On the Twelfth Day of Christmas…
My TRUE LOVE gave to me…AWE!
As I sat in my prayer chair this morning–the smell of pine filled my space. Nothing says “Christmas” like the smell of pine, the sparkle of twinkling lights and the dance of decorating around the ole’ Christmas tree! Whether you enjoy the ritual of tagging your own tree, browsing at a road side tree stand or assembling a fake fur – piece-by-piece, there’s no doubt that the “TREE” symbolizes grand entry into the holiday season.
Did you know?? The advent of the Christmas tree is noted way before the dawn of Christianity and, in fact, has undergone an evolution in its centuries old history. From a celebration of the winter solstice in ancient times to a hopeful celebration of a fruitful growing season in Roman times to a celebration of a most popular Queen in Victorian England times, the Christmas tree represents – can you guess what I’ll say? Yes, a celebration!!
I keep a prayer journal and have for 30 YEARS!! Yep–30 years worth of my very personal yet often senseless rambling are tucked away in a box under a bed for no one to see but me! As I always do around this time of year, I begin to read back over the past 12 months to see where my heart has been and how God has shown up in my past year. My journal sometimes makes me cringe over my selfish thoughts and poor behavior but this year a very different tone is obvious. 2014 was a year of tears for me. Lots of very personal heartbreak is revealed on the pages of my journal. The year has certainly kept me in a humble yet holy frame of mind. I am very happy to see the calendar turn from 2014 to 2015. None of us knows what our next year will bring but for TODAY–my heart is fixed on peace. TODAY my heart is fixed on the AWE of the manger. It has always been the same. As I reviewed and remembered the places my heart was broken last year–at the same time I was reminded that life changes–people change–friends change–homes change but JESUS says the same. His birth–His life–His death–His coming again promise.
Jesus always stays, He never leaves. He never changes. He never abandons. He never disappoints. He is never duplicitous. He never gives up on us.
As we all enjoy the hustle and bustle, the sights and sounds of this holiday season, it is in the quiet place of our hearts, the moments we take to reflect and remember, that we take time to praise the birth of Christ the King – a celebration of life in its truest, most brilliant form.
With reverence, today I reflected upon Matthew 24:35; Psalm 119:89-96 and Luke 2: 11-12. Join me will you?
The glory of God, in the flesh on earth!
He is reason enough to praise. He is mine. He is yours.
Tell me–do you journal? Can you reflect on the past year through your prayer times? If not, it might be a great New Years Resolution!!
In Him,
Pat
Yes I have been writing in journals for about 7 years. Sometimes I will just pickup one from the prior year of the same time period to reflect on what has changed in my life.
I do the same thing Deborah!!
Blessings,
Pat
I want to be better at journaling. I’ve kept notes and things but not all. 2015 will be my year to start
Darlene,
2015 is a GREAT year to start!! Maybe you could start your 2015 Journal now and share some Christmas memories to get you started!
Merry Christmas!!
Pat
Hi Pat,
I am playing catch-up after a really good weekend. I have been studying Psalm 103 this month and begin my day listening to a lovely singing of that psalm. What a way it has been to begin my day. It has definitely kept me focused on God! “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name.” I even charted all His benefits. I thought a lot about that word all. What does ‘all within me’ truly mean. It has been good. As I add to it all the thoughts you have been provoking in me, I am so enjoying this month. Thank you for the time you take to write this blog.
Kristi
ps. I love to journal. Am working on a family history journal for my children.
I have journal off and on in my spiritual journey. I was amazed when I went back over things I wrote..It let me know where I was that day or season of my life.A coffee spill or a few tears left on the papers. I need to do it more consistently cause it truly helps me to reflect on where the Lord has brought me or shown me something I needed..Felt good to write my thoughts down.
Blessings