Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
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Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Ps. 103:4-5
By: Carol McClain @carol_mcclain
Christmas. The only thing that matters is gift-giving.
Yep. That's not a typo. I mean every word of it, but probably not the way you're thinking.
It's the gift given to us. Again, not as you're thinking.
Like everyone else, I've made many boo-boos in my life. How many?
Blogs are supposed to be short, so I can't enumerate them (however, inventorying my sins would give me blog topics for the rest of my life.
Some sins have been small. Still, despite their size, they're quite damning. Those are probably the things I'd tell you about. Others have shamed me, and I spent my long and grace-filled life hiding them from the world at large.
But now, Christmas comes, and I recall the true meaning of Christmas--getting gifts:
- Jesus pulled me out of the pit. I wholeheartedly believe I would have been a suicide had I not given my life to God. Lately, He's been healing the core of my soul, and it is divine.
- God gave me a wonderful life. I have a loving family, terrific friends, and interests that fill my days. Sometimes, they're too full. For the first time in my life, I have to turn down social engagements.
- I find joy where I'm planted. My home in northern New York sat among some of the most beautiful scenery the United States offers. In East Tennessee, the beauty and the climate and the economic benefits make each day a joy. Can you imagine waking up each morning and seeing the glory of where God planted you?
- My youth is restored like an eagle's. Although chronologically I'm older, I feel like the youth I share my Bible study with. Everything is exciting. I'm learning new things. My youth is definitely reanimated.
Psalm 103 has been my meditation and the above two verses are only a fragment of the psalms richness. It's one I believe should be part of our Christmas message.
Truly, we've got the best gift of all. What gifts has Jesus given you this year?
Very nice Carol! I can not list all of the gifts I have been blessed to receive, but like you, first and foremost, the gift I am MOST thankful for is my salvation from 'the pit'. I too have a wonderful life with an absolutely wonderful family. I have good health to hopefully be able to see the United States with my husband in our motor home. Hopefully, one of those trips will bring us to Eastern Tennessee! Praise God and Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a home with us here. I'd so love to reconnect with you two.
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