God’s Gift

It’s the time of year when we are more aware of God’s gifts to us.  I’m working on being more conscious of them year round, but this is definitely the time of year a lot of people take a minute and reflect.  Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the end of the year, it is a time to look back at everything that has happened and think and dream about what lies ahead.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I think part of the reason I’m more aware this year is several of our long-time prayers have been being answered lately.  They weren’t necessarily answered in the way we wanted or expected, but God is definitely moving in big ways in our lives lately.  I also have experienced some personal growth (I hope!) and am working hard to translate that growth and learning into my everyday life and interactions.  Only my family could answer whether or not I have succeeded, but I remain hopeful.  If I don’t get it right away, with time and through God’s help, I will eventually get there.  I will become more like the person God created me to be.  I will be more like the person He intended before sin entered this world.  I pray I always am working to become her.

1 John 1:9

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Copyright RosesatDawn 2019

I love the Christmas season.  It is my absolute favorite time of year.  While I enjoy all parts of the year for different reasons, there is just something about Christmas that warms my soul.  The smells.  The wonder.  The snow.  The anticipation.  The birth of Jesus.  My continued realization of what He actually did for me all contribute to make this a very special time of year.

John 3:16-17

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

I know this can be a very busy time of year for a lot of people.  We are taking a large chunk of this month off from school.  Well, not totally.  Just a lighter schedule.  It helps me out because our kids always want to make presents for each other and this will give me the dedicated time to help focus on helping them without feeling like we have to also get x, y, and z done!  Anytime we can have less stress is a good idea in my book.  Less stress means more time to focus on what is really important.  After all, that was the whole point of this post.  Let’s remember to focus on what’s really important this season.

Isaiah 9:6

⁶ For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!