December 2012 Greetings

Christ’s Birth
  History
    Resurrection
      Inheritance from Immanuel
        Saint Nicholas
          Traditions
            Music and lights
              Advent
                Salvation

GOD’S GIFT

Little baby on the hay,

Soon there’ll be another day

When nails shall pierce Your hands and feet

As You provide our sin’s defeat.

Risen Jesus on the throne,

We lift our praise to You alone-

For You’re the gift that we receive

The moment that our hearts believe.

-Roy Lessin

As we count the days in December till Christmas, we are reminded this month is a time of renewal-preparing our hearts for truly the greatest gift ever given –  Jesus Christ.  Amidst this season of being bombarded by technology, consumerism, busyness, and presents it is so EASY to forget or lose perspective of the gospel.  We can honestly relate as we’ve been through a roller coaster this fall; moving, living in temporary housing, problems with and fixes to be made on our home, busyness, and ministry obligations that have stretched our family.  While we have praised God (but not enough) during that time we were overwhelmed at times with angst, stress, strife, relational struggles.  

In this season, there is a lot of glitz and glitter that is eye catching for our son.  As adults we are no different at becoming distracted.  We must ask ourselves, what am I celebrating? (Is it gifts, holiday festivities, family time, Jesus- my Savior and Lord?) Without the message of the gospel there wouldn’t be a need for a Savior, the two go hand in hand.  So by fixing our eyes, mind, and thoughts on the gospel we reap infinitely more in the spiritual realm than in material wealth. 

To name a few:

Awareness of my sin and forgiveness
My need for Jesus, His sacrificial gift
The Power of God
Transformation for His Glory
I am God’s workmanship, created to do good works
Choosing His Ways/thoughts are right despite my feelings and flesh nature (Isaiah 55)
He is the giver of all I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
He has gifted EACH person
Awareness and keeping God’s amazing love before my eyes
Perspective in trials/hardships- conforming me to His image

May you ponder this Christmas the gospel message each day, priming your heart for His Birthday!

Below is a family photo card.  It is print quality so if you wish to have a print, feel free to download.