Laced With Grace

Two thousand years ago, on a night lit brightly by a heavenly star, a young mother gave birth to a Holy Child. In a humble manger in Bethlehem Love entered the world in human form. Angels announced it, shepherds welcomed it and wise men celebrated it. The long anticipated arrival of the Savior, whose birth had been foretold centuries before, had finally come.

“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). 

But was Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem the final climax to centuries of anticipation? Was the work completed on that starlit night? Though Jesus’ birth was the culmination of a miraculous and holy pregnancy, God’s plan didn’t end as Mary held Jesus in her arms for the first time. That moment was only the beginning.

As Christians, we celebrate Christmas because it is the beginning of God’s plan of salvation for us. Jesus Christ, God and Man, Father and Son, entered the world to save us from our sins. And in the years that followed His momentous birth, God walked with us and talked with us. He brought Light to a dark world as He taught the Truth of the Scriptures. He healed the sick. He comforted the hurting. He fed the hungry and He ministered to the multitudes. He faced every challenge and temptation that we have ever or will ever experience. And through it all, He did not sin. He understands us, not only because He created us, but because He lived as one of us.

Why would our Creator do this? Because He loves us. So great is His compassion that Christ lived a life on earth and then willingly went to the cross to die for us. He saved us from eternal separation from God and gave His life so we could be with Him forever. His ultimate sacrifice, 33 years beyond Bethlehem, is a gift of love and of life that should always be celebrated.

Though yesterday was the day we celebrated Jesus’ birth, let us also remember that Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th.  It is only the beginning of the journey to the cross – a journey willingly taken by our Savior because of His incredible, sacrificial love for us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Celebrating His Love,

Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
oh come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem…

I love Christmas carols especially the old hymns that we sang in church when I was growing up.  Somehow, when the musicians started playing and the choir began singing you “felt” Christmas.  The words of the songs brought to life the true meaning of the Christmas season.  They lifted your spirits and took you on a journey… a journey to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him,
Born the King of angels;

Somehow in these moments when you lose yourself in the words of the songs and allow them to minister to your heart nothing else matters.  It doesn’t matter if the house isn’t perfectly cleaned, the Christmas tree doesn’t have very many gifts or the table isn’t as lavishly spread as in years gone by. What matters is the one whom the season is all about. 

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

Old Christmas carols such as Oh Come all Ye Faithful, Hark the Herald Angel Sing, Joy to the World and others like the remind me that the Christmas season, is not about me! It’s all about Him, Jesus Christ, the one who left the comfort of heaven to come to earth just because we needed a savior.

O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Thank you Heavenly Father, for the gift of your precious son, the gift that keeps on giving, the gift that I keep falling in love with over and over again.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NKJV)

Does the fact that Christmas is just ten days away make you cringe or even panic?  Do you have a list of things that need to be done or purchased and realize that nothing has been crossed off your list yet?

For the past five or so years I have learned not to allow these things get me down.  Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way when chronic illness crept into my life like a thief in the night robbing me of the stamina I once had in order to accomplish the things I thought I needed to get done for the Christmas season.   I have learned that my home does need to be perfectly decorated; I do not have to bake everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie, candy, or cake; or have the perfect Christmas dinner; or the perfect tree with all the special trimmings; or spend a fortune for gifts.

I’ve learned that what people really want – those closest to us – is our special attention.  We can find ourselves so busy with all the holiday trappings that we neglect the very people we claim to be doing all the fuss for.

This past Sunday afternoon I had a Women’s Christmas Tea for the ladies of our church in our home.  I not only wanted to show my love and appreciation for each of them, but I also wanted them to know that we can have a wonderful time of fellowship without all the hype and fuss.  I knew my limits as well.  Other than the usual weekly cleaning that my husband always helps me with, I did not worry that everything had to look spotless or beautifully decorated.  I decided that since it was an afternoon Tea, that the food would be simple as well.  I furnished the hot tea and sparkling punch along with a tray of freshly baked scones and mini muffins purchased from my new friend who has a lovely Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room in Pottsville, PA.  I had the ladies bring cookies for a cookie exchange using one dozen from each lady for all to share at the tea.  To make it even simpler I purchased Christmas paper plates, cups and napkins.  I did not want the focus to be on the food or a beautifully decorated table.  I wanted the focus to be on the fellowship with one another as well as the real reason for this special season – Jesus.  We had prayer and devotion; a white elephant gift exchange; Christmas Pictionary; and a great time of fellowship and laughter too.  The two hours set for the Tea flew by way too fast!

This year there will not be any homemade cookies or candies from me.  Although, those who know me are probably thankful to hear this since for some reason my cookies never turn out like they should.  My husband and I will enjoy a few Christmas gatherings with the church, some extended family members and our small but precious family (mom and our daughter Heather and family).  Knowing my physical limitations we chose carefully which gatherings we attend as well as limit the amount of time spent at each gathering so as to not overly exhaust myself .  I’ve learned that I do not have to be supper woman and do everything myself.  My daughter and grandson love to help with the Christmas preparations.

In simplifying my life I have been able to give the gift that each family member desires from me – the gift of quality time with ME.   In so doing, we can all enjoy the real reason for this special season – God’s precious Gift to each of us – Jesus

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)