This is a beautiful Christmas story about the power of hope. It takes place in 1840’s London and is about two orphaned sisters living in a workhouse. A deadly fever, likely scarlet fever, sweeps through and claims the lives of many of their friends. Escaping to the streets of London feels like their only hope of survival. This Dickens type tale is reminiscent of Oliver Twist, or Annie.
The beginning chapters are enveloped in death and loss, and may be too much for sensitive children. My children ages 9 and 11 wanted to put the book down after the first couple of chapters, but were thankful they persevered and ended up enjoying the story.
This is a story of loyalty, hard work, and perseverance between sisters, with a beautiful message of hope and the power of miracles. The Christmas doll, Morning Glory, is at the heart of the story and illuminates the magic of imagination and story. The heart-warming ending overshadows the tragic beginning.
Jesus is the sweetness of life perfected. He is the most beautifully wrapped gift ever given. His light glows brighter than the most extravagant Christmas tree. He is Christmas!
December 1, 2021 – Wednesday
As December arrives, our family embraces the opportunity to celebrate with the world the priceless night, over 2000 years ago, when Love came down and rescued us. Love gave up His throne for a manger and the perfection of heaven for the imperfection of this fallen world. Yes, we celebrate His birth! But even more significantly, we celebrate the reason why He came! It’s the most amazing rescue story of all time. Love came down to rescue us so that through Him we could have life and we could have it abundantly.
I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect - life in its fullness until you overflow! John 10:10, TPT
Since my children were very small, I have prayed for wisdom on how to keep Christmas holy. Christmas as the world knows it, is not biblical. But, the story of Christmas is (Luke 2). Unlike Passover and other biblical feasts, there are no guidelines in the Bible on how to celebrate this historic occasion. Yet… the world cannot resist. At the very heart of Christmas is the desire to celebrate the King! It is what we were born to do. We cannot contain ourselves. Whether we realize it or not, we were made to worship Him. It is woven into the very fabric of our being.
Oh come let us adore Him!
Christ the Lord!
We have the right message! Worship! His birth is indeed praise worthy. It is our interpretation of that message we must seek wisdom on. Christmas is as intentional as we make it. The more we seek Him, the more we find Him (Jer 29:13)! Worship without intention is simply tradition. We can trim the tree, wrap the presents, and turn on the carols all without even thinking about Jesus if we are not careful.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13, ESV)
As we acknowledge Jesus through worship, we not only honor Him, but defeat the powers of darkness in our life. Worship is one of our most powerful weapons – that is why the enemy works so hard diminish its presence in the world. The primary tool he uses - distraction. Anyone ever feel a little distracted during December? We get so busy and distracted that we often crowd out the space we purposed to make for the King! Distraction and busyness arn't something reserved for December. It is an everyday, all year thing. It has become so familiar, we scarcely even recognize it.
Intentionality requires focus. If we want to be intentional about Christmas – we need to focus on Jesus. If we want to be intentional in life – we need to focus on Jesus. Have you ever sang an entire worship song, your thoughts trailing with distraction? We can even miss the worship in worship! Ugh. The battle is real y’all!
Do it ALL for His glory
Worship is a posture of the heart. It can and should be a part of ALL we do! Colossians 3:23 instructs us to “put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others”. We should do it ALL for the glory of the Lord (1 Cor 10:31). Jesus is in the details. He is in the generosity and giving of a special gift, the soft glow of the lights, the love that goes into home baked treats, and the holiness of the most beloved carols. The traditions of Christmas are indeed infused with the Spirit of Christmas – for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. He is gentle and humble (Matt 11:29) - we can miss Him if we aren’t careful. His holiness demands our worship – yet He never will. Because Jesus longs for relationship – He woos us without forcing us.
23 Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. 24 For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed. (Col 3:23-24, TPT)
So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God. (1 Cor 10:31, AMP)
But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. (Matt 13:16, NASB)
Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle,humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. (Matt 11:29, TPT)
Rest assured… there is no place Jesus won’t meet us!! Whatever the Christmas traditions of your family – I can assure you that Jesus is there. You just need to look for Him. Yes… I know there are pagan roots and materialism woven into many of our beloved traditions. So let’s redeem them! The enemy loses his grip on anything that is saturated with the goodness of God. As we intentionally seek Him in all we do, we will find Him.
The traditions we choose to embrace with our family should be used to glorify the Lord. Some are holy. Some are fun. Some are yummy. Some have been passed down through many generations. It isn’t the traditions that make Christmas holy, it is the presence of God. Love, peace, hope and joy… that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown. Our traditions should honor our Savior - be full of love, bring peace, restore hope and overflow with joy! If they do… we are on the right track.
Frosty or a manger on the front lawn? Santa or no Santa? Elf or no elf? Decorations before or after the first of December? White or multicolored lights? Gingerbread or sugar cookies? Eggnog or hot cocoa? Gifts to the needy or visit a nursing home? Stay home or travel? The decisions are endless… So is His presence.
Folks – I have a news flash for you. It isn’t really about how we adorn Christmas. It is whether or not we adore Christmas! It isn’t the red and green He is after… it is our hearts. So do what you love and do it ALL for the glory of God. Chances are that your traditions reflect the beautiful qualities that make you… you! That is why your traditions are your traditions. Look a little closer and trust me… you will find Him there. Then do it ALL for His glory.
The world adorns Christmas with glowing lights, beautiful gift wrap, and sugary sweets. Pretty fitting if you ask you me. Jesus is the sweetness of life perfected. He is the most beautifully wrapped gift ever given. His light glows brighter than the most extravagant Christmas tree. The traditions of Christmas may at first glance appear to be of the world, but with unveiled eyes we see the beauty of our King. Much like a mirror, as we see Him in the details, we will start to reflect Him to the world.
The traditions of Christmas reflect the heart of our King, and are inspired by our design to worship Him! Worship is at the very heart of Christmas. As we adorn Christmas, let us also adore Christmas. Travel with me down the road less traveled this Christmas. There is a star shining bright in the sky that will light our path.
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Matt 2:2, NASB)
Finding Jesus in the Details...
If you choose to hang lights… do it with joy. Do it with intentionality. Do it for the glory of God. Declare that your home is a city on hill, a lamp upon a stand, shining bright for all to see His goodness in our land.
14 “Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? 15 And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. 16 So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”
Do you have the opportunity to host, or are you invited to a Christmas gathering? The opportunities to glorify the Lord during the holidays are endless… I recently went to a homeschool gathering and the mom who hosted put put her heart and soul into the event. She made our children feel treasured, inspired the moms with her generosity, and loved on each of us through her time and thoughtfulness. She created the most beautiful cocoa bar and Christmas snackuterie board with the contributions of each family. I was amazed at the beauty of community and sharing, sprinkled with love!
So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! (Ecc 9:7, NLT)
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31, NKJV)
I come from a long line of decorators and lovers of Christmas. You can read more about that in The Power of Christmas. Decorating brings joy and spreads joy. When you walk into a beautifully decorated home at Christmas, it is as if you are embraced by the smells, the sights and the sounds of Christmas. It is so grand! You know you are home and that you are loved - all without a word. This beautiful tree is in my cousins house in Texas. It speaks to the gifts God has given her. She is a beautiful decorator, person, and lover of Jesus. This is just an example of what it can look like when we put our heart and soul into what we love (Col 3:23). All we have to do is use the gifts He has given us.
23 Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. (Col 3:23, TPT)
I also like to decorate... but my gift is more with food. I find such joy in feeding people. I have slowly figured that out over the years. It all started in college when I would host cinnamon roll breakfasts at 7am at my house. Since then my passion has only grown. It is who God made me to be. God's gifts come naturally and bring joy! We bless others with our gifts!!
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!(Ps 34:8, NKJV)
Christmas is a time to give and love on others. There are so many opportunities to share what we have during the holiday season. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus tells us that when we give to the least of these we give to Him. Do you want to know how to give gifts to Jesus this Christmas season? Give to the least of these by reaching out to those in need. Our family has a tradition each Christmas that we pray promotes generosity in our children. We wrap up $25 for each of our four children and enclose a World Vision catalog. We let them flip through the pages and decide as a group what they would like to spend their money on. It has been so refreshing watching them embrace this opportunity year after year.
“And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least of these, my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.’ (Matt 25:40, TPT)
But when you demonstrate generosity, do it with pure motives and without drawing attention to yourself. 4 Give secretly and your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.” (Matt 6:3-4, TPT)
If you haven't already... incorporate an advent tradition into your home. Advent helps to keep our focus to Jesus. We love the Cradle to Cross Wreath to accompany our advent study. Each morning we light a candle and begin with our devotion. We have used numerous advent studies over the years... this year we used the new devotional that comes with the wreath on the names of Jesus.
An Advent Celebration (Coming Soon)
This is just the tip of the ice burg… God will reveal Himself to you as you seek Him; He will use your tradtions, unique gifts, interests and talents to love on the world this Christmas!
In a small saucepan, heat milk and 2 Tbsp butter just until warm and butter is almost melted (~120 degrees). Stir constantly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar and salt. Add milk mixture and beat with an electric mixer until well mixed. Beat in egg and yeast. Add 1 cup flour to the mixture. Beat on low speed about 5 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides. Add remaining 1 cup of flour and mix well. Dough will be very soft. Turn into a lightly greased bowl. Grease dough surface lightly. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place. (My dough takes about 2 hours to rise).
Once dough is risen, punch down and turn onto floured surface. Add flour, a sprinkle at a time, and knead a few turns until dough is smooth. At this point dough should be easy to handle. Roll dough out on floured surface into a 12x10 inch rectangle.
