Daily and Weekly Christian Inspiration
What would this world be like without you?
Happy birthday to a mighty handmaiden of the Lord! It is always so good to celebrate each other on these very special occasions and partake in their joy.
We celebrate you today, Mo, for blessing others with your precious servant’s heart.
Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Taking a day to just enjoy Christmas in New York City with the smell of chestnuts and pretzels wafting in the air to the backdrop of the sound of Christmas carols everywhere and the Salvation Army ringing bells collecting for the less fortunate. After enjoying lunch at Saks, we spent the afternoon leisurely strolling down Fifth Avenue taking in the Christmas sounds and scenes as we stop to admire the decor and window displays from Saks, Bergdorf Goodmans, Lord & Taylor and many other stores all with their own unique style. Although the avenue was packed with the usual hustle and bustle of busy Christmas shoppers, many were taking the time to flock into the beautiful old Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church to hear Handles Messiah. Even though the weather was not seasonable for Christmas in New York with a high of 60 degrees we still felt the wonder of Christmas. I may appreciate the peace and quiet of living out in the country but sometimes I just love the quote from the old TV show Green Acres. “Darling I love you but give me Fifth Avenue!”
As we head into heat of the Christmas season with the frustrating lines in the stores, the tangled lights that don’t work after hours of decorating, the strained relationships especially within families, the baking that was a flop, the stress to fit all the activities into your calendar are only examples of the pressure cooker we make of the season as we blow our tops and lose the joy of the season, I am cautioned by this word my heavenly Papa dropped into my heart.
Dear Child,
The pressure and stress that robs you of the joy of this season has been manufactured by man and led man into slavery when this season was to set man free from the bondage of this world. The angels cry “Joy to the world” not “Stress to the world”.
Do not try to package my gift in wrapping paper of stress tied up with a bow of pressure!
My gift came wrapped in joy and tied with love.
May the joy of the season overflow from your hearts as you extend your arms as ribbons of love to others.
Thus saith Papa
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
CHALLENGE: Do not let the world pour you into its mold of stress during this season of joy.
Thank you, Father, for the opportunity to travel far and wide just to be together!
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights.