s

Usually, my joy meter is off the chart in the month of December!  l mean, what is better than choosing gifts that will bless others, baking special goodies, writing & reading Christmas letters, reconnecting in small ways around the hope of the world and celebrating Jesus!?

a

[Tweet “Jesus isn’t found in a #perfect #CHRISTmas; He’s gracing the imperfect, humble, broken places.”]

a

This Christmas “feels” different to me; the recent shootings, the poverty, the orphans, the natural catastrophes, the hurricane victims that are still suffering from Sandy, and I could go on and on. There has always been sadness, brokenness, and tragedy but it seems the world is facing a tsunami of sadness and pain like no other time in history. There is an increasing, exponential groaning for redemption!

s

[Tweet “Each one of is an #innkeeper deciding if we will open our #heart and let #Jesus come in. #CHRISTmas”]

And Jesus is standing at the door of every heart, knocking. 

Do I have room for Him?

Jesus is the concrete, indisputable evidence that God thinks His creation is not a total loss- a do-over- a “throw them in the trash heap and forget about them” people.  I mean, let’s be honest.  If we had created something that became so messed up and broken, without hesitation we’d throw it in the trash to be carted to the landfill. 

s

[Tweet “God is the #Glorious #Redeemer- determined to #rescue His creation. #CHRISTmas #Hope”]

But not God-

He still places high value on us-

even in our broken, pitiful state.

s

For some reason, rooted deeply in a Father’s love that is too vast for us to understand, He has set His love upon us!  He chose not to destroy us or throw us away or even leave us to our awful selves- but to send His Son to us- to redeem and restore us to His original specs for humanity- Imageo Deo- created in His image- His sons and daughters once again!

a

My joy is more subdued this year. “Christmasy things aren’t really doing it for me- only when I surround my self with His presence, is my joy full. Instead, there is an intense longing for His Second Coming stirring deep within my soul. 

s

[Tweet “Jesus will finish what He started – #Emmanuel- God with us- His kingdom come! #CHRISTmas”]

Surely, we need His Second Coming now as much or more as we needed His first coming then. 

This Christmas, my prayer is:

“Oh Lord Jesus, let your kingdom come

Let your will be done- on earth as it is in heaven!

Let ALL governments be upon Your shoulders.

For those of us who belong to You-

help us to shine brighter and brighter

lighting the way for the lost to come Home to You!

Bring us to our knees to your magnificent Rule

And let every tongue confess you are indeed, the Lord of all Lords!

Amen.

Surprising Treasures: How great the Father’s love for us- that we can be called children of God!