In a small bowl combine cinnamon and brown sugar. Brush surface of dough with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Beginning with the long side, roll up jelly-roll style. Pinch seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into twelve 1-inch slices. Place rolls in a greased 9-inch square baking dish.
At this point you can chill the dough over night, if you are making them the day before. Just remove them from the fridge about 2 hours before baking to allow the second rise.
If you are making them right away, skip the above step. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake rolls for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
ICING
In a small saucepan, heat butter until melted. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Cook over med-low heat about 1 minute. Cool slightly. Stir in vanilla, salt and powdered sugar. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth. For a thicker icing, you can add more powdered sugar.
Drizzle icing over rolls and enjoy!
Notes
If I can't find a warm place to let the dough rise, I turn my oven on warm for a couple of minutes and then turn it off. I then place the dough in the warmed oven. MAKE SURE OVEN IS OFF BEFORE PLACING DOUGH INSIDE. I found this recipe on the Recipe Girl website. I retyped it with the minor adjustments I have made over the years. This simply makes it easier for me to follow. I am grateful for her recipe and give her all the credit that is due. I have also topped these rolls with a different icing which is also really good. The recipe is as follows:2 cups powdered sugar 2 Tbsp butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla 1 Tbsp milkMix together powdered sugar and butter with an electric mixer. Slowly add in vanilla and milk, until well mixed.
Many people are excited about bidding farewell to 2020. 2021 seems to hold a promise of something new and better. We all feel it. There is a hope inside of each of us for the newness the New Year brings. Hold on to that hope. Allow it to anchor you into a place of expectancy and anticipation. A New Year and season are upon us, a season that will benefit from a fierce devotion to Jesus.
On December 21, 2020 there was a bright and shining star in the sky. A star that was the result of Jupiter and Saturn crossing paths, resulting in an event that claimed headlines as the Great Conjunction of 2020. The darkest day of the year (the winter solstice and first day of winter) was made brighter by the Christmas Star. The Christmas Star drew our eyes to the sky and our hearts to Jesus, as it reminded us of that star from long ago announcing the birth of our Savior.
“O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
Star with Royal Beauty bright,
Westward leading,
Still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect Light.”
~ We Three Kings
To quote the donkey Bo in 2017 children’s movie The Star, “that star means something”…. The bible tells us we can “Expect to witness amazing and perplexing signs throughout the universe with the sun, the moon, and the stars.” (Luke 21:25, TPT). The Christmas Star is once again noteworthy as it draws our hearts and our minds to the Messiah. As I gazed up at the night sky 12/21/20 to admire the Lords handiwork, I felt the gently wind of His Spirit whisper to my heart that it is the beginning of a new season.
“Expect to witness amazing and perplexing signs throughout the universe with the sun, the moon, and the stars.” Luke 21:25, TPT
As the world prepared for Christmas this year and counted down the final days, the Heavens joined in chorus declaring Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!Christmas is coming friends! I know… the season of Christmas just came and went, and most of us are wrapping it all up and preparing for the New Year ahead of us.
If you are like me, it is always a bittersweet time of the year as we say goodbye to the magic and the busyness of the Christmas season. As we put away the decorations and the boxes and bows… something deep within us longs for the Spirit of Christmas to linger just a little longer. Not the busyness, but the magic and the wonder. I know I feel it. Do you? It is the quiet invitation from Christmas Himself to celebrate Christmas all year long.
Ask yourself what it is you like best about Christmas? What are the magical moments that make all the busyness worthwhile? What are the moments that take your breath away and make you pause in the midst of it all? Make a list… go ahead. I will wait….
I would venture to guess we love many of the same things about Christmas. I love the childlike wonder, the warmth and peace of the nights around the Christmas tree with the room all aglow, the Christmas lights on every street that shine light in the dark, the gatherings with family, the love, the joy, and the comfort of the familiar food, carols and traditions. The season of Christmas does bring childlike wonder, warmth, peace, light, family, love, joy and comfort for many of us.
Unfortunately, the Christmas season also comes with the hefty price tag of exhausted parents and grandparents, weary travelers, depleted bank accounts and even loneliness for many. What if we could have the excitement, warmth, peace, love, joy, and comfort, without the exhaustion, weariness, depletion or even the loneliness? WE CAN!
Christmas isn’t a season. Christmas is a person, and He is Jesus. The parts we love about Christmas are the very essence of His being. He is wonder, warmth and peace, light in the dark, family, love, joy, and comfort. I want to pause on the word wonder for a moment. I feel like that one word so perfectly sums up our beautiful Savior. Wonder is a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable (www.google.com).
Oh… the wonder of Christmas! He is so beautiful, admirable, surprising, inexplicable… wonderful! What we love about Christmas cannot be packed away and doesn’t diminish as we ring in the New Year. The celebration of the season of Christmas may be behind us (or ahead of us for those of you already counting down to Christmas 2021), but the person of Christmas is always beside us.
