As Christmas races upon us next week, I am reminded of another Christmas five years ago. My five-year-old granddaughter was singing “Gloria” in the cherub choir. She practiced and practiced, but every time she would sing “Gloria, In Excelsis Deo,” it would come out “Gloria, In Ex-Selfish Deo.”

I thought how perfect! God was reminding us in a very simple way that this is exactly where He wants us to be – in Him, ex-selfishly. Only then can we as individuals truly fulfill God’s purposes.

From my own personal experiences, I found that my innate desire to glorify God is not easily expressed when I am living within my selfishness. However, it becomes unique to us as “children of God” when we are transformed and made new through the Holy Spirit. It grows within us because of the grace of God and His gift given us through the birth, death and resurrection of His son. Our desire to glorify God grows exponentially when we give up our right to ourselves; when we surrender our independent, “selfish” will completely to God…”In Ex-Selfish Deo.”

Looking at the special, inspirational photo above we are reminded of how we come into this world with absolutely nothing, naked and needy. When we give our all to God there is nothing between us, and Him. He is completely aware of our nakedness and our needs.

Then through His grace, mercy, and love, we become alert, aware, attentive and attuned to His mighty hand carrying us, supporting us, protecting us.

“Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

During this Christmas holiday and into the New Year, let’s all choose to live for God, “In Ex-Selfish Deo”.

“Then he (Jesus)said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it”Luke 9:23-24 (NIV).