Welcome to our world

“Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”  Luke 2:11

He’s the reason we celebrate today. He’s the reason we experience forgiveness. He’s the reason we can have hope in the midst of darkness and confusion. And goodness, I live on hope these days. Even with the unusual pain I’ve been experiencing, even with longing to be healthy and cancer-free, even with the yearning to have many more years with my family, I can reflect on Christmas, what Jesus did and find comfort. I’ll be honest, being cancer-free would provide even more comfort but that’s not my reality – at least not today. I’m so sad I can’t say that right now but – I can’t. (Although, we’re praying boldly that “cancer-free” will be my reality in 2014.)

So, I look to the babe who gave up everything to give me everything. He knows what it means to count the cost. He knows what it means to hear His Father’s voice and submit, even when it was infinitely hard, even when it didn’t make a lick of sense. Bottom line - He knows . . . and the beautiful thing is He knows me, my heart, my desires, my fears. He knows because this little babe was fully God wrapped in humanity. And for that, I am thankful. Although I love so many of the Christmas carols and hymns we sing during this season, I can’t help but look at the little baby Jesus who chose to come to man by the humblest of means and sing . . .

Jesus loves me. This I know.
For the Bible (manger) tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible (manger) tells me so. 

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to us when we needed you most – when I needed you most. Thank you for the promise you will never leave us. Thank you for Christmas.