I’d planned to drop by today with a quick post about goodwill and the holiday season, but then this happened:
How could I resist sharing such a gorgeous Christmas morning sky? It’s a gift–a reward really, for having to wake up so early after being up so late last night (read: early this morning).
I love the Christmas season. I enjoy the lights, the colors, the various interpretations of the Nativity, Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, the movies, cartoons, the glitter, glitz, and traditions of the holiday. I even like the hustle and bustle–to an extent. But what I really love about the season is that it generally brings out the best in us and reveals the goodness in our hearts. We’re kinder and gentler, more giving, and more patient with each other.
A few days ago, our new neighbors did something that we haven’t experienced from neighbors in more than a decade. They dropped by with a Christmas gift–a delicious assortment of cookies and holiday goodies they’d made themselves!
Despite my love for the holiday, my Christmas spirit remained dormant for much of the season, buried beneath exhaustion and a far too long to-do list. This neighborly act began a shift in my state of mind, particularly as I thought about how these same neighbors have performed other random acts of kindness for us over the last several months.
But here’s the thing–I don’t think my neighbors’ acts are so random. I think they’re specifically for us and intentional, with a particular result or reaction in mind.
It is this thought that led me to Christ and “the reason for the season.” The gift of His birth was specific and intentional (John 3:16, 17).
Just before falling asleep [this morning], I read a few devotional thoughts from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young that underscored my thinking. Thus, my Christmas spirit was recharged. Here are the parts that resonated most with me:
As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My peace rule in your heart and be thankful. –December 24.
I set aside My Glory so I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions–a filthy stable. That was a dark night for Me, even though angels lit up the sky proclaiming “Glory!” to awestruck shepherds. When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven’s vistas open up before you–granting you glimpses of My glory.
I am the gift that continuously gives–bounteously with no strings attached. –December 26
May you find the true joy of the season in the Gift of Christ.
Merry Christmas!
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Beautiful Chandra 🙂 I pray that the Christmas spirit lives on a little longer this year, and longer still in the years to come. If we could only find a way to keep it alive always. Speaking of cookies…. Think it is time for one! Wishing your family Joy, and abundant Blessings!
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Thanks, Sheila! And yes, we could certainly benefit from a permanent Christmas spirit! And as for that cookie…I’m very proud of myself. I ate no sweets yesterday! I think I’ll have a cookie today. Woohoo!
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Such a beautiful sunrise. Wishing you peace and joy.
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Thank you! Wishing you joy and peace as well.
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May Christmas bring you Light, Peace and Joy… Blessings, Chandra…
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Blessings to you too, Louise! I’m seriously behind on postal mail, but I hope to write to you soon! Thank you for blessing me with your light and friendship!
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Sounds (and looks) like a beautiful; Christmas! Your neighbors seem pretty wonderful too, that is always a gift! Remember to breathe and be centered in 2018, there are gifts for us everyday if we take the time to see and receive them.Lots of love and blessings to you and your family Chandra!
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I agree with you, Deb. There are gifts in every day. I just sketched my planner pages for next year, and I created a box called “one good thing” (based on the blog title of a friend–Every Day One Good Thing) to remind myself to look for the gift in each day. And yes, my neighbors are pretty awesome! 😉 Thanks for dropping by.
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This is a gorgeous post. Too often, it’s hard to find a really good post which talks about the true meaning of the season, and I am so grateful to read yours. That sunrise is just beautiful, and truly captures God’s handiwork and His promise to us.
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You are too kind! Thank you for your sweet comment. And yes, I agree about the sunrise–our mercies are new each morning.
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everyone had something nice to say. it really was beautiful pictures !
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