Christmas the season is a worldwide birthday celebration of Christmas the Person. Birthdays are a celebration of life. There is a reason we continue to celebrate the life of Jesus year after year… 2000 years after His birth. It is because He is alive. The celebration of life at a birthday doesn’t end just because the birthday comes and goes. We continue to celebrate our loved ones and honor them daily. How much greater should our daily celebration of Christmas be. How can we celebrate Christmas the Person daily?
I believe the answer is found in the dress rehearsal that is December. Let us look back at our Christmas preparation, planning and celebration. How did we prepare for Christmas and what can we learn from it? The time, the energy, the love, the generosity, the service, the unwavering dedication… It makes sense that we would celebrate the birth of our Savior with such unwavering generosity and service towards others, and with such dedication and focus. IMAGINE for a moment if the world acknowledged our Savior with the same zeal and zest!!
I hear you… you are tired, that was exhausting… I know. I am right there with you.
But there is one major difference. Christmas the person is a place of rest for the weary. He is refreshing. He is humble and easy to please. He simply longs for your friendship and love. Listen to Him whisper the words of Matthew 11 to you: “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”
28 “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. 29 Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. 30 For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Matthew 11:28-30 (TPT)
Christmas is coming! Let us prepare for Christmas! Let us prepare with the zest, zeal and the childlike wonder He deserves. That we deserve! Christmas is still coming! It is coming in a way we are not expecting. Yes… we are putting away our final decorations, but our preparation should be far from over. As we wrap up the final details of the Christmas season, it is time to unwrap the final gift of His presence.
Christmas the person is coming! He is coming like a white knight upon a fiery steed. Miracles are coming. The unexpected is breaking through, triumphing, mesmerizing and tantalizing. We must prepare. Let us take the same unwavering dedication and determination we gave Christmas the season, as we prepare for the coming of Christmas the Person.
Make a commitment to celebrate Christmas and His coming all year! There are no New Year’s resolutions that will benefit you more than that. How do we do it?
READ, WORSHIP, PRAY and FOLLOW. That is all. This January make a commitment to do the following. Create a habit that will carry you through the year and beyond. Track your progress on this free printable: UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS
READ:
DIG DEEP INTO THE WORD OF GOD. Years ago I heard such a clear invitation from the Lord to “Read well the Father’s script”. If we set any resolutions for ourselves as we enter into the New Year, this should be at the top of the list. Get into the word of God! There are many ways to do this. You can join a bible study, simply read your bible, or even listen to the bible being read to you as you drive to work, make breakfast, get ready for your day, exercise…
Another great app is https://www.bible.com/. This is an online version of the bible that you can read or listen to. It has all the different versions of the bible so you can listen to or read the version that speaks most to your heart. I personally LOVE The Passion Translation of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.
WORSHIP: Surround yourself in worship. Turn it on when you wake up in the morning and allow it to infuse your space throughout the day. Make a commitment to worship daily for 1 month without compromise. Make it a habit. When you go to turn on Pandora or the radio… find a worship station and tune in. My favorite Pandora station is Bethel Worship.
PRAY: Pray for Christmas to linger long after the decorations are put away this year. Pray for Christmas to come into your homes, your families, your work… and to do what only He can do. Invite Christmas to take priority over everything else this year. Make Christmas first in your day, your week, your month, your year, your life. There is nothing more important than this! NOTHING!
FOLLOW: As you spend time with Jesus each day, you will begin to hear His sweet voice. As you sit with Him, ask Him in prayer how you can better follow Him each day, He will light your path. You will feel a prompting. It may be as simple as coming back to read more of His word the next day, or as challenging as making amends with a love one, forgiving someone who hurt you, giving up an unhealthy habit, beginning a healthy habit, loving on someone in need… It may look like a handwritten letter, a phone call or a simple act of kindness. It may be the same topic for one month or a new topic each day… It may be challenging, it may be easy… There are no rules. You will know it is Jesus if it shines light and won’t cause any harm. Seek the counsel of a Godly mentor if the task is bigger than you can handle alone.
December 21, 2020 marked the beginning of a new season. 2021 does hold a promise of something new and better. Hold on to the hope inside of you for the newness that the New Year brings. Allow that hope to anchor you into a place of expectancy and anticipation as you prepare for Christmas! A New Year and season are upon us.
The Star means something! Christmas is coming! Will you be ready?
I would like to invite you to join me HERE to read more about the Power of Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love Christmas! If you know my Mama, you would know why. You cannot grow up under her wing and not LOVE Christmas. She loves the lights and luminarios, the boxes and bows, the carols and cookies. Christmas releases a joy within her that is unmatched. She is unabashedly head over heels for Christmas.
Friends, let me tell you about my Mama. She is beautiful. Queen Esther beautiful. She is joyful, kind, loving, tender, humble, selfless and patient. There is always sunshine in her smile. A sunshine that isn’t dependent upon her circumstances, or simply the result of a trial free life. Joy is a choice she makes day after day, and the sunshine that pours out of her is a result of that joy. Joy is her supernatural (Neh 8:10), superhero strength. Trials of life do not have the authority to triumph over joy. If the trials of life could dilute her joy, it would have been watered down by now. Her joy is full strength and authentic! Joy is not the absence of trials, but rather the absence of allowing those trials to define you. Joy is our secret weapon that makes us victorious over the trials of life. The source of joy is faith, hope and peace.
