New Beginnings

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 1: Today, I am grateful for new beginnings.

A new year means twelve new chapters and three hundred sixty-five new chances. I love that thought! What are we looking for in 2025?  

I planned on "light" for my one little word for 2025, but then remembered I used it a couple of years ago. (I really do love light.) I've decided to make "reflect/reflection" my one little word. 

The science of reflection is kind of complicated. It is easier to experience it than it is to explain. 

When we reflect on a season or an experience, we let the emotions brew and bounce around. 

"Reflect/Reflection" will provide plenty of food for thought. 

Shiny things can be distracting. It is good to be intentional.  Our behaviors reflect what is important to us. 

How do we know our lives reflect Christ?  

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" -2 Corinthian 5:17

This was my verse of the day. I didn't have to look any further. It feels like the perfect affirmation. 

Today, I am grateful for new beginnings.

12 Years In Gratitude

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 366: Today, I am grateful for twelve years of gratitude. 

Yesterday was a big day! Several of my friends are battling cancer.  One had her birthday(Melissa) and another finished her last radiation treatment(Julie L.). Yes, there are many reasons to celebrate today as we close the chapter on 2024. 

Melissa posted this thought: 

"Even when it’s hard, gratitude always wins."- Melissa Kruse, 12-30-24 

Always! Since January 1, 2013, many of you have walked with me. I am so grateful for your company, thoughts, and encouraging words along the way these first 4,018 days. 

• 2013: 365 days (regular year)
• 2014: 365 days (regular year)
• 2015: 365 days (regular year)
• 2016: 366 days (leap year)
• 2017: 365 days (regular year)
• 2018: 365 days (regular year)
• 2019: 365 days (regular year)
• 2020: 366 days (leap year)
• 2021: 365 days (regular year)
• 2022: 365 days (regular year)
• 2023: 365 days (regular year)
• 2024: 366 days (leap year)

Total:

• 8 regular years × 365 days = 2,920 days
• 3 leap years × 366 days = 1,098 days

Total days = 2,920 + 1,098 = 4,018 days

I really thought about stopping. 12 is a great number. It is the number of months in the year. Jesus chose 12 disciples. The twelve tribes of Israel is another example. 

4,018 days from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2024. Every single one of them had reasons to be grateful. Some days, the goodness is obvious. Other days, we had to look a little deeper, but we did it. 

I think we can squeeze out another year of gratitude. 

"I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea." -Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

Today, I am grateful for twelve years of gratitude. 

Broken Things

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 365: Today, I am grateful for broken things. 

"God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength." - Vance Havner

Another year is just about in the rearview mirror. No year is perfect. Some are harder than others. When we reflect on 2024, there are plenty of "broken things." It is good to remember that good can spring from broken things. 

If we have had enough to eat, plenty of water, bread to eat, and strength to get through each day, something broken has led to a blessing. 

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." -Psalm 34:18

Today, I am grateful for broken things. 

The Right Questions

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 364: Today, I am grateful for the right questions.

Jim Bishop wrote this editorial for the Miami Herald Newspaper. It was worth sharing. He died in 1987, so this is old. His list of questions could have been much longer, but he chose well. It states that it was one of his wife's favorite pieces from his writings. 

"For the water turns to ice as hard as rock,
    and the surface of the water freezes.
“Can you direct the movement of the stars—
    binding the cluster of the Pleiades
    or loosening the cords of Orion?
Can you direct the constellations through the seasons
    or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?   -Job 38:30-32

The wonder of it all is truly wonderful. 

Today, I am grateful for the right questions.

Rest

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 362: Today, I am grateful for rest.

I find that any break in the regular schedule tends to be filled with the "other things." One of the most lovely things about an actual holiday is that after the celebration, there is rest. Real rest. Nothing is open. No appointments kept. No extra running. 

Rest is precious. Guard it. Savor it. In rest there is restoration. 

This scripture passage spoke to my heart today. There are times when the most simple instructions are the most powerful.

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

It has been awhile since we have dissected a passage. 

"The Jesus said" ... there is authority in any word from His lips. 
"Come to me" ... the invitation is open.
"All of you" ... he does not play favorites. The invitation is for all of us. 
"Who are weary" ... from our own work. 
"And carry heavy burdens" ... from helping others carry their burdens.
"And I" ... He is the one.
"Will give you" ... the offer stands up to any test or trial. 
"Rest" ... yes... rest is precious and priceless. 

