The wonder of the season. The Christmas season. It is here. We are down to the wire as the saying goes. Very little time left for those last minute details. We have completed most of our “to do” lists.
As I sit this morning looking over my own list, checking off the things done and thinking on the few that remain, excitement builds. I still have that child within me.
I remember Christmas past. My first recollection of Christmas was in the mid 1950’s. Gathering at my grandparent’s home. The family all around, the fragrance of delicious food wafting from grandmother’s tiny kitchen. Amazing things came out of that little space back then.
It was a calmer time. Either I was too young to understand what was going on in the world or my world was a calmer place. I like to think it was the later.
The door would fly open and in would come a family so dear to us. Everyone would rise and greet. Time after time, until all the family was present. I was the oldest grandchild. I remember the first time I was told I would be Santa. I would get to hand the gifts out to our beloved family. What an honor! I recall the looks on the faces of precious family as I handed them their gift. It was then I learned, that giving was somehow more exciting and fulfilling than receiving. Although receiving was right up there close.
I met with unexpected expense this week, regarding the tires on my car. Likewise, just as unexpectedly, I was the recipient of an “Elf” experience! Two of them! Imagine! A visit by God’s elves at sixty-six years old. Surprised does not describe the experience. Just as exciting was the reaction to my “Elf” event, by the gentlemen taking care of the business of my tires. They expressed their blessing, came from just participating in my “Elf” experience.
We all have that child heart. Seems that should be the only way to experience Christmas. After all, it was a child, gifted, to whoever would believe. It would take the faith of a child, to believe, that a child could be our Savior, our Messiah, our Prince of Peace, our Lion of Judah.
So, it is the eve of a day of celebration. We commemorate an event that changed the world. So amazing that it still causes turmoil. Believing for some is too difficult. They celebrate the lights, and shopping. Believing for millions perhaps even billions, isn’t difficult at all. They focus not on the gifts they buy but on the one gift. The gift that at some point in their life, they reached out and received with a heart that believed. They believed, that the man Jesus, came to save the world from the darkness of sin. Died and rose again to secure eternal life.
When I think about gifts, nothing surpasses the gift of forgiveness, the gift of eternal life, the gift of grace…amazing grace. So, in love we celebrate. We put aside the discord that His very name brings. We celebrate the child in all of us. We celebrate as God’s elves, giving of ourselves, our money, our love. We forgive. We give what was given to us. God come to earth as a baby, to save the world from its sin. Wise men knew. They came from afar, just to acknowledge Him. We should do no less.
Merry Christmas to all, but especially to my family and those who have walked with me through the adventure of writing. It has been a blessing to me. A learning experience, that I suspect will never end. Each writing brings new challenge to do better. My prayer is that through it all, someone found Jesus. That someone began a closer walk with our Savior. That someone found encouragement to keep walking. That someone found relief from crushing grief. That someone found peace. May God Bless each of you on this special day and in the coming year.
~Scripture For Today~
Isaiah 9:6
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (NASB)
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV)
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing,, it is the gift of God. (ESV)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! Hallowed be Your name. It is the season of giving. Thank You for the greatest gift of all time. Jesus, Your Son. Father, we celebrate the coming of the Lord. We celebrate Your gift by giving in His name. By sharing our experience with the Son of God, with others. We pray that we give away the love and forgiveness given to us, to all who will receive. Thank You for Your love for us. For the gift of all gifts. Jesus. We pray forgiveness for our failures and sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.