Category: God’s Love

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Pondering Christmas

This morning I’m sitting alone and enjoying the thoughts of Christmases past. Remembering times when the kids and grandkids were little. It’s a blessing of life to remember.

Very soon the tree and all the decorations will come down but the memories will remain. In the last few days we have visited with the kids and grandkids on the phone, learned of presents that were opened, traded texts and emails with those we love and then saw on social media the pictures that so many have shared.

With a heart filled with love, I began to think of Mary. Everyone of you mothers can remember what it was like to wake up the day after one of your children were born. Going over and over in your heart the emotions of the day, those that came to visit and once again holding that tiny child in your arms – counting every finger and toe.

What do you imagine must have been going through Mary’s heart that morning after Christ’s birth? She’s in a stable, with a man who has shown her unconditional love and she has a child in her arms who is God’s gift to mankind. How blessed – how in awe!

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:16-19

All through the night hours my thoughts have been filled with what Christ has done for me! I was unworthy of God’s love. I have done nothing to deserve His mercy and His grace. That’s what makes it so amazing!

Mary must have had these same thoughts. What did I do to deserve God’s favor; why was I chosen to birth the Messiah? It was all by God’s grace – giving to us the goodness of His love that we can’t earn and don’t deserve.

“But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) 6 Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.

8 I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. 10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:4-10 ERV

We are the recipients of a wonderful gift; the gift of God’s grace. That gift came to us in the form of a baby, Jesus Christ. God did this to show His kindness to all who are in the world. This gift is available to all.

My life, the blessings and all the good that is in it, is because of God’s love for me. It’s almost beyond words. I am overwhelmed by His goodness.

“When you became a Christian, you were set free from the sinful things of the world. This was not done by human hands. You were set free from the sins of your old self by what was done in Christ’s body. 12 When you were baptized, you were buried as Christ was buried. When you were raised up in baptism, you were raised as Christ was raised. You were raised to a new life by putting your trust in God. It was God Who raised Jesus from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins, you were not set free from the sinful things of the world. But God forgave your sins and gave you new life through Christ. 14 We had broken the Law many ways. Those sins were held against us by the Law. That Law had writings which said we were sinners. But now He has destroyed that writing by nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:11-14 NLV

These are the things that I dwell on each day. God’s goodness and love!

What will you “ponder” in your heart today? Is Christmas over and now it’s on with the daily routine or will you take time today to be thankful that Christmas has life-changing, glorious meaning for every day of the year?

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From the Father’s Heart

Merry Christmas to all of you! I pray your day is filled with peace, joy and love.

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, I hope you experience the same anticipation, excitement and wonder that the shepherds did over 2000 years ago. May you find joy as you celebrate with family and friends but take time for solitude and let the Lord speak directly to your heart.

I have no carol to share this morning. Instead I’m sharing with you a poem that I wrote over 30 years ago.

A Christmas Gift by Kristi Wilson

Christmas has a glory no other day can claim
For it was on that special day, the blessed Savior came.
The promise of His coming had been known for many years
And now that day was really here, the answer to men’s prayers.

Now it seems so long ago, that angels spoke to men
Proclaiming the good news of His birth to free them from their sins.
Some have forgotten the very meaning of His humble birth
And what those words really meant, “Peace to men on earth.”

It’s not the Santa in the store or snow upon the ground
It’s not in pretty presents or carols sung world ’round.
The true meaning that’s in Christmas is simple and unchanged;
It’s the answer found in Jesus and the power of His name.

All the brightly wrapped presents, the world’s problem cannot hide
The only thing that can heal man’s hurts is Jesus Christ inside.
If He’d only come again, I’ve heard the people say
That would solve the problems that we face each day.

But you see He’s never left, not since the day He came
For He lives within my heart and for you He’ll do the same.
God gave us such a special gift on Christmas long ago,
He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to let the whole world know

His great love so rich and free was brought to earth that day
To save mankind from their sins and to answer when they pray.
This gift was given to all the world, no one was left out
To receive it, just believe it and do not ever doubt.

