Hello, sweet friends!
I do hope, with all my heart, you are enjoying this weekend and spending blessed time with family and friends. I hope your hearts are warm at the thought of how much you are loved and your souls are lighter remembering God is ever-present in the times you share with others but also in the times you feel alone. You are never alone. He delights in communing with you. He hears the words of your heart…they are not silent to Him. And He meets you there to tell you you’re His and you’re forever held and cherished. Give Him the smallest amount of time, even if it’s a minute or two before falling asleep at night, and He will remind you of this unchanging truth.
Yesterday, I participated once again in what’s become a long-running tradition for me. I sang at a Christmas tree festival that first became part of my life when I was a kid and my mom would donate Christmas trees and wreaths she would beautifully decorate. Many people do this and the Christmas things are then auctioned so the proceeds can be given to the local children’s hospital. It is a beautiful and blessed event and for many years now, my friends and I have participated in the live musical entertainment. The coolest thing about that is singing sacred words in a somewhat secular environment. It’s a chance to watch the love of God gently wash over those in attendance. It’s a somewhat subtle way of ministering to hearts that need a reminder of Christmas…and what it’s truly about.
As my friend was singing a lovely rendition of O Holy Night, one line struck me…once again. It always does.
O Holy Night. The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
Till He appeared…and the soul felt its worth.
The Christmas season is upon us. If you remember almost nothing else this season, will you please remember this? …
He came so you’d know your worth. He came so you’d understand His love. He came because, even before you knew, He knew you needed Him.
His love for you has never been about anything other than your value to Him…and your value has never been based on your merit. He loves you because you are His. Do you understand that? You are His beloved child and your worth was set in stone long before you ever made a bad choice. All He knows is how badly He wants to embrace you because your worth has never been diminished in His eyes.
This is the gift of God’s grace. This is the greatest gift you’ll ever know.
I hope you’ll receive it this Christmas. I hope you will draw near to Him trusting what He says it true. I hope you’ll allow this Christmas to be the most fulfilling you’ve ever known…by asking Him to reveal to you the truth of His heart.
A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn.
May your heart thrill with hope! Blessings to you, dear ones, this special season and always!
It’s funny how we can sing Christmas carols year after year and don’t even think about the words. I honestly have to say I never thought about the meaning of those words, “tll he appeared and the soul felt its worth”. What a beautiful message! In today’s world so much of our worth is based on worldly things and deeds. While circumstances in our lives change, God’s love never does. Thanks for the reminder!
My Christmas Season truly begins when I hear you sing & I watch the joy in your face, & the love in your heart as you keep the true meaning in Christmas. God bless you!