It's Christmas and I can't help myself ...
It's not the presents under the tree (there are none at this moment); it's not the anticipation of what may be on Christmas morning ...
All of that, in itself, is nothing and even empty -- incomparable -- when weighed in against the joy and silent wonder that lives in my heart.
There are those, I know, who wonder if there is a God at all; and those who do not wonder at all, but find life here and now, period.
There was a time when I knew nothing of a Saviour, nothing of the Friend who walks with me now. A time when I thought religion was just that -- religion, a set of rules to live by.
But now, my heart is overflowing with gratitude, too much not to share.
And, how shall I share it? If only with words, it would be too empty.
I will share it with my life. I'll share it by how I greet my fellow man: each man, woman, and child that I meet.
Oh, I know there will be times when I'll fail miserably, when I'll disappoint, even alienate. There will be times when anger will burn within me until I remember the grace that grips me now ... the same grace I am to offer to those I meet in my daily life.
I forgive. Those are powerful words. Those are words of grace, words of beauty, words of life.
I say them out loud, now as I have so many times silently. And, I remember, I am forgiven, as well.
Oh, grace that will not let me go.
May I never forget your magnitude.
May I never bask in your warm glow
Without sharing that warmth with others.
May I give what I have received
Burn it deep in my heart, in my subconscious, in my soul ... in that holy of holies where You dwell with me.
I can't help myself. His grace has transformed my life -- every part of it, transforming still as I yield myself to His tender mercies.
I wish you that joy in your life, the assurance that He is -- and more -- that He is for you. That He lived for you, loved for you, died in your place, and rose to bring you magnificent love and peace and grace.
He is for all ... for those who know Him, those who follow Him, and for those who do not believe.
He is the sweetest friend in my life.
I can't help but share this with you.
Merry Christmas, wherever you are.
Jo-Anne