The Son of God died for your sins to bring you life brand new
The greatest gift of all times has been given unto you.
There’s no tree or tinsel or the chime of silver bells
That can put the heart of man at peace or save his soul from hell.

Only Jesus Chist can answer the longing of each heart
And give to man eternal life and a brand new start.
There’s nothing wrong with Christmas, its tinsel, toys and trees;
The carols have new meaning when from sin you have been freed.

I share with you a cherished gift of my Father’s love
Jesus Christ, our Savior, sent from heaven above.
Merry Christmas one and all, you’re loved that is true
Rejoice, rejoice, it’s Christmas time and I offer this prayer for you.

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Merry Christmas! May God’s gift fill your hearts all year through.

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The Gift of Friendship

Last night our home was filled with dear friends…some we’ve only known a few years and others for more than half our lifetime. How precious they each are to us!

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I just wanted to take a quiet moment to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. Although, you weren’t in our home I am touched by your love. God has blessed me with wonderful friends. Some of you I know personally and have been able to hug, to touch, to share a cup of coffee with or a meal and we have shared times of laughter and tears.

Others of you I only know through social media and your comments here on the blog. I’ve seen pictures of your families, shared your joys and your prayer requests. True friends just the same. I really don’t think there is time or distance when the Lord joins hearts.

Whatever your plans are for these upcoming days of Christmas I want you to know that I feel truly blessed to call you friends.

“I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Every time I think of you, I thank my God. 4 And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.” Philippians 1:2-4 CEV

But I also want you to know that our heavenly Father, the author of our friendship, has such a great love for you. He designed our meeting and crafted the bond that we have for one another.

His purpose – To show us His amazing love. Each time we reach out to love someone new, to develop a new relationship, His love is put into action. We can never truly love on our own. That deep and lasting commitment we experience for others comes from His heart. Friendship is a tangible example of His amazing love.

We are always in His heart and on His mind. His love is overwhelming, His peace reassuring and His comfort beyond comparing!

I can hear Him saying:
“I love you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3
“My peace I give to you; peace, be still.” John 14:27
“I will send the Comforter that will abide with you forever” John 14:16
“Let my joy be your strength” Nehemiah 8:10
” I know the thoughts I have for you; thoughts of peace”. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Yes, my world is quiet and my Father is speaking to me and He’s speaking to you as well. Enjoy your time with Him this morning and all through the day.

The song I want to share with you this morning isn’t a traditional Christmas Carol. However, if Jesus never brought heaven to earth as He did that day we wouldn’t be able to experience the blessed relationship we have with him.

Heaven Came Down by John W Peterson 1961

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;
After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Chorus: Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,  (filled my soul)
When at the cross the Savior made me whole;  (made me whole)
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!  (filled my soul)

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Chorus:

Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;
I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.
And it’s because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal, from His precious hand I received.

Chorus: Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,  (filled my soul)
When at the cross the Savior made me whole;  (made me whole)
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!  (filled my soul)

Thank you Father for allowing all of us to experience heaven on earth through the gift of your Son!

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Worth Bragging On

I have had a number of occasions to overhear compliments on my children when people didn’t know who I was or even realize that I was standing close enough to hear. Those have been special times! It’s one thing when people come up to tell you something good about your kids and to thank you for “raising them right” but it’s entirely different when you overhear something complimentary in a conversation that you aren’t involved in.

Now put yourself in God, the Father’s, place. He knew the angels would come heralding the birth of His Son. He made sure it was announced properly. A light show filled the entire sky and the angelic chorus never sounded better as they sang His praises. Then those shepherds went to find His Son – they stood before the manger and oo-ed and awed when they saw Him for the first time.

“Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:18-19 CEV

Then there were those wise men that traveled so far to find the child. All along the way, I’m sure folks asked where they were going and heard the story of how they had seen the star and now they had to find the child.

“Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-3 CEV

There’s one more testimony of Jesus I want us to look at this morning.

