Luke 2:4-7

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" Luke 2:4-7.

The meager beginnings of Christ always amaze me. How could someone who was born to a pregnant teenager and her fiance, who was NOT the father, in a barn no less and in a town far away from their home, stand the test of time? Most people, with the exception of some truly great people, are forgotten soon after they die. Unfortunately, there are even some people who are not even remembered by others while they are alive. But here, in the second chapter of Luke, we are told of the very humble birth of the Savior of the world, the King of the Jews.

When I think of a savior, big muscles and a grand palace come to mind. Also, I imagine a savior would have an incredible army and financial security to protect his people in any circumstance. I guess I could go on and on about how powerful he would be, and how he would have a certain charm about him that would capture even the most skeptic of minds. It is a good thing I wasn't in charge.

The more I read God's word, I realize that my idea of a savior pales in comparison with what Jesus was and IS. Instead of giving me what was popular, God gave me what is permanent. The reason why Christ has stood the test of time is because He IS. He is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). He has been and always will be. I am so glad that my life is grounded in Him now and continues to grow in Him daily. I know that even when I blow it, and that happens regularly, my weaknesses and faults are washed away by His perfection. My life in Christ is the best gift I have ever received!

Merry Christmas everybody...and Happy Birthday Jesus!

I am thankful for...

1. the promise of salvation offered by the acceptance of Christ...I know this has made my list before, but I am just so thankful for it.
2. the peaceful feeling I get when I think about the birth of Christ. If I could go back in time, I would be one of the shepherds.
3. Anu getting my boys, and me and Todd, so many wonderful Christmas presents. She didn't even sign her name to the packages...instead she signed Santa.
4. getting to spend so much time with Carey, Steve, and James.
5. knowing that even though I can't be with my Fitzpatrick family this Christmas, they are all healthy, except for my mom who is fighting a nasty bug right now, and happy in California.
6. yummy fudge.
7. Todd making a wonderful spaghetti dinner.
8. Daniel being such a good boy today, even though he didn't get a nap.
9. the fun time Michael and I have going for our mile walk around the neighborhood.
10. seeing nativity scenes when I drive around town.