This Christmas I was joyful as I felt the presence of the Lord lead me to truly love and forgive those that have deeply wounded and offended me. It was so liberating, not easy at first,but so meaningful. I had prayed and prayed for it to be a special kind of Christmas and finally asked what would make it special for Jesus. Giving His birth purpose and meaning, a celebration of the real reason for the holiday is what allowed me to share in His presence of abounding love, peace, and joy. He just wants us to truly love one another and forgive each other. He has said " if you Love me, then Obey me." (John 14:15) What greater gift to Jesus than to truly give our hearts in obedience to love and forgive each other even when it hurts, when that person might not ever know or truly understand just what you are doing. That's what makes it special because He knows, and He is a re-warder of those that diligently seek and obey Him.(Hebrews 11:6) "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you." (Mathew 5:44) Its also a sign of trust. Trusting that your Lord can heal you and fulfill His promise,such as "..heaping hot coals upon their heads!" lol (Proverbs 25:22)The Lord will reward your willingness and obedience. Honestly, the joy and peace that comes from forgiving really is more than enough! I might have to keep doing it a few times, but I am forever glad and not going to let unforgiveness hinder me in anything!
This Christmas I knew as soon as it started to feel frustrating and too commercial I had to quickly drop it into His hands and not be moved out of my peace. Getting upset because you can't buy the gifts you want, or because the world is stirring about you in chaos is not what Christmas is about. Its about remembering that GOD, the Father, Himself gave us HIS most precious gift of love. An awesome thought is knowing HE started the whole ritual of giving during this holiday called CHRISTMAS. First He gave us His son, then He gave His son great riches and provision through the hands and feet of 3 wise-men, and all the glory in heaven and earth through the shouts and praises of the angels, and through the kneeling of the wise-men. Think about it!
This Christmas I didn't put up a tree, but we got all the gifts we had hoped under it would be! lol I went to the phone store to buy my kids androids and wasn't getting much accomplished in affordable cost so I left. As I accepted that this Christmas He would have to be the gift giver, I went back to the store to receive two android phones for only $9.99 each, and all the accessories such as car chargers and phone cases for free.(Cuz that's how He do!) Went to purchase the kids some hair straighteners but they were all sold out of the ones I wanted to buy for them, but He provided some better ones later at a discounted price. New shoes that normally cost $65.00 were sitting only one pair in just the right size, in just the right hidden spot for a clearance price of $12.00 at Kohls. The Paris picture that my princess wanted had just been at the store was completely gone. Finally found it at another store and low and behold it scanned for $7.65 when it was tagged for $39.99 with no sale sign attached. Its okay to want to buy and give gifts, these things happened just this way so I would know it was HIM giving us the gifts this Christmas. He's so good! When it looks impossible you just have to say BUT GOD! Yes He can, and yes He will!
This Christmas I just wanted to share all that He had shared with me.
