Look to Jesus

Proverbs 15:30
Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

I tucked Christmas away.

Every year, our home is donned with Christmas displays, trees, and memories. I usually pull out all the treasured ornaments and décor around Thanksgiving. By early January, I'm ready to take down the beauty of the season and store it away for another year. Wednesday morning, the 4^th day of January, I unhooked the ornaments from the tree, wrapped them, and placed them in the Christmas tote. Once the baubles were packed away, I unwound the purple beaded garland, then pulled the plug on the lights, the last remnant of the holiday. When the colorful bulbs turned off, I felt a little tug of sadness. Those little twinklers brought me joy.

When they glowed in various colors, they reminded me of why I celebrate His birth—
Shades of pink—He came as a sweet babe
Green—He's everlasting
Yellow—He's the light of the world
Red—His blood shed on the cross
Blue—everlasting life in heaven

Proverbs 15:30 reminds me to put my sadness away and remember the true light. Jesus came to earth to bring hope. His good news offers peace. When my heart is at peace, the rest of my body feels better.

As Christmas is put away and the new year begins, I choose to look to Jesus as the source of my joy and peace. He loves me more than I understand. I'm a broken human being filled with hope because the King of Kings who came as the only perfect person, loved me enough to die a harsh death on the cross, then gloriously rise to life.

Jesus is grace. He forgives and loves like no other.

Begin this new year looking to Jesus.

Her Firstborn Son

Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

When a baby is placed in my arms; I feel giddy. 

Twelve years ago, on December 22, Sara gave birth to our grandson, Elijah Duncan. He spent his first Christmas in the hospital with his mom and dad. When we stopped by on the twenty-fifth to celebrate the holiday, we found him swaddled in his baby blanket and cuddled in his mother's arms. I couldn't wait to get my hands on him.

What a blessing that Christmas was.

Imagine the wonder Mary felt when she held baby Jesus. As a mother, I know what incredible joy a new baby brings. Consider this—the baby Mary held grew to be the man who became King of Kings, the One who sacrificed His perfect life to forgive sin. Because of Jesus I have the hope of heaven. All He asked of me was to believe, have faith, repent, be baptized, and obey.

Every day I seek Him and ask Him for guidance. The Holy Spirit gives me wisdom and clarity, but my part is seeking, listening, and obeying. I love Jesus and thank Him for forgiving my sins and loving me so much.

As we celebrate this beautiful season of love and giving, focus on the One whose life started as a babe in a manger and grew to be the man who would give his life for us all. The words, "Jesus loves me this I know," come to mind when I think about Jesus. He loves us and wants us to love Him and believe in Him.

Believe, this Christmas, in Jesus.

Your Gifts

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 

and the gifts of God's blessings.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus

and enjoy fellowship with friends and family,

I pray we are all blessed with peace, hope, love, and faith.

For everyone missing someone, I pray you'll be wrapped 

in memories that bring comfort.

For anyone struggling, I ask God to pour His peace over you.

May we all celebrate Jesus birth with wonder and joy!

 

Joy Replaced Fear

Luke 2:9-10
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

I remember sitting in a classroom in the junior high building, my heart pounding with fear.

I'd been absent the day my class took the standard exam, so the teacher sent me to the big study hall, which seemed miles away from my classroom. There I sat, a painfully shy, elementary student, surrounded by teenagers. The teacher stood what seemed like seven feet tall, while the paper and pencil on my desk taunted me. As I started to darken circles on the multiple-choice questions, tears stung my eyes. The teacher, in all of his wisdom, must have noticed my discomfort. He leaned over and assured me everything would be okay. And it was. I don't recall the results of the test, but I took it and evidently passed whatever hurdle I needed to.

My teacher wasn't an angel, at least not that I know of, yet he calmed my fear and gave me courage to finish my task.

When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field near Bethlehem, the fear must have overwhelmed them. The night was most likely quiet, a few sheep baaing, maybe a breeze, and a snore here or there from dozing shepherds. Then the sky lit up with God's glory and surrounded the mighty messenger. Bless those shepherds' hearts, as they trembled in fear, and the angel consoled them with encouragement and spoke of the most wonderful news.

No doubt the shepherds had heard of the long-expected Messiah, but they never dreamed they'd be alerted to his birth in such an awesome way. With courage and encouragement from the angel, the shepherds listened and followed his directions. And lo and behold they witnessed baby Jesus in his mother's arms.

At the sight of the Lord, pure joy replaced any fear.

This season seek Jesus with the courage of the shepherds and experience true joy.

The Best Gift

It's that simple.

Come let us adore, cherish, love, worship Him!

As I celebrate Christmas, I think about the best gift to give Jesus.

On my knees, hands lifted, I offer Him my heart.

What will you give Jesus?

 

Celebrate with Joy!

Something inside of me sparks when I near the Christmas season. 

I so wish every one could experience the holiday the way I do.

The joy that bubbles over comes from the beautiful baby born in a manger,

 so many years ago.

I love celebrating the One who came to earth to offer grace. 

His grace has saved my life.

Celebrate Jesus Joy!

 

Faith Before Fear

Luke 1:35-38
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

I love holding and rocking babies.

In 2009, we were thrilled to find out we'd have three grandbabies born. Max arrived in October, Eli in time for Christmas, and Zeke the following January. Our hearts overflowed with joy as we met each of these baby boys. As a grandma, I fell in love with them, just as I had my own babies. The boys have or will soon turn twelve, and they are lights in our lives. All so different from one another, yet so precious.

The mamas got to share in the joy and challenges of carrying a child, at the same time. Sisters, Sara and Maggie, expected Eli and Zeke with only five weeks separating their birth. What an exciting time for this grandma.

Cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, shared the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Wow were their circumstances exceptional. Elizabeth was considered old, yet God blessed her with a child. Mary was a young virgin, yet God gave her a baby. Their stories are unusual and perhaps hard to believe. Yet the writers of the Bible tell the stories with clarity, truth, and hope.

I love Mary's humility as she accepts the angel's pronouncement. "For no word from God will ever fail." Her response says it all, "I am the Lord's servant." Mary believed. She trusted God and put her faith in front of her fear because she knew God never fails.

Can you imagine being in Mary's circumstance? Would people ridicule her? Would they punish her? She had more at stake than we might today. The Jewish laws were strict, and she could be severely punished for being unwed and pregnant. But she put her faith before her fear and trusted God with her life.

Elizabeth was old and her husband made mute before John the Baptist was born. Did Elizabeth hide with embarrassment or did she trust? She believed God blessed her, and she jumped with joy. She too put faith before fear.

This Christmas as we celebrate Jesus, put faith before fear and share about the babe who grew to be a man. Not just any man, but Jesus the Savior of this broken world.

Have the hard conversations and talk about the hope we have in Jesus.

Shine Brightly

In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches about being a light to the world.

"...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds

 and glorify your Father in heaven."

Our acts of kindness, generosity, and love should shine the light on Jesus 

and spill over on others--

so the glory of God will illuminate the world.

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth, shine a light that draws others to Him through kindness, love, giving, and caring.

 

Roll into Christmas

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
   come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
   It is he who made us, and we are his;
   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
   and his courts with praise;
   give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We've celebrated Thanksgiving, and Christmas is coming.

Another holiday season has rolled around. Thanksgiving Day we were blessed to spend time with some of our family, something we didn't get to do last year. Nieces and nephews have grown by leaps and bounds, as have our grandchildren. As usual on this holiday, too much food went into my mouth, but my goodness it was yummy.

As I looked around the room and visited with folks, I thanked God for the opportunity to spend time together. Something I'd taken for granted before the pandemic. I also loved meeting my niece's puppies and seeing my mom cuddle with one. The day satisfied in so many ways.

I know the holidays, along with joy, can bring stress and busyness.

As I prepare my heart for the Christmas season, I want nothing more than to focus on the reason we celebrate. Yes, I love the decorations, the music, the movies, and the food, but more than anything, I love Jesus and the reason He came.

Jesus fulfilled the prophets' words in the Old Testament by being born of a virgin, in a manger. That sweet babe grew into the man who gave His life for our freedom from sin. He's the reason we celebrate.

