Gratitude

Posted on December 14, 2022 by tricialathrop

Christmas overflows with opportunities to give, both openly and anonymously.

Giving brings a special satisfaction, an inner happiness that can’t be duplicated. Giving anonymously for me, brings a greater sense of accomplishment…a game I love to play. The recipient of a secret gift gets the added joy of trying to figure out the giver.

A great gift takes into account the personality and desires of the giftee. A gift from a special friend adds the flavor of the relationship. I wonder how many times I’ve not appreciated the effort that went into the choice.

I don’t think I receive gifts well. Oh I do the right things, saying “Thank you” and writing thank you notes. But I don’t immediately respond, and definitely do not do so with oohing and aching. I’ve never been an overly exuberant person, so gushing is not in my personality. I’m trying to do better…so that the person knows I appreciate the gift, or even the thought behind the gift.

I remember a time when my gift receiving was, for lack of a better word, bad. While shopping in a five and ten store, Mom put me in charge of my younger sisters. We could shop for the family and have the gifts be a surprise. They wanted to buy me a gift so I gave them some money, and they brought most of the money back.

I wish I could have a do-over. They tried to give me something special and I scoffed at its cost. That wallet became my favorite and I use it for years until it fell apart.

Gratitude comes from the heart. A person who is truly thankful gives a wonderful gift to the giver. Acknowledging the sacrifice, effort, or time extended is a start. A big smile and heart felt “Thank you”…or oohing and aching if that’s your style, assures the giver that they chose well.

As we participate in this season of giving and receiving, let’s remember to take the time to thank the One who gave His Son. All good gifts come from His hand.

Oh come let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving. let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.

For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.

In his hands are the depths of the earth, the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is His, for He made it and His hands formed the dry ground.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. And we are the people of His pasture, and we are the sheep of his hand. Psalm 95:1-7

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Joseph, the Father

Posted on December 13, 2022 by tricialathrop

I’m putting up my nativity scenes today. Jesus, Mary, the shepherds, the kings, and even the lambs get more time and consideration than Joseph. What qualities did he exhibit? What did he have to offer the Son of God?

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24

Matthew described Joseph as a righteous man. Like Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah, he tried to follow the Law of the Lord the best he could. What did he think when Mary told him she carried a child conceived by the Holy Spirit? Did he believe her? After all, Mary was not that kind of girl, or was she?

Joseph had every right to divorce Mary and accuse her of adultery. In that day, an engagement was as binding as a marriage, any break-up required a divorce. The person having sexual relations outside that relationship was considered an adulterer. Mary could have been put to death because of his accusation (Lev 20:10).

Joseph showed compassion, he chose to divorce her quietly, without accusation.

God stepped in. He sent an angel to speak to Joseph in his dream. In fact, all the communication to Joseph about Jesus was through a dream. There is no indication of any hesitation on his part. He married Mary the next day (Matthew 1:24). When the angel appeared in a dream, he left that night, taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). Another angel, he returned to the Galilee region (Matthew 2:19-22).

Luke tells us that Joseph obeyed the civil law, and went to be counted and taxed. He also tells us that Joseph and Mary did everything required by the Law after the birth of Jesus.

The last we hear of Joseph is in Jerusalem, after the Passover when Jesus was twelve years old. He and Mary frantically searched Jerusalem for three days until they found him in the Temple, speaking to the teachers. Three days of deep concern and increasing anxiety.

What emotions raced through Joseph as Jesus said, “Didn’t you know I had to be about my Father’s business?”? For twelve years Joseph had raised Jesus as his own son, instructing him in the Law of the Lord, teaching him the art of carpentry, comforting him when he cried…then Jesus reminded him of his identity, the Son of God.

Then Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. Luke 2:51

God placed Jesus into Joseph’s hands. He chose Joseph to be the one who guided Jesus into the knowledge of the Lord.

Jesus did not stay with the teachers in Jerusalem. His training would still be found with Joseph, a man who lived the heart of God.

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Ringing of the Bells

Posted on December 9, 2022 by tricialathrop

I love a good bell choir, especially at Christmas! The resonating sound of the bells lifts my spirit. I joined the bell choir at our church in Cincinnati. I had never played the bells before and had a lot to learn. I walked into the first rehearsal with my white gloves and met the other ladies. Only one had played before.

Before us lay shiny brass bells arranged from largest to smallest. Each bell plays only one note. Our bells ranged in size from the large D below middle C with its deep “BONG”, to a tiny high-pitched tinkling B-flat. Each of us would be responsible for up to four bells.

We put on our white gloves to protect the bells. The oil from our hands could change the tone of the bells over time. We walked along the table, testing each of the bells to decide which we’d like to play. Surprisingly, none of us chose the same bells.

