God in Gift Wrapping

This morning we are heading out the door for a long overdue family visit and my posts will be few and far between till New Year. Today I am posting a classic from a few years ago that is also contained in this year’s book, The Christmas Star. Thank you to all who have followed, encouraged, commented on and even corrected me along the way! Since I like to add another favorite carol I hope you enjoy this rendition of O Holy Night from The Annie Moses Band. Blessings all!

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:7-8 KJV

Did you ever stop to wonder who came up with the idea of gift wrapping? Why do we bother with ribbons and bows? Isn’t it the gift itself that people want? Maybe it comes down to wanting our gift to be a surprise. So why would it be a strange thing that God came to us in gift wrapping? No one could see who Jesus was while wrapped in swaddling cloths. So, God sent angels to wake up shepherds to tell everyone about what was wrapped in that first Christmas gift!

And just as we wrap every gift, differently, because they are for different people, so Jesus came, for every one of us individually. Some of us receive your presents on Christmas Eve and others on Christmas morning. But no matter the day, it is that gift wrapping which makes us wait for the right time to open them. And so, on one incredibly special night in Bethlehem; at exactly the right moment, Jesus came as God in gift-wrapping, and we have been opening God’s gift of love in Christ ever since!

A Nursing Home Christmas in Photos

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 
Luke 2:19

I am kind of a photo junkie. I both take way too many (Thank God for the digital age!) and I enjoy going through old family photos. I know that in Heaven everything will be made new, but here on earth I treasure these special memories. I especially love Christmas times past, and photos help me remember the sights, sounds, and smells of moments that have slipped by over the years. Christmas time at nursing home is a lot different from ones we have had at home. Read the rest here

More Christmas Favorites

Just one more day of relatively unknown renditions of the Christmas carols I love. I start today with my all-time favorite God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by the Annie Moses Band. If you can be patient through the slow opening, this one will definitely get your foot tapping and put a smile on your face by its spectacular end!

For my final Christmas Song offering I give you the incomparable Keith and Kristyn Getty. This is an amazingly beautiful song that gives us pause once again to consider the Holy miracle of the first Christmas. May you be blessed as you travel this road to a day when much of the world remembers if only for a moment, a manger, a Savior and a star. I pray a blessed Christmas season for you all.