Christmas 2008 is past and we are poised to turn the calendar once again. But before we do, I'd like to post something from a card we just received. It was printed by Zion's Hope. I'm probably infringing on a copyright here...but this is so good, I had to share.
For Unto Us a Child is Born: Jesus, unlike all others, is perfect humanity because He was virgin-born and without the Adamic sin nature.
Unto Us a Son is Given: Jesus is undiminished deity because His goings forth were of old, from everlasting. In Bethlehem, He became a man without ceasing to be God.
And the Government Shall Be Upon His Shoulder: Jesus is of the tribe of Judah and from the family of King David. He possesses inherent royalty. One day soon the kingdoms of this world will rest upon His shoulders.
And His Name Shall be Called: Jesus possesses unique identity. The four names that follow, which no other being possesses, describe characteristics of His coming kingly rule.
Wonderful Counselor: Jesus possesses faultless discernability in that, as the King of all kings, He will always make the right decision for the citizens of His kingdom.
The Mighty God: Jesus possesses absolute authority because He is omnipotent. What His wisdom decrees, His power will perform.
The Everlasting Father: Jesus possesses enduring longevity because He is literally the "Father of eternity." The Kings of Israel came and went; when Jesus returns, He will be here to stay.
The Prince of Peace: Jesus possesses perfect tranquility. Some of the good kings of Israel brought a measure of peace. Jesus is literally Sar Shalom, The "Prince of Peace."
As the greetings of "Merry Christmas" become "Happy New Year," you might not feel much conviction as you say it. 2009 looks more frightening than happy, peaceful and prosperous. Now more than ever, we need to turn to Yeshua, our only hope, our only anchor, in this tsunami we call "life." May the perfect tranquility of the Prince of Peace be yours in this new year.
I sure don't want to turn into one of those scroogy old folks who head off to Cancun for Christmas. It doesn't help that I'm dealing with a whopper of a cold right now. But doggone it, I scheduled my extra holiday time off for this week so I could deck the halls and by golly-fa-la-la, I was determined to get it done and over with.
I wearily put the tree together & fluffed it out. Carelessly wound some lights around it. And then -- oh my gosh, as I type this, I'm realizing I had a Grinch Experience! (cue WhoVille song) As I started unpacking ornaments, the memory reel started rolling. My heart grew warmer and redder and bigger and stronger! (maybe it was the fever, but no matter).
Isn't it funny how fragile, cheesy, cheap, gaudy Christmas ornaments carry so much power as to trigger warm fuzzies of Christmas past? For example: below is my all time favorite - a pear shaped glass & guess what's inside? YES, a partridge in a pear tree! Joe bought it for me, I don't remember the year, maybe '76,'77? I don't know what it is about this particular ornament, but I feel that young man's love all over again when I see it.
After the overwhelming success of the Partridge in a Pear Tree, he began a tradition of buying me a special ornament every year. Lately, we've been picking them out together. Last year, it was this cute penguin couple. Awwww!!
1975 - our 2nd Christmas, but the first one that we could afford to buy each other presents.
1979 - the Christmas I was pregnant; our last Christmas a deaux. Wow, next Christmas, this ornament will be 30! Is that considered vintage?
I just love this angel sitting so delicately on the moon. I had seen it at Marshal Field's (late 70's) & mentioned to a friend how I wanted to go back & buy it. Our office had an ornament exchange & she made sure I got this one. I always put it on the tree last & always near the top. I've lost touch with that group but this ornament always reminds me of them.
A glass globe, given by a friend who has a great heart for missions, to remind us of why the Babe was born.
