And so this is Christmas…..
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Songs that remind us, it’s here again.
It happens every year. We promise that we will not get ourselves worked up or stressed. We say we will not run around until we exhaust ourselves. But some of us have not been truthful to ourselves again.
It’s all in the planning!
We get the food; we invite family and friends for the pinnacle event of the year.
We have visited every mall and craft event. We tell ourselves, “I have to get the perfect gift”.
A long, long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible says
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, Was born on Christmas Day.
Promises from long ago echo and our world is about to change.
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. (Isaiah 9:6a)
I heard on the radio, “Before the apple was fully digested, God had a plan”.
Christmas began before we started celebrating.
He did not rush, he did not stress. The One who never tires or sleeps was very careful to choose a Gift for us. A Gift that would unravel us; a treasure that we would be able to share with all; a prize to the ones that seemed to have lost everything.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2)
The Gift.
The day after Christmas is just as hectic as the days preceding it. Why you ask?
That perfect gift we choose will soon be returned. We the gift-giver failed to fully know what the recipient needed. Yes, grandma does not need new slippers. Actually, last year’s package is still in the closet. Mom and dad would love to go on that trip but what they really desire is to spend more time with the grandchildren. All that time you spent in Toys R Us getting the latest toy –yes it will be in the toy box with the rest of the trinkets very soon. Oh, and the husband that gets his wife an 80” TV. Oh sure that was for her. Let’s not forget the Christmas sweater! It will be obsolete in about 10 days.
Fruit cake. Well, need I say more?
Wow, I sound like the Grinch!
OK, let's re-focus here.
In our search for the perfect gift, sometimes we miss the mark.
We put a lot of effort in the temporary.
The eternal joys come from glory.
Our Father in Heaven knew exactly what we needed.
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name
This gift comes straight from the King’s palace.
This Gift is multi-faceted.
Receive it and it continues to unfold more.
From the depths of the Father’s heart he offers reconciliation, love, joy, peace.
Once you get the gift, he is delighted if you pass it on!
Oh, but please don’t reject it.
Once you experience the Gift he causes a heart transformation that leaves us with a mark, a great seal that we can’t wait to share! There is no returning this Gift!
Take the Gift and wrap it in a conversation. Take it to the homeless or the king’s court.
Oh, but please don’t reject it.
Once you experience the Gift he causes a heart transformation that leaves us with a mark, a great seal that we can’t wait to share! There is no returning this Gift!
Take the Gift and wrap it in a conversation. Take it to the homeless or the king’s court.
Share in the Valley or shout it from the rooftops.
Please, share the “Good News”.
Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born to-day;
He gave His best.
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Merry Christmas and to all a good night!
Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born to-day;
He gave His best.
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Merry Christmas and to all a good night!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
God bless you!~Liz