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh 8:10, NKJV).
In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16:33, AMP)
This beautiful lady with the sunshine in her smile is also an amazing teacher. The greatest lessons I have learned from her have simply been through observation of who she is. She taught me to love, and to have faith and hope, by the simple way she lives her life. She is quiet about her faith, but her faith isn’t quiet, because her joy isn’t quiet. Her joy is uncontainable (Rom 15:13). If you have ever been to a football game with her, you have experienced her joy first hand (especially when my brother was playing). Cowbell in one hand and pom-pom in the other… She’s got spirit! How ‘bout you?! Her joy is a radiant reflection of her faith.
Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! (Roman 15:13, TPT)
In 2004 she encountered a trial that would attempt to not only steal her joy, but her life. It was Easter weekend and my parents were visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. As they were driving to church that Resurrection Sunday, my Mom was overtaken with fatigue and nausea. She knew exactly what is was because it had happened just months prior (on a much smaller scale), when she was diagnosed with a spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage. In laymen’s terms, her brain was bleeding. The first bleed resolved on its own, the second would require surgery.
The hemorrhage may have caught us off guard, but God was prepared. He had everything lined up in a way that only He could. God had always walked with her, and today was no exception. He was right there that day, and so was the Cleveland Clinic… Yes, she was only four minutes from the world renowned Cleveland Clinic! And on call that Easter morning “just happened” to be one of the top brain surgeons. Without a minute to spare, she was taken into the operating room for emergency brain surgery.
At the time, I was living in a Colorado mountain town working as a Dietitian, and my little brother was wrapping up his final year at New Mexico State University. That morning as I was getting ready to attend Easter Service on the ski mountain, I opened an Easter package from my Mama. She had sent me the CD In My Daughter’s Eyes, by Martina McBride. It is a beautiful song about the love between a mother and a daughter who see each other as the hero. As I scramble out the door, I hear her cheery voice in the distance as she leaves a message on my answering machine… “Happy Easter sweetie!!”, and she proceeds with singing the song “Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail, hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its way…”. She LOVES Easter too!
As the sound of Peter Cottontail trails off in the distance, I head to the mountain knowing my mama loves me, and knowing that in her eyes I am a hero. As I am skiing through the lift line my cell phone rings. It is my dad. He quickly catches me up on the events of the last ten minutes of his life, and he tells me to briefly talk to my mom before she goes into the operating room.
I rode the lift up, I didn’t know what else to do. I needed Easter service and Jesus that morning – now perhaps more than ever. As I stood there among the crowd of skiers under the warm April sun, surrounded by snow covered pine trees, with majestic mountains towering overhead, I was overwhelmed by the handiwork of the Creator who with one utterance created the scene around me through His mighty power. The same God who came at Christmas, and died and rose on Easter over 2000 years ago. We were celebrating Him that morning!! Everything Jesus accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection mattered now. That Easter morning on that snowy mountain, I needed the resurrection power of Jesus. Jesus knew I would call on Him that day. He knew that when He died on the cross, and that is what made him be able to endure it. On that dark day in history, He saw a glimpse of this moment in time, and it made it all worthwhile. He did it for her, He did it for me, and… He did it for you. That is what Easter is all about! The love of a Savior that was sent to rescue us! That is the good news!! Christmas and Easter should give us great joy!!
She was finally out of surgery and recovering in the ICU. She was unresponsive, but she was alive. I don’t think I ever thought I would lose her; after all, she had taught me how to have faith and hope. Besides, she had never given up before, I knew she wouldn’t give up now. I got a flight out the next day to Ft. Lauderdale. Before I left I was talking with my Uncle in Texas, her Sister’s husband, and he said “be sure to play some Christmas carols for her, she will need them”. So that Easter Sunday, I packed my Walkman and a Christmas CD. The following day with Christmas carols in tow, I boarded a small plane and flew to Florida.
You can never prepare for a moment like this. You just have to walk into it with courage and take it one step at a time. There was my beautiful, hopeful and joyful Mama, lying there, connected to machines and unresponsive. I sat with her, I talked to her, I cried for her, I cried for me. I knew she was still there, and as I held her hand and talked to her, I trusted she heard me. Her hero had arrived. Silly Mama – she’s the hero not me. But today, I will be brave.
I pulled out my Walkman, placed the headphones on her ears, and turn on the carols. Friends, let me tell you about the power of Christmas!! That Monday morning in April following Easter Sunday, Christmas bells were ringing in that hospital room, and they brought tears to her eyes! As the tears streamed down her face, Christmas whispered to my heart it’s all going to be okay. She knew it and I knew it. Christmas isn’t a season, it’s a person. The reason she loves Christmas is because it is her strength, her joy, her hope and her peace… How can you not be ecstatic about celebrating Christmas!
