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Joy to the world…

Can you see Him there? Cold, swaddled, sleeping; skin is still raw from birth.

Darkness all around – only the animals in the barn have seen Him so far. Outside, Heaven’s star shines bright above. It will light the way for others.

His father and mother traveled far, still puzzled by these events. Yet their faith knows the promise before them. He is their son, but He is their King.

The world is unaware of the love just entered into its space – unaware of how much it will need Him, unaware of the sacrifice to come.

Well tonight, it’s holy and silent. It’s joy in the world, it’s the heart of Christmas first, and of many Christmases to come…

Where’s your heart this year?

…and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Without a doubt, Christmas is my favorite time of year. I enjoy and appreciate every bit of it – the giving, the decorations, time spent with family and friends, the Christmas movies and TV specials (as of the writing of this post, I think my TV has been parked on Hallmark Channel for it’s Countdown to Christmas series), etc. I look forward to this season the most.

But we all know that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in Santa wishes or Black Friday deals. It’s captured in the story of our savior Jesus – His quiet birth on the holiest of nights. As the song goes, yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light…

I mentioned above that one aspect of Christmas I enjoy is the giving – not because I’m trying to impress, but because it’s a reflection of what was given to me in Jesus. He’s the greatest gift, and because He gave, I give, or try to. I’m so thankful for all that has been given to me this year through this blog – your engagement, support, and your interest. There’s more to come, and I can’t wait to be part of it.

I hope you find special meaning in Christmas this year, and I invite you to follow along each week throughout December for more season sharing.

What’s your favorite part of the Christmas season?

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

This is the last post in my November Days of Thanks series here on New Day. I hope you’ve been inspired to reflect on why it’s important to always give thanks in all things. No matter how tough life gets, let’s aim to keep our focus on being grateful.

The post for this week is actually a repost of the very first entry here on my blog. Enjoy, and thanks for following along this month!

It’s January 1, the most popular new day of all time! What better time to refocus our minds and spirits and work toward becoming who we are meant to be!

A couple of years ago, God impressed upon me to focus on living life one day at a time. Well, duh, isn’t that how one normally lives, one day at a time? 

But this prodding led me to want to start each day as a new day. New as in yesterday is gone, there’s a chance to begin again and do better, be better…

Mostly, though, new meant an intentional embrace of the morning, and, an intentional, conscious choosing to begin the day in the Lord – letting go of the night’s dreams, yesterday’s worries and unfinished work, and pressing into a set of time unseen.

A day that is started in the Lord is one with sure hopes. An acknowledgment of God in the morning allows worship to flow throughout the rest of the day. You are prepared for the day’s work, study, play, and its challenges. One is even prepared to receive the Lord’s blessings.

The Word has much to say about new days. Two of my favorites:

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22-23‬ KJV)

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33-34‬ KJV)

Each day is not just a day, it’s a new day. It’s a day the Lord has made. It’s a day with refreshed energy, renewed hope, and brand new mercies. So on this January 1, if you haven’t already, quiet your spirit, settle into God, and embrace the new. Live with intention!

How do YOU show thanks for each new day?