As you decorate the tree, thank God for the beauty He created—as you sing a carol, praise the Lord for his love and mercy—as you shop for gifts, pray for the recipient— and every day, recognize the grace we have because of Jesus. Let's roll from the Thanksgiving season into Christmas with a grateful heart.

The Blessing of Giving

The other day, Tim surprised me with this beautiful leaf.

Why would Tim pick a leaf up and carry it to me?

Simple answer--because Tim knows my heart.

He understands and embraces my love of nature.

Over the years, he has listened and cares about what I care about.

Tim's gift blessed my heart.

As I prepare my heart for Thanksgiving and Christmas;

I consider what Jesus gave--his life for my sins.

I thank God for His grace and love.

 

Christmas Novella Review: A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.

My Thoughts:
A Christmas in the Alps is a lovely story of family, reflection, and holiday joy. Melody Carlson has created the perfect story to sweep the reader away to the Swiss Alps for a beautiful holiday experience. I enjoyed the family history Simone discovered when she arrived in their little hometown, snuggled into the Alps. The setting is perfect for a holiday tale. As Simone searches for her family treasure, she finds much more than she ever expected. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

 

Childhood Remnants

bygone Christmases

tucked in my heart-

opened once a year

lights

garland

tinsel

pine fragrance

fresh off the lot

silver sparkles

red, green, and pink

remnants of

childhood wonder

 

Christmas in the Heart

Do you feel it in the air?

Do you feel it in your heart?

The love...

Jesus love came down from God to this world.

The joy...

Joy in the birth of the one who came to walk with us.

The grace...

Poured out on all who believe.

The hope...

Of life eternal with Jesus.

Do you know the good news?

Jesus came to rescue us from ourselves.

To offer the kingdom of God to us.

To give us a way to God, who loves us so very much!

Tuck Christmas in your heart this holiday season.

And share his good news with the world!

. 

 

Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

Joyeux Noël~French

Feliz Navidad~Spanish

Buon Natale~Italian

Vrolijk kerstfeest~Dutch

May the joy of the season 

fill you with peace!

And may this snow family 

bring you a smile!

 

Celebrate~Mary

Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Bumping along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her discomfort.

Womanhood arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.

Mary, being the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.

Trust plays a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary.  God trusted the angels to deliver his messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.

As Mary bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless, Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.  

As you think about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.

Stop for a few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.

 Who Would Imagine a King sung by my daughter Sara Hatch-

Celebrating Christmas ~ Shepherds

Luke 2:15-18

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

Have you ever seen an alpaca?

Sometimes confused with a llama—their ears are more rounded, their bodies are smaller, and their fur is shaggier. In October, Tim and I visited an alpaca farm. The comical looking creatures, with their floppy hair, stood in the field beside the Alpaca Meadows gift and wool shop. A lovely lady greeted us and welcomed us into her store. After a little too much shopping, she offered to show us her animals. If it hadn't been so muddy, we could have taken one for a walk, instead, we tromped through the water-logged field for a close-up experience. One of the alpacas, who is blind, came right to her caretaker. She trusted her and allowed us to pet her fuzzy head, because she knew her shepherd.

In Luke chapter two, sheep trusted their shepherd and the shepherd trusted the Lord.

When the angels appeared to the shepherds, fear struck them, until the angel told them not to be afraid, but to trust. Once the shock of seeing and hearing the angels sunk in, they hurried off to see the baby the angels proclaimed. Imagine—they arrived at the manger, a tiny baby lay in the arms of his mother, and he is proclaimed the Messiah, the one they'd been waiting for. No doubt the shepherds stood in awe. They'd heard God's promise of a Savior but never expected to have the honor to be chosen to see him.

When they left the manger, they didn't jog back to their hill. Instead, they shared the good news—a Savior is born—the Messiah is here—we've seen him with our own eyes.

Jesus came to the world to save us from evil and sin. He entered this world as a babe in a manger. Smelly, stinky shepherds visited first, not kings or priests, but everyday workers who spent time tending. And they spread the word "Jesus is born" to everyone they saw.

From the beginning of Jesus time on earth, God used ordinary men and women to spread the gospel. He still does today. We don't need a fancy degree or title to be a shepherd for Jesus. We just need to know how much he loves us.

Go tell everyone that Jesus lives and loves them. He wants the world to know.

