Greetings to you in the name of the One who is the reason for the season we are celebrating, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What an interesting morning in the Kingdom – sunshine, snow, clouds, sunshine again, more snow, and then clouds again – at least we won’t be bored. I trust that you had a good week with all of its twists and turns. I hope you are looking forward to gathering with your church family to celebrate, to pray together, to encourage each other, to laugh-sing-care together, and to fellowship. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to bless you with health, strength, happy hearts, and ‘living hope’ !
Well…it is new release Friday and there are no new ‘cd’s’ singing out at me. Sad news, I know. However I have had a cd that I have had for a week or two that I have been listening to–and trying to find lyrics so that I could sing along with it. Today I found some of the lyrics I was looking for and now I can appreciate the songs with new understanding. The cd – ‘The Thrill of Hope’ is from a young woman called, Christy Nockels and it has some original songs as well as unique arrangements of old favourites.
One of the songs is entitled, ‘Amaryllis’ and it has a chorus that says: Like an amaryllis-Bloomin’ at Christmas-When everything is cold and dark-Your love breaks through and You shine-Oh, how You shine, with the brilliance of summer-Right in the middle of winter-Ever surprising the night like a Christmas amaryllis. It creates a beautiful image in one’s mind.
I was reminded that so much of the birth of Jesus was a visual experience for those involved. In fact, I believe that every scene of the nativity reveals that everyone…parents, wisemen, shepherds, inn-keeper, angels, and even the animals had their eyes focused on the baby. I am challenged to remind others and myself that during this season we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. It is good to read the story and pray the prayers and sing the songs and be busy … but if we really want to find meaning in Christmas – we need to see Jesus, and we never know where He will show up and love will shine through.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus – To reach out and touch Him and say that we love Him … Turn your eyes upon Jesus-Look full in His wonderful face … See Him in a manger lay-Born for us this Christmas day ... Have a great weekend and be blessed!