That, my friends, is the best. We are each called to some kind of work. To do all things... especially our daily work... in love matters. Sharing and helping others carry their burdens is one of the sweetest parts of Christian fellowship. Like "Miss Clara" in the movie, "War Room", we can experience the power of prayer in our daily lives by giving our burdens and others to God in our prayers. Savor the supernatural release from the weight of the struggle. Yoked with Jesus, he takes on the heavy load.

Then... we can truly, deeply, and completely rest. 

Today, I am grateful for rest.

The Right Measuring Tool

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 361: Today, I am grateful for the right measuring tool. 

The right tool for the job is important. A slotted spoon is not a good substitute for a spatula. If your recipe is written in the English system of measurement, Metric measuring tools will not lead to backing success. The measuring tool you use is the difference between success and disaster. 

We can apply that to how we reflect on life's failures and successes. God's measuring stick is not the same as the world's. 

"When God calls you to something, He is not always calling you to succeed, He's calling  you to obey! The success of the calling is up to Him; the obedience is up to you." - David Wilkerson

This quote fits perfectly with some thoughts from Dallas Jenkins, creator of "The Chosen" series. I have listened to a couple of recent interviews. When Dallas was ready to give up his career path... thinking he had failed and misunderstood God's calling and direction for His life. God clearly spoke to him through his wife and an acquaintance who was in another country and sent a random message.

Both his wife and friend used "the loaves and the fishes" miracle to deliver exactly what he needed to hear at precisely the right time. It became clear that he was using the wrong measuring stick. It was his job to provide the "food." He needed to trust God to use the provided provisions for the Kingdom's purposes. It was  humbling and an "ah-ha" moment all at the same time. Do the job you were given to do, and let God do the rest. 

"Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you." -2 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)

God's measuring stick is not English or Metric. His standard is unique and mysterious at times, but it is always perfect. 

Today, I am grateful for the right measuring tool. 

Home

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 360: Today, I am grateful for home.

"Home is not a place. It's the people you share it with." 

I am so grateful for any time we can have all of our kids together. It is when our home feels just right.

We have had the joy of loving three of our children since their birth. We do not take for granted the gift of knowing Emma for all of her life. We adore her and she loves Chase well. The youngest of our crew arrived two years ago. We officially welcome Amber to the family this year with their engagement. She is sweet and gentle with his heart... and that warms a mother's heart. And of course... our fur baby, Daisy Mae, makes a house a home. 

Having them all under one roof is always a blessing we do not take for granted. They have full lives and schedules that do not match up easily at times. Each time it feels like Christmas.

Of course, Christmas is extra special. There is time to take a deep breath and sit together. The joy is in the togetherness. Our kids are thoughtful and generous... but their presence is the best gift of all. Being present is the best present.

I love this simple prayer offered by Moses who loved God boldly. Moses was not perfect... no one is...but his heart longed to be closed to God. Their relationship was unique. Forty years in the desert was not about the distance to the Holy Land. It was about God's timing and His children learning to trust, obey, and trust the way of the Lord. The world would say they were "homeless" for those forty year. Moses saw it differently. He offered this prayer:

"Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!" - Psalm 90:1

Home is not a place. It is the people you share it with that makes any place "home." 

Today, I am grateful for home.

Unexpected Joys

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 359: Today, I am grateful for unexpected joys. 

Mary and Joseph had endured the rumors, the well talk (kind of like the water cooler talk), and the strained relationships that came along with a virgin birth. People talk. They did then. They do now. 

They carried the weight and the wonder of the miracle all at the same time. Most experienced God's miracles in a moment. Mary carried hers for nine months. Joseph watched her grow round and uncomfortable. I cannot imagine the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem nine months pregnant with your first child and no female family members along to support you. We can only imagine it. 

They had to make the trip by the Roman government decree. 

"At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.  He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.  -Luke 2:1-5

It was all so complicated. They lived under Roman rule, and King Herod was king of the Jews. Herod was not looking to give us his throne. They put one foot in front of the other and pressed on as directed by God, the angel, and the scriptures they had learned since childhood. They never expected to be main characters in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.  

Stressful? Yes, but with pockets full of unexpected joy. 

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6

I love Faith Hill's song, "A Baby Changes Everything." It is powerfully creates a picture of the emotions that come with having a child. The fears, the tears, and the unexpected joys are all a part of the story. 

