(note: the music in this video is a classical piece by Pachelbel titled "Canon in D". It was one of my very favorite pieces of music when I was a music major in college. I like how the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has transformed it into a Christmas version with lyrics. Enjoy!)
So, it's Christmas Eve.
Dinner preparations are in full swing for an early dinner followed by the Candlelight Service at our church. After church, the 4 of us will curl up on the couches in the family room, and watch our traditional Christmas Eve movie "White Christmas". And although our part of New York State only saw a few tiny flurries early this morning, we have bright blue sky, puffy white clouds and frosty air. But no white stuff............
.............presents are wrapped prettily and sitting under the tree....stockings are filled and hung and warnings have been given to "not touch"...yes....even with 2 teenagers in the house I give those warnings!
.............and in sitting here in my living room, gazing at the pretty tree with the pretty presents and pretty lights, I think about how we need to be in His Presence more than getting or giving yet more presents.
His Presence.
Are we spending time with Him this season??
He is what it's all about.......we so need to practice the Presence of God.......sitting and communing with Him.
....meditating on all that He is, and does...........on His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness that makes it so easy for us to forgive.....His mercy that makes it so easy for us to extend it.....His grace that makes it easier for us to let go of past hurts, slights, shame, doubts, fears........
...............are you practicing the Presence of Christ in your life as you prepare to give and receive presents?
Jesus is the greatest Gift of all, isn't He?
We sent out cards this year to special friends and family not on Facebook or whom we don't see or hear from often. Cards that spoke of His marvelous gifts.......the gifts of friendship, peace, and love.
My heart longs to hear from far away friends........I am still clinging to the hopes and dreams of fixing estranged friendships, of witnessing extended family members accept Jesus in to their lives.....of friends and family practicing the Presence of God......
I'm excited to give my husband and daughters special gifts they've yearned for.....and to spend the day with them.....talking, eating, laughing, taking pictures, playing games, watching movies....all of our favorite things....
......and longing to practice the Presence of God with them.......
..............longing for my daughters to fully grasp what it means to be in His Presence.....a "more than head knowledge" kind of grasping......
...........a longing of their own for practicing the Presence of God amidst the presents of people......
We give gifts that don't always last.......He gives gifts that are precious and eternal........if we accept them.
He gives us Joy.......
...............Peace................
...................Faithfulness...............
........................Mercy...................
..................................Grace.................
........................................Light
..................................Ever-lasting Life..............
......................................................LOVE..............................
Will you accept His presence as a present??
" the people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light..................for unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.................and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace........" Isaiah 9:2a, 6
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
3 comments:
I hope you had a blessed Christmas, and I wish you a very Happy 2012! :)
Hi Faith,
Enjoyed this read this morning! Been a while since I did the peeking at blogs routine!
Sounds like your Christmas Eve was a blessing. We had such a good time too. With large crowds it is hard to keep focused on practicing the presence of Christ! I am thankful once again for the blessings Jesus Christ has bestowed upon my life/family by being willing to leave Glory and become a tiny baby.
Finally trying to do some blog reading over Christmas break! Enjoyed the reminder of His presence! The best gifts at Christmas are not found under the tree!
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