“41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they went home, but Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know about it…46 After three days they found him. Jesus was sitting in the Temple area with the religious teachers, listening and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and wise answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they wondered how this was possible. And his mother said, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you…”51 Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52 As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.” Luke 2:41-52 CEV

Can you imagine the religious leaders talking among themselves? Who is this young boy, he has such amazing knowledge of God? He talks like someone who knows God personally – how can this be?

The Father was pleased with His Son, Jesus! Jesus said that the whole reason He came was to please the Father! We can only assume how great the love between the Father and the Son is. But now think about this, the Father loves us with that same great love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”

We didn’t hear it but for all eternity, Jesus and the Father had been talking about us in heaven. Talking about how much they loved and how much it hurt that they didn’t have the relationship with us they desired to have. They wanted us to be close in spirit – they wanted us to come home on holidays, to talk with us daily, to share their thoughts and their love with us the way they did with Adam in the garden.

So they came up with a plan…
“ But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. 9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger. 10 I mean that while we were God’s enemies, he made friends with us through his Son’s death. And the fact that we are now God’s friends makes it even more certain that he will save us through his Son’s life. 11 And not only will we be saved, but we also rejoice right now in what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of Jesus that we are now God’s friends.” Romans 5:8-11 CEV

We’re not just friends but we have been adopted by the Father and called His sons and joint heirs with Jesus!

Now let me ask a question. Have you ever bragged about a gift you’ve received? Maybe it came from your spouse, your kids, your grandkids or a dear friend. It’s a gift that is so special and you feel so loved that you just have to brag about it, even when you don’t think the one who gave it to you is listening!

Well, I hope that’s how you feel about this wonderful gift, the gift of the Son. We need to brag on what God the Father has given us! One of the most performed songs at Christmas praises God for His wonderful gift.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the Spirit felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

[Verse 2]
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

[Verse 3]
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim


Merry Christmas Father!! Merry Christmas Jesus!! Merry Christmas Holy Spirit!!

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Three Days of Christmas

We are in Yuma visiting with my Mom for a few days. Yesterday I asked her what Christmas traditions they had when she was a child. She’s 95 and so I wanted to know what Christmas was like in 1920- 1930’s on a farm in rural Iowa.

Mom doesn’t really remember a Christmas tree although she is sure that some years they had one. Gifts were useful items, mostly clothes, that her mother had made. She told me that they didn’t need toys; they made their own entertainment. There was always a tree to climb, a game of tag to play and even though she was scared of horses, she remembers that one year there was a new pony. 

What is most prominent in her memory are the three days of Christmas. 

Christmas Eve they would go to my grandmother’s parents home. The grandparents would have a small gift for the grandchildren but it was more about being together, celebrating the birth of Christ and sharing the day’s meals with those you love (aunts, uncles, cousins).

Christmas Day was spent at home with just the immediate family. My Mom’s  grandparents would come occasionally if they didn’t have out-of-town guests. My grandmother fixed a Christmas dinner and my grandfather always prayed thanking God for the wonderful gift of His Son and the other blessings that they received throughout the year. 

The third day of Christmas was December 26. They would go from their small town of Hardy to Eagle Grove, a distance of 17 miles, to spend the day with my grandfather’s father, the uncles and their families.

Mom said the thing she remember most about that day was the smell.  She said you could smell the dinner as soon as you got out of the car. 

Lutefisk. 

A traditional Scandinavian meal. She admits that she never liked it. It didn’t have a fragrant aroma, quite the opposite, and the taste was questionable but it’s what Norwegian families ate. Lutefisk is dried white fish that has been soaked for days in a solution of water and lye, then rubbed with salt and steamed before eating. The other part of the meal was boiled sticky rice. She liked that. A big plate was covered with white rice leaving a crevice in the center which was filled with butter and sprinkled with  cinnamon and sugar. 

But the best part of the day was spending it with family. She loved her grandfather, a man who had been widowed since her father was young. A very loving, distinguished looking man. They got to play with their cousins who they didn’t see often enough throughout the year. 

