A CHRISTMAS HEART

That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:17 (NAS)

A friend of mine only gets to see her son once a year due to the nature of his job on a large fishing vessel. This year when he came home their family celebrated their time together with a week at the beach. Each night as they gathered round, they celebrated a different holiday theme since her son wouldn’t be present for the actual holiday.

They sang, “Happy Birthday” and exchanged special gifts like a keepsake quilt made from her son’s old, but treasured t-shirts. The birthday festivities ended with everyone’s favorite cake. 

Thanksgiving had all the trimmings and turkey decorations. 

For Halloween their two year old granddaughter dressed in costume and went from room to room collecting treats.

Christmas brought twinkling lights, colored balls and more presents. 

The next day their little granddaughter proudly donned a Santa hat while she played on the beach. 

When I saw the adorable picture of her in bathing suit and Santa hat, I couldn’t help but think how perfect an illustration of what CHRISTmas is supposed to be. It is not meant to be a once a year celebration and then put away with all of our decorations. The point of Christmas is for all seasons, for all people, all over the world. 

Jesus came that we could have new life in Him forevermore. The joy of our salvation is meant to shine through every day of the year so that others can see Christ in us.

Thank you Jesus, that you came, not just for a season, but to be our forever God. Help us to live in a manner that shows you to the world every single day. Amen. 

©2017 Bonnie Mae Evans