A Baby Changes Everything

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything
Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched
How will she keep his trust?
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries!
Ooh, she cries
Ooh, oh

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can't stay
A baby changes everything
She can feel He's coming soon
There's no place, there's no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries!
And she cries!
Oh, she cries

(Shepherds all) shepherds all (gather 'round) gather 'round
(Up above the star shines down) star shines down
(A baby changes everything)
Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

My whole life has turned around
I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything

Yes, a baby did change everything. 

Today, I am grateful for unexpected joys.  

Something Bigger

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 359: Today, I am grateful for something bigger.  

The words of C.S. Lewis can be overwhelming at times. His deep thoughts and deep dives into theology often amaze me. He, also, had the ability to sum up the most powerful truths into a sentence or two. 

"Once in our world, a stable had something that was bigger than our whole world." -C.S. Lewis

Nothing fancy for the tiny King. He arrived to free a people who had grown weary of waiting. He came in an unexpected package, although fulfilling many prophecies. Many found it difficult to see the promises fulfilled. 

This is the most "Holy Night." A baby really did change everything. 

Merry Christmas Eve. Tonight's the night! 

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  -Luke 2:12

As I looked for this scripture about Jesus being wrapped lovingly in strips of cloth... I found this:

"Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth," -Matthew 27:59

Another Joseph... same Jesus. I have never thought about the echoes of His birth seen in the aftermath of the crucifixion. He was born to die. But first he would experience life in human skin. It is really all quite profound. 

At his humble birth, the Joseph chosen by God (for his character and courage because he had no wealth)... to be Jesus's earthly father... brought strips of cloth to Mary so she could wrap the child(inferred since she had just given birth and was in no shape to get them herself). The baby Jesus... once safe in his mother's womb... was experiencing the cool chill of the evening. Gentle Joseph would bring her the prepared strips of cloth and she would wrap her miracle and hold him tightly in her arms. Surely, the blood stain of birth was present on the linens. 

After the crucifixion, his mother, Mary, was in no shape to wrap her precious beaten, battered, and pierced son in death linens. How could she? Another Joseph... a man of courage and wealth this time... asked Pilate if he could take Jesus. He wrapped the very same Jesus in clean death linens. The linens would absorb the blood of His sacrifice.  It gives me chills to think about it. 

Let's return to the night of the nativity:

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." -Luke 2:10

His birth. His sacrifice for our propitiation (the paying of a debt in full).  His return is on the horizon. "He will come wearing a white robe dipped in blood:

He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God." -Revelation 19:13 

The blood of His birth. The blood from his death on the cross. The blood of our redemption is "dipped" on His robe. (In Genesis 37:31, Joseph's brothers dipped his robe in goat's blood and lies.) The Blood of the Lamb paid our sin debt in full!  It all comes to pass in His time. 

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. " -Titus 2:11-14

I love a good mystery! On this Christmas Eve, let us pause to ponder the connections between the Old and the New Testaments (check out Hebrews 9:12-14) and the light of truth shines bright on this Holy Night. 

Today, I am grateful for something bigger.

"The Word"

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 358: Today, I am grateful for "The Word."

As we move closer to Christmas, the gospels tell the story. I love every nugget we can glean from reading them again and again. The wonder of the Word is that it is "alive, powerful, and sharper than a double-edged sword."  

"The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone." -John 1:4

Creation came to life by "The Word." We see it in Genesis. "Elohim" literally speaks life. It is echoed in the Psalms. And, again in John. The Word gave life, and then His life brought light to everyone. 

As we return to the manger for another Christmas celebration, who do we see? Immanuel? The Messiah? The newborn King? 

Do we observe that God keeps his promises? God determines the timeline. He will not be hurried or delayed. 

His life brought life to everyone. 

Today, I am grateful for "The Word."

The Light Has Come

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 357: Today, I am grateful the Light has come.

We have survived the shortest day of the year. December 21, 2024, is the winter's solstice. Now until June, the days grow longer. There is hope in the knowledge that the light will continue to be extended every day. 

The light is coming! Darkness will now lose a few more minutes every day until June 21, 2025. It is the perfect time to celebrate the Light of the World's arrival. 

Biblical scholars have attempted to determine the date of Jesus's birth. There are always opinions. The ones that use Zechariah's priestly service, Elizabeth's conception, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, and some other factors, believe it was the Jewish month of Tishrei. 

This makes sense to me, but I am just a student... not a scholar. Why? 