She slowly woke from her slumber over the next few weeks. It was then that we knew it was going to be a long journey. I could only stay for a short while, I had to get back to a new job, a new house, and a life that didn’t get put hold – though it felt like it should have. Even my Dad eventually had to get back home. He also had a job and a house and life that wasn’t on hold. We left her in the amazing hands of my Aunt Connie and Uncle Joe. Aunt Connie did drop everything for her so she could love her back to health. God had placed her right where she needed to be that Easter Sunday.
After spending over three weeks in the ICU, she was eventually discharged to a rehab facility where she would learn everything over. How to eat, how to walk, how to talk, how to write. She had no joy! She wanted out. She hated it there. It took tough love to leave her there. When she begged to come home, Aunt Connie was strong enough to say no. And when it was time to bring her home, Aunt Connie was strong enough to say yes. After months in the rehab hospital, Aunt Connie and Uncle Joe took her home to their house where they continued to nurse her back to health. They continued to drive her for outpatient rehab, but being “home” was where her real progress began. Love can often do what medicine cannot.
Recovery continued to be a long process for my Mama. She was a funny thing that first year. She said some of the most off the wall things and loved nicknames. Her Chico’s Tacos antics would make us roll with laughter. Oh how she craved her favorite El Paso tacos “in the little red boats with the cheap cheese”. As for the nicknames, she called her nurses Bangies, Uncle Joe was officially Giuseppe (his Italian name) and the beloved Aunt Connie became Connie Mae. Other than the Bangies, those were terms of endearment. At the time she was not endeared to the Bangies, even little Miss. Sunshine couldn’t express her gratitude for all that the nurses did for her. Brain damage is like that. With that said, her gratitude for Connie Mae was unquenchable. Oh how familiar we became with the phrase “I like Connie Mae a lot!” and she did. She always had! Who better than a best friend to love you back to health. Love and joy are powerful remedies. Connie Mae had both and she never hesitated to share them.
Connie Mae and my Mom, December 2004
Aunt Connie and my Mom have always been two peas in a pod. If you know my mom, you know my Aunt Connie. They are sisters by marriage and best friends by choice. While we were growing up together in El Paso, Texas, our families were inseparable. Life and work eventually moved their family to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was a devastating move for both our families. Years later, life and work moved my parents to Tampa, Florida. Though four hours apart, God had weaved their paths closer together again, this time in Florida. He knew what He was doing all along.
Six months had passed since that Easter Sunday. The first day of autumn had arrived in sunny Florida. Connie Mae woke my Mom up that morning with pumpkin pie and fall decorations! They speak the same language. It’s a secret joy code. The bible tells us that a joyful heart is good medicine. Pumpkin pie and fall decorations were the kind of medicine she needed, the kind of medicine Connie Mae knew how to give – joy wrapped up in love.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Prov 17:22, NASB)
While my mom lived with Connie Mae, my Dad was home in Tampa with his Mom. They were taking care of each other. My dad suddenly found himself having to do laundry, and cook meals, and work, and drive the four hours across the state EVERY single weekend to see my mom. His Mom was there for him. She cooked. She cleaned. She did the wash. We are never too old to need our Mama’s.
After almost a year of traveling back and forth to Ft. Lauderdale, my Dad made his final trip alone. This time he was returning with my Mom. Leaving Connie Mae was a big darn deal. It is like leaving for college for the first time. She was going to be off on her own, away from the person who nursed her back to health with joy and love. The woman who left Tampa didn’t return to Tampa. The woman who returned walked differently, talked differently, moved more slowly, was learning to write with her left hand, was no longer able to drive… The journey continued.
That spring, she was back home and watching March Madness. Her love for sports is right up there with her love for decorating. This particular year she was inspired to combine the two by decorating with basketballs. That was a first, even for her. It was time to celebrate life again! Every moment of every day there was joy to be found! If having basketballs displayed artistically throughout the house would spark joy – then basketballs she would use. If it takes basketballs, use basketballs! Find what brings you joy and use it!
As spring was blossoming into summer that year, my little brother was also preparing for a new season in his life. He was graduating from college, the same college both my parents and I graduated from. We were excited to celebrate with him as we all returned to our old stomping ground. My Mama was getting stronger each day and she was ready to take the trip back home to the desert southwest.
With school pride displayed in the form of crimson and black balloons, shoe polish and streamers, we seek out his car at the graduation practice. Time to decorate! She walks with assistance, her right side lacks coordination, but this woman is armed with streamers and shoe polish and she knows how to use them! That is right folks! She decorated because she could! She decorated because that is what she always did! She decorated because it brings her joy! She decorates because she has joy! Her joy is infectious. This woman who just beat all the odds is back at it. Celebrating, decorating, finding joy in each day, and spreading sunshine with her smile. Was she defeated? No! Was it over? Far from it. Did she choose joy? Absolutely. Again and again and again!
