Living the Message of Christmas

Christmas opponents may be glad that the hubbub of the season has passed. But for those who love Christ 365 days a year, Christmas continues ad infinitum as we quietly worship the One who came to us over 2000 years ago.  You can’t silence the hope that lives within the heart of every believer. You can silence the Christmas songs from the radio and sentence the decorations to discount racks, but Jesus is here to stay.

Now, you and I both know that Christmas trees, shiny window lights and Jingle Bell Rock don’t embody the message of Christmas—Jesus does. So, as I put away my decorations for another year, I think I’ll leave one symbol of Christ to remind me of the One who will come again.

Jesus, present from eternity, came as the infant Messiah who became our Savior. And, He will keep His promise to come again, this time as Lord and King. He came to set us free to live abundantly without fear—in bold confidence and forgiveness rather than condemnation.

Once you meet the Creator of all things and the Lover of your soul, you can’t pretend He doesn’t exist. You don’t want to! He settles in as LORD and gives life to all who come to know Him. He lights the fire in our spirit that no one can extinguish.

So, as we usher in the New Year, what do you hope to accomplish in light of living the message of Christmas?

Here are a few of my hopes:

Take risks to love and be loved – live boldly without fear

Be transparent so others will see Christ in me despite my failings

To reach for higher goals like writing a book and speaking more often to groups

Get involved so I step out of my comfort zone

Be intentional

Living the message of Christmas means not taking my relationships for granted, especially with God. He bought me with His blood, and I owe Him my life in return—a life lived for His glory.

So, my word 2014 is Intentional

I will live in bold confidence because of Who He is—the Great I AM.

What are your hopes for the New Year? Do you have a word or a Scripture to focus on in 2014?

Wishing you JOY in Living the Message,

                        Jeanne

 

 

 

 

Images courtesy of Morguefile.com

 Resources to help you be intentional for the New Year:

Sabbatical Rest

I'm back. A special thank you to all of my guest bloggers!! I hope you were blessed by their words; I certainly was. It was wonderful to see God at work through different eyes.

My time of sabbatical was full of rich blessings. It took quite awhile to set up the guest blogs (A note to those who would like to incorporate guest writings) but once I navigated the formatting issues it all got done. I enjoyed getting glimpses into the lives of these wonderful friends as they shared their hearts.

So, a bit about my time apart...

Fasting from Facebook was a huge goal during this time. Though I admit I did peek a little, other than announcing the blogs each week on social media, I tried very hard not to linger. This is something I want to continue. Time is so precious and once it's spent, there is no getting it back. So, one thing I learned is that,

               I want to be more intentional.

Stewardship of my day is important.

I also enjoyed my home. I cooked and baked - both of which I really enjoy. I took walks, spent time with my husband, went to visit my family, and even took a couple of days to getaway alone. All of these things filled my empty cup. If you have never planned a getaway, I highly recommend it.

A few nuggets gathered during my time alone: The words that repeated in my journal time were

chosen

intentional

Mark 3:16 says, "He appointed (chose) the twelve."

                      He chose me too

Interesting, that Ephesians 1:5 says that God 'chose us from the foundation....by the kind intention of His will.'

                      Being intentional involves making choices

As my hubby and I rode bikes to Watch Hill, RI and saw all the 'McMansions'...

           He is preparing a place for me - a mansion in glory

As I sat by the ocean early one morning with a cup of tea, a tractor was grading the sand - wiping away yesterday's flaws.

                  

His mercy is new every morning 

 

 

In the gentle peace of this place

You are here

I'm listening to the surroundings

Will you touch my soul with the burning coal of your presence

Light the fire of your love alive in me

Quicken my heart to beat with yours

 

Have you taken time to be alone with God lately? What have you heard through your surroundings?

 

A getaway may be just the thing to help encourage intentional living.

 

 

Jeanne

 

Photos by Jeanne Doyon 2013



Suggestions for intentional living and drawing near to God: