There are two little ones playing this game at my feet. There's a brother wrapped up in a blanket listening intently to his father reading while looking out the window wishing, hoping for snow.
There's that one sibling who's supposed to be listening quietly but in reality is trying to ruin the little ones' game.
Seriously, in the few moments it took me to write that paragraph, our peaceful evening has been disrupted.
Peace. that five letter word that everyone longs for. This word is all through our house in the Christmas season. It's on ornaments. And Christmas cards. It's in songs.
Because truly, Christmas is not peaceful. There are enormously long lines at walmart. There are crazy sales and more parties than you can count.
Now that Christmas is over and done, I'm sick and tired of crazy. This 2014, I'm yearning for peace.
So, as we inch towards this new year, I'm going to inch towards peace. This five letter word may change my life.
Our Church's theme for Christmas this year is joy.
Instead of fear, choose joy.
Fear of the economy, sickness, broken relationships.
Joy in Christ's provision, healing, blessed friendships.
There's a common theme in the Christmas story- a theme of don't be afraid.
Mary, when the angel comes to her? Don't be afraid.
The shepherds, when the angels came? Don't be afraid.
Jesus, when he has to come to take our sin? I can imagine his father speaking~ don't be afraid.
I love to write a Christmas song every year- here's my meager attempt to convey my feelings...
Do not be afraid, do not be anxious/ For the babe you'll bear will be the savior of the world/ And though you will be scorned, always come back to me/ Though you're just a girl, you are so precious to me/
Do not be afraid, I come bringing good news/ For you've been chosen to tell the world that the savior is born/ And though some won't believe you, always come back to me/ Though you're just shepherds, you are so precious to me/
Do not be afraid, my son, I will miss you/ For you must go and tell the world of my amazing grace/ And though you will be so abused, always come back to me/ Though you'll become the least of them, you are so precious to me/
Do not be afraid, my child, you are chosen/ For you must tell of my love, you must tell that the savior is born/ And though you will be turned away, always come back to me/ Though you're just one, you are so precious to me/
That last verse? That's for you. You've been chosen to proclaim of His Love.
Do not be afraid, for perfect love casts out all fear/ Do not be afraid, proclaim of my love from the highest of heights/
And I'll hold you're hand through the darkest night/ When fear blinds you I'll be you're light/ I'll carry you down the longest road/ When fear steals joy I'll be you're hope/
