Christmastime

Tis' the season for all things Christmas.  A time for nostalgia.  A busy schedule of activities.  Of traditions like baking cookies, crafts, and movie marathons.  Of dinners and parties, gatherings and more.  So many seasonal moments I look forward to all year long.

But, if I'm not careful, the calendar can soon become overwhelming and I find myself wishing the month away for a slower pace.  Or putting on the imaginary brakes to soak up just a little more time. 

Tim reminded me of this as I was penciling in our December and I commented how busy we were going to be.  He said, "We're as busy as we choose to be."

Then God whispered the same.  Yesterday, December 1st, would see my devotional all about time.  It's not a dated devotional but I know the timing of the message is not coincidental. 

From that whisper, I shared a post from a few years back about a changing tradition we began at my mom's to stop buying presents and instead spend time. 

To top it off with a pretty bow, our pastor's sermon would seal the lesson of ensuring Christmas is much more about Who we celebrate than what.  This I know, this my heart says is what I want remembered most of our holidays.

But the unexpected part I pulled from yesterday was that it was ok if I couldn't do it all, especially in helping others. 

Now, we've never had an extravagant Christmas.  The kids don't put big ticket items on their lists because we've always had a modest budget for presents.  We do however like to help those less fortunate and it's been a family tradition for us to give more this time of year. 

It's humbling to find ourselves in a place where we can't afford to do that this year.  Having recently lost my job, I find myself having to shift plans and traditions, declining yearly gifts for charities, and remembering that helping doesn't always include just writing a check.

Our pastor, through the voice of the Wonderful Counselor, prompted us to remember...the ultimate gift we can give someone is Jesus.  No presents, no food basket, no help can compare.  Yes, this is my Christmas wish.  This I can share.

So, this gift...the BEST gift, full of hope, peace, love and JOY I share with you. 
and you.  and you.

 

Hoping Christ is in every minute of your Christmastime.

Faithful Friday: Do you know Jesus?

A dear friend of mine rejoiced this week in announcing his child accepting Christ.  As Christians, we join him in celebrating because we know what a JOY that decision is.

But it is another story about this child that has me in reflection.

Hearing his papaw joyfully share about him, he told of his boldness in his faith, even at the young age of 8.  Meeting someone for the first time, without hesitation, he asks, "Do you go to church?"

And then...
  
"Do you know Jesus?"

Wow.  May the heart of a child teach us.

As adults we get so tripped up on what to say, how to say it, and when to witness to someone. 
We worry, we doubt, WE get in the way.  But what a wonderful reminder of how easy it is to share the love of God. 

So let me ask you now...Do you know Him?  Can I share the good news with you?

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. 

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;   

and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?” -John 11:25-26

My hope this week is to remember the JOY of being a new Christian.  Of how that joy comes bubbling forth and spills out on everyone around you.  May that joy be ever-present in my daily life.
And in yours....