Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you!!!

It seems rather appropriate to be beginning a new blog around Christmas -- the beginning of Jesus' life on earth.  I was thinking today, how utterly amazing it is, the way Jesus humbled himself.  We're so familiar with the story that sometimes the full impact escapes our minds.  But just think of the magnitude of what he did today.

He left his home in heaven, beautiful beyond anything I could ever capture with my camera, where everyone adores him and worships him as King of Kings, to show up here as a helpless little human baby that couldn't even clothe or feed itself.  To take on human nature with all its weaknesses and limitations.  To live here for thirty-three years, and then give up his life in incredible suffering.  All for love.  Love of his Father, who loved us and wanted him to come, and love of us, the people he came to befriend and heal.

And it didn't stop there -- now he lives again, with nail-scarred hands and feet, as proof of that love.

I can't fully comprehend that love.  It's so deep.  I try, but I can't wrap my mind around it.  I've experienced it, but there are ocean-fuls more.  But whether I ever really understand it or not, it's wonderfully true!

I think this Christmas carol puts it perfectly:

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,

All for love's sake becamest man.

Throne for a manger didst surrender;

Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor;

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,

All for love's sake becamest man.

Thou who art God beyond all praising,

All for love's sake becamest man;

Stooping so low, but sinners raising

Heavenwards by thine eternal plan.

Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love's sake becamest man.

Thou who art love beyond all telling,

Saviour and King, we worship thee.

Emmanuel, within us dwelling,

Make us what thou wouldst have us be.

Thou who art love beyond all telling,

Saviour and King, we worship thee.

May you know His love this Christmas season...and in the new year!