I love the festivity around Christmas, with the lights, decorations, the songs and the many family gatherings.
I am very fortunate when it comes to family. I am part of 5 living generations: I have the privilege of having my grandparents as well as my own grandchildren.
This year was the first year in many decades that extended family did not meet at my grandparents’ home to share Christmas Eve. It wasn’t because of their health, it was because a winter storm hit that kept everyone in their homes. As the storm continued Christmas day was spent home with immediate family instead of with my mother and siblings.. It is reported to be the first time it has snowed on Christmas day in the Kansas City area in 37 years.
This made Christmas much more restful than previous years. I was able to relax and focus on Luke 2 which tells the story of the glorious birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My heart went out to the young woman, alone in a town so crowded there was no room to offer a bed that she and her fiance were offered a place in a barn where they could rest. During the night, alone and far away from home, she gave birth to a child that would give his life that she and all mankind could have life.
My family and I were able to stay in touch during though we were snowbound, thanks to telephones and the internet. Mary had no such technology and could not contact her mother. With no internet or cell phones, word of this miraculous birth spread through angels. Shepherds in a nearby field heard the angels and went to welcome the newborn baby.
Christmas is now over, the wrappings are thrown away, gifts are placed in closets or strewn across the floor. The tree is coming down and furniture put back in its place. Everyone is back to work.
But the reason for Christmas remains. Christ did not remain a child, laying in a manger. For unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord Luke 2:11. He was born to bring you new life. He lived,grew in stature and in wisdom, proclaimed God’s love, suffered, died, and conquered death. He is working, preparing a place for you in heaven.
As Christ came to offer new life, we prepare for the beginning of new year. If you are like me, you have a stash of yarn and a stack of patterns waiting to be put to use; probably several unfinished projects as well. In Christ you are a project, being perfected each day, another stitch here, a complete row there, even a little ripping back. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.. Eph 2:10NASB.
As you look at your next project, I hope you will be reminded that you, too, are a project; you are a masterpiece created by the Lord God. He knows your heart; He shares your hurts, sorrows and pain; He rejoices with you in each victory of your life and joy you experience. May you grow closer to Him with each passing day.
Wishing you bountiful blessings of love from God in 2010.
TerryAnn