Where is she today you ask? At home in Texas preparing for Christmas with her carols cranking. Yes, she moved from Florida back to Texas. This time God moved her closer to my brother and her sister on the southeast side of the state. No, it’s not the desert southwest, and sorry Mom, there are no Chico’s Tacos, but it’s still Texas with family! Did she return to Texas the way she left? No. She returned with a walker, two hip replacements from multiple falls, grey hairs shining through her golden curls, and a few more laugh lines adorning her beautiful face. Is she ever beautiful! Stunning really. I wish I could allow you, with my words, to encounter the joy that she is. Just the other day my husband in passing smiled and said…. “She is so inspiring.” I am hosting Christmas this year. She will show up with the biggest smile on her face, a hug that takes your breath away, and a joy that lingers long after she leaves. This is her season! Christmas is here!
She loves Christmas unabashedly. The good news is that the feeling is mutual… Christmas loves her unabashedly too. Nothing can separate her from the love of Christmas (Rom 8:34)! Christmas adores her, and me, and you! Does her story end here? Far from it. This is just the beginning. As I write this, I hear Christmas whisper to my heart that this is only the introduction, the introduction to the most wonderful testimony of the love of Christmas. There is so much more to come… CHRISTMAS IS COMING! HE IS COMING! There is a great unveiling taking place in this season we are in. We are about to see Christmas show up in all His glory and splendor. To quote the holy spirit inspired words of the apostle Paul, “I am convinced that any suffering we have endured is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory (radiant beauty) that is about to be unveiled within us. The entire universe is standing on tiptoe yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters!”. We ain’t seen nothing yet! Christmas Himself is the greatest gift we freely receive. He is continually praying for our triumph (Rom 8:34), and continually weaving together every detail of our lives, to create a beautiful tapestry, that when complete will tell the story of His perfect love He lavished upon us (Rom 8:28).
“18 I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. 19 The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters!” (Rom 8:18-19, TPT)
34 Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. So how could he possibly condemn us since he is continually praying for our triumph? 35 Who could ever separate us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love. (Rom 8:34-35, TPT)
So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. (Rom 8:28, TPT)
Christmas is coming! Are you ready for Him? Christmas is drawing near? Are you allowing Him in? Let us prepare our hearts to be a place that welcomes our Savior! Will we make room in the Inn of our hearts for Him to finding a resting place (Luke 2:7). Take time for the One who is knocking at the door of your heart, He longs to be let in (Rev 3:20). This will indeed be the greatest gift you give this Christmas season, whether you are inviting Him in again or for the first time. Take time right now, in this moment, to respond to His knocking. Whisper tenderly to him “Jesus, may I have the honor to welcome you into the Inn of my heart! I will give you a resting place. Thank you for coming on that Christmas long ago. You sacrificed everything for me! Come in! Come in! This Inn is open!”
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7, NASB)
20 Behold,I stand at the door and knock.If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev 3:20, NKJV)
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom 10:9, ESV)
I am praying the prayer of Eph 3:14-21 over you this Christmas season:
14 So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, 15 the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. 16 And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. 17 Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. 18–19 Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God! 20 Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. 21 Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen! (Eph 3:14-21, TPT)
Christmas and Easter collided together in that ICU room years ago. That day we were reminded of why Jesus came and why He died. He did it for her, and He did it for me, and He did it for you. May you hear the Christmas bells ringing and be reminded of that life changing truth today. Jesus’ birth makes all the difference, and His death makes us different.
As I bring this story to a close this morning, the sound of little voices singing Rudolph at the top of their lungs echoes throughout the house. My children are awake and they are full of Christmas joy! It is as if God is whispering the closing for me. “He’ll go down in history!”…
On December 21, 2020 there was a bright and shining star in the sky. A star that was the result of Jupiter and Saturn crossing paths, resulting in an event that claimed headlines as the Great Conjunction of 2020. The darkest day of the year (the winter solstice and first day of winter) was made brighter by the Christmas Star. The Christmas Star drew our eyes to the sky and our hearts to Jesus, as it reminded us of that star from long ago announcing the birth of our Savior.
I would venture to guess we love many of the same things about Christmas. I love the childlike wonder, the warmth and peace of the nights around the Christmas tree with the room all aglow, the Christmas lights on every street that shine light in the dark, the gatherings with family, the love, the joy, and the comfort of the familiar food, carols and traditions. The season of Christmas does bring childlike wonder, warmth, peace, light, family, love, joy and comfort for many of us.