I chose to play the larger bells with the lowest notes. I picked up the D and rang it. It made my whole are vibrate. I learned various ways to hold the bell to change the quality of the sound. Sometimes I left it on the table and plucked the clapper, or I swung the bell letting it slide along my side, and sometimes I rang it in no special way.

After we felt comfortable with our bells, we began to play a song. The director gave us a very slow count. I watched the music for my notes and joyfully rang my bells when called for. Sometimes I forgot to switch the bell and rang the wrong bell. Sometimes I rang the right bell at the wrong time. I wasn’t the only one.

The director slowed the song even more. We practiced for weeks until we could play one song correctly at the right tempo. We had a very patient director.

To make music that harmonized and blended into a beautiful song, we had to be in one accord, united in tempo and mood. We put our individual preferences on hold as we searched for the best sound for each song. The director determined the playing of the bells, interpreting the intent of the composer. Some bells tolled the melody, and others provided background harmony. Some bells tolled for an entire song, while others lay on the table, ready to be rung if needed.

When we got it, each of us playing the right bell at just the right time, the harmony blended to an engaging melody, blessing all who heard it. If even one bell tolled out of place, we all flinched.

We are bells in God’s choir, each of us unique in tone and purpose. He has written a beautiful melody for the people who follow Jesus Christ to play together. When each of us rings our note at the right time, the world hears a song that gives praise and glory to God.

The body is a unit though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.

So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, salves or free, and we were all given the one Spirit to drink…

But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:8

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Cousin John, The Baptist

Posted on December 8, 2022 by tricialathrop

There was a man sent from god whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:6-8

Jesus called him the greatest man ever born of a woman. They were cousins. An angel announced their birth before they were conceived. God provided both of their names. Each had a call to a great ministry in Israel. Both had large crowds of people flocking to hear the message they spoke. Both died horrible deaths reserved for criminals.

The mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, experienced a close bond due to the circumstances of the births of their children. I imagine that Jesus and John would have played together and looked forward to the yearly trips to Jerusalem. Six months older than Jesus, John probably enjoyed showing the younger Jesus how things were done.

But John had a specific call on his life. “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.” John 1:7. He announced Jesus to the world saying, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” John 1:29.

He lived in the wilderness. Many came to hear his message of repentance. The crowd not only included common people, but tax collectors, soldiers, Sadducees and Pharisees, as well as royalty. He did not back down to power, calling the Sadducees and Pharisees a generation of vipers. And he confronted Herod about his unlawful marriage.

In prison, doubts assaulted his thoughts. I wonder if he expected to serve side by side with Jesus, to help usher in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, he sat in prison under the threat of death. He sent to ask if Jesus was truly the one they awaited. Jesus answered:

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” Matthew 11:4-6.

Jesus answered John with promises found in Isaiah.

In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Isaiah 29:18

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Isaiah 35:5-6

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1.

Jesus proof to a man of scripture came from the scriptures.

As the men left to tell John the news, Jesus continued to comment about John.

“This is the one about whom it is written: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:10-11

I’m sure the disciples of John heard the words of praise and let John know that he said, in essence: “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21.

John served faithfully. He fulfilled his mission to present Jesus Christ to the nation of Israel. He prepared the way for the Kingdom of God by encouraging the people to repent of their sins.

Jesus encouraged John while he sat in his cell, giving John the strength he needed to remain true to the Lord until his death at the hand of Herod.

When we serve the Lord, it doesn’t always go as we expect. He calls us to remain faithful despite the circumstances we find ourselves in. When I meet him face to face, I want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of the Lord.”

What about you?

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Elizabeth

Posted on December 7, 2022 by tricialathrop

At that time, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear? But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:39-45

Elizabeth stands as one of the unsung heroes of faith. Descended from Aaron, she married Zechariah, a priest. Luke described her as upright in the sight of God. She observed all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. Not many in the Bible received such a glowing description. She did things the way God wanted them done, and yet, for all her faithfulness, she bore the title of “barren”.

Did others look at her and wonder if she were as righteous as she seemed? After all, she had no children, considered a sign of God’s approval. We get some insight into her feelings by her response to her pregnancy, “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1:25

She hid out for the first five months of pregnancy. Her husband couldn’t talk after an encounter at the Temple. That must have caused quite a stir in the little town, rumors would have been abundant. “Did you hear what I heard about Zechariah and Elizabeth? They….”

The Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth and she loudly proclaimed a blessing on Mary and Jesus. In her humility, she wondered why Mary would come to her.

