"I'm glad that it's over. . ."

That was the comment of the lady behind the counter at the gas station/store last night as we returned from Springdale. She was talking about Christmas and for some it can be a huge hassle. But, I've witnessed two ladies who have learned (and the Lord is using them to teach me) what it's really about. . . giving of yourself ( without the hassle). That's what Jesus did and said. "A new commandment I give to you; that you love one another". (John 13:34). They are doing that and not just at Christmas. It's something they do just because all year round.
One is the supervising director of my very cool grandkids. Most people would find them a 'hassle'. ( I'm guilty at times). But not this lady. She and her husband handle it with love and grace. Yesterday, to emphasize that it's not about the gifts under the tree, they began with baking a birthday cake for Jesus, then a small drama about the birth of Jesus all before opening presents.
The other lady is the one who raised the first lady we just mentioned. Yes, they put in a lot of work, but it's not a hassle. It's an investment of love. When you plant love it grows. Jesus did it.
I'm glad it's NOT over. It's still going. Everyday we are given to be here let's give of ourself "as unto the Lord, not as unto men". It's a good investment. . . and the fruit is 'heavenly'.

Jesus, God in the flesh, changes everything. . .

I've just finished watching a 'play' about the Christmas story. Imagine that. This time of year they are everywhere in many different forms and fashions. Some have watered the real story down to a drama production that is nothing like what the real story is about ( Jesus's birth). Some use it as a springboard for some other personal message about social injustices or just a step to satisfy their artistic, entertainment itch. That is not to say that drama (art), or social needs are not important. This play was exactly what it was supposed to be; a message of the Good News. The news is that God has indeed entered the arena of sinful earth as a participant like us, and that He is the one who can make it change.
Even more amazing was that it was done, not in a church, but a public building; the Art Center of the Ozarks located in Springdale. Plus it was done by a cast of mostly kids and a few adults portraying a community wanting to put on the annual Christmas play. These were people from the Springdale area who had to try out for the production, not a church group. And it was about what happens when some unruly and unwanted characters of the said community want to be in the play. What happened was that God's message changed their lives.
Lastly, it was done in front of a lot of business people; some Christians and some not, and arranged by some very God conscience business guys who said " we just wanted to get the real message of Jesus over to our clients". Wow! Business people, preaching to business people. The response was very positive and the message well received.
If I'm encouraged by anything it is that God is very much at work. And one of the places He is moving mightily is right in our neighborhood of NW Arkansas in the lives of a bunch of young adults who have responded to the Lord's call in their lives and are stepping out by faith to serve Him.
"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20

Enjoy the Christmas Season by watching for the ways the angels are still proclaiming His birth.

God bless you and your family,
Jack