The three days of Christmas. Having family and friends close. Gifts weren’t important, love was! Christ was the focus of their celebration. 

According to my Mom, Dave and I have been celebrating our own days of Christmas. Early in the month we spent time with Kim and Austin in their home; last week we were with Koy and Kym at their home in California; this past weekend we had Kaci, Stephen and little grandkids at our home. Now we are here with Mom, my sister and her family. 

The days of Christmas – filled with love, family, good food, a few gifts and the celebration of Christ’s birth. 

I know I used this verse yesterday but the depth of this one Scripture overwhelms me.

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to His rule and His peace, upon the throne of David and over his nation. He will build it to last and keep it strong with what is right and fair and good from that time and forever. The work of the Lord of All will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 NLV

Everything we need, Jesus is! All things wonderful, all instruction and knowledge, all power, an all loving, protective, providing Father and constant peace are wrapped in one gift! There is no end to His rule. We have been given the gift of God’s dear Son! There is nothing greater.

It came upon a midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

Enjoy your days of Christmas, they may be many or few. Keep your heart focused on the angels song of peace  and rest in the gift of God’s love.

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And All Was Silent

I got up earlier than normal this morning. I checked on the grandkids; gave hugs and kisses, said another round of prayers and restarted the “white noise” station on Pandora. 

Everyone was cuddled in and I came to the living room to read and have my prayer time. The house was, and still is, silent. I love this time when the world, my home, is blanketed with stillness…

I had thoughts of laying down on the couch and going back to sleep. It was so peaceful but all I could think of was God – how great is His love, how vast is His goodness, how personal are His thoughts toward me. (deep sigh) So, I leaned back and snuggled into His presence. I felt dwarfed by the quiet but was completely comfortable in my awareness of the Father’s companionship. 

Quiet.

That’s what I experience in His presence – quiet. I began to search the Scriptures for verses on “quiet”. What I found was  quiet is equated with lack of conflict, turmoil or war. 

“But you have a son who is a man of peace. I will give your son a time of peace. His enemies around him will not bother him. His name is Solomon. And I will give Israel peace and quiet during the time that he is king. 10 Solomon will build a temple for my name. He will be my son, and I will be his Father. I will make his kingdom strong, and someone from his family will rule Israel forever!’” I Chronicles 22:9-10 ERV

“But he who listens to me will live free from danger, and he will rest easy from the fear of what is sinful.” Proverbs 1:33 NLV    or

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 NKJV

“The work of being right and good will give peace. From the right and good work will come quiet trust forever. 18 Then my people will live in a place of peace, in safe homes, and in quiet resting places. ” Isaiah 32:17-18 NLV

And one more…

“Do your best to live a quiet life. Learn to do your own work well. We told you about this before. 12 By doing this, you will be respected by those who are not Christians. Then you will not be in need and others will not have to help you.” I Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLV

Praise God for the quiet. In the quietness there is rest for the soul…

And then there was the abrupt intrusion into this time of silence, the coffee pot beeped to let me know that it was going to automatically shut off. I had to chuckle. 

There could only be one carol that I would share with you while I’m enjoying this silence. It’s one everyone knows but I hope you will take the time to read all the words.

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

[Verse 2]
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

[Verse 3]
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

The Father speaks to us in the quiet. If we listen, we can hear His words of love and grace and His word will free us from turmoil and unrest.

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PBJ Spells Love

The littlest grandkids and their parents arrived yesterday. It’s so nice to have them close, only a 2 1/2 hour drive from our house to theirs. Hugs for everyone. Merry Christmases said. Bags brought in. It didn’t take long for their laughter to fill our home!

The giggles and squeals that came from Sam when he discovered that there were new toys in the toybox since his last visit and the big smile and giggles that emanated from Kristine were infectious. 

Love!

I imagine the joy experienced at the manger was all this and so much more. Mary had just given birth to her first child, the shepherds had just seen the angels and heard God’s message, Joseph had been the birthing coach and delivery team…Oh the joy!

