“Behold, a virgin shall be with a child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)
During this Christmas season, I can only sit and worship as I consider the wonder of a God willing to become a man.
I hope this beautiful Amy Grant song combined with pictures from The Nativity will lead you into hushed worship as well.
It’s Been a Hard Year
It’s been a hard year at the Avery house. Amidst a myriad of blessings, sorrow has also crept in. Family members are unemployed, loved ones are ill, my migraines increase, and relief seems far away. And then as 2009 suddenly draws to a close, I look up and discover that unexpectedly Christmas is here.
So, I ponder as I am faced with a choice. Will I sit and rehearse the lingering pain? Like the grinch, will I stubbornly let it pass me all by?
Typically, I love the holidays. The golden turkey rightly enthroned, vacuum-clogging tinsel covering the floor, gifts scattered artfully under the tree – I love it all. In fact, if you listen closely you can catch me humming, “Hark, the Herald…” twelve months out of twelve. Normally, Christmas is my favorite time of year.
But this year, life’s hardships put that all in doubt. Could it be that pastries and parties, tinsel and toys, Scripture and carols are only enjoyed in the sunshine of life?
So, as I pause and consider the questions I’ve asked, I am transported back to where it all began. Journal in hand, I decide to carve out a sacred space to consider the Christmas that began all Christmases, that very first one.
That year, in a humble stable, there were a myriad of gifts artfully scattered under God’s tree. Incredibly, some even bore my name.
To: Kim, with love, From God.
Over the years, I’ve eagerly torn open many, discarded the manger-brown wrapping, and treasured each one.
God gives the best gifts, doesn’t He? They are the kind of gifts that keep on giving and giving. I’m reminded that in sorrow and in joy He always knows just what to do.
Suddenly, I realize Christmas is exactly what I need at the end of this 2009. So, the particular present I’ve decided to hug to myself through the rest of this shadowy year is that supreme gift, the gift of God, Emmanuel. God with us. God with Kim. Nothing could minister to me more.
Emmanuel – God with Kim. It’s the perfect gift.
Thank you, Jesus.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. May God’s presence be the joy of your life.
It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit,
says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)
So, it’s already that time of year where I dive into the New Year’s Resolution craze. Yup – it happens every year. What’s up with that?! Why is the first day of January such a monumental time of renewal? Who really knows? All I do know is that clean slates feel absolutely wonderful.
I call it that “new box of un-opened crayons” feeling. They’re all sharp and pointy, the paper covers are all in tact, they smell so good. Oh come on now, you know you love the smell of new crayons. 
Seriously though, new beginnings are AWESOME!
What I think we forget is that every single day of our lives can be a Happy New Year kind of day. In fact, every hour could be like that if we just make a decision to live that way. It’s all about knowing who and who’s you are. When we belong to Christ, everything is made new. EVERYTHING! That’s not a once a year event. It’s a continuous, never ending flow of new life.
Crayons by Trisha Shears
Even still, it’s hard to ignore the wondrous feeling of taking down the old calendar and hanging up the new one. It’s un-blemished, clean, wide open with possibilities…and it’s not covered in giant permanent marker scrawl. So, as we begin to think about the approach of 2010 (I can’t believe it’s going to be 2010) there’s a special verse that we should keep in mind and never let go of.
It is not by force nor by strength, but BY MY SPIRIT, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
How many changes have you desperately tried to make during 2009? What did your resolution list look like from January to March? Any check marks? Any scratch outs? How many things did you give up on before Valentine’s Day? Most importantly: what kind of prayer life did you have concerning that list?
No matter what you want to start doing, or stop doing, remember one thing: God is the source of this change you seek. God is the source of it all. From Him and only Him will come the power to develop or release habits. From Him and only Him will come the courage, strength, and persistence to accomplish even the easiest task on your list.
Thank You Lord for reminding me of this powerful verse in Zechariah. As 2010 approaches, You know the goals I have in mind, yet I know that none of them will come to fruition unless I seek You as the author and finisher of it all. Please develop my prayer life so that I willingly acknowledge you as the source of all that I seek to change. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
Want more intimacy with God? For a limited time only, you can receive this eCourse, the monthly "Live Life Fully" newsletter, and the powerful special report "100 Ways to Get Closer to God."
Just fill in the form below and click the
Get FREE eCourse button.
Computers are wonderful, but sometimes a good book just feels better. For a limited time you can get our two new books - Just Published! - at a special introductory price. Click the picture for more information!
 |
 |
 |