Tishrei falls at the end of September or early October, depending on the year. Shepherds would still be taking to the fields before the colder winter months. Tishrei is the beginning of the new year of the Jewish calendar. I find it logical that Jesus would arrive near the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

We do not know for certain so a date was chosen. Daylight on December 25th is longer than daylight on December 24th, right? We recognize the growing daily sunlit minutes with joy. 

The Light has come. It always disperses the darkness. It always wins. 

"But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” -John 9:5

Savor the Light! 

Today, I am grateful the Light has come. 

"A Thrill of Hope"

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 356: Today, I am grateful for "a thrill of hope."

What do you hope for this Christmas? 

This image struck me. I love all things related to "light." In fact, "light" might be my "one little word" for 2025. Then, the words struck a chord. "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices." 

The line is straight from the song, "O Holy Night." I have confessed that I have come late to loving this song, but I have finally arrived. 

It is a powerful song, but gentle.  It somehow captures all that was holy about the night of Jesus's birth. Originally in French,"Cantique de Noël" was written by poet Placide Cappeau in 1847 and set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. The poem is straight out of the Gospel of Luke.  

The most popular English rendition was a translation by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. 

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

The original French translated:

To erase the original stain

And to stop his father's wrath:

The whole world trembles with hope

To this night which gives it a savior

People on their knees, await your deliverance

It is as if the song calls for the soul to wake up and recognize the wonder, the hope, and the holy all at the same time. The anticipation builds. Dare we hope for reconciliation and propitiation? 

We can. Hope is thrilling. We tingle with anticipation. Our senses are on high alert. 

In the wholly chaotic Christmas season, do not forget the holy. Pause to ponder the thrill of hope that still waits in a humble manger for an invitation to be Lord of your life. 

Today, I am grateful for "a thrill of hope."

The Census

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 355: Today, I am grateful for the census. 

If you have ever explored genealogy, you spend time in census records. They are quite telling about where people lived, how they lived, and who their neighbors were at the time. The once boring records become quite interesting 50-200 years later.  

For prophecy to be fulfilled, Jesus needed to be born in Bethlehem. I think it fascinating when God uses people in unexpected places to put His plan in motion. 

"At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire." -Luke 2:1 

Augustus made the declaration. Joseph and Mary made the trip. 

The little town of Bethlehem experienced the miracle. The timing was unexpected. The order was from the government, not the church. It all came together as God intended. Something as boring as a census can reveal far more than the number of people who live in the town. 

Today, I am grateful for the census.

The Path of Peace

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 354: Today, I am grateful for the way of peace.

The phrase "don't upset the apple cart" is to change people's plans or expectations in a way that they don't expect and don't appreciate. Thus was the situation for those who would not or could not see the Messiah being born in a stable unfit for a king. 

Unfit or the perfect fit? 

God's ways often include a pause. A waiting space in an unusual place is often part of His plan. His ways are not our ways.  He is predictably unpredictable. 

Zechariah's prophecy came when Mary was with him (and Elizabeth). His state of muteness was lifted and the prophecy came. 

"You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” -Luke 1:77-79

The "Morning Light"... the "Dayspring"... the "Dawn"... or "the Light from Heaven" are one and the same. Finally, the Hope of the World had arrived. His first earthly heartbeat was in the womb. His first human breath was in a stable. 

"He humbled himself in obedience to God..." -Philippians 2:8  

It was the way of the manger before it was the way of the cross.  

Going back to the Hebrew and Greek (with the assistance of Strong's and Thayer's Greek Lexicon), there is a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity: "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is." Blessed assurance! 

It is "the path of" or "the way of peace."  The way of peace is the absolute knowledge that nothing this life brings can separate us from the love of God. 

Today, I am grateful for the way of peace.

Promises Kept

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 353: Today, I am grateful for promises kept.

Integrity matters. It always has. It always will. Truth is not always popular, but it always withstands the light. Truth is a light. 

Why come as a baby? Why come at all? How is it that the long expected Savior came in such an unexpected way? That is all part of the wonder of it all. 

He said he would come, and He did. To be redeemed is to be free. There is a finality about it. When you redeem a coupon, it is done. Used up. Finished. 

 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago." Luke 1:68-70

A king came as a baby fulfilling a promise and countless prophecies from the Old Testament. For the mathematicians and data loving people, there is evidence of the promise, the plan, and "this, too, shall pass." 

He did what he said he would do. In this we can find hope, joy, and the confidence to face whatever comes our way. 

