Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Awe


We are expecting another 6 inches of snow today here in the upper Midwest. Looking out on the 12 inches plus on the ground already, we can definitely say we will have a "white" Christmas! Our small indoor tree is all decorated with its tiny lights giving off a glow on this grey day. The fridge is filled with Christmas dinner ingredients, and the house smells like sweet potato pie. Our gifts are wrapped and waiting for Christmas morning, and Joel has his church services ready to go. Christmas will soon be here and the wait will be over.

Tomorrow we will read the Christmas story, worship the birth of God's son, and celebrate the most precious gift anyone has ever been given~ the gift of salvation coming in the form of a baby. In joy we will sing familiar hymns, hear God's Word, and greet others with "Merry Christmas"! We will eat a feast, enjoy special desserts, and will be bursting with the love of family and friends whether in our homes or from afar.

As we embrace another Christmas, in awe we give thanks for God's gift to each of us. Jesus.
Merry
Christmas

Friday, December 17, 2010

Mary, Mary, Had A Little Baby

There is a song I listen to during Christmas that is on a CD by Sarah McLachlan....and one verse sticks in my head...

"Mary, Mary, had a little baby...
mmmmm...tiny little baby..
mmmmm...pretty little baby...
Glory be to the newborn king."
~~~~~~~
Mary, a young woman, having been chosen by God, gives birth to a baby that she knows is the child of God. She births a king. THE King. I cannot imagine how she felt that day, and for the years to follow. Did she understand it all? In her obedience to God, did she realize the importance of this tiny baby she held in her arms...the boy she watched grow up...the boy she found teaching in the temple at age 12....the son she saw turn water into wine...heal the sick...die on a cross... and rise again. Mary had a little baby......and the world changed.
~~~
So, here we are, and may I say we, too, are like young Mary...believers in God. Just average people. Are we open to have God use us? Use us until we are all used up? Are we open to surrender? Are we willing to be obedient to God's plan for our lives? His plan that will help further His kingdom? We will notbe favored by God to birth a King...we will not be remembered in Biblical history...but we can all do our part by glorifying God in all He asks us to do. Fulfilling God's purpose for each of our lives....As believers. As average people. As obedient children of God.
"Mary, Mary....had a little baby...
Glory be to the newborn King!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please stop over and visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays to link up or read other inspirational posts. www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

In Faithfulness

I watched Joyce Meyer early this morning before I even got out of bed. I find that God often has a thing or two to tell me through her words. Today the words hard, stay, and go were resonating in my foggy head. They came alive for me because I have been struggling with finding a situation here very had to deal with...and my first response is to "go". To leave it behind. Besides this challenge, we are getting ready for early retirement, and find the process to slow for our liking. At times it is hard to remember that God has a plan for us...a plan with His perfect timing.

In our faithfulness to God, we are able to wait for His plan to unfold and not force things to move at our pace, but boy I find that hard at times. I keep asking God through my actions and my words..."NOW Lord? Is it time now?" Like an small child waiting for Christmas morning, who continually asks her parents..."Is it Christmas yet?", I go to God daily and ask...."Is it time yet?".

During the Advent season we learn the meaning of waiting ~ waiting for the right time for our Savior. Waiting for the birth of a baby that would save the world. Waiting for Christmas. With this in mind, I can apply the same process to our future. Waiting for the right time...the right place. Joyce Meyer spoke today about being faithful and trusting God to tell us when it is time to go and time to stay and I am so glad I opened my eyes early to listen. In faithfulness I can trust our Lord with today...and tomorrow. He loved us so much he sent His son to die for our sins, His love never ends and neither will His guidance.

"For I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
NLT

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Anticipation and Joy

"Let the Word of God dwell in you richly..."
Colossians 3:16a

This time of year I wait with anticipation for the mail to arrive. I love getting cards and newsletters at Christmas! Having moved over 20 times in 42 yrs, and with Joel having served several congregations, we have connected with many people and love to hear how they are doing. We oooh and ahhh over how kids have grown up, and enjoy seeing wedding photos, and the pictures of grandkids that are so eagerly shared. We catch up on what is new in each household and learn of their joys and sorrows. I love these special connections with friends, don't you?

It came to my mind to ask myself if I connect with God enough, and have the same excitement when I open His letters to us? The Bible is like one long inspirational newsletter. The only thing missing is the family photo!

As I open the cards and newsletters that arrive on my doorstep this year, I pray I will be reminded to open up God's newsletter with the same anticipation and joy, and read the good news He has for me every day!

Friday, December 3, 2010

White As Snow

I have been watching snow fall gently all day in our corner of the world. Everything looks so pure and white now that the brown grass and earth are wearing their winter coat. It reminds me of the verse in the Bible that speaks about forgiveness.
~~~~~
"Come let us reason together," says the Lord.
Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow.
Thought they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool."
Isaiah 1:18
~~~~~
Scarlet....Crimson...like blood...Jesus' blood shed for our sins. Wool....Snow..clean.....no stains left from our sins. Absolutely pure. Forgiven. Isn't it amazing? We are so blessed with the precious gift of forgiveness and the privilege to forgive others. As we walk through Advent in preparation for Christmas, let us rejoice in the birth of a baby, God's son, our Savior who was born on one Holy Night, and who grew up to die for our sins. Though our sins were scarlet, they are now white as snow. Thank you Jesus.
~~~~~
Stop over and see Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays to link up or share an inspirational post. http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/