"The year floats away, swallowed up by persistent tides that will return to scatter memories along the shore, the sweet and the bittersweet." From a poem I wrote a few years ago.
My husband and I begin to reflect on the year that is about to end as we sit down to write a Christmas letter. Christmas letters prompt you to think about what was important, and hopefully forget what was not - so it won't wind up in a letter. We enjoy hearing from friends and family that we haven't communicated with recently. Being 'in touch' is a favorite part of Christmas.
We always pick out a few cards that we really love and save them. Our favorite this year was one with a very simple message.
"Jesus. . .the only gift the world can't live without."
Another one that I really liked because it says so much in so few words was this. . .
"JESUS -
He came not to a throne,
but to a manger.
He lived not as a king,
but as a servant.
He chose not a kingdom,
but a cross.
He gave not just a little,
but everything.
We spent a few days with our daughter and husband who live near L.A. We enjoyed great food, a beautifully decorated home, fabulous sunsets, our granddogs running around and some very nice gifts. I wish everyone in the world could enjoy a safe, happy Christmas with family. We are mindful of those who can't.
We' re actually having some very cool weather for this part of the country. It's been getting down into the 40's. We're a bit spoiled here. But it's nice to have a chill in the air, as long as it doesn't last too many days. And, we do love snow, as long as it stays up in the mountains. We have a view from our kitchen table of several snowy mountain tops.
As we reflect on the past year, we're amazed at all that has happened. To know a sovereign God who has planned our days, mapped out and set a course for us to follow is a blessing. Knowing this brings peace, hope and calm. I reflect on this Biblical truth most everyday. Sadly, many in the world don't understand God' s sovereignty and think events happen 'by chance'. No, not true.
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. . ." Ephesians 1:11
In case you missed the significance of this verse, look again. . .it states that God works everything to comform to the purpose of His will. Whatever is happening in my life, if it's God's will, I can not only live with it, but be blessed by it.
Next year I'm going to start going through the ten things we should know about God. I think this will be interesting to those who aren't Christians as well as those who are.
Lord, I praise you for all things - whether they appear to be good or bad in my eyes - I know they come from you, therefore I am at peace. You've asked those who believe in you to walk by faith, believing in what we cannot see. I look forward to all that You have planned for the next year. What a joy to walk through this life with you, my personal Friend, Savior and King.
Wishing you all a very blessed New Year full of new revelations, much love and patience and a contagious attitude of joy and hope.
