Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

As we head off on our journey home for Christmas, I think of Mary and Joseph and their journey to Bethlehem. We have a seven hour drive and the vehicle is packed full for two family celebrations. It's been a frenzy of packing and planning. Not to mention watching the weather forecast for every town along our path. Our trip was delayed by a day because of it. I cannot even begin to imagine how Mary and Joseph planned their trip. They certainly didn't have SUVs and The Weather Channel to help them. They were fulfilling a duty to be counted in a census, but they were also fulfilling God's plan. It's incredible how a trip changed each of our lives, for eternity. 

We complain at how uncomfortable we get in the car, but when I think of Mary riding an animal while being very pregnant, my whining ceases. I watch my husband drive with care and caution, doing everything he can to keep us safe. Imagine Joseph and how he must have worried over his pregnant future wife. We have a warm home full of family and food awaiting us when we arrive. Mary and Joseph had to settle for a barn. And while our son being born was amazing, it certainly pales in comparison to the birth that night. The birth of a child who would one day sacrifice himself for you and me. 

In the chaos of the holidays, we must stop and remember that journey. That original Christmas trip. That trip resulted in the greatest gift of all, eternal life. On this Christmas, I want to give you a gift. The gift of knowing Jesus as your personal Savior. He died for you. He died for me. Simply go to Him and He will set you free. Free from sin, mistakes, bad choices, and your past. In this world of uncertainty and fears, I am assured, that no matter what happens to me, I am His. For eternity. 

John 3:16 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Merry Christmas. 

kimberly