Monday, December 30, 2013

When Jesus Came For Christmas



Imagine with me...
If Jesus were celebrating Christmas with us today, I think he would wrap his gifts in colorful rainbow paper, tied with brilliant bows of joy. He would be excited for every surprise he had for his family. He would place homemade cards on each present with special poetry spoken to each child and signed, “Love, Jesus.”
He would have a special present just for his Father in Heaven, a crystal heart representing the gift of His life that fulfilled His Father’s longing for friendship with mankind.
For his mother, Mary, there would be a book of memories of all the special ways she loved him and brought him comfort and joy.
And for His earthly dad, Joseph, He would give a custom made carving knife, engraved with thankfulness for his loving home and family. It would have a diamond blade and a wooden handle embedded with heavenly stones.
Jesus would love singing Jingle Bells just because the kids love it. He would love all the traditional songs of Christmas. He would sing and play music till all laughed and sung themselves to sleep. Jesus, in all his joy, would dance around the Christmas tree and gaze upon every beautiful ornament and bulb. He would look at the nativity scene on the mantle and gently touch the little baby and the lambs. He would enjoy all the traditions around his birthday, and, you know... I don't think he would mind Santa, stockings, and Rudolph at all, simply because they bring delight to his children.
Finally, he would tell the gathered family the story of his birth, and remember aloud the monumental moment of grace, joy, and purity as the destiny of time was accomplished. God born as man – the hope of life and glory for all the children of the earth forever.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Fruits of Christmas Stories


I was having a bit of fun with grandchildren and advent calendars this month. The little windows, filled with chocolates, told about the nativity – the story of Mary, Joseph, and God’s miraculous gift to the world – Jesus Christ, born in a manger. Well, the story stirred some conversation that somehow led to Santa Claus and what it means to be good and what it means when you are bad. 

Somehow it also led to me telling them about the fruits of the Spirit. We googled it quickly because I can never remember them all and I read love, joy, peace, forbearance (patient endurance), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It was a sweet little time, innocent and gentle. I simply answered their questions and we even talked a bit about the reality of God even when we cannot see Him. I was amazed what we covered in about a two-minute exchange.

Then we were on to talking about Santa and elves and Christmas lists and one last little bit about patience…waiting for Christmas…waiting for our brothers and sisters and moms and dads…waiting when we don’t feel like waiting …with a smile.

You will feast and be satisfied with Me, Feeding on My revelation truth like honey." (Or chocolate!) (Psalm 81:16 - Passion Translation)


Chris Tracy's book, Tapestry, the Divine Design for Your Life, is now available at Amazon.com in Kindle and soft cover. Click here!