We plugged it in. Nothing. So we bought a new lightbulb for it. Nothing. The star on top of our Christmas tree finally quit, after many decades. Thankfully, it won’t stop Christmas. The light of Christ that is Christmas never stops and never changes.
Our tree is still starless, though we do plan on picking up a new star. Meanwhile, may we all focus on the Light of the world that never goes out. Jesus came that we may each have hope, peace, joy, and life eternal in Him. That gift gives us a very bright Christmas! I hope that each of you chooses to receive it.
Our Christmas candle – a tradition my mom started to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world.
Jesus clothed Himself in human flesh
To clothe us in His righteousness.
If we will but just yield to Him
He will save us from our sin.
“Well then, here is joy upon joy. Here is not only the Lord come among us as man, but made man in order to save man from that which separated him from God.”
– Charles H. Spurgeon
“And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent His Son as the world’s Savior.” (1 John 4:14)
I ate the cookie. It was both pretty and delicious. I took a bite then saw the expression on my granddaughter’s face go from happy to upset like the flicking of a light switch. Adina had carefully decorated it and probably wanted to save it. I can give excuses like being extra tired, but that is just a dumb excuse. The truth is that I didn’t stop to think about it before popping it into my mouth.
This is before the cookie eating incident.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been forgiven now, and I consoled myself with thinking that resiliency is a good trait to cultivate. My sweet husband, Mike, assured me that it’s something we’ll laugh about. Isn’t it funny how such a little thing can cause you to stop and ponder bigger things. I’m so grateful for forgiveness.
Another memory being made.
Thankfully, God does not allow my faults to affect His love for me. When I mess up, realize it, and repent, He always forgives. “He forgives us, and He loves us just as much after we sin as He does beforehand.” (Charles Spurgeon)
This Christmas season, I hope you know the good news that Jesus came to make a way for us to be forgiven. His love never changes, and He invites you to put your faith in Him. I also hope you get to enjoy some Christmas cookies. As for me, I trust that He will continue helping me grow and learn things, like to ask before eating Adina’s cookies!
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
God’s love never changes, and He’s always ready to forgive.
My wonderful family.This was one I was allowed to eat.
Mom and I enjoyed many walks and hikes together, like the one in this beautiful, wild meadow.
When she heard the news, her
immediate response was that she wanted to “die well”. That night, I told my
husband, Mike, that we needed to make a “Going to Heaven” song mix for her. He
replied that he had been thinking the very same thing. My mom is now there, in
heaven. She placed her trust in Jesus as her Savior many years ago. When she
was diagnosed with leukemia and informed that she only had days or months to
live, that trust continued. As Pastor Mike McClung stated at her memorial service,
she lived well, and she died well. I would say that her whole life was a song
of praise.
We had so very many amazing adventures
together! One year I decided to make a card for her entitled “Mom, do you
remember…”. I placed an old photograph on the front and filled the inside with
short sentences summing up some of the memories we shared over the years.
Here’s a short sample:
Mom, do you remember…
…taking Jim and me for walks in the woods while Heidi and Amy were in
school?
…playing your guitar and singing “Jesus is the Light, He’s the Light of
the world”?
…you making a zillion cookies every Christmas and packaging them for us
to deliver to our neighbors?
…you always making my friends feel so welcomed and loved?
…climbing that fire tower at the Grand Canyon?
…all the prayers, tears, and laughter shared together?
I actually remember these things and even a few more!
Mom really enjoyed life, and she made it a joy
for everyone who knew her. She taught me so very much, from how to bake pies to
how to try to look for the good in every situation. It’s been over 6 years
since she died, and I still miss her. However, I rejoice in knowing that I will
see her again, because she also taught me to trust in Jesus as my Savior. I am
so thankful for her life, her love, and her example! What do you appreciate
about your mom? Perhaps you can make her a “Do you remember…” card.
If your mom has not been all that a mom
should, I am truly sorry. Please know that there is a God who loves you and
cares for you deeply. He heals hurts, restores lives, and fills with joy. You
can rely on Him always.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has
for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1
John 4:16
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