“Jesus, be born in me.” That is the name of one of the songs that we sang in our choir’s Christmas music special. It has special meaning to me today.

You see, on Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Christ to earth. It’s a wonderful, amazing day. We sing carols; we give gifts; if we can, we spend time with friends and family. But, the celebration of Christ’s birth is just the beginning.

Today, I celebrate that Jesus was born in me. You see, after I asked Him to forgive my sins, I told Him that I wasn’t able to live in this world without continuing to make bad choices. He agreed! (The God who created me sure understands me.)

So, instead of living this life on my own, I gave up control of my thoughts, my future, my passions and my fears. This wasn’t a one-time commitment. Many times each day, I have to make a choice to seek His will and to follow Him. I have to think about His way instead of just operating on my experience and my desires. To get better at understanding His way, I spend time reading His word and in His presence. I listen to other followers of God and learn what I should from them. I try to use “lessons learned” to guide me in new situations. Oftentimes, I am not sure what to do. But, I trust that what He has taught me before will give me the right direction and that if I start heading down the wrong path, He will step in and help me find the better way.

I am thankful that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But, I am even more thankful that He lives in me today.

May you also celebrate His birth in your life.

Merry Christmas,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

You can hear one choir’s version of “Jesus, be born in me” at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbFgDd_493I

JESUS, BE BORN IN ME

Jesus, be born in me. Jesus, be born in me. And make my life what it should be. Jesus, be born in me.

So far away and long ago. You gave Yourself to earth below. Now in return, my love to show, Jesus, be born in me.

Jesus, be born in me. Jesus, be born in me. And make my life what it should be. Jesus, be born in me.

Some think of Christ at Bethlehem, and that’s where the story ends for them. I wish that all would say to Him, “Jesus be born in me.”

Jesus, be born in me. Jesus, be born in me. And make my life what it should be. Jesus, be born in me.

And make my life what it should be. Jesus, be born in me. Jesus, be born in me.

Come in today, come in to stay. Jesus, be born in me.

Tonight we attended a wonderful Christmas Eve service. There were candles and carols, beautiful lights and a delightful message. And, we celebrated, through the taking of communion, the love and new life that comes when we believe in and follow the Messiah.

The staff did something very sweet this year. As the Pastor told the Christmas story, children were called forward. The kids had been dressed in costumes to represent Mary and Joseph, their donkey, the wise men (with camels), shepherds (with sheep), the angels and the star. It was precious and delightful and wonderful.

But, before the candles were lighted and the communion was served, we sang Christmas carols and read the Christmas story together. As the director began the beautiful notes of “Joy to the World”, John and I noticed a little girl whose family was seated on the third row, center aisle. The little girl, probably about 3 or 4, was excited about all that was going on. She smiled and she jumped up and down.

And, then she did something that surprised us all. With a new doll in hand, she snuck away from her parents, headed to the center of the aisle and began to dance. She twirled, lifting her dolly into the air, and she swayed. Her little head bobbed up and down. She danced and she danced and she danced. It was not the dance taught to her by the world, it was the dance of pure joy. Just after the song had ended and the last notes were fading away, she got a little closer to her mom and a hand shot out and grabbed the back of her dress. The dance was over as the little body was gently pulled back to her seat. But, we loved her show!

As we sang, “The Lord has come,” she danced.

“The Savior reigns,” and she twirled.

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,” and she lifted her dolly high.

“He comes to make His blessings flow,” and she spun around on her toes.

“Joy to the World,” and she danced.

Today when I texted friends saying, “Let’s celebrate” the birth of Jesus a friend responded, “Let’s dance to the music.”

Tomorrow, when I celebrate my Savior’s gift to me, I will dance, the dance of a child who is loved beyond imagination. The dance of a child, excited about Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:16-20)