A small bundle of love.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. 17 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!” John 3:16-17 CEV

Because of God’s great love He sent His Son to save the world. Do we really think there is anything that our loving, heavenly Father would deny us when He was willing to give His own Son? 

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. 34 Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us.” Romans 8:31-34 CEV

Because God is for us, we can be as carefree and joy filled as our grandchildren were yesterday. We are enveloped in God’s love. Our grandkids never gave it a second thought, they knew they were at a place where they were loved. All was right in their world. God loves us so much more than this – all should be right in our world as well. 

What’s all this have to do with a PBJ? Plenty. Last night I saw a true example of  fatherly love. Sam woke shortly after midnight, he was “starved”. Since he and his sister were sharing the same room, she woke up too. When I came out to see what was going on, there they were – Dad, Sam and Kristine sitting at the kitchen table. Dad had left his warm bed, come to the kitchen and found something for Sam to eat. That’s what loving dads do, they provide for their kids. 

God, our loving Father, provides for us!

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ERV

Love Came Down At Christmas. written 1885

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, Love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

God is the kind of father who gets up in the middle of the night to provide for us! He never leaves us to flounder on our own. Love isn’t spelled PBJ, it’s really spelled G-O-D!

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Let Love Rain

I’m using a play on words this morning; let love rain. I know it should be “reign” and not “rain” but the change in spelling makes a point. 

Here in the desert we don’t have the snow scenes that you experience in the northern areas of the country. When we lived in the northwest it was great fun to hike out through the snow and cut our own Christmas trees; build snowmen and sledding runs; and even go on horse drawn sleigh rides. For a few days, a few days…the snow was fun and if I’m perfectly honest I do miss it from time to time. 

But the other morning when Dave and I were on a walk  after a nice soft winter rain, the day was glorious. The temperature was crisp, the sun was shining brightly, the desert grasses glistened with the previous days moisture, and the air was crystal clear. We both remarked what a beautiful day it was – this is why we live here!  We have the beauty of nature and no snow to shovel.

Now how does this relate to rain and reign? The winter rains we experience in the desert are gentle, soft and soothing. Isn’t that what we all need this time of year? We need things to be soothing, soft and kind. 

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

During the Christmas season we seem to be more loving, accepting, gentle and forgiving. Maybe it’s because the season reminds us of how gracious God is to us. He doesn’t coerce or demand; He doesn’t ridicule or criticize. God, in His loving manner, welcomes us with open arms and He never gives up on us. Like a soft rain soaking in to the harden soil, God’s love soaks through even the hardest hearts to bring the message of forgiveness. He never loses hope and He never gives up on us.

It is important to have love reign as well as rain. When love reigns it means that it has set itself up as the ruling authority. Like a king establishes his rule throughout the land, love, when it reigns in our hearts, establishes its authority and dictates our actions. There is nothing greater than love. 

“Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong. 14 Do everything in love.” I Corinthians 16: 13-14 ERV

My desire is to  shower folks with love. Each day I try to look for opportunities to be a godly example. Years ago I heard a song recorded by Barbara Mandrell, One Night a Year. She’s one of my favorite country artists and this song became an anthem in my heart. I hope you enjoy it.  (you can listen to it by clicking on the song title)

One Night A Year

Once again the windows shine with pretty lights
Once again our loved ones gather at our sight
Busy crowds of strangers greet each other with a smile
There’s Christmas in the eyes of every child

Once again the presents are resting by the tree
Once again we worship the One who came for you and me
I hear choirs of voices as they’re singing out His name
Again we tell the story of how the Christ Child came

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

Once again around the world heads are bowed in prayer
Once again the promise of peace is in the air
But soon will come the morning and the feeling will be past
And I can’t help but wonder why the feeling only lasts

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

One night a year

Let’s join together and let love rain more than just one night a year!

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Light The Way

There is a tradition in the Southwest that I dearly love. When I was a child and we lived in northern New Mexico, it was there I saw the luminarias at Christmas for the first time. 

