us every good and perfect gift comes from above. God knows who to give which specific gifts to, making them perfect for each person. Acts 1:8 tells us that power comes after we receive the Holy Spirit. Do we focus sometimes more on the gifts than on the giver? Do we try to cherry-pick the gifts and decide which ones we want? God gives us the gifts He knows will best help us grow in our relationship with Him. We can get stagnant in our gifts. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 is a reminder that gifts need to be stirred up and refreshed to keep the flame going. Ask yourself as we start 2018: Is the Lord happy with my current level of faithfulness? How is my consistency? What can I pray into that I've given up on or feel a sense of powerlessness?