Don't keep Jesus in the manger

How precious it is to see the world through eyes of a child! Their perspective is uniquely different from ours because they see without the tainted distortions of worldly pressures. That sweet innocence is priceless and only lasts a season. But oh, if it could only last a lifetime...

Yesterday, my four-year-old granddaughter, Heather, blessed my heart. We'd been spending the day together while her Mommy and Daddy enjoyed some much needed time together. As they began their mid-day date, Heather and I were in the process of making Christmas cookies. What fun it was to help her mix up the flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Of course, there was a dusting of flour on both of our noses by the time we got through, but we didn't mind. Then, we allowed the dough to firm up a bit while we went outside to swing. Her excitement was uncontainable.

When it was time to come back inside, we enjoyed a little snack and then pulled out the dough and began to get busy. As we worked to roll out the dough, Heather said, "Gigi, this is like ta-doh." (That's her word for Play-doh) I agreed and soon we had the dough flattened and ready to cut into shapes.

I'd placed a variety of cookie cutters on the counter and allowed her to choose the ones she wanted to use. She had great fun pressing the metal cutters deep into the soft, pliable dough. I watched with delight as she carefully cut and placed each cookie onto the pan then decorated them with colored sugar sprinkles. When the pans were full, we slipped them into the oven and I encouraged her to go play while I cleaned up the kitchen.

Heather placing baby Jesus in Mary's arms

As I was busy washing the dishes and putting things away, I heard Heather talking. I listened carefully to see what she was saying and this is what I heard - "Don't cry, baby Jesus! It's okay." At that, I had to peek around the corner to see what she was doing. Standing in the foyer, in front of the nativity scene, Heather had picked up the porcelain doll figure of baby Jesus and was tenderly holding him. I continued to watch and listen as she took the small figurine and lovingly placed him into Mary's capable hands. After she'd gotten them positioned perfectly, she stepped back, looked at her work and said in her sweet little voice, "There." She just stood there looking at the figures for several minutes and then ran into the living room to play with her toys. When she was fully engulfed in what she was doing, I tiptoed over to the nativity scene to take a photo. I couldn't help but smile as I saw baby Jesus exactly where he should have been, safely and securely in the arms of his earthly mother, Mary.

Baby Jesus safe and secure

There, I was reminded of a verse of Scripture - " And she will bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus." Heather knew, without me telling her, that the baby's name was Jesus. Her Mommy and Daddy have taken time to teach her well and even though she doesn't fully grasp all His Name entails, I'm sure she understands He's very special.

The Bible tells us that children were very special and dear to Jesus. In the New Testament, we're allowed to witness a scene as Luke describes the event: "People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” We learn in this passage that Jesus loves children and he considers their innocent faith a necessary part of entering into His kingdom.

Although Heather doesn't yet understand the importance of the nativity story, in her little heart, she determined that Jesus was upset and needed comfort. When she took Jesus from the manger and carefully placed him into his Mother's arms, she instinctively knew that was the best place for him to be. And I loved how satisfied she was with herself after she'd completed her task. That one word, "there," spoke volumes to me. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was okay and that everything was exactly as it should be and that's how she knew she could walk away and not worry about baby Jesus anymore.

Of course, we know, we never have to worry about Jesus! He is always okay and constantly keeping watch over us with His loving-kindness, and Heather will learn that one day, too. But, she did teach me a sweet lesson about childlike faith and she reminded me of its importance.

In closing, another verse of Scripture comes to mind but I'll only share part of it since it seems most appropriate, "...and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6) We should all give Jesus the honor and respect due Him. At Christmas and throughout the year, we shouldn't just keep him firmly in the manger. We must learn to embrace Him and hold Him closely in our hearts, for that is the only way we can truly enjoy the true meaning of the season- love. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

May you have a very Merry Christmas and may you witness it, this year, through the eyes of a child! Don't keep Jesus in the manger...

Joy comes in the morning

"...Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b

Sunrise on the beach at Cape San Blas, Florida

New mercies every morning, Grace for every day, New hope for every trial, And courage all the way. —McVeigh

One of the things I enjoy most is being able to walk barefoot along the beach in the wee hours of the morning. Usually, I'm all alone except for a few birds as we wait expectantly for the rising of the sun. As I walk along the shore, I spend time in prayer. That precious solitude is sacred to me. In reverent awe, I pause to reflect over my life and I am filled with gratitude. I watch the birds catching tiny fish in the surf as the sun peeks over the horizon. The sky begins to change from a dusky gray to a soft, pastel pink as the sun works its way up. I raise my 35mm camera to my eye and begin to shoot. Every few seconds the sky changes color. Robin's egg blue appears, then subtly changes into a rich orange as the sun rises higher. I feel like I'm witnessing a miracle each and every time the sun rises and I continue to snap away. My heart is full of excitement as the sky begins to blaze with brilliant oranges and reds. Sunrise only lasts a short while and then, without warning, it disappears and the sun is fully up. The colors have faded into bright sunlight and the day has begun. 

This morning, I woke up bright and early. It was just before 6:00 a.m. and I padded quietly across the carpet into my office so as not to wake my sleeping husband. As I slipped into my office, I saw through the blinds, the beautiful colors of sunrise over the tops of the pine trees. I'm thankful our faces East so I can see the sunrise every morning. Although it's not as visible as the ocean sunrises because of the tall trees, I still enjoy it. I sat for the entire show and thought about how much difference a day makes. Yesterday I was distraught and feeling physical pain. I went to bed hurting but this morning, I am rested and looking forward to what the day holds. 

When King David wrote, in the Holy Bible, that weeping lasts for a night but joy comes in the morning, I wonder what trials he went to bed facing that night. I flipped back a few pages and began to read in Psalm 28. David was being persecuted and being treated unfairly by his foes. He was crying out to God for help and asking for vindication. As I read the Psalms, I often find David's words mirror mine. Although the circumstances are vastly different, I can relate to David's heart. It amazes me how God loved David so and used Him for His honor. Once, David was a lustful, sinful man. He was so filled with desire for one of his soldier's wives that he had her husband killed so he could be with her and yet...God loved him and gave him a second chance. 

Sunrises speak to me of second chances. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. We may feel hopeless and helpless one day and the next morning, those feelings have disappeared with the night. Brilliant, beautiful shades of hope are on the horizon and we are renewed. I'm so thankful weeping doesn't last forever! Sometimes I feel like it might but it never actually does. 

My body still aches and my arms have already begun to swell but I'm learning this is part of my "new normal." I'm trying my best to focus on one day at a time and in so doing, I know each morning there will be a stunning sunrise just outside my window whether I'm at the beach or looking over the treetops. It's my choice to live with the hope of all the bright new tomorrows. Yes, weeping my last for a night, but joy does always come in the morning if we focus on how very much we're loved and treasured by God. 

Be thankful and look for the sunrises! You have to rise early to catch them. My internal body clock wakes me each morning in time to witness them but you might need to set your alarm a time or two so you can see their beauty. It's worth it, I promise! Be blessed today and be filled with hope! God loves you, you know. 

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