WE ARE BLESSED

For the Lord is good and
His love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues
through all generations.
Psalm 100:5

Who doesn't love birthdays? When very young they were often days l counted days toward...presents, birthday cake, favorite meal, friends and family, etc. Even though we may celebrate those days that are ours or someone elses, bottom line is that for most of us, it' s just a day on another person's calendar. For years now, what I have celebrated,regarding a friend's birthday is it being someone who is a dear part of my life.

Such is how I feel about the birthday of Jesus. I don't object to celebrating December 25 with the frills of it through the years. I said my Christmas “pieces” at church programs, sang in Christmas choirs, decorated trees and shared gifts. I love all of that and perhaps it's my age, but I find myself celebrating Jesus and His life more frequently than just on one day.

If you are a Tennessee voter, you, like Brian and I received a card (not in envelope) that was probably mass printed and sent out to us from our local state senator. Both sides had snow scenes, beautifully done. On one side the picture seemed gray and white...a barn in a lovely area of falling snow but brightly on one side of the barn, a huge American flag in color.

The back of the card showed a Christmas greeting from the gentleman and his wife again with snow a theme. Brian looked at the card first and found the card interesting. Just above the senders names was the Bible verse I have printed above. I looked at the verse and for a moment wondered what it had to do with the season.

Looking at the verse further, it doesn't seem in the least “Christmas-sy” unlike all the lovely Christmas cards we have sent or received with verses that apply to Christmas. I read the verse over and over...how appropriate it is for the day in which we live. When we are surrounded with chaos, bad tidings of questionable joy and our faith being questioned in many areas, here I saw this precious gift of Psalm 100:5.

This card recognizes, yes, that Jesus came to earth. He couldn't be all those things mentioned in that verse if He hadn't. I love celebrating birthdays. I guess that's where I am at this time in my life with the Christmas season...what can I give Him for His birthday. I can't give Him anything to merit my salvation but, I can be Jesus with skin on, serving others in some special ways.

In these days, this “Christmas verse” is a reminder of why Jesus came, who He was and who He continues to be down through the years to where we are in our present day. I am reminded that Jesus is good. That has become such a trite word but it runs deep blending with His love that is a forever thing. I am assured of Jesus' faithfulness that is mine and that extends into my forever.

As a mom, I love remembering my children on their birthdays, however, like other parents I don't just gift my children on their birthdays. I celebrate each of them for who and what they are on many a day. I pray I will also do Jesus that honor, not just on one day of the year but on every day. I'm not downing Christmas. I love the season and the festivities. I guess I just have a personal hope for all of us who love Jesus that we would, in these days, not just think about a Baby, but of a very special Man, a good and loving Man whose faithfulness will endure down through all generations that includes our children, grandchildren and beyond. He will be there for them as He continues to be for us.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus, Your Son, who not only lived for us but died for us as well. Because of His magnificent gift, we are forgiven, loved and promised an eternity with You. Thank You that we can celebrate a Merry Christmas every day of the year because of Jesus. In His precious name...Amen