Just in Time for Christmas! Now in Board Book: A Very Fiona Christmas and A Night of Great Joy

Book Description:
It’s Fiona the hippo’s very first Christmas, and the zoo is sparkling with holiday spirit. When the adorable little hippo asks her friends, “What’s Christmas?” they set out to show her all the wonders and excitement of the season. With each new experience Fiona lets out a snort, wiggles her ears, and asks, “Is THIS Christmas?”

Amidst the snow, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and stockings, Fiona ends up meeting a new friend at the zoo who helps her discover the true meaning of the holiday: Love. Snuggle up with your little ones and join Fiona and her adorable animal friends for a heartwarming holiday romp through the zoo.

My Review:
A Very Fiona Christmas is a delightful story of a baby hippo discovering Christmas for the first time. Living near Cincinnati, I am familiar with Fiona. She was born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo. She survived and thrived and has become a favorite of young and old. Richard Cowdrey's illustrations are fantastic. The color and movement of the beautiful characters will delight children. If you are looking for a gift for an animal lover, and what child isn't, pick up a copy of A Very Fiona Christmas. I won't spoil the ending, but I'll say it is perfect. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:
Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.

My Review:
Who doesn't love a Christmas pageant?

I've long been a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and of Christmas pageants. A Night of Great Joy embraces the colorful whimsy of her art with the sweet, often amusing joy of a children's play. Mary's simple telling of Jesus birth pairs beautifully with her wonderful illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of the diverse cast of children as they participate in the most important holiday story. And the shepherds and angels are a hoot. Parents and children will have a lot of fun reading this version of the Christmas story. I see this becoming a classic in years to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Little Something

Can you guess my all time favorite holiday show?

If you guessed A Charlie Brown Christmas, you are right.

The scene with Linus on stage, reciting the Christmas story brings joy to my heart.

When he drops the blanket while saying "Fear not", 

I'm reminded to trust in the reason we celebrate

~Jesus birth!

Share the joy of Christmas with someone!

 

Two Christmas Books to Share with Little Ones

The Beginner's Bible Little Lamb's Christmas: A Finger Puppet Board Book

Book Description:
Introduce babies and toddlers to the Christmas story told through the eyes of little Lamb. Children will love listening to the story of Jesus' birthday and play with the adorable, plush lamb finger puppet included.

The Beginner’s Bible Little Lamb’s Christmas brings the story of Jesus' birth to life from a new and fun but faithful retelling. Readers will follow little Lamb from the hillside to the manger where he celebrates the arrival of God's only son.

Featuring vibrant art from the beloved The Beginner's Bible, this chunky, durable board book with finger puppet is perfect for parents to share with their children. It makes an adorable stocking stuffer or wrapped gift.

My Review:
Little Lamb is excited he gets to visit baby Jesus at the manger. Told in simple text, Little Lamb introduces children to the reason we celebrate Christmas. I like the interactive element of the lamb finger puppet as he tells the story on each page. What a fun way to share Jesus' birth with little ones. This would be a great stocking stuffer or teaching tool for toddlers. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Over in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson (Author), Aleksandar Zolotic (Illustrator)

Book Description:
Over in a Stable, written by award-winning author Suzanne Nelson, is a beautiful and engaging Christmas read-aloud for you and your little ones that tells the story of the nativity, featuring the memorable counting and cadence of the beloved classic poem “Over in the Meadow.”

Children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy counting aloud from one little drummer boy to ten little children. 

Over in a Stable features vibrant illustrations from artist Aleksandar Zolotic, showing the animals and people who gathered to celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus on that miraculous night in Bethlehem

Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,

grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.

“Give,” said the mother. “We give,” said the eight.

And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great. 

With a shiny cover that features glitter accents, Over the Stable is a treasured picture book your family will cherish for many years.

My Review:
Over in the Stable is a beautiful counting book that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The words of Suzanne Nelson and illustrations of Aleksandar Zolotic marry together for the perfect book to share on Christmas Eve before the little ones are tucked in. The animals in the story have such sweet, beautiful faces. This would also be a great book to use in Sunday School or Junior Church. I can see Over in the Stable becoming an annual holiday favorite. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.