The Gift of Jesus

This is from last year. Had to share it as well as I reminisce over what God has done the last couple of years.

December 14, 2006
The Gift of Jesus


This year has been such a blessing from the LORD. Our family has been on a wonderful journey. As you may remember last year was quite a difficult year for our family as we sought God and waited patiently for Him to show us where we were to serve. But this year, not only did God give Jeff an incredible place to serve in ministry; He has allowed me to stay home with our precious children. What an experience this has been and a complete change in our lifestyle! For Jeff- from part time ministry and seminary to Full time ministry. For me- from a full time business career to full time motherhood. Not to mention all of this taking place 3 states away from Texas.

We have had so much fun getting adjusted to a new place, making new friends and watching God unfold His plan for our lives. But amidst all the fun, there have also been hard lessons learned. God obviously had a lot that He needed to show me this year. He used our changes and transitions as teachable moments. Interestingly enough, most of my lessons were revealing how sinful in nature that I really am. In comparison to a Holy God I know that even my righteous acts are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) But this time, God showed me some of my not so righteous ways. He uncovered areas in my life that I had not recognized before.

Now before you get to thinking that there is some deep secret or hidden sin that I am talking about, let me clarify. To sum it all up in one word it would be called “selfishness”. (NO, not this only child who grew up thinking that life was all about her?!!) I don’t know about you, but whenever something unpleasant in my own life is laid bare, it’s not fun at all. Nobody likes to have the ugly things exposed. There were days that felt almost gloomy when I would get a good inside look of myself. Why would God allow a season of such hard lessons? Yes, some changes were needed for sure….but, was God being cruel? Would He really want to cause me to feel worthless? Before you are quick to answer, let me say that this revealing of my sinfulness was actually a treasure- A beautiful gift. I’ll tell you why.

Isaiah 53:5 says “But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.” Today God reminded me that all my sin was placed on Jesus when He died on the cross. He paid the full price for all my sin and gave me peace and healing in its place. You see, I’ll never be good enough or sinless but because of Jesus and having received Him, my life is beautiful to God even in my sinfulness. God allowed me to go through a time of seeing more of who I really am without Him and in return, it caused me to have a much deeper love and appreciation for my Savior. What a GIFT!

There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing and loving Jesus more. To think that God would reveal more of Himself to me in this way is amazing! Today my heart rejoices in God alone! I could not live with out Him. He has covered all my transgressions and iniquities. This season as you reflect on Christmas and it’s meaning, do not leave Jesus in the manger. Yes, He was born and placed in a manger, but He did not stay there!!! He is now our risen and victorious LORD who has given us the most beautiful gift. Himself.

Adoring Jesus this Christmas.