“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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:6-7
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
This marks my last post of 2013. Thank you for visiting my baby blog, which is now one-year old. I am grateful for you! I’ve been encouraged from reading many of your posts and by your likes, follows, and comments.
I hope you’re finding time to connect with family and friends this Christmas season, and have pondered God’s great love for us through the gift of His son, Jesus Christ.
Dad & Mom
I also thank and credit God for His provision, guidance and abundant blessings this past year. He has blessed me with a wonderful husband, kids, and extended family.
During a recent snow ridden trip to visit extended family, God protected my immediate family from a head-on collision when another driver passed too close into our lane. We also came across a car—loaded with people—that spun off the road. Their front tires clung to level ground while their back tires angled down an icy embankment. We were glad—as were they—to help transport them to a nearby phone.
During our whirlwind—but worthwhile—weekend family visit, we found ourselves in the hospital three times. In the face of cancer and a fractured hip from a fall, both Eric’s mom and grandma were visible testaments to God’s peace. We’re thankful for God’s healing hand as both Eric’s mom and grandma recover from surgery.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” –Isaiah 43:2
How has God provided and guided you this past year?
Why am I in a cleaning out frenzy lately? My husband attributes it to female nesting. Hmm . . . possibly . . . . Or maybe:
Anticipation of a new year?
Seeing the contrast between my home and Better Homes and Gardens January issue: Simply Organized?
Cluttered drawers; forgotten, broken stuff; tripping over my daughter’s toys and boys’ clothes?
Yep . . . all of the above.
Clutter drives me nuts. I feel great after organizing a drawer, but maintenance . . . now that’s an ongoing project! Papers crumple, paint peels, toys break, carpet stains. Eventually, everything material crumbles and fades.
I’m really not trying to downplay giving gifts. I really do love Christmas. Baking, decorating, giving and receiving gifts, watching the kids’ excitement (which begins on Thanksgiving), attending their basketball games and concerts, spending time with family, sending and receiving Christmas cards . . . . It’s all good!
But I have to say, all of the above dims in comparison to knowing Jesus Christ. And I have to ask myself: Is there room in my heart for Christ’s reign, or is it cluttered with other stuff?
A Babe in a Manger
I love that God came down to earth in a poor and lowly place, in the form of a little baby. Jesus–Immanuel–God with us came to bring salvation to everyone, even the poorest and lowliest. As God’s Son, He came to save us from our sins and give us new life. The One who fashioned the universe (Psalm 104:1, 5) also clothed Himself in humanity so we can relate to Him.
Although Christ traveled ancient paths (John 1:1), He’s in the business of restoration and abundant life. Although “the mountains melt like wax before the LORD” (Psalm 97:5), He transforms and renews the surrendered heart (2 Corinthians 5:17). He never fails, breaks down, fades, or changes. His love is bigger than the universe He created.
His Name:
(Created by K.D. Manes at tagxedo.com)
What’s on your Christmas list this year? Have you received the supreme gift of Jesus Christ–eternal life, adoption, forgiveness, restoration, healing, love, joy, peace, hope, purpose, friendship, abundant life? (For more on the supremacy of Christ, see Colossians 1:15-20.)
When Jesus was born, there was no room in the inn. Is there room in your heart for Him today?
My family and I enjoyed visiting the Okanagan Valley and West Kootenay region of B.C. Thanksgiving week. Kootenay Lake, Slocan Lake, and Arrow Lake—nestled between giant mountain peaks—stretch on for miles. The pine blanketed forests and rugged wilderness reminds me of God’s great creativity and power.
Holiday Time
The holidays can bring both joy and stress. Amidst busy preparations and seasonal activities, I hope we’ll all find time to relax and delve a little deeper into God’s Christmas treasures.
Last Christmas I bought a short reading guide, The Christmas Story, published by Zondervan in 2010. It highlights Messiah prophecies to the miraculous birth of Jesus. This book also features questions and summaries to help individuals and families better understand corresponding Scripture passages. The following references may be adapted according to your schedule and/or family’s ages.
Christmas Scripture Reading Plan
Old Testament Prophecies and Background of Messiah’s Coming
God’s Promise to David: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
The Sign of Immanuel: Isaiah 7:10-8:10
A Child Is Born: Isaiah 9:1-7
God’s People Ask for Salvation: Psalm 80:1-19
The Branch from Jessie: Isaiah 11:1-10
God Will Come To Save: Isaiah 35:1-10
A Promised Ruler from Bethlehem: Micah 5:1-5
Events Surrounding and Including Jesus’ Birth
The Birth of John Foretold: Luke 1:5-25
An Angel Announces Jesus’ Birth: Luke 1:26-56
Joseph Has a Dream: Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of John the Baptist: Luke 1:57-80
The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-7
The Shepherds and the Angels: Luke 2:8-20
Mary and Joseph Present Jesus at the Temple: Luke 2:21-40
The Visit of the Magi: Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus: The Son of God and Channel of God’s Loving Forgiveness
Jesus, the Son of God, is Baptized: Matthew 3:13-17
From the Beginning: John 1:1-18
God’s Great Gift of Love: John 3:1-21
Jesus Christ Is Supreme: Colossians 1:15-20
“Let All God’s Angels Worship Him”: Hebrews 1:1-14
May God’s great love and redemption plan seep into our hearts this Christmas . . . . I love the following rendition of Drummer Boy.
kdmanestreet 