So Christmas is around the corner and all the hustle and bustle is upon us. Yet, some have lost that Christmas cheer! It's become a chore to get out the door, let alone be happy about the Christmas season! It's a great day and friends, family, food but that joy seems to be lost somewhere in the flood of decorations that are everywhere ! You can't walk into a store without seeing something of Christmas, stocking and Santa !
Yet, the blues have settled into your heart and there. Is just no more room for all that Christmas joy! All you want is to get through the days and make it into the next year, cause good things will be there in the days to come. So can we just skip all the joy and move right on to the new year?
Sadly, no! We have to go to mass and church and hear about the joy and the true gift of Christmas! We go back to God in theses times when all our joy is lost to find hope once again! It is in Christ that we have hope, live and true joy! All others are superficial and will let you down. Any other joy is just a temporary fix and will fade! Yet that joy from the Lord is always present. It's there when you are blue, green or any other color. It tends to be masked by things of the world when we are caught up in everything but God ! When we lose sight of Him and who we are in Him that our joy tends to fade and we focus solely on worldly things!
We children of the Lord we are able to have the security and the love of the Lord; along with His joy at all times in our lives. We know that His live and guidance will help us through all circumstances when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel! His light is there and if we reach out and take His hand he will guide us to that never ending love and joy that only He can give! It's a joy and love that will guide you through all things.
So as we walk into this Christmas season we are able to reach out and find the hand of God there waiting to show you the joy of the season. More the. Giving and receiving gifts, rather the joy of the the Lord in the birth of Jesus! In Him we have love and joy that will never cease if we are willing to reach out and take His hand to walk with Him this Christmas season.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
4 Weeks
There is a whole 4 weeks until we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is the most wonderful time of the year. A time of sharing and giving and some recieving of wonderous gifts. Yet, it is the most hetic time of the year as well. It is a time when we all rush to accomplish all that we need to do beofre Christmas eve or Christmas Day. A time when we find all of our time is taken up by cleaning, shopping, baking, writing out cards, mailing presents to those who are not near during this time of the year. Yet, there is more to Christmas and these four weeks then we realize.
It is in these four weeks that we begin to really prepare our hearts to recieve the love of the Heavenly Father and that of His gift of Jesus. In this time we should be seeking God in an more intimate manner as we are preparing to celebrate his vigin birth into the world and all that it has to offer us as Christians. It is during this time that we are able to reach out to those who are in need, hurting and really share that Love of Jesus with them. Christmas can be a hard day for many individuals and families who are hurting and are afraid to show that deep hurt and pain. By showing them the Love and that gift if Jesus we can share with them a piece of our heart and a part of our joy that is always within us because of the Hope that Jesus brings to our lives. We have this joy because of that personal relationship that we have with Jesus, and knowing He is there when we cal or cry out to Him!
It is in these four weeks that we are so wrapped up in the presents, baking, cooking and others things that we have to do to fully prepare the family and home for the glorous day that we often overlook so many things. We often forget that there are famlies out there that are really struggling to make ends meet, or if there children get a gift at all it will be a miracle because right now all they are focusing on is keeping them in there home. We can be a blessing to them and so many others in Christmas season. We can pick one of the tags off the tree at the mall, in the church and bless that child, adult or family in a manner that they would not be able to do on their own. We can get that tag and find a gift, but what if we blessed them in a manner that they would not expect, if they ask for a coat, get the gloves, scarf and hat that goes with it. Pick up a couple of extra outfits if the child needs clothes, you don't know long long they have to last that child and it could be close to a year before they get something new. Or when you buy that barbiew get some accessories that go with it. That child will be blessed and so happy on Christmas morning because you took the time to give to them. We can give to those in the parish as well, the sisters and priest who work so hard to keep things running smoothly at the church year round and never ask for a thing in return. They rarely get a thank you, or positive feedback. Take the time bake an extra set of cookies for them, or pick up a gift card for something you know they like. If you are unsure take the time to email the church office and ask what cookies, brownies or what their favorite store is and bless them in that way to say thank you for their service to you all year.
By giving of ourself to others, God takes notice. He sees when we are there helping those in need, and will give that blessing back to us in ways that we could never expect. By giving to those who have less, those who are hurting by giving them time to talk to you, you are giving them a piece of God's hope and love. We are after all His children, and we are to reach out and help those who are in need. If we know of a need and cannot meet it, help them get in touch with others who can guide them in the right direction, and take the time to call them and see how they are doing during this wonderous time of the year. It is amazing to see how much one can belss others in these 4 weeks if we take the time to reach out to those around us.
It is in these four weeks that we begin to really prepare our hearts to recieve the love of the Heavenly Father and that of His gift of Jesus. In this time we should be seeking God in an more intimate manner as we are preparing to celebrate his vigin birth into the world and all that it has to offer us as Christians. It is during this time that we are able to reach out to those who are in need, hurting and really share that Love of Jesus with them. Christmas can be a hard day for many individuals and families who are hurting and are afraid to show that deep hurt and pain. By showing them the Love and that gift if Jesus we can share with them a piece of our heart and a part of our joy that is always within us because of the Hope that Jesus brings to our lives. We have this joy because of that personal relationship that we have with Jesus, and knowing He is there when we cal or cry out to Him!
