Christmas Plans

      

My Plans

    In the early morning darkness, I clicked through a few last purchases on Amazon. Would they arrive before Christmas? I thought of the cards waiting to be written, the carefully chosen baking ingredients still in their boxes and bags waiting to be mixed together. Six more days, and who knows if I'll have the energy to accomplish any or all of it?

     As I cast this thought into the air around me, there came to my heart a message, as clear as if the words had been spoken: Christmas isn't about the gifts you buy or make; it's about the Gift you receive from Me. It's not about what you accomplish; it's about what I accomplished in a stable in Bethlehem and on a cross on Calvary.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  (Luke 2:4-7 KJV, emphasis mine)

"After Yeshua had taken the wine, He said, 'It is accomplished!' And, letting His head droop, He delivered up His spirit."  (John 19:30 CJB, emphasis mine)

      Yes, my Christmas "accomplishments" are for the purpose of giving, and Jesus Himself told us, according to Paul, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  (Acts 20:35) And yet a vessel, no matter how willing, must receive before giving! Even a jug of water must be filled before it can pour out its life-giving substance. Mary willingly received the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit and through no effort of her own became the human vessel for our divine Savior, accomplishing her purpose on earth. And this child of Mary's, our Messiah Yeshua, though sinless, became the willing vessel for our sins and then poured out God's grace on us. IF ONLY WE WILL RECEIVE. 

      I've confessed to you before, dear reader, how much more difficult it is for me to receive than to give, and so as usual I'm reminding myself here. But hopefully I'm also passing on to someone else the words God spoke into my heart this morning. Let's try to remember this Christmas, and every day, that unless we receive the Gift of Christmas, all our giving is meaningless.

   

God's plan!

I heard this beautiful song twice Sunday morning! It's a perfect reminder of what's really important: https://youtu.be/-ClYL3pKCwI

 "He must increase, but I must decrease"  (John 3:30)

♱