The Beauty of Grace

Luke 2:40 "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Did you know that God's grace is also upon you? We too are able to seek divine influence. God will impart his strength, wisdom, and goodwill upon us.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Ephesians 4:7 says, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."

2 Peter 1:2 reminds us again, "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

It is by grace we have been saved.

Lord,

Thank you for loving us so much that you have sent us the best gift of grace, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is no greater gift we can receive. You have power over all of Heaven and Earth - to the ends of the universe, yet you care about every detail of our lives. You know every corner of our heart. Your mercies are new every morning and your grace gifts are magnificent. Thank you that we can come to your throne of grace when we need you, which Lord, is always. Thank you for your open door. Thank you for your arms wide open. Thank you for always lighting the path to the way home. Thank you for your blanket of grace. In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Love them Big, Love them Small

Psalm 119:105 KJV "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Each Christmas season I decorate the house a little at a time. The kids chuckle when the snow globe comes out just after Halloween. As November progresses, each day brings some new magical touch. Lights illuminate the windows. Candles fill the cozy spaces. Cinnamon and cranberry fill the air, and the night brings a warm glow. I enjoy it, but find so much more joy in making a cozy home for my husband. He works long days in the cold and looks forward to whatever new cozy surprise I prepare each evening.

It is our habit that he texts me when he is headed home - a helpful tool to time dinner. It is also the time I run about the house and make sure the lights are plugged in and the candles are lit. It's a little thing, but that one little thing creates a warm comfortable and inviting atmosphere that welcomes him back home.

Love the people around you. Love them big. Love them small or as Dr. Seuss might say, love them anyway at all! Christmas reminds us that our lives are not about us. We are designed for a greater purpose. Use this day, this season, this life to bless the people around you.

Matthew 5:14-16 KJV "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

And know... Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) so you will always be able to find your way home, cozy into the warm glow of his embrace and take comfort as His love shines on you.

Lord,

I pray you help us slow to appreciate and bask in your light with every step on our path. Help us shine our light on those around us. Remind us, Lord, that it doesn't take much - a kind word, a helpful hand, a selfless act. Help us to shine your light wherever we may go.

I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Make No Mistake.

Luke 2:8- 12 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And it shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager.

The intricacies of the Lord's plans never cease to amaze me. It is said he numbers every hair on our head. (Matthew 10:30) His wisdom is endless and greater than we can fathom. (James 3:17 KJV) "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

God knew the inn would be full and that Jesus would be born in a manger, not into worldly riches. He knew that the riches of the world would not be important or necessary as money and wealth do not produce salvation. True riches are stored up in Heaven. God knew that if Jesus was born humbly in a manger he would be unmistakably identifiable. "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." You will know him when you see him because of this.

The Lord set Jesus apart. He set him apart for a purpose so great that he would be able to overcome the grave and save the world. We too have been born with a predetermined God-given purpose. Psalm 4:3 You can be sure of this: The LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV) says "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Lord,

Thank you that you know us so well. We could search near and far to the ends of the earth and find no one who knows us better. You formed us in our mother's womb. You created us with a purpose and ordained our steps. Lord help us to walk in them with confidence. Remind us we can walk hand-in-hand with you as you will lead us where ever we must go. Guide us while we seek. Open our ears so we listen. Clean our eyes so we can see. Help us to love as you love. Help us to be like you are and let us give thanks for the good tidings and great joy that you bring. In Jesus' name. Amen