Was Christmas everything you hoped for? Did you get what you set your heart on? Were all your expectations fulfilled?
I purposed not to blog on the few days leading up to Christmas ~~ it’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of errands and activities and daily life, that the true essence of the Celebration of Christ’s arrival to earth is completely lost and forgotten. I had made a conscious decision this year that some activity was not going to happen, in an effort to savour the Saviour.
Let’s recline for a moment here, Girlfriend, this is a big deal when we pause to consider that the God of the universe chose to dwell among us common folk ~~ to allow us to get to know Him ~~ to dine and laugh and cry with Him ~~ to receive and embrace Him in an up close and personal way ~~ to let Him hear our desires for ourselves and our loved ones ~~ to be healed and restored by Him ~~ yes, this entire adventure into a living relationship with Christ is a big deal.
And you know what I just get tickled over?! He loves us so much that He came just as we did ~~ a tiny package. To prove that He is able to empathize and be fully compassionate for how we must live in this crazy world amidst all the temptation and lures of the flesh, He came in the flesh. God did not merely come to us in spirit form, but He came humbly and obediently ~~ He has been our living example from the moment He arrived.
John 1:14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
For those of us that are mamas, you can understand why I would say my heart has a tender spot for mother Mary. Just as she lay there in that stable ~~ fatigued from having delivered her first born baby ~~ possibly frightened and afraid ~~ with the human comfort of only her husband, Joseph ~~ and the Promise that she now held in her arms ~~ she carefully unwrapped the strips of cloth that bundled Him to inspect this precious Child. And I’m sure like we all have done, she counted His fingers and toes, kissed His forehead and nose, and soothed His hunger with milk.
This tiny bundle that Mary held in her arms, also held her salvation. That is an awesome and breath-taking perspective when you inhale it.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
When we birthed our children we made certain it was in the cleanest of environments with access to professionals that would assure a safe delivery and a healthy child. Mary birthed her Baby amidst the stench and odor of animal feces and had only a feeding trough in which to lay her new Baby. There was no hospital receiving blanket or beanie to warm his head ~~ He had strips of cloths to swaddle Him. Part of me thinks that’s why Mary sewed Jesus a one-piece garment when He was to begin His earthly ministry ~~ to somehow make up for the deficit at His birth. (That’s just a mama-thought on my part.)
He came to dwell among us, and even offers to dwell within you. But you have to unwrap His offering of Himself ~~ yes, God has gifted Himself to you ~~ have you unwrapped His Gift?
John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
As I get older, I am making a conscious decision to savour life’s experiences along this Journey. At the end of my life, I want few regrets if any. I desire to make intentional decisions that will result in impactful measures. I strive to daily offer up myself to God’s Purpose and allow Him full reign to do with me as He sees fit. By the same token, I try to remember to be mindful of His Presence (and unwrap those presents).
Have you unwrapped His presents so that you can experience His Presence?
There’s no better time like the “present” moment (consider it a gift) to untie the bow wrapped around your heart, Girlfriend, and let the Saviour make His Presence known to you in a most personal way. I guarantee you a life worth living that will have no disappointments when you place your confidence in Him.
It is my prayer that Jesus will forever remain unwrapped in your heart and present Himself to you the Saviour that your soul so dsperately yearns for.
I love you to Heaven and Back ~~
LindaRJohnson
T2T Visionary
Titus Two 