Tis the season

CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas season is a great time of year, and it's hard to stay focused on the important things. This is the introduction to our toddler Bible called The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every story whispers His name:

"The Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bibles is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true!

There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. At at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you see a beautiful picture.

And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend. This is the Child who would one day - but wait. Our story starts where all good stories start. Right at the very beginning..."

"The child upon whom everything would depend" WOW!!

I find myself relieved to know that regardless of what gifts we give or do not give, receive or do not receive, tree we decorate, candles we light, wreath we hang, lights we light, cookies we bake, cards we mail, family we see, family we don't see, clothes we wear, is said or unspoken...Jesus is born, and nothing can change that. Our hopes and expectations are already fulfilled because God was faithful to the covenant He made when Eve and Adam sinned. I am grateful to be content even during this possibly stressful time by remembering that everything depends on one child who already accomplished it all, and that every day is meant to honor Him.

The evergreen tree reminds us of the everlasting love of God.

The lights on the evergreen remind us that He is the light of the world.



The advent wreath is a circle to show that God's love is without end or beginning. We light one candle each week to remind us 1. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and gave the world Hope 2. Jesus is the way and the Light in our darkness 3. Jesus is the lasting Joy to the world 4. Jesus brings Peace to the world 5. Christ's birth and the expectation of his return.

May this time of year draw you closer to God and the understanding of Jesus in your life. Blessings to you and your family!!