We just got home from John’s Sunday School class Christmas party. What a funny group of people.

The food was marvelous. The games hilarious. The singing delightful. And, the fellowship was outstanding.

This group always plays the “Dirty Santa” gift stealing game. (Does anyone have a better name for that game? I hate calling it “Dirty Santa.”) You have probably played the game too. Everyone brings a gift. Some are nice (but not expensive) and others are silly. The gift are wrapped so that no one knows what is inside. People are randomly asked to select a gift and they either take one of the wrapped gifts or they “steal” a gift from someone else. There is lots of laughing and good fun. And, tonight everyone was generous with the silly comments and stealing. It was all great fun.

But, the evening got me to thinking about a “Dirty Santa” game played at our local fire station years ago.

John is on the Board and the station had an annual Christmas party during which we played the game. Because it was the fire station crowd, many of the items were on that theme. There would be firemen ornaments and trucks. It was lots of fun.

One year, I was shocked to find large plastic fire trucks at Big Lots for $10 each. John and I were ready the night of the party. Our two large boxes were very plain and soon became used as tables to showcase other packages and gift bags.

The game started and finally, one of our boxes was selected. We were excited because the man who picked it out had a 3 year old son. As Dad removed the paper, the boy immediately saw what was inside. They opened the box and took out the truck. The truck was just the right size for the 3 year old to ride. John and I were excited to see father and son so happy.

And, then it all changed!! Someone stole the gift. The dad was disappointed, but the son was devastated – he was shocked. Someone else was carrying his fire truck away and his dad was helping them. Tears rolled down his little cheeks and his chin quivered as he tucked himself up into his dad’s chest. John and I felt so bad.

But, we could see the second truck still in the pile of gifts. While we waited nervously for one of our numbers to be called, we watched the dad and son. The little boy had lost all interest in the game. He just stayed in his dad’s lap with his face pressed hard against his father’s shirt. It seemed that neither son nor dad could imagine a way to repair his broken heart.

John and I kept monitoring the game. Every time someone went up to the pile of presents, we held our breath. And then it happened, one of our numbers got called. I honestly don’t remember the steps that we took, but soon John and I had traded the box enough that all we needed to get the second truck to the child was for the boy’s dad to steal the box from us.

We shouted to the dad “Steal from us.” The man, already burnt by this silly game, replied that he wouldn’t think of it. He could see that we had gone through elaborate steps to get this particular box and he didn’t like the idea of taking it from us. As we got more insistent, he got more  embarrassed. We finally laid it out for him, “If you take it from us, no one else can steal it. The rules of the game won’t allow it to be taken from you. Take it!! Take it now!!!”

The dad suddenly understood. With one quick action, he was able to replace the toy that had been stolen from his boy. He could make it right. He could stop the tears.

I don’t have a clue what gifts John and I got that night. It really didn’t matter to us. Our actions had let us help a dad put a fire truck into his son’s hands. No doubt that father and son would open more gifts later that Christmas, but on that night at that time, the wrong had been erased. The tears of a 3-year old had been stopped.

I wonder if God looked down at Mary and Joseph as they looked for a place to spend the night and smiled, knowing that the best gift was on the way. Maybe Mary cried that she didn’t understand why she wouldn’t be with family that night. Or, perhaps Joseph was frustrated and angry with himself for not getting to Bethlehem in time to secure a room. I wonder if, as they prayed, God replied “Hold on…the best gift is almost in your hands.”

God knows about giving good gifts to His kids.

The scripture says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)

Need a miracle? Need a hand? Need a good gift? Talk to our heavenly Father and then listen to Him. Have no doubt – God loves His kids and He still answers prayers.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

Last night was the coldest night so far this winter. I KNOW – we live in Pensacola, Florida! No night is ever that cold compared to nearly every place else in the country. But, it was doggoned chilly for us. Of course it was the coldest night so far, it was the first evening of our church’s live nativity. Live nativity equals cold weather!

I returned home after being outside for a little over three hours at the church; my feet were cold and sore. As I got out of the Explorer, I looked up to heaven. The sky was clear and thousands of stars were shining overhead. It was absolutely gorgeous. I stood there, thanking God for sending the cold to make the view of the stars so dramatic.

As we got into bed, I noticed the weight of the covers. I don’t think that I would ever enjoy an electric blanket; I like the weight and the warmth of blankets. On our bed is a yellow blanket that was given to us when we got married. It is worn and probably needs to be replaced, but it is so soft. Also, on our bed it something that I have always described as an “army blanket.” It is gray and a little stiff and really warm. My Grandmother Mullins gave it to me when I was in high school. Mom crocheted my initials, “CJ” in the middle of it, and I have always had it with me. The gray blanket would never be termed “soft” but it is warm and heavy.

And so, last night, John and I said good night and he drifted off to sleep. But, I didn’t go to sleep. And, as I laid there, under the weight of the blankets and knowing that the stars were shining brightly above our little home, I could not stop thinking about Christmas. It was as if God were whispering in my ear, “Christmas is coming. Christmas is coming.” I was excited about staying awake, thinking about the stars and Christmas and John and the kids and my family and my church and…well, just everything. It was like an early Christmas Eve.

Some experts would tell me that my feet, sore from the cold, were keeping me from falling asleep. Or, someone else might blame my love of diet Coke. But, they would be wrong. You see adults can also be excited about Christmas.

Oh, I will enjoy being with family and friends. Yes, the food around Christmas is always amazing. And, don’t get me wrong, I like giving and receiving gifts. But, last night  I thought most about the stars and the warmth and the love that I don’t deserve. And, I thought to myself “Christmas is coming.”

Christmas came when the Christ child was born. The star announced His coming and those around felt the warmth of God’s love like they had never known.

But, one day soon, the heavens will shine again with the coming of Christ. This time it won’t be announced by a single star or even a thousand stars. This time, the sky itself will be opened and we will all see Him.

When we think of the stable in Bethlehem, our hearts are warmed by the image of the babe in the manger. When Christ comes again, our hearts will be overwhelmed with the knowledge that He is triumphant and that there will be no more death and no more sadness.

Friend, Christmas is coming!

Praise the name of the Lord!!

Be encouraged!!!

“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words!!” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

What fun! This morning, John and I got to “visit” the local tractor (and other big equipment) dealer. We drove around the building (I drooled a little bit when I saw a “cute” little RTV) and then pulled into a graveled area. Ahead of us (carefully parked only on the gravel with no wheels on the muddy fringe of the parking lot) was a brand new, black Silverado. The driver was outside his vehicle and motioned to us, asking if he needed to move forward and over so that our rig would be out of the mud. John waved back, noting that we were fine.

As John went inside the dealership to do some paperwork, I watched our friend work. He was fastening brand new, brass chains around the axels of a brand new tractor. I knew that the tractor was new because the bright orange paint had no dings and the tires had fresh treads with no dirt in the crevices. The trailer was also new. The Florida tag on the back had white/white plastic fasteners and the wooden floor was spotless. It was a beautiful, brand new rig.

The driver moved around to the back of his vehicle and I cracked open my door and shouted, “Merry Christmas.” He smiled and came to the side of our truck. I asked him if that was his Christmas present and he nodded and blushed a little. He pointed to the submarine tag on the front of our truck and asked about John’s military service. “30 years as a submariner,” I said, “You?” He shared that he had also served in the Navy with 8 years as a Navy pilot. And, then he had transferred to the Air Force Special Forces, serving an additional 14 years. I thanked him for his service and he commented about how impressed he was with “submariners” (using the British and Australian pronunciation). I laughed saying, “Nope, John is an American submariner” (using the “correct” tones). He laughed and returned to his work.

When John came back to the truck, I told him of our conversation. When both men had a moment, they started talking. I couldn’t hear their words, but I figure that they were talking service and tractors – both great topics. Men talk about things that women never even consider. And, when we try to join in in it can get a little weird. As I watched the two men in front of me talk, I thought of the men who were near the Christ child on that first Christmas.

Joseph probably recognized the occupation of the shepherds as soon as they arrived. Men are great with babies, but not always in front of each other. And so, I have no doubt that there was little discussion of how much baby Jesus weighed or how many hours Mary had been in labor. I bet that the men stood to the side of the child and mother and chatted. Perhaps Joseph said something like, “How far out of town are you working?” And, the shepherds motioned to a distant hill and described flock problems. Perhaps one asked, “You a shepherd too?” to which Joseph might have replied, “Nope, carpenter back home in Nazareth.”

The words that Joseph would have used with the magi might have been more stilted for a moment. But, then discussion of common experiences like being away from family and traveling long distances would have begun.

Regardless of the topics that Joseph had with the others, I wonder if one of them commented, “You ready for this?” or “What now, Friend?” Or, maybe they all realized that for each one of them the game had changed. They would never live the lives that their fathers and grandfathers had lived. They would never be the same. They would never again be exactly sure of what was going to happen next. The arrival of the Messiah was (to use a word tossed around lightly) epic.

It is true for us. Christmas changed everything.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!“” (John 1:29)

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

I wonder if the shepherds all went to Bethlehem after getting the heavenly announcement or did some of them stay out in the field, making sure that the sheep were safe. The Biblical account does not say that the angels offered to stand watch over the flock nor does it say that the lambs voted to remain where they had been bedded for the night and defend themselves against any attacks. It seems to me that the reasonable thing to do would be to leave a shepherd or two in the field while the others headed into town to see the miracle.

Maybe they took turns going to the stable. Perhaps there was a parade of shepherds coming and going that night. If that were the case, then Mary and Joseph had to be the best people to raise the Messiah. The rest of us would have gotten weary of the “company.”

Or, perhaps the shepherds herded the sheep into town that night. But, the scripture says that the shepherds hurried to see the sight. Hurrying and herding don’t sound like things that go together.

My believe is that the shepherds had no debate and no one was left behind.  I think that as soon as they heard the news, every single shepherd ran as fast as they could to see the Christ child. The promise of the Messiah, made so long ago, was fulfilled. The hope of the ages had arrived. The Savior was born.  It was the miracle that they had waited for all of their lives.

No matter how the shepherds got to Jesus, when they left they had a story that could not be contained. They spread the word. I think that they shouted, they sang, they woke up family members; they made sure that everyone possible got the good news.

This Christmas, run to the Christ Child! Don’t worry about the sheep, the Christmas cards, the ugly sweater contest, the tree, the presents, the outside lights, or anything else.

RUN!!!

This Christmas, wonder at the miracle!

This Christmas, rejoice and sing and shout!

This Christmas, tell the story!

This Christmas, celebrate!

This Christmas, accept the gift of the Savior!!  For unto us, a child was born!

RUN!!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

————

Luke 2:8-20 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

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.”

The wise men did not come from “a fire” as many southerners seem to think, but from “afar” or from “the East” as stated in the Bible!

Seriously, have you thought about the magi? Because a star appeared, they determined that a king had been born in Judea. They followed the bright star, consulted with King Herod to see what information he could share, and then returned to their course, following the star until they found baby Jesus.

I have always though that it must have been a shock to them to find a king in such a humble setting with a young woman as his mother and an older carpenter as his father. Their expensive gifts must have seemed, even to them, totally inappropriate to the circumstances of Jesus, the King born in Bethlehem. But, the scripture does not describe the magi as uncomfortable at all. Instead, the magi recognized the king and bowed in reference to him. In a word, they worshipped the Christ child.

When we visited Peru a few years ago, I was overwhelmed by the opulence in the cathedrals that we visited. The altars were gorgeous. The side chambers were filled with amazing art and gold covered architectural furnishings. Even the floors were beautiful. It was too much. I had a tough time staying focused on the words of our tour guides. My eyes wandered from place to place. I would be reading a pamphlet on the historic significant of an item and find myself looking up at the ceilings, amazed that even the surfaces above me were decorated with intricate carvings and detailed paintings.

The magi were not like me in Peru; they were focused. They did not worship the star – the star was only a guiding light. They did not worship kingly opulence; King Herod was a source of information, not a distraction. They did not wonder at the humble beginnings of Jesus; they bowed down and worshiped. Their robed knees went to the floor, be it on a hay strewn stable floor or a dusty surface in a humble home.

Are you distracted this Christmas? Are there too many lights, ads on TV, and “Christmas specials” on the Hallmark channel? Is the rich food making you feel tired and weary? Are you worried about the family you will see next week or your broken relationships with friends?

Focus, my friend, focus on the baby. Think about God making Himself as completely vulnerable as we are. Consider the Messiah who came to give Himself for us.

Focus, my brother and sister, on Jesus. Trust me, the rest of the world will fall into its right place.

(Matthew 2:1-12) “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler     who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

Love,

Jill (Just one of God’s kids)

Late in my career, I was surprised when one of my staff members commented about how often I used the phrase, “we’ll figure it out.” Today, a little more than 3 years after retiring, a former co-worker called me with a question. As we spoke, I used the phrase and laughter came from the other end of the phone line.

“We’ll figure it out.”

I don’t remember when I learned to say that. It was after I was given the “big job” and realized how my words and reactions to a crisis could impact the actions and attitudes of others. I may have learned it from one of the amazing leaders I got to watch over my 30 plus years of working in the Navy. Or, maybe my parents used it.

To be honest, I have said it more times than I believed it. Yep, sometimes leaders are faking it.

Joseph (the earthly father of Jesus) had a visit from the angel. His fiancé was pregnant and he had had nothing to do with it. I have a feeling that before it was all over, Joseph said “We’ll figure it out.”

The critical issue is the “we” in the statement.

If “we” means “me”, I know I am sunk. And, if “we” means you and me, then “we” are in big trouble!!

Remember the old “Shake and Bake” commercial? The woman explains that they made the tasty chicken and the cute little girl chimes in “And, I helped.” Watching the commercial, we assumed that the child shook the sealed bag of coating and chicken but that that effort wasn’t really required as Mom did all of the important work (including ensuring that the chicken had been sufficiently coated.)

When I say “we’ll figure it out”, it means that I know that God has a plan already prepared; He will reveal it to me when I need to know it. And, if He lets me, I will get to help.

We have just 10 days until Christmas. Here’s the best gift I can offer to you – take your hands off the controls and sit back and learn to trust God. When the crisis comes your way, rest easy and know that “we’ll figure it out” means you really don’t have to do anything except to watch and obey. And, the answers will come. He’s got it all figured out!

Let’s read Joseph’s story again:

Matthew 1:18-25: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

I have a feeling that more than once Joseph looked at Mary and said “We’ll figure it out” knowing all the time that the “we” included God Himself.

Don’t worry about what is ahead! We’ll figure it out!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

I am sorry for not sharing yesterday, but when we finally got home, we were exhausted.

We spent yesterday celebrating Christmas with our friends at Pensacola First Church of the Nazarene and it was a BLAST!! Here are some of the highlights:

– A little friend was in a Christmas play for her very first time. She was nervous and excited all at the same time. As her family watched, she did a marvelous job. My favorite moment was seeing the line of family members almost come out of their seats as they watched her (in costume) march to her place on the stage and begin to speak into a microphone in front of a large crowd. They had never ever seen her in this light. What a blessing! My second favorite moment during the play was when one of her cast members came over to her and pointing to a line on the script say, “You didn’t read that” to which she replied “Yes, I did.”

– Our choir rang the rafters with praises of the arrival of the Christ child.

– And, our pastor’s words touched my heart as he spoke of Jesus the man and Jesus the Savior.

– Our fast food luncheon with two friends brought laughter and tears to my eyes. It is a blessing to have friends that are family.

– I spent the afternoon baking sweet potatoes. (As we served them last night, someone said that the potatoes were delicious and asked me how I had prepared them for baking. My reply? “I washed them.” I am SUCH an amazing cook!)

– We helped friends prepare a banquet hall for 55 people and ended up serving about 120 folks. What a blessing!!

– I got to sing and to give hugs and to eat and to say Merry Christmas all day.

– Two amazing women and I worked in the kitchen and laughed together. What a blessing to work alongside sisters with servant hearts.

– And, my Sweetie and I got to pray with fellow believers for two amazing little boys who need the Great Physician’s healing touch.

When we got home after being gone all day, my legs ached. In fact, I woke several times in the night with my legs still struggling to relax in spite of the medication I had taken earlier in the evening.

And, what did this amazing day, this day that was so wonderful that my body was spent and pained, cost me? Only time and an open heart. The love shared in our fellowship flows freely. I can sing the praises of the Christ child and the resurrected Savior without fear for I worship in the land of the free and the brave. And, I am loved without judgement because our congregation consists of folks like me – sinners saved by grace.

Struggling to find the Christmas spirit this season? Try hanging out with some simple folk who know the story of the Christ child and have received the saving grace of the Savior.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  (Luke 2:11)

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

Today the Navy football team will play their arch rivals – Army. This house roots for Navy – loud and proud!!

It always makes me laugh to hear the media talk about this game. Various sports announcers have talked about this game, describing the players as rivals today and brothers tomorrow. Some media folks will sound patriotic, a few will sound a little idiotic, but all will try to sound deliberate and serious.

I shouldn’t make fun of the announcers. They are working hard to describe an extraordinary game. No doubt that this contest is different from other “big games.” The Army/Navy game isn’t like our home’s Florida/Florida State rivalry or our friends’ “big game” of Auburn/Alabama. Today’s contest will showcase young men who have volunteered to serve our nation, wearing the uniform. Unlike professional athletes, at the end of college these athletes won’t be making huge salaries, considering endorsement opportunities or making tattoo appointments. Instead, they will remain faithful to weight standards, keep their hair neat and trimmed and limit their social activities to reflect those reflective of the oath of office that they will take voluntarily.

