Preparing room....

I just finished putting the front yard decorations out.  After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer to is sing aloud for all to hear!

Is it too early to start talking about taking it all down?  You know, when the Christmas season is over.  Like a modern day Isaiah, Hobby Lobby has been foretelling of its coming for months now.  But what happens when it's all said and done?

One of my favorite Christmas lines is in the first verse of Joy to the World...."let every heart prepare Him room".  The longer I walk with God, the more I see the truth of what God does to a heart when one allows Him space inside it, and keeps Him there close by.  Anyone can know who God is.  Scripture reminds us that even Satan knows He exists.  We can't stop at salvation either.  I accept Jesus as my Savior.  But what about the Lord part?  Does He rule in your heart?  In your life beyond the season?      

The truth about Christmas for me is that it doesn't really matter much what you do at this time of year, if you're not living up to it the rest of the year.  What holiday magic really creates a relationship among family members that only see each other for the sake of the season?  That angel tree gift is a wonderful gesture, but the poor are still in need the rest of the year, too.  We love to say, "Keep Christ in Christmas" but what about the rest of the year?  Where are you keeping Him then?  Does He go back into storage with the nativity scene until next December?

Let every heart prepare Him room....

The gift of God's son is a life changing gift, from the inside out....not just a seasonal one.  We can celebrate Christmastime all we want with a lighted Christmas tree and ornaments, decorated cookies and packages.  Or we can do none of it at all!  Christ isn't just interested in being a part of your holiday celebration.  He wants you all the time.  

Heavenly Father, this time of year it is easy to be swept up with celebrating and decorating, gift-buying and preparations.  All of these traditions can indeed be so much fun.  But, Father, when the season is over and everything is packed away let me remember that You are still on the throne!  You are my Savior AND my Lord.  Let my actions this holiday season be a continuation of the good works You have accomplished through me so far, and lead me further in Your name into the new year ahead.  Amen.

Love them anyway...

Have you seen this video yet, of Paul Rugg and his Chihuahua?  Paul explains how he unwinds after a long day with his furry companion. (Follow the link to watch the video on YouTube.  It kills me!!  Every. Single. Time.)  Of course you learn that the dog isn't in quite the same place as Paul is on this.
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLu2CFDBJk0

I think loving on people is sometimes like the situation in this video.  It's supposed to make you feel good and fill you up inside.  It's supposed to be life changing and heart changing.  But some people just gnaw on your hand.  Repeatedly. 

Some people are hard to love.

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. 

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:27-36

This isn't the message the world gives us.  It requires a strength and grace the world can't provide.  But then again, my friends, we're not in this for the world.

Whoever might be challenging you today, keep up the good work.  The world isn't always going to respond the way you want it to, but if we stop trying the enemy wins.  Not by our own strength or for our own glory do we love on others, but because Christ loved us first. 

So hang in there, friends.  You're making a difference.

XOXO....Kelly