Originally, luminarias were  small signal fires of pinyon pine branches which lit the courtyards and the way to the church during the celebration at Christmas. These small fires were replaced with the farolito, small paper bags with sand and candles. This is what I remember. 

After Dave and I were married we lived in Las Cruces, NM. The homes there, and in El Paso, were adorned with these flickering lights. It added such a special sense of wonder and reverence to the neighborhoods. 

The image above was taken at a mission near our home in Southern Arizona. Each year Tumacacori Mission is  illuminated like this. Simplistic and humble lighting lines the path that leads to a place where we worship the King.

Lighting the way for Christ.

God, the Father, did that when He placed the star in the heavens and the wise men’s caravan came from the East with gifts for the Christ child.

” Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him…
7 Then Herod had a private meeting with the wise men from the east. He learned from them the exact time they first saw the star. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.”

9 After the wise men heard the king, they left. They saw the same star they had seen in the east, and they followed it. The star went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. 10 They were very happy and excited to see the star.

11 The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country a different way.” Matthew 2:1-12 ERV

The wise men assumed that someone whose birth had been announced with such a majestic star in the heaven’s was royal. Surely, His birth had taken place at the palace in Jerusalem. They stopped there seeking the child. Herod, the king, was threatened by this news. He wanted the child found. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him when they found the child because, he said, that he also wanted to worship Him. This was a lie; Herod wanted to have the child killed. The Lord warned the wise men of Herod’s evil plan so they returned home by another route. 

God is still lighting the way for people to come to Christ. We are the ones that He is using. Like the small paper bags that house the candles and line the path, we have the light of God within us. 

“The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 CEV

God is wanting to use us to show  His light and His glory to the world. Oh Lord, I want your light to shine brightly through me!

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Refrain:  O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
(Refrain)

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high  (Refrain)

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
(Refrain)

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav’n replies      (Refrain)

May our light lead, not just to the baby born in a manger, but also to the empty tomb and the risen Lord!


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Don’t Steal the Baby Jesus

In our area we have beautiful, brightly colored pottery which is made in Mexico and it is known as talavera.

For years I have purchased pieces to use in my decorating; cups, bowls, plates, canisters, etc. Each piece brings an atmosphere of gaiety and joy to the room. Several years ago, I was shopping in Tubac, an artisan community near us, when I saw the talavera nativity sets. I knew I had to have one. 

Most of my decorating at Christmas is done with nativity sets and angels. I studied each figure in the set; their smiling faces, their clothing, the shape of the stall and then I realized there was no baby Jesus! Where did He go? What happened to Him? 

The shop that we were in had many different size nativity sets and they were all missing the Christ child. And then I saw the handwritten sign…If you buy a nativity, ask for Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus! Wasn’t that the Father’s intent from the beginning? He wanted us to recognize that our lives were not complete without Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus? When I asked the shop owner why there were no baby Jesus figures he told me this. We never have any problem with theft in this shop except for the baby Jesus. We keep Him in the back until a nativity is sold and then bring Him out and add Him with the rest of the pieces. 

Who would steal the baby Jesus? That is completely counter to the reason He came. When Jesus was born the angels filled the heavens with the announcement. The shepherds were told to go find Him. The wise men saw and followed His star. Everyone was welcome to come see Jesus!

Jesus came to forgive the sins of all men, even the ones who would steal the baby Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t born in a palace where only a few of the elite would be allowed to enter. He wasn’t born in a monastery where only the religious and the holy would be. No, He was born in a barn; anyone – man, woman, child, elite or poor, educated or unlearned was welcomed at the manger. 

“Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” 13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying,

14 “Praise God in heaven,
    and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”

15 The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box.” Luke 2:11-16 ERV 

I want to encourage you to put Jesus on display. Don’t hid him, let the world see that He lives in you. Love the way He did; reach out to everyone the Father brings your way. The sign on our lives should be “if you want Jesus, just ask”. 

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay


The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the night sky
And stay by my side till morning is nigh


Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there

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