A moment of nostalgia this morning as my husband an I are truly empty nesters. Since 2012, we have cared for his mom, she’s with the Lord in September as her journey on this earth ended and she began her walk eternally as she’s with God. In 2 Corinthians 5:8 says,”We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” I miss my mother-in-law. I have cried a bucket of tears. We have not always seen eye to eye. Needless to say, I walked in forgiveness. But in the four years we developed a different relationship and really bonded, so I really miss her. As I was thinking of the many Christmas Eve’s, I really reflected on the fact that as a family we gathered together in one place to celebrate.
In Luke 2 we read of another gathering. Caesar Augustus issued a degree that a census must be taken of the entire Roman world Joseph and Mary returned to Bethlehem. Mary due to have her baby at any time made the long arduous trip only to arrive and no room in the hotels. As I was reading the story this year, I wanted something new and then I read it Jesus was named by the angels.
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” Luke 2:21
We gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus and we bring gifts to one another but the greatest gift is the gift we received when Jesus agreed to be come a man. When he agreed to leave his heavenly home and come and be born a babe laid in swaddling clothes lying in a manager. When he agreed to leave the Garden of Gethsemane and go to the cross so that those of us who believe in him according to John 3: 16-17 will have eternal live.
For God soloved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but haveeternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.…
Last night was different but my husband and I spent it with our family, a family of children running and playing and receiving gifts. We miss you Mom……..
