Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Let it be filled with all things beautiful.
Love and Blessings…
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[(which means “God with us”).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matt 1:21-25
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:4-21
While we look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen: For the things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinth 4:18
Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends come together to eat a fresh, homemade meal and to take time to reflect on all the blessings we have received during the year.
As we rush back into our regular schedules and routines, we need to remember to carry thankful hearts filled with gratitude on a daily basis.
All too often, we look forward to the next big holiday on the calendar. We are excited for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to see what deals we can get instead of taking time out to appreciate what we already have. We never take time out to live in the moment, but constantly live under pressure to move full speed ahead.
This attitude or mentality leads to discontentment because we are always reaching for what we don’t have and never really appreciate all the gifts we’ve been given. It also leaves room for unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and jealousy when we don’t get what others have. On the opposite end, it can also open up the door to a spirit of greed when we attain all that we desire.
Overall, it leaves us with a hollow or empty feeling because we are so focused on the material world which constantly pushes us to receive things outside of ourselves and not really fulfilling the internal needs whether it is an emotional, spiritual, or psychological need.
Searching for things outside ourselves does not satisfy. Inner joy is a spiritual, inward connection that can only be found through a relationship with the Lord.
When you know the Lord is carrying your burdens, you can laugh in the midst of difficulties or sleep through turbulent circumstances without stress or worry. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding. You are contented in all circumstances despite uncomfortable situations. You’re able to push through difficulties with grace.
You also realize that Christmas isn’t about the latest electronic or digital gadget, but you will understand that Christ gave the greatest gift of Salvation which is the real meaning of the holiday season.
Let’s take time out this holiday season to embrace what we have. We are richly blessed. Even if you’ve struggled through hard times and have lost it all, there is always something to be grateful for.
Take time out to be still and welcome peace as we prepare for a New Year that is filled with faith, hope, and strength: Giving thanks in all things.
Writing with Purpose 