Why would Mary go anywhere else? They needed each other. They each carried children with a special calling from God on their lives. Their support probably included a time searching the Scripture to understand the expectations for their children. Together, they would have prepared for the arrival of John and Jesus.

Elizabeth and Zechariah eventually received the blessing of a son, in their old age. But for years, they lived without that visible sign of God’s favor, in fact, they lived in the shadow of disgrace.

Like the people in the first century, we have ideas of how God blesses those who are faithful to Him, but He doesn’t always come through in the way we want. God’s plan for the benefit of many, may mean a delay in receiving our heart’s desire.

Elizabeth serves as an example of faithfulness. The people around her may have doubted her righteousness during all the barren years, but she continued to walk in the way of the Lord.

Lord, help us to be faithful to You despite painful circumstances or the judgement of others. Give us the strength to remain true to Your ways. While we struggle in righteousness, open our eyes and hearts to encourage those around us.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25

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Christmas Shopping

Posted on December 6, 2022 by tricialathrop

This year’s shopping is almost complete. We celebrated early with the kids and grandkids so that the families could spend Christmas Day with the in-laws this year.

I don’t mind the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping; in fact, I enjoy it. Black Friday and Christmas Eve shopping add an excitement that is only hindered when I have to buy a gift and can’t find the end of the check-out line. But when my shopping is complete, I love to sit with a cup of cocoa and watch other shopper’s frenzied search.

One news show likened shopping to hunting. The people who study such things found that we get a high with each successful shopping trip. Like the old time hunting raids, we search for the right thing find it, buy it, and release a stream of hormones that cause a euphoric feeling.

During the holidays, we shop over a longer period of time, giving us more days to feel better. But the day after, when the bills are due, that wonderful feeling falls flat, maybe even dips, into buyer’s remorse.

Perhaps there is a way to get that euphoric feeling without spending ourselves into poverty buying stuff. There are many needs, financially, emotionally, and relationally. We can find someone in our sphere of influence in need of groceries, gas, or a winter coat. This year we see more families struggling to meet those basic needs.

Some of you will say, we’re still buying stuff…just for someone else. There are ways to give without spending money.

We could give our time, a valuable commodity at this time of year, running errands for someone who can’t get out of the house.

Moms and dads need shopping and wrapping time, so volunteering to watch the little ones while they get out would be a blessing.

Loneliness abounds, many of us have lost loved ones this year. A phone call, an offer of a ride, an invitation for a show or making and sharing a meal out might bring a lift in one’s spirit.

We can even have an impact on people we will never meet. Opportunities abound in a multitude of potential charities which will use our time and/or money to bring a blessing to people in need.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. he will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

The the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.”

They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?”

He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Matthew 25:31-45 NIV

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The Magnificant

Posted on December 5, 2022 by tricialathrop

My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond slave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.

And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed.

He has given help to Israel his servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever. Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s song of praise began with words of gratitude for God’s work in her life, but quickly moved beyond herself to others. She proclaimed that the Lord intervenes for the down trodden, the poor, the hungry, and humbles those who think they have it all. She saw herself as one of the lowly, needing intervention from a caring God.

She had no false humility, for her humility lay based on the recognition of the God above all gods, whose character stood above reproach and embodied all that is holy, true, and loving. She did not compare herself to any other; she submitted herself to the authority of God. She acknowledged that God blessed her and that all blessings come from God. She saw a glimpse of the bigger picture and marveled at her part in it.

As time passed, the bigger picture revealed itself in ways she did not expect. She gave birth to her baby in a stable away from family and friends. Shepherds came with an awesome story of a visit from heavenly hosts. Simon and Anna, important people at the temple, prophesied over her child. Magi from the east came bearing expensive gifts, with another story about a star guiding them to the right place.

This was not a normal birth experience. Mary’s response to the unusual events, “And she pondered these things in her heart.”

Trusting God is not always easy. Just when we think we know what God has planned for our lives, something out of the ordinary comes our way. My immediate response is usually doubt. Did I miss God somewhere along the way? Mary chose to ponder. She gave serious and careful thought to all the words spoken and all the events. Then she chose to continue to trust in God her Savior.

Take time to ponder what God is doing in your life and in the people around you. Thank God that He is working on the bigger picture. Acknowledge His hand that is guiding and directing you. Then be a blessing to all you meet.

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Gabriel, The Messenger

Posted on December 4, 2022 by tricialathrop

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored: The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin.”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” The angel left her. Luke 1:26-38

An angel appeared to Mary. His words troubled her. I find it interesting that she was not troubled that he appeared, but at his words. How did she process the appearance of an angel and his words? Did he appear as a man or in all his angelic glory? Scripture does not say. He told her to not be afraid…because of his appearance or his words?

