Peace on Earth

" in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. this was the first taxation when Quirinius was governor of Syria. and all went to be registered, each from his own town. and Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the lineage and house of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. and while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. and she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and lay him in manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

and in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear, and the angel said to them, "fear not, for behold, i bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord. and this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" and suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace goodwill toward men!"

when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another: "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us" and they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph with the baby, lying in the manger. and when they saw it they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. but Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. and the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."

Luke 2: 1-20

and that is why i LOVE christmas. so very much. because my Jesus, was born to die for me. He chose a lowly birth, a sinless life and horrible death. what a precious Savior.

i love the holiday season, if you know me, you believe me! i get so excited about Christmas, each year. i love the hustle & bustle, the crazy shopping malls, the music, the smells, the lights, and spending time with family & friends. but i understand that Christmas is NOT about these things. Santa is fun. but JESUS is why we celebrate. He has given us abundant life. He wants to know us, intimately. He loves us, unconditionally. and although Ben & I will allow our kids to believe in Santa & enjoy the christmas season, we will ALWAYS teach them that we love Jesus first. we praise Him, live for Him & serve Him. we tell others of His great love.

i'm praying you know Christ this season. there is no better life than to be enslaved to Him. He IS life. and in Him we find the fullness of joy. thank you, Jesus for your beautiful life story. thank you, Jesus for dying for us. and thank you, Jesus for rising again. may we be a blessing to you this Christmas.

i want to be like Mary, in verse 19. i want to treasure up all these things & ponder them in my heart. i want to dwell on Christ.

oh come, let us adore Him.