Ornaments & Christmas Conversations

 

My mind goes back several years and to a conversation with my then 4YO granddaughter.

She sat coloring what would become Christmas ornaments. As she colored, she asked a few questions about Christmas and baby Jesus. There is nothing like conversations with a four year old to open our eyes anew.

“Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, 
and they shall call His name Immanuel,” 
which translated means, “God with us.” 
(Matthew 1:22-23, NASB) 

As she colored, she said, “Jesus is in heaven, up there.” A few seconds later, she stated, “Jesus is in my heart too,” and I replied, “Yes, Jocelyn, you are right. He is.”

And the question came, “Mimi, what does He say?”

With the Christmas music softly playing in the background, her head yet bent and focused on coloring, I answered, “Some days, He says:

• “I love you!”
• “You are special.”
• “Always be kind to your family and friends.”
• “Be sure to share with everybody.”
• “Obey mommy and daddy and your teacher too”
• “You are beautiful.”

She was quiet for a few seconds, intently coloring. It was then, I heard her soft voice say, “I like when He says, ‘I love you’ best.”

“Yeah, me too, Jocelyn. Me too.”

She continued coloring Mary and Elizabeth, the circle indicating both women were with child. As she colored, I prayed for the Lord to seal the truth of Jesus within her and His deep love for her, searing it on her heart and mind.

Immanuel. God is with us in our messes. He is with us each and every day because He is within us. He is present with us right where we are. Today. He came not only that day in the stable but He comes each and every day to us, to be with us.

We can so forget His Presence with us in the messes of our daily routines. Maybe it is because we forget the simple truth – He lives within our heart.

Immanuel.
Christ came to live among us and within us.
May you hear Him whisper in your heart, “I love you!”

 

Reflection: 
During this busy time of year, find a place to quiet yourself and be alone with God. Embrace the truth of His love for you.

 

Image by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay