It just wouldn't be Christmas without babies! I'm not sure if more people bring babies to church during the holidays or if I am more aware of their presence, but what a joy it is to share Christmas with the children God has placed among us. Miss Jada made the party Saturday night, all dressed up and ready to dance.
And then yesterday was one of those days when you're not really sure what is going to happen next...not due to a lack of planning, but just because it is one of those days. I almost lost it when I looked up during Communion and saw little Houston in his Santa outfit...right as Don, who played Santa this year was coming for the Sacrament. I had an image of "me and little me" and I had to laugh.
Children were special to Jesus. When others tried to send them away Jesus called them to come even closer. I want to encourage you to take note of the children around you...for often God will bless your life through them if you will stop, look, and listen.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...all we need now is some cooler weather to make it feel that way too.
As with all of life, the key is to enjoy whatever you have while you're having it. Often we look back on difficult times with a measure of appreciation, if for nothing more than we survived and learned something. But how often do we appreciate difficult times while they are happening?
The ability to "consider it all joy" brings a measure of serenity to our lives as we undergo what James called "the trial of your faith". That's what today's devotional is about. It is exciting to know that over 100 people connected to Holy Cross are reading the same daily devotional. [By the way, if you need one they are in the church foyer and for special needs contact the church office to have one mailed to you.] I am excited about how God will speak to more of us this year through The Word for You Today. We cannot help but grow by spending time in God's Word.
James 1:2 says, "Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials." Not only will God work our trials together for our good, but God will use our trials to teach us so that we will grow and mature. Day by day, trial by trial, we become more like Jesus.
But what about the reason for the trials? Paul says as for himself it was to keep him from being conceited! Now that's honesty for you.
The truth is that bad things do happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. I don't know why that surprises us so. God is in control. Therefore we do not have to fear... whatever comes our way...for God is with us and all is well. Christmas is another reminder of this good news.
Rejoice and be glad!