Today, I am grateful for promises kept.

Grown Up Christmas List

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 352: Today, I am grateful for a grown-up Christmas list.

Written by David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner and Amy Grant, "Grown Up Christmas List" captures our ear and our heart at the same time.  I know Amy Grant's version the best. 

Her Christmas albums are some of my favorites. This song captures the hope of Christmas. 

"No more lives torn apart
And wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list."

A grown-up Christmas list focuses on what is important, not stuff. This world is full of brokenness, but the Light of the World came so we might know the peace, truth, light, and life that only he can bring. He mends lives that are torn apart. 

"I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." -Romans 1:7

 Grace and peace are perfect gifts. 

Today, I am grateful for a grown-up Christmas list.

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 351: Today, I am grateful Mary pondered. 

I will never lose my sense of awe surrounding the birth of Jesus. The Old Testament was full of prophetic words and signs to look for, but it still moves me when I pause to ponder what it might have been like for Mary, Joseph, and their families. 

When Mary said "yes" and went to her cousin Elizabeth, we have this little glimpse into the excitement that grew as she wrapped her head around her new reality. From shock... to pondering... to an excitement when surrounded by those who knew and believed. 

This is part of what is recorded as "Mary's Song",  

"Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!"" -Luke 1:46-47

The promised Messiah was coming and she would call him "son." From her pregnancy announcement, to Joseph sticking with her, to the trip to Bethlehem, the birth of the baby, and then the shepherds visit - it must have felt like a whirlwind of changes with a roller coaster of emotions. 

Mary was one to "ponder." I love that about her personality. She would take it all in and sit with it. Whatever came her way. Her strength of faith and the depth of her character were evident. I cannot help but smile when I read this passage. 

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." -Luke 2:19

Today, I am grateful Mary pondered. 

The Star

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 350: Today, I am grateful for the star.

Stars are fireballs in the sky. They have fascinated humans since the beginning of time. Each one has a place of its own in the night sky. They have helped guide and direct human travel... and they help us find our way in the dark. 

Our little blue planet takes light and heat from the star we know as the sun. The Son, Jesus, is referred to as "The Light of the World." His life, light, and warmth changes lives. In the past, in the present, and in the days to come... His light guides us and gives us life. 

"The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others, but warm them as well." - N. A. Maxwell 

The royal astrologers from the east asked this questions of Herod:

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” -Luke 2:2

They saw the star and recognized it as special. They followed it, expecting a royal baby to live in a palace. They knew the prophecy and the stars. They followed the star and made their way to find the newborn King. 

The magi did not mean to incite Herod's anger, but wisely recognized it. They did not return to tell King Herod where they found the baby. They would surely return home with an adventure story to tell. 

The wonders of the night sky never cease to create wonder, amazement, and joy. To think our God knows their number and can call them by name without one missing or being left out makes me smile. 

There are so many stars... and then there is "His star." 

Today, I am grateful for the star.

A Prepared Room

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 349: Today, I am grateful for a prepared room.

"Joy to the World" is a favorite Christmas hymn. I think it is a hymn for all seasons. Many years ago, the song was included in our VBS music. The kids loved singing it and we continued to sing it regularly outside of the Advent season. 

The message is for all seasons. 

"Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing."

Issacs Watts, an English hymn writer, wrote and published the lyrics in 1719. The poem was based on Psalm 98. More than a century later in 1839, Lowell Mason arranged an older tune as the music for the lyrics. It is the version of "Joy to the World" we sing today. 

I love all four verses. It is rich with theology, wonder, and hope. One of my favorite lines is in that first verse, "Let every heart prepare him room." The message is clear. The gift has been given, but were we ready to receive it? 

Hospitality is a gift. Some people are naturals. Others are intentional. Hospitality is always beautiful. To make someone feel welcome in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our church pews, or in our communities is part of fulfilling our commission to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

When we travel, we want to stay in places that make us feel welcome by preparing our room. Clean sheets, fresh towels, and a full roll of toilet paper in a clean bathroom are just a start. Recognizing our need for "creature comforts" and preparing for our stay communicates that we are wanted and welcome. Be it in a hotel, a Bed and Breakfast, or a family member's home, we see the preparations and are grateful for the prepared room. 

