Tis the season

I absolutely love this time of year! There really is a mysterious beauty about the Christmas season. I know that for many it can be a time of loneliness and sadness, and my heart breaks for that. For me it is the warmest time inside my heart even when it is blistering cold outside. Singing carols, drinking apple cider and hot chocolate, putting up the tree, seeing winter flurries come and go, giving and receiving gifts. And most of all spending time with my Savior, thanking Him for coming to the earth as a helpless baby boy to experience our humanity and to overcome sin once and for all. The mystery of that miraculous gift never eludes me. I am jaw-dropping amazed at God's love for us. The Almighty God sending His Son into the womb of a young girl named Mary and stepping back providentially to allow humanity to clothe deity for 33 years. Jesus Himself choosing this path willingly and even joyfully out of love for us. Wow! It still boggles my mind. God in the flesh. The Word with us- walking, talking, healing, loving tangibly on the earth. If only all people's eyes could be open to the healing power of forgiven sin and the adoption as sons and daughters into the family of God. How different this world would be. How different American culture would be! As I drink my cider and drink in this beautiful season, I am longing to pour out God's love on the people around me. I am praying for opportunities to share the good news- the real Christmas story- with others.