Merry Christmas to All!

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”  Luke 2:1-20 

Yes, Linus, this is what Christmas is all about.  Praise God for His indescribable gift of His precious Son Jesus Christ Who came to make the way for folks like you and me to live eternally with Him.  I am so grateful that He came.  May we each seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Merry Christmas to you and yours.  Celebrate the Child!

Awesome God

What an amazing week it has been!  I’ve been shopping for our Christmas and trying to keep up with the regular household responsibilities.  I’ve been truly awed by how the Lord has made it all possible.  I had wondered how the Lord would make it possible for me to do all that I knew needed to be done but also knew that He can do the impossible.  Well, once again He has provided all that I need to be able to do what is needed.  He has given peace, grace, strength, stamina, provision, pain relief and so much more as I have followed His lead in my activities.  Something only HE could have done.  He is surely an awesome God and I thank Him for all He has given me and will continue to give me as the Christmas season continues.  I could not have imagined all that He has provided, but then He provides exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask for or imagine.  How like Him...  He is so good to me.  I am humbled by it all.  

“Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?  Exodus 15:11

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

I just love the Christmas season.  It’s a wonderful time of the year to me.  I love the cooler weather, the music, the increased generosity, the opportunity to celebrate with our families, baking special Christmas treats, eating those treats, and so much more.  Already I’ve listened to excerpts of Handel’s Messiah sung by the Moody Choir.  Such beautiful, God-given  music, especially the Hallelujah Chorus.  My heart wells up with joy as I hear about my Omnipotent God Who reigns forever.  He is truly an awesome God.  I love Him so much. 

Our Christmas tree is up with gifts underneath it.  I gaze at it and see so many reminders of my Savior and Lord.  I am once again amazed and humbled to think about Jesus leaving the glory of Heaven and coming to Earth as a tiny Babe Who died for me.  Trying to imagine God as a baby in a lowly manger is sometimes more than I can wrap my mind around.  However, that is just what He did and became the Light of the world for all.  He willingly came to show us the Father and to die upon an old rugged cross for our sins.  It humbles me every time I think about the sacrifice He made for me.  He truly is the best gift I could ever receive.  He is all I truly need.  Thank You, Lord, for Your precious gift to the world.

I pray that you would have a blessed Christmas season.  Enjoy your time with family and friends, eat the delicious food, give gifts of the heart, but most of all celebrate Jesus Christ, the glorious Savior of the world.  He IS the reason for the season.  Merry Christmas!  

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14