A Christmas To Remember

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:15-18 NKJV

Good Morning Girlfriends:

Each year since my children have been out on their own, we have our Christmas dinner the day after Christmas, that is about the only day we can all get together at the same time. Christmas day is my time to prepare everything for the following day, as to make things easier and quicker for myself. Putting the turkey in the oven the night before, I cook it on low throughout the night so it will be ready mid morning and free up the oven for other goodies to go in. This year was going to go a little different it seemed, as I looked in the oven first thing that morning, I noticed some sparks and sizzling was taking place at the bottom of the oven, realizing very quickly the element was about to burn out. Thinking fast on my feet I thought of a plan to keep things going, I had twelve people to feed.

Texting my friend first thing that morning, I had asked her if I could bring the turkey and dressing out to her house to finish cooking it there, quickly getting myself together I was on my way. It didn't take long to get the turkey and dressing in the oven, and we sat to have breakfast together and I was on my way back to my house to finish everything else, while my friend offered to bring the turkey and dressing when it was cooked. Climbing into my car, turning the key, my car would not start, so back into my friends house I ran looking for a little more help from her. Again another game plan came into action, I drove her car home and she had someone come to give my car a boost, in which she drove back to my place later with the turkey and dressing in hand.

I am so thankful that I had everything already cut up and sitting in the refrigerator ready to be brought out to be cooked. The table was already set up from the day before so it didn't take long to get everything whipped up and ready for my family to appear. During conversation that day it was brought up about what had happened with the oven, and a comment was made that if it were that person that it happened to they said they probably would have thrown a fit as we laughed together. Explaining that throwing a fit would not have changed my situation, keeping a clear mind to be able to think and react quickly was the only smart reaction that would help get things done, also having a wonderful friend who was quick to respond was helpful.

Girlfriends, we never know what each day is going to hold or what will transpire, so it is important to keep our nose in God's word and let it get deep down on the inside of us in order how to handle little things like what happened to me. As I think back at how Mary must have felt when she was visited by an angel that was telling her she was going to carry a baby from the holy spirit and that when she brought forth this child, He was going to save the world, now that was a lot to take in. Then as time went by and everyone in the town would have known that she and Joseph were not married yet, but she was carrying a baby, what she must have been thinking and feeling and wondering what everyone else was saying about her. An angel had to come to Joseph and confirm to him that indeed this baby that Mary was carrying was from God and not to worry that it was all a part of God's plan and it would be fulfilled.

A little later down the road they were off to Bethlehem to find a place for Mary to give birth to this baby, and as this was told to the shepherds by God's angels they too knew about God's plan and wanted to see it being fulfilled, in which they did see for themselves, they bowed to worship the King.

We have our plans that we make each day and sometimes for our life as well, but as we come to know the Lord a little closer our plans may not be His plans that He has for us. It wasn't in my plans for my oven to burn out with food still to cook, nor was it probably Mary's plan to give birth to a baby, not even being married, as well as knowing the full extent of what was going to be. As my little mishap happened, I had to go with the flow so to say, and so did Mary even though she didn't completely know what the full out come would be. Sometimes things happens to us, but other people do not know what goes on behind the scene that led up to where it brought us to the place we are today.

We need to remember that God does not show everyone what His plan is for people, so I have learned just because it does not look right to us, doesn't mean that God is not in it, it doesn't mean that He is not going to use it for His purpose, Amen? We know the Christmas story and what God's purpose was for baby Jesus to be born, we may not know right this moment what God's purpose was for the things that we have went through, but in time it will all come out in our story what His purpose was and is for each of our lives as well.

Let's Pray,

Father God, I thank you for the Christmas season, and I thank you for the Christmas story of why Your Son was born and what His purpose was for. Lord I pray that as our lives unfolds, You would use each of us in a special way to make a difference in this world in which we live. Lord I pray for that dear soul who has never had the opportunity to open up their heart to you. Lord I pray that You would visit that person in a very unique and special way so that they would feel Your presence all around them. Let them feel Your love envelope their heart today as they receive You as their personal Savior in the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Be blessed, and pass the blessings on to everyone you come in contact with.