Yes... it is a truly sunny December day. How can we not give thanks for this little gift? To feel it on my face and soak it up is a delight to my soul. It is a reprieve from what is expected.
Winter is not a punishment. It is not my favorite season, but it is necessary for the earth to rest.
Plants and seeds that hibernate will return to life, but they need their winter sleep.
Today, it feels like we are breaking the rules. Like we are not getting quite what we deserve based on the calendar date. So, we are pardoned from heavy coats, boots and scarves. We can simply enjoy a walk in the brisk air.
Like sun in December, the advent season is a reminder to pause and remember that because of a sweet little baby boy, born to a virgin... we do not get what we deserve. He came to take our place. He was long expected, but such a surprise because of the "packaging". They were looking for a King... and missed the manger.
I don't want to miss the manger this season. I want to hold tight to the wonder and the miracle. I want to live in the light... just like I can feel the December sun. Our Holy God cannot tolerate sin, so a sin solution was necessary.
Our loving God, knew our past failures as a human race. Still longing for us to choose him back in love... not in fear or in brokenness... but to choose him with our whole hearts for our whole lives. So... He became one of us.
With us, for us and not against us. Jesus came to make grace available to all who would open their eyes to the truth of his purpose and choose to receive Him as Lord and King. A baby changed everything.
Jesus was not what they expected. They wanted a king. But, he was everything they needed and so much more.
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.-John 6:35
I am grateful for the unexpected packaging that brings us all back to the manager each Christmas season. It is a beautiful reminder that His ways are not our ways. His way is perfect.
"This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him." -Psalm 18:30 or 2 Samuel 22:31
Yes, his way is perfect. He is a good, good Father. He disciplines those he loves. We face consequences at times for disobedience... but his mercy and forgiveness are rich and deep and wide.
There are even times he surprises us with goodness when we least expect it.
Today...I am grateful for sun in December.
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