I read here too that peace is given to those with whom God is pleased, and I wonder if He is pleased with me. I instantly think of all the mistakes I have made and sins I have committed and I hang my head. I wonder how God can continue to bless me with good health, answered prayers to keep my children safe from harm and evil, and a loving husband who works hard and loves me. I wonder how I have been blessed with a warm and cozy home while others have no home at all. I read stories about teenagers who die too soon in car accidents or from cancer and my heart breaks for their families and I thank God that I can still hug my kids. I read stories of children who are missing and I can't even begin to imagine their pain. Yet, the real question I ask God is whether He is pleased with me or disappointed. I know that I can never do enough service or bible reading or fervent prayer to earn God's grace. Jesus is a gift to us. At Christmas time or birthday, when you are given a gift, you don't have to do anything to receive or earn that gift. You only have to accept the gift. I have accepted the gift of Jesus into my heart and took him on in baptism so that I might live a new life. I continue to stumble and fall and go off course, but Jesus is my light(house). He gives me direction in the darkness of my heart. He shows me the way and sometimes I don't always listen but be keeps showing me the light(word) as a guide. He is my rock and redeemer. I am so grateful that Jesus came down and His word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) and that he walked among the earth to ultimately be sacrificed for MY sins. That doesn't mean that I can go on purposely sinning just because he sacrificed for me (Romans 6:1) but it does mean I can carry on and try to walk the walk. I can keep on keepin on. And I can continue to thank God that Jesus was sent down to be born of the Virgin Mary.
This is Christmas, the day that we celebrate Jesus' birth. It's a season that we come together with family and friends and share gifts to each other, eat too much, share hugs and embraces, and tell our family more often that we love them. It's the season of heartache too for those that have loved ones that have gone home before us. For me, it's a time to reflect and be overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings of my family and friends. I have so much to be thankful for, but I am most thankful not only that Jesus was born but that he died for me and conquered the grave so that I may have eternal life with Him.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
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