John and I are hoping to attend next year’s game that will be played in Baltimore. I have only seen Army/Navy games as they are shown on TV; John has seen them “up close and personal.” I am excited about the idea of being in the city the day before the game. I want to arrive at the stadium in time to watch the Navy Brigade of Midshipmen march on, I want to see the flyovers and hear the Star Spangled Banner sung and I want to sing “Navy Blue and Gold” after the Navy victory.

Have you thought about where you will be on this day next year? Have you thought about what might be different between now and then? Should you be setting some goals now for next year?

Maybe this Christmas, you could share with family members, “We are planning to be home next year.” Or, you could tell that grandchild, “If all goes well, I would love to walk a 3K with you before the end of 2016.” Or, “Next Christmas, I will be tobacco free for 12 months and give myself a fantastic gift with the money that I saved!”

Start planning now. You can do this!!

GO NAVY!! BEAT ARMY!!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”  (2 Chronicles 15:7)

I just got a notice that my Office software needs to be updated. I gave the command for the download to begin and after a few moments a notice came up on the screen. It informed me that I could continue to use Office software while the programs were updated “in the background.” Now, to me that sounds scary. I am pretty sure that as soon as I get rolling with this “gather together” musing the computer will suddenly shut down and my work will be lost.

Been there? I have.

I have been assured that everything was fine and then suddenly discovered that someone else’s definition of “fine” was every different from mine.

My folks got a call last night that my aunt, while walking a week ago, was hit by a vehicle and thrown 30 feet. She has been in intensive care for a week. The “all is fine” status that we had assumed about her was changed in an instant.   We are praying for continued physical recovery for her.

My aunt had no warning. But, my experience with computer software updates makes me cautious about my next actions. It is true that there have been no “warning” signs flashing on my screen and no red flags have jumped up from the key board, but I know enough to proceed carefully. If I ignore what my experience has taught me, I will probably lose my file and be frustrated. If I take precautionary actions, it is likely that I will protect my work and be ready to move on to my next project.

My point?

Have you noticed any “Danger, Will Robinson” signs emerging about your plans for Christmas? Need some examples?

• Is someone going through a rough time and could really use some extra TLC this month?
• Anyone in your circle experiencing divorce, infertility, loneliness, unemployment, or something else for which sensitivity is critical?
• Is there likely to be a conflict over who is where when?
• Know anyone who will struggle with the food choices?

I recommend that we all take a moment and think about those we will be near during the next couple of weeks.  Any dangers ahead?

Remember, forewarned is forearmed.  Consider adjusting your plans now to avoid conflict or pain later.  Maybe we could be more flexible, more supportive, more reflective than we are normally?

OK, I’m on a roll here — maybe I could even be silent from time-to-time this month.  Oh my — that would be a true Christmas miracle!!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”  (Ephesians 4:2)

“For unto us.”

What an amazing phrase. “Unto us.” Not “unto them.” Not “unto me.” But, “unto us.”

Not long ago, my folks and I were talking about the body as a system. A hangnail can cause my brain to refocus. A soothing lotion can help move my body into a calmer state. A cup of hot tea can “warm me all over.”

So it is with this world.

Yesterday was rough. The day peaked at about 10:00 am and then went downhill from there. I just didn’t get things right. Events and actions that usually flow seemed halted and challenging. Computer files didn’t work. Weight Watchers changed their point system. My car has to stay another day in the shop and what I thought was going to be a simple wiring connection turned into a major part replacement. It was just a tough day. And, I allowed my difficult day to influence others. I wasn’t as kind as I should have been.  As I went to bed, I was disappointed in my performance. And, then those three words filled my heart.

“For unto us.”

Having a rough Thursday? Anxious for Saturday to get here? Worried that Saturday will get here without your “to do” list decreasing?

Think on these three little words, “For unto us.”

“For unto us”:

• Christ left heaven and came to earth.
• Mary and Joseph welcomed the baby into their lives not knowing what was ahead.
• God put Himself into the hands of violent and evil people.
• He walked among us.
• The law was fulfilled.
• The star lighted the way for the Magi.
• A path of grace was established.
• Jesus took my sins upon Himself.
• The heavens opened the night sky and filled the shepherd’s field with rejoicing.
• The Messiah came.
• The world was taught that earthly kings and rulers are just men and God is God.
• A way was made for me.

“For unto us” means that even on the toughest of days, God is with me. Remembering that Jesus shed His blood for me; that He willingly took on the sins of the world and conquered death; and, that through grace, repentance and faith, I have been forgiven, makes all the difference in this kid’s life.

Today, remember that Christmas started with “For unto us.”  (Isaiah 9:6a)

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)