Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Christmas


“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Isaiah 9:2&6

This past Sunday, we put together a Christmas tree with lights and the children made crafts to decorate the tree.  It’s become a tradition with the children to make and put decorations on the tree and they love it!  Pretty much every child made a craft (on a normal Sunday only about half want to make crafts). My favorite part about the tree was seeing downcast faces light up with joy at the sight of the tree. 

J is a little girl who is in a rough house and often struggles. Sunday, she got off the bus and was right away in a sad mood.  She was sitting and talking with Mary, and I came up and said, “J I’ve got a surprise in the other room.” She looked up intriguingly but with a dash of disbelief.  Mary told her, “J, there’s a Christmas tree in there with lights!” She quietly stood up, went to the tree, made two ornaments, and got into the routine of the evening. 

J's story reminds me of God’s love.  Is that not how Christ treats us? He says: “Come in and be warm! You are family and loved! Bask in the beauty, and receive rest and joy.”  May we all remember Christ’s love for us this Christmas and trust and rest in Him.