As you spend time with Jesus each day, you will begin to hear His sweet voice. As you sit with Him, ask Him in prayer how you can better follow Him each day, He will light your path. You will feel a prompting. It may be as simple as coming back to read more of His word the next day, or as challenging as making amends with a love one, forgiving someone who hurt you, giving up an unhealthy habit, beginning a healthy habit, loving on someone in need… It may look like a handwritten letter, a phone call or a simple act of kindness. It may be the same topic for one month or a new topic each day… It may be challenging, it may be easy… There are no rules. You will know it is Jesus if it shines light and won’t cause any harm. Seek the counsel of a Godly mentor if the task is bigger than you can handle alone.
Friends, let me tell you about my Mama. She is beautiful. Queen Esther beautiful. She is joyful, kind, loving, tender, humble, selfless and patient. There is always sunshine in her smile. A sunshine that isn’t dependent upon her circumstances, or simply the result of a trial free life. Joy is a choice she makes day after day, and the sunshine that pours out of her is a result of that joy. Joy is her supernatural (Neh 8:10), superhero strength. Trials of life do not have the authority to triumph over joy. If the trials of life could dilute her joy, it would have been watered down by now. Her joy is full strength and authentic! Joy is not the absence of trials, but rather the absence of allowing those trials to define you. Joy is our secret weapon that makes us victorious over the trials of life. The source of joy is faith, hope and peace.
This beautiful lady with the sunshine in her smile is also an amazing teacher. The greatest lessons I have learned from her have simply been through observation of who she is. She taught me to love, and to have faith and hope, by the simple way she lives her life. She is quiet about her faith, but her faith isn’t quiet, because her joy isn’t quiet. Her joy is uncontainable (Rom 15:13). If you have ever been to a football game with her, you have experienced her joy first hand (especially when my brother was playing). Cowbell in one hand and pom-pom in the other… She’s got spirit! How ‘bout you?! Her joy is a radiant reflection of her faith.
I rode the lift up, I didn’t know what else to do. I needed Easter service and Jesus that morning – now perhaps more than ever. As I stood there among the crowd of skiers under the warm April sun, surrounded by snow covered pine trees, with majestic mountains towering overhead, I was overwhelmed by the handiwork of the Creator who with one utterance created the scene around me through His mighty power. The same God who came at Christmas, and died and rose on Easter over 2000 years ago. We were celebrating Him that morning!! Everything Jesus accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection mattered now. That Easter morning on that snowy mountain, I needed the resurrection power of Jesus. Jesus knew I would call on Him that day. He knew that when He died on the cross, and that is what made him be able to endure it. On that dark day in history, He saw a glimpse of this moment in time, and it made it all worthwhile. He did it for her, He did it for me, and… He did it for you. That is what Easter is all about! The love of a Savior that was sent to rescue us! That is the good news!! Christmas and Easter should give us great joy!!
She slowly woke from her slumber over the next few weeks. It was then that we knew it was going to be a long journey. I could only stay for a short while, I had to get back to a new job, a new house, and a life that didn’t get put hold – though it felt like it should have. Even my Dad eventually had to get back home. He also had a job and a house and life that wasn’t on hold. We left her in the amazing hands of my Aunt Connie and Uncle Joe. Aunt Connie did drop everything for her so she could love her back to health. God had placed her right where she needed to be that Easter Sunday.
As spring was blossoming into summer that year, my little brother was also preparing for a new season in his life. He was graduating from college, the same college both my parents and I graduated from. We were excited to celebrate with him as we all returned to our old stomping ground. My Mama was getting stronger each day and she was ready to take the trip back home to the desert southwest.
With school pride displayed in the form of crimson and black balloons, shoe polish and streamers, we seek out his car at the graduation practice. Time to decorate! She walks with assistance, her
right side lacks coordination, but this woman is armed with streamers and shoe polish and she knows how to use them! That is right folks! She decorated because she could! She decorated because that is what she always did! She decorated because it brings her joy! She decorates because she has joy! Her joy is infectious. This woman who just beat all the odds is back at it. Celebrating, decorating, finding joy in each day, and spreading sunshine with her smile. Was she defeated? No! Was it over? Far from it. Did she choose joy? Absolutely. Again and again and again!
Is she ever beautiful! Stunning really. I wish I could allow you, with my words, to encounter the joy that she is. Just the other day my husband in passing smiled and said…. “She is so inspiring.” I am hosting Christmas this year. She will show up with the biggest smile on her face, a hug that takes your breath away, and a joy that lingers long after she leaves. This is her season! Christmas is here!
Christmas is coming! Are you ready for Him? Christmas is drawing near? Are you allowing Him in? Let us prepare our hearts to be a place that welcomes our Savior! Will we make room in the Inn of our hearts for Him to finding a resting place (Luke 2:7). Take time for the One who is knocking at the door of your heart, He longs to be let in (Rev 3:20). This will indeed be the greatest gift you give this Christmas season, whether you are inviting Him in again or for the first time. Take time right now, in this moment, to respond to His knocking. Whisper tenderly to him “Jesus, may I have the honor to welcome you into the Inn of my heart! I will give you a resting place. Thank you for coming on that Christmas long ago. You sacrificed everything for me! Come in! Come in! This Inn is open!”