Sweet Mary and Gentle Joseph did not have a room in the inn, but they prepared in their own way. She bundled the newborn in strips of cloth. I am sure she used the softest cloth strips she could find to bundle her baby boy with Joseph's help. There is nothing like the scent of a newborn baby and the sweet mewing sounds they make as they instinctively seek the comfort of their mother's arms. Joy had arrived. 

"She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."  -Luke 2:7

They had no lodging, but God had prepared a place. The place was unexpected and not what they had hoped for upon entering Bethlehem, but it turned out to be the perfect place for shepherds to visit. It was not a room in an inn, but it was a prepared room. 

As we move closer to Christmas Day this year, let us remember to prepare room in our hearts once again. Let us take in the wonder of the miracle of the Messiah... Immanuel... God with us. 

Today, I am grateful for a prepared room.

The Crippled Lamb

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 348: Today, I am grateful for "The Crippled Lamb."

It is one of my all time favorite Christmas stories. It captures the wonder of the night Jesus was born from the perspective of some of the animals in the stable. It is a perfect story that centers around a crippled lamb named Joshua and a wise old cow named Abigail who mothered him through life's heartaches. 

Abigail's wisdom ran deep. Joshua was often left with her in the stable, because his imperfect leg would not allow him to keep up with the shepherds and the flocks when they would go to the far pastures. They developed a special friendship. She was a comforter and an encourager when other lambs were mean to him. She would tell him:

"Don't be sad little Joshua. God has a special place for those who feel left out." -Abigail, the Old Brown Cow

If this book is not on your shelf, it is the perfect Christmas book to give. It captures the special story of the night Jesus from a different perspective. If you enjoy the story of "The Little Drummer Boy," you will love "The Crippled Lamb." 

We get so caught up in today's troubles that we forget our God is a "big picture" God with a timeline that stretches into eternity. Our God never hurries and he never shows up late. His timing is usually a mystery until it is in the rearview mirror... sometimes for generations. 

"They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger." -Luke 2:16

The fictional tale captures some of the wonder of that very special night. The world looks at strength, prestige, power, and wealth. The Lord looks at the heart. 

Today, I am grateful for "The Crippled Lamb."

Jingle Bells

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 347: Today, I am grateful for jingle bells. 

There is something about the sound of jingle bells that always makes me smile. It is the most gentle sound, even when there are many of them ringing together. They do not cause the startle response associated with many buzzers and bells. In fact, I find myself pausing to listen whenever I hear them. 

 We have a long strip of jingle bells on our slider door for Miss Daisy Mae to ring when she wants or needs to go outside. I do not know if we trained her or she trained us. She loves knowing she can get our attention. 

The soft sound of jingle bells is almost magical. It makes children think of Santa and his sleigh. It makes me think of vintage sleigh rides and that classic Christmas song, "Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling, ting, ting, tingling, too... It's such lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you."  

This passage creates an image of Christ's return: 

"On that day even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: Holy to the Lord." -Zechariah 14:20

What a glorious sound! Other passages talk about trumpets sounding. Perhaps there will be jingling bells, too. 

Today, I am grateful for jingle bells. 

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 346: Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights.  

I love Christmas lights. They had so much ambiance to any room. When they are the only source of light in the room, you realize how much light they give off. 

We use white Christmas lights in our house. They illuminate just enough light to make a dark room bright enough for simple tasks. 

I am reminded of Jesus's reference to light and life:

"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”" - John 8:12

Christmas lights are special. Savor them this season.  

Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights.  

Advent

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 345: Today, I am grateful for the Advent season.

Sometimes getting ready for a special event is as much fun as the actual event. When our hearts are reprogramed for service, there is joy in the process. Some people are naturals at hospitality. Others work at it. Both are gifts of love. 

When Mary hurried to Elizabeth's home, she found a warm welcome. Baby John lept in Elizabeth's womb. For those who have experienced pregnancy, the baby moving inside is really special. Knowing the baby is alive, growing, and preparing to make their entrance at birth is a comfort. It is a time of wonder. 

"Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home." -Luke 1:56

Imagine the two mothers - one old and one young - sharing the new experiences that came with their pregnancies.  They knew what they knew. They trusted God. They surely savored their season together. Zechariah was not talking, so I am sure Elizabeth welcomed Mary's company and conversation. 

Advent helps us prepare our hearts each year. The story is retold, but it never gets old. We prepare our homes and our hearts. We share the joy with family and friends. It is a season of preparations, watching, waiting, and embracing hope. 

God with us... Immanuel. It never gets old. 

Today, I am grateful for the Advent season.