Love Christmas
Our Christmas decorations were totally packed up when the thought raced through my heart: What if I die before next Christmas? And immediately my next thought was: I should have taken photos of the ornaments and journaled about them so my kids can know how special they all. I did not unpack everything to take photos of ornaments. But I did spend the rest of tonight thinking about all the things I would want to say to my kids if my time on earth was short._ _ _2013: Letters to my sweet kids #1My amazing daughter and wonderful son,I love Christmas. My childhood Christmases with my wonderful family were filled with love, laughter and worshipping God. Then I moved here and spent a Christmas alone. During that lonely day, I opened a gift a lady had given me. It was a simple but beautiful box. The sticker on the bottom was like a kiss from God: "Alabaster." The story of the forgiven woman in Luke 7:36-50 has been special to me for many years. The full love Jesus has for her is the love I feel from Him for me. That gift was from my Father God. Only He knows how much it would mean. That was my first Christmas away from my earthly family but firmly in God's hands. (P.S. That box sits on my dresser as a daily reminder for my heart.)Christmas ties the two hemispheres of my life together as it's one of very few things that Australia and America have in common. Christmas ties my two realities together is I fill my natural senses with symbols of the supernatural. Christmas is about my story: Yahweh loved me so much that He came to earth to redeem me back into relationship with Him. Loving Christmas reminds me of who I am and whose I am.My children, love Christmas.Let the season stir your heart with joy as you celebrate the massive gift of His Love: Emmanuel. God with us.Let Christmas draw you back to your foundations: Faith, family and Love.Celebrate the whole month. The moment Thanksgiving is over, put up a Christmas tree and special decor. Dress up your home up and set your mind towards celebrating.Let your heart be moved and filled with wonder. Play the music and sing along. Read Isaiah 9 and 53. Read Luke 1:1 - 2:40. Worship and thank Yahweh for His Love and Plan. Enjoy celebrating!Let your calendar be full of church family gatherings, and celebrations with friends and family. Fill the whole month with time with people you love. Savor the sights, scents, flavors and feelings.Love Christmas!Year-round we walk the journey of Faith and relationship with Yahweh. At Christmas, dive in to the holiday joy and celebrate the beautiful plan of His salvation and the power of His Love in your life.Christmas is about your story too: Yahweh loved you so much that He came to earth to redeem you back into relationship with Him. Loving Christmas will remind you of who you are, and whose you are.I love you, Mum. (Jan. 1, 2013)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! Sunbursts of light! Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. (From Isaiah 9 The Message)