Reflections on the Joy and Wonder of Christmas

 "And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

"He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.  Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:11-12)

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 1:4)

Year after year we celebrate Christmas.  Friends and family time are shared and cherished in a special way, people decorate and bake more than usual, songs are sung, gifts are given.  It is beautiful!  It should be beautiful!  It should be celebrated, and it should be special... and not just for a season.  It is God's greatest gift of love, given to us: Himself in the flesh... in the Person of Jesus Christ.  In Him is the fullness of this light and love where we are truly satisfied and find abundant life..  The truth that God chose to take on flesh, and dwell among us in such a marvelously humble way never ceases to cause my heart to stir and reflect on Who God is, and what He is all about.  It is such an unsearchable mystery! The truth of Jesus coming to dwell among us is not just an historical fact from 2000 years ago that we recall once a year and feel uplifted for a time, then go back to day-to-day life.  Jesus was born, revealed the fulness of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, then He died, was raised, and ascended to the Father's right hand - where He poured out His Holy Spirit to dwell in the temple of our hearts forever!  He lives in each of us and is still at work - dwelling among His people and drawing more to His grace and truth.  He desires to abide in us and is still working to extend that loving zeal in amazing ways throughout the world.

Close to home, it is exciting to watch Him at work in our little family.  As Elsie and I were reading the Christmas story a couple weeks ago, we decided to pretend to be Mary and Joseph and find the manger for baby Jesus to be born in.  Elsie has since taken a special liking to Mary and frequently dresses up spontaneously - seeking to take on a more intimate connection to the story.  For her, the Word is coming alive!  It brings Erin and I to appreciate how God is revealing Himself in a tangible way to Elsie, and brings about many laughs along the way!  As Elsie identifies with the Christmas story, and belts out Christmas hymns at the top of her lungs, we are witnessing the Word becoming flesh and making His dwelling among us... in our little home, in beautiful and treasured ways!

Sam-the-man, Samster-the-manster, or in a recent discovery: Sambo-the-rambo, is growing up fast as a special part of our family.  It is always fun to watch the week-to-week changes in development, and watching how Elsie adjusts to being a big sister (key word=adjusts).

I hope you and your family is able to enjoy the many blessings you receive from our great God, knowing that the greatest joy we have is God with us here and now - revealing Himself in tangible ways day in and day out.

                           Merry Christmas to all!