Thursday, December 26, 2013

Family, friends, and rejoicing in His coming!

     A few Christ memories--the girls' (and moms) cookie exchange.  It really had nothing to do with the cookies...and much to do with the priceless gift of friendship.  Thank You, Father.  C.S. Lewis asks: "Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?" Probably not...unless you throw in a few chocolate chip cookies and a brownie or two!
     And more Christmas friendship at our annual December 23rd dinner with several dear friends and families--
All the kids in one room talking and eating and having fun...and the adults in another room doing the same.  Thank You, Father.
      And then there was Christmas day, my wonderful sister having us in Chapel Hill...more friends and family all together to celebrate the gift of one another to love and the ultimate Gift of the Savior who loved us.  "We love because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)--
     Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving us so much that You were willing to come...and to stay. Jesus, our Emmanuel--"God with us."  What a wonder--God always with us in our daily routines and in our desperate crises.  God with us, always and forever, in our every moment on this earth.       And thank You for the joy of celebrating Your birthday once again this year.  O might we never take that wondrous privilege for granted. Thank You for the people we love with whom we can rejoice in the birthday of our King.
   And thank You that You are coming again.  Help us to live this day-after-Christmas in the light of that glorious truth--that You came, You are with us, and You are coming again to make all things right and new and perfect...and so we live with joy and hope in You.  The One who came...and who is coming.
   The party isn't over...we've only seen the opening act!  So as we all clean up over the coming days, might we keep the focus on our King and rejoice in His coming--past, present, and future. The best is yet to come!
    "O come O come, Emmanuel."   To God be the glory.

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