Sunday, December 22, 2024

The Wonder of Christmas

The Wonder of Christmas

Wonder: A feeling of admiration caused by something beautiful.

"For unto 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. 

(Isaiah prophesied of Jesus birth 700 years before His birth.)

Christmas...is almost here. Our trees are trimmed, our gifts are wrapped, anticipation stirs the air. Many Christians are preparing their hearts for Jesus birth. An event that was so beautiful, so incredible, so incomprehensible, that it would literally change the world forever. A monumental tasks for a tiny baby. This perfect and precious child that was conceived by the Holy Spirit was sent to earth to save His people from their sins. He took it upon Himself our humanity. He was born in the shadow of the cross to redeem us from our sin. What if Jesus had never been born, would it have made a difference? EVERYTHING!! We would have no atonement of our sin, no resurrection from the dead, no hope of eternal life, and no Savior to call a friend. The night Jesus was born Mary must have held her baby close. Kissed His soft cheek, and wept quietly in the wonder of it all. 

"Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:13-14.

"When we lose our wonder, we are prone to wander."

May you have a beautifully blessed Christmas,
Jo


 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Indescribable Gift

Indescribable Gift

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Christmas...For most of us, our trees are trimmed, our gifts are wrapped and there's anticipation stirring the air. This is a perfect time to put aside our Christmas preparations, gather the family, and reach for your Bible where the story of the Christ Child awaits us. I wonder what God, our Heavenly Father felt when He made the decision to send His only beloved Son to become the Savior of mankind that we might live through Him. He gave the most precious thing He had to give. "This is My Beloved Son...(Matthew 3:17). One can almost feel the weight of that choice on His heart. Jesus left Heaven and all it's beauty, said "goodbye" to His Father, and started on a journey to earth by means of the Virgin Mary. He lived and taught and then He willing died on the Old Rugged Cross, rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of His beloved Father in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, we are son's and daughters of a most high God. Thanks be to God for His..."Indescribable Gift!"

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love; not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."1 John 4:9-10.

"May our hearts prepare Him room, our lives reflect His presence, our homes radiate His peace."

Sweetest Blessings to you and yours,
Jo











 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas


The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

Hustle and Bustle: "Activity of a crowded place or situation."

"So, I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry; for this will remain with him all the days of his life ." Ecclesiastes 8:15.

Christmas is my favorite holiday and typically December is my favorite month of the year because of the spirit of Christmas. Unfortunately, it can also be the most stressful time of the year and this stress can quickly lead to a burnout. If we aren't careful about our busyness we  will get caught up in a whirlwind of meaningless activity. We can get so busy that we miss all the little important extras in this season. The beauty of the day, a smile of a friend, a hug from a loved one. It is often the smallest pleasures and gentle joys that make the most lasting difference. It's the quiet holy feeling of love as we reflect on the birth of our Savior Christ Jesus. Take time to notice your day is sprinkled with blessings. Take time to sit and bask in His goodness. Take time to start your day in God's Word. Your cup will be full when all the hustle and bustle rolls around you. Enjoy the season! 💖

"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill towards men." Luke 2:14. 

"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by the Hustle." Abraham Lincoln.

Sweetest Blessings
Jo