Today there are so many little things to be done before Christmas arrives. But I am still sitting at the base of the tree with gifts all around.  Tears fall like rain and I am overwhelmed by the Love, over the who was once hanging on a tree of hate, shame and sin, so He could rescue me. His tree had none of the glitz and glamour of the tree before me.  It was raw and splintered and a reason for us to turn away instead of sit and gaze.

I have no desire to move from this place, I only want to sit here beneath it’s brightly garnished boughs and listen to Him speak. Not from lofty and high places, but from within my heart. The place He has humbly lived with me for over fifty years. Thank you , Lord Jesus.

Emmanuel, God is with us.

“There were Shepherd’s camping in the neighborhood.  They had set night watches over their sheep.  Suddenly, God’s angel stood  among them and God’s glory blazed around them.  They were terrified.  The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid.  I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everyone, worldwide: A Savior has been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.  This is what you are to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and laying in a manger, because there is no room in the hotel.'” (Luke 2:8-14 MSG)

And when they arrived, did they kneel by his bed to see him? Did they sing the songs their mothers taught to them? Did they burped air from their bellies to make him laugh? Did they offer their finger for the babe to hold as their hearts were given in complete love for one who loved them first?

Young pimpled face boys whose voices still toggle between soprano and bass are given a message that will change the world. Not yet men, but not boys, they hear words meant for all mankind and are trusted in taking it to the streets.

Who else would dare to crawl into manure filled caves to search for a manager and a baby born to die? A baby already dressed in grave clothing. Who would seek Emanuel among the animals? Who else would believe the Bread of Heaven would be wrapped in humanity and lay in a trough meant for feeding sheep?

Only an adventure of such importance and trust, can move the play of adolescence into an adventure for God. Only the passion for God can change clear the path for a boy to walk, that changes him into a man and brings a message for all mankind.

And when the angels sing about the birth of Christ did the shepherds know the rejoicing was for them as well?  

 ^“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 )

When you find Christ and kneel before him in adoration and surrender, the angels rejoice over you as they did the night they rejoiced over Christ’s birth. Did you know that?

This Christmas, let’s put away the tinsel and the glitter for a moment, and return to our first love.

Let’s return our heart to the one who is eternal, and came wrapped in the temporal, to save the terminal from certain death. (Tweet This)

Question:  Do you remember when you accepted Christ?  Tell me about your salvation beginning. Was it manure filled or in a field of responsibility? Did your first peer at heaven alone or in a pew in the assembly? Tell me your story.

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Diane W. Bailey

Diane W. Bailey is the founder of The Consilium – an online community of wisdom and purpose for women over 45 years of age. She is a published author. Her books include String of Pearls – From Tears to Treasure, and 30 Days To A Better Stepfamily. She creates her own line of precious metals bracelets. Diane lives in the Deep South with her husband Doc. Together they have created a stepfamily, each having two stepchildren and two birth children, and share three grandchildren, one black lab named Charlie and one long haired tabby cat named Lil Girl. Diane’s passion is to encourage women to be all God has created them to be by pressing past fear and daring to live life as an adventure. Some of her life adventures include traveling to Israel, speaking, entrepreneurship and backyard farming with Doc. She loves Gumbo, fried shrimp and seeing all sunsets across water.

Latest posts by Diane W. Bailey (see all)

• What God Can Do with A Shattered Heart - September 5, 2022
• When It Is Time to Bring Your Ship Ashore - January 2, 2018
• Art Of Hospitality – How to Love Others As Ourselves - November 27, 2017

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