Twice she heard that God favored her. Because of that favor, He gave her the honor of being the mother of the Messiah.

She asked how it would happen, not out of doubt, but seeking information. She believed him, even though it had never happened before.

When we look at another announcement of a birth, Gabriel also appeared to Zechariah (Luke 1:5-20) and told him about John. While Mary had asked for information, Zechariah responded in doubt and wanted a sign. “How can I be sure of this?” He had the example of Abraham and Sarah and yet he doubted.

Mary believed even though there had been no precedent, Zechariah knew God had provided several “miracle babies” to couples over the ages, yet doubted. In his defense, God had been silent a lot of years. Perhaps his faith had been dulled by unfulfilled expectations. Perhaps he lost hope that God would act in his lifetime.

But Mary believed. She took all that she knew of God, and decided that she could and would trust Him. “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” She had a faith that went beyond her five senses and she trusted God.

Lord, I desire a faith like Mary’s, a faith that trusts You completely. A faith that believes despite how the circumstances may appear. A faith that knows You will act in Your timing to bring about the very best for all of us.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

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Reflections

Posted on December 2, 2022 by tricialathrop

I bought a towel that says “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, I am my mother after all.” My mother passed away last year, but her image lives on in each of her children…and in some of her grandchildren. Whether in physical appearance, behavior, or words, whenever we get together, at some point I think, “Wow. That is so Mom.”

At this time of year, we focus on Jesus as the baby in the manger. He limited himself to a human body, helpless and totally dependent on his parents for food, clothing, protection, and love. And like us, he grew up, experiencing all that the human life has to offer along with its joys and sorrows.

Jesus came to earth as the image of the invisible God, but mankind had become so hardened that they did not see the character of God. It had all been forgotten, set aside, lost in the day-to-day business of life.

When Philip asked to see the Father, Jesus replied, “Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know me yet Philip? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say then, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9) Even the disciples struggled to see Jesus for who he really was.

Over the years, our distortions color our perceptions of God. Some of us see him as one who does not care, an indistinct being somewhere out there. Others see him as a cruel taskmaster, punishing us for all offenses. Some deny his existence altogether.

And yet, Jesus took on our form, our sinful and warped image, and reflected the image of a perfectly holy and merciful God. He had compassion on those who hurt. He grieved with those who were in despair. He healed all who came to him for help. He went out of his way to talk to the unlovely. He had courage to challenge the self-righteous. And finally, revealing the enormity of God’s love for us, he embraced our sins and took them to the cross, dying in our place.

Jesus came as the reflection of God, compassionate, caring, holy and righteous. He died the reflection of man, self-serving, corrupt and sinful.

Though evil in our world distorts our perceptions, through Jesus Christ, we can not only come to know the true God, we too can reflect the image of God to a lost and distorted world. We can care for those around us. We can offer hope for those in despair. We can share God’s love, because Jesus demonstrated his love for us on the cross.

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

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Christmas Is Coming

Posted on December 1, 2022 by tricialathrop

“He did hear a sound out over the snow. It started in slow and then started to grow. This sound wasn’t sad. The sound sounded glad. Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, was singing without any presents at all.

He hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming.

It came. Somehow or other it came just the same.

It came without ribbons.

It came without tags.

It came without packages, boxes or bags.”

(Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

As a child I anticipated Christmas Day, looking forward to a day filled with unending wonder. We traveled to the grandparents after opening our gifts and I played with my cousins and our new toys. The day itself held a special magic and as a child I felt that Christmas would never come. However as an adult, Christmas Day comes all too quickly.

I want to do it all. deck the halls, bake cookies, put up lights, buy gifts, attend special shows and concerts…all while trying to keep the regular stuff in my life from spinning out of control. I have a list of gifts, people, parties, and responsibilities. And while I want to do it all, instead of a celebration, Christmas can become a burden.

Christmas Day is coming, but the Christmas Season is already here. I don’t want to focus on the day itself and miss celebrating the event. I don’t want to be so busy that I sit down on December 26 and ask, “What happened to Christmas?”

What is the secret for experiencing the joy this season?

If I’m too busy getting things done that I can’t stop to speak with a friend, I’m missing the joy.

If I’m running late and I swear at the little old lady who cut me off, I’m missing the joy.

If I’m stressed to the max because I over committed and take it out on my family, I’m missing the joy.

This year, I am determined to enjoy the process. I am going to choose the extras that bring pleasure to family, friends, and myself…and leave the other undone.

Instead of moaning and complaining when interruptions or complications arise, I’ll try to find the joy in it. And perhaps the joy will start slow, but it will start to grow.

Christmas is coming. Christ already came. Let’s enjoy the gift that God has given to us.

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

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