Christ-mas

Do you long for Christmas this time of year?

This picture was sent to me by my dear friend last week. It is a picture of the tree lighting in Bethlehem. She had family present, who sent her the photo. Amazing Grace!

What a challenging question that would probably be answered differently by everyone. A Mother, might definitely respond differently than her children. A Father, might respond differently than his wife. As my kids are now out on their own, the excitement for me is that all of us will be under one roof again. My guilt for short- changing you with this post, has caused me to pull it back up again and continue...

The focus of Christ-mas has changed so much in this world today, especially in America. The list of things that must be done has expanded. Like so much that this world can change, it can try to pull our focus from celebrating Jesus' birth. Try to remember the real reason for Christ-mas this year.

Christmas is always a time to remember that innocent child, Jesus, who was born in a stable, and laid in a manger. Jesus, was sent for all of us, God's only son, to walk through this world without sinning and to die for sin, for all who will believe in Him. Christmas is a time to embrace hope.

As I was wrapping gifts this year, I found myself writing on the card, "Holy, Holy, Holy." As my kids are now grown and the jig is up, no more Ho, Ho, Ho. Over the past two decades, I have tried to give three gifts, like the wise men gave to Mary and Joseph. This year it seems I have added more... Shopping has been made easier. No more driving all over town searching for that specific gift for each person. This is yet another way that this world is changing and also stealing our focus. It's not about the "gifts."

Christ-mas, is about the big "GIFT." A Gift that never fades away. The Gift of living eternity reunited with God, and sharing in all of His abundant glory. God, our Father, created man and woman, to love. And love us He does. As was written centuries ago in the Bible, God revealed to us that He had a plan to save all sinful humans and reunite us with Him again. Isaiah 9:2, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Jesus is that light. He walked in this world. He loved perfectly. He did not succumb to temptation of sinning for any personal gains in this world. His purpose was never compromised. He is the light that shines in all darkness to lead the way back to His Father, God, in heaven. Take time to see the lights this Christmas, and remember why the light is shining. The light shines to guide us with love to our eternal Father, to share in His glory. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God Almighty. Heaven and Earth are full of your love....

“God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.”

- Romans 8:28