
So many things happen during a happy holiday season and yet the story of Jesus is still unheard in many homes. I know this because my husband and I were youth pastors in our younger years. Kids would tell us things and we would be shocked the way they grew up. There was no tree, no excitement about Christmas morning or even getting what they wanted. But who is Jesus they would ask? We just can not assume everyone knows about Jesus.
My sister friend (Darlene Speedy) and I, are Christmas Elves with Santa for the Foster Family Christmas Party. It's a privilege to make their kids smile and stand by Santa as we smiles to take pictures with them. My heart goes out to them, because each one is in a different situation of life and adjusting to life in many ways. They are given gifts with their foster homes, but it's different. I hear little kids just wanted their own mom or dad to be there. Let us do our best to live by example and believe big for others too. I read in the Bible:
John 16:30-32 (NIV)
30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.
YES ~ I BELIEVE:
As we head into Christmas Eve, let us remember to pray for children everywhere. We don't know what they go through and their little hearts believe in Santa and Jesus. They might not understand their now of life or get what they want. It's not just a Christmas morning thing, but life time changes for them and you. Each day holds new beginnings.
MARK 11:24 ~
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
The excitement of Jesus and Santa together is amazing. I believe God uses Santa to touch lives too and I know that God works through things that nobody else might understand. Jesus isn't welcome in every home in America nor do people believe in him. The Bible teaches us to teach our children the way they should go and when they get older, they will not depart from him.
I was at the doctor's the other day and my granddaughters were with me. The doctor said, "how can I help you"? I quickly said, "I need a Christmas miracle of health". I have been sick for over a month now with a sinus infection, cough, earache and no energy. Brookley (my granddaughter) asked if the doctor could make me well. I said, "she has studied and went to school to know what medicine to give me, plus we can pray too. Yes, Doctors can help us get well. She held my arm and said, "Grammie, you must get well for Christmas". We came home and she prayed for me. I didn't realize how much we can teach by our own actions.
My Christmas Eve pray for you today is your hearts desires to be answered. Only God and you know what they are. Please remember that his timing isn't always your timing and his help is certainly there. Sometimes we must let go of what we can change and change the things we can. It begins inside your heart and a change in you. Then you see things different and this Christmas Eve can be full of change and yet peace beyond a human understanding.
Psalm 37:4 (ESV)4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
My prayers are with you, your family and friends as you enter this amazing Christmas Eve Day. It's full of love and no matter what, God is still God and wants the best for you. Please remember to pray for hurting children, parents and families. We just never know what one faces in a new day. Count blessings!
~ Sparkie