It is in these four weeks that we are so wrapped up in the presents, baking, cooking and others things that we have to do to fully prepare the family and home for the glorous day that we often overlook so many things. We often forget that there are famlies out there that are really struggling to make ends meet, or if there children get a gift at all it will be a miracle because right now all they are focusing on is keeping them in there home. We can be a blessing to them and so many others in Christmas season. We can pick one of the tags off the tree at the mall, in the church and bless that child, adult or family in a manner that they would not be able to do on their own. We can get that tag and find a gift, but what if we blessed them in a manner that they would not expect, if they ask for a coat, get the gloves, scarf and hat that goes with it. Pick up a couple of extra outfits if the child needs clothes, you don't know long long they have to last that child and it could be close to a year before they get something new. Or when you buy that barbiew get some accessories that go with it. That child will be blessed and so happy on Christmas morning because you took the time to give to them. We can give to those in the parish as well, the sisters and priest who work so hard to keep things running smoothly at the church year round and never ask for a thing in return. They rarely get a thank you, or positive feedback. Take the time bake an extra set of cookies for them, or pick up a gift card for something you know they like. If you are unsure take the time to email the church office and ask what cookies, brownies or what their favorite store is and bless them in that way to say thank you for their service to you all year.
By giving of ourself to others, God takes notice. He sees when we are there helping those in need, and will give that blessing back to us in ways that we could never expect. By giving to those who have less, those who are hurting by giving them time to talk to you, you are giving them a piece of God's hope and love. We are after all His children, and we are to reach out and help those who are in need. If we know of a need and cannot meet it, help them get in touch with others who can guide them in the right direction, and take the time to call them and see how they are doing during this wonderous time of the year. It is amazing to see how much one can belss others in these 4 weeks if we take the time to reach out to those around us.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Holidays
It is a joyous time of year. A time when the holidays are upon us and we look forward to spending time with those that we love. It is when we take the time when we decorate and celebrate the Holidays. There seems to be a spring in our step as we prepare to celebrate family and friends. When we all come together, and share with one another freely.
It is more than the Holidays though, it is Christmas time, a time in today’s society that has become more about the last minute shopping, Santa, hanging of stocking by the fire place, putting the new wreath on the door. Oh and don't forget the lights. We put the lights on the trees, bushes and on the outside of the house as well. The nativity scene that we set beneath the Christmas tree to help remind us what it exactly we are celebrating. We spend so much time preparing, baking and shopping, wrapping, cleaning that it is easy to lose the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. It is a time when we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the gift of His son Jesus. When we sit at church / mass and listen to story of how Jesus is born, the wonder of the marvelous story of a virgin giving birth and a man willing to marry her even though she was with child prior to any relations. Something that was nearly unheard of was a man that would stand at her side proudly. It is a story of a gift that was given to all of us.
Christmas is about us celebrating His birth, where we take the time to give a small piece of ourselves to another in a form of a gift. The time that we put into the selection and wrapping of the present. Much like the Heavenly Father giving Jesus to Mary and her wrapping him to lay in the manger for the world to see Him. It is a precious gift.
It is that of a Lord and Savior that cares and loves us no matter what, a Lord that forgives and forgets. A Lord that remembers no wrong doing; a Lord that loves you so deeply that he see every tear that you shed. It can be in public or in the privacy of the bedroom. He sees your pain, your hurt and is there to comfort you with His loving arms and His Words of Comfort. He knows you intimately, so much so that He knows every hair that is on your head, even those that have fallen out. He knows the inner working of your heart, he sees your dreams, your pain, your deep hidden pain that you are afraid to share, and He knows the shame that you hold in your heart. He is there and knows you, and is willing to help you, guide you through that pain, shame and bring you to the side of joy and freedom. His Love is never ending and is ever present to you if you simply cry out to Him.
His forgiveness and love is always there and the door is always open to you, knock and it will be opened and you can walk into the arms of Jesus the true gift of Christmas. Sit in His love and find that eternal peace.
It is more than the Holidays though, it is Christmas time, a time in today’s society that has become more about the last minute shopping, Santa, hanging of stocking by the fire place, putting the new wreath on the door. Oh and don't forget the lights. We put the lights on the trees, bushes and on the outside of the house as well. The nativity scene that we set beneath the Christmas tree to help remind us what it exactly we are celebrating. We spend so much time preparing, baking and shopping, wrapping, cleaning that it is easy to lose the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. It is a time when we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the gift of His son Jesus. When we sit at church / mass and listen to story of how Jesus is born, the wonder of the marvelous story of a virgin giving birth and a man willing to marry her even though she was with child prior to any relations. Something that was nearly unheard of was a man that would stand at her side proudly. It is a story of a gift that was given to all of us.
Christmas is about us celebrating His birth, where we take the time to give a small piece of ourselves to another in a form of a gift. The time that we put into the selection and wrapping of the present. Much like the Heavenly Father giving Jesus to Mary and her wrapping him to lay in the manger for the world to see Him. It is a precious gift.
It is that of a Lord and Savior that cares and loves us no matter what, a Lord that forgives and forgets. A Lord that remembers no wrong doing; a Lord that loves you so deeply that he see every tear that you shed. It can be in public or in the privacy of the bedroom. He sees your pain, your hurt and is there to comfort you with His loving arms and His Words of Comfort. He knows you intimately, so much so that He knows every hair that is on your head, even those that have fallen out. He knows the inner working of your heart, he sees your dreams, your pain, your deep hidden pain that you are afraid to share, and He knows the shame that you hold in your heart. He is there and knows you, and is willing to help you, guide you through that pain, shame and bring you to the side of joy and freedom. His Love is never ending and is ever present to you if you simply cry out to Him.
His forgiveness and love is always there and the door is always open to you, knock and it will be opened and you can walk into the arms of Jesus the true gift of Christmas. Sit in His love and find that eternal peace.
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