Good tidings of great joy       

Many of us sent and received letters in Christmas cards, intended to update folks on ‘the goings on’ of the past year.  What if Jesus wrote a Christmas letter to you and me?  If it came in the mail, we may have just stacked it with the rest of the cards and letters, waiting for the time to sit down and read it, since we were so busy getting things done.  Hmmm . . . well, now that we have exhaled, let’s take the time to read what Jesus might wish to say to us:

Dear child, maybe now that your preparations are through, you can make some quiet to be with me. You will have to take the time, it won't just happen.  Just as the townspeople of Bethlehem missed my birth all those years ago, it would be easy for you to go through Christmas and the days that follow, and miss me, too.  Take time to worship me today--somehow, some way.   I will be waiting for you.   I'm so anxious to give you joy unspeakable and full of glory, like the old song says.  Oh, I know the way is rough for some of you--first Christmas alone, and everything seems so unsure . . . family splintered, seemingly at odds . . . take heart, you are not alone, Child.  I am as near to you as you will let me be!  Like Martha, some of you are worried about many things--but please, take time and sit with me--for that is the better part.  Come to me, and I will give you rest.  Peace I give you--not like the world's, though--let not your heart be troubled, dear one.  Consider my gifts to you this Christmas, and you will find yourself blessed indeed!

Ah, Child, those were strange sensations I experienced, born of Mary, that night so long ago--remember, before this, I had only known Godhood.   To take on the form of a crying child was most unusual indeed, but I did it for you.  I came a long way to bring a new way ~ to bring salvation to my people.  Nothing prepared me for the pain I experienced on the road to Calvary, and then being nailed to the cross.  Worse than the physical pain, though, was when my Father turned his back on me, as I bore all of the sin of mankind, past and present, in my being.  I had never known such isolation or loneliness . . . but I did it for you, you know.  And if you were the only one ever born, I would do it just for you.  Of course, the story didn't end there--I did what I said I would do--I awakened from the dead, defeating the grave.  You serve a living God.

And then, when I departed Palestine's soil, I sent you a Comforter--the Holy Spirit.  Do you sense the Holy Spirit's presence in you, and at work around you?  Enjoy the Holy Spirit, Child.  He is a gift!

I give you the gift of my words--the Holy Scriptures.  'Want to know me?  Read the words of the prophets, the inspired words of the poet, David--read the words I spoke--you will find wisdom, instruction, inspiration, correction, truth, words of life.  

There is a bond that exists between those who call themselves mine~ another gift, from me to you.  The world knows nothing like it.  Explore that bond, won't you?  

Finally, at Christmas time this year, I give you the (possibility of the) gift of contentment~ it is okay to rest in the enough--there is freedom in living in the enough, and relishing with gratitude the very gift of life.  

So these are just some of my gifts to you this year--peace, salvation, a living Savior, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, the special relationships you have with other Christians, and contentment--it is my desire to bless you.

May this be a blessed Christmas for you,  

Jesus

How can I add to that?

May God richly bless you as you seek him today, tomorrow and the day after that!

Christine