Christmas Cards

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.” – Luke 12:6-8 NIV

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas Season is receiving Christmas Cards from old friends and new….Sometimes the cards are just that… cards. Cards that express their Christmas wish for me and my family and show that we are remembered and loved (or at least liked).

Sometimes the cards are a picture… a picture of the entire family… a picture that shows them in a great pose… or a family trip… and shows that I’m not the only one who may be getting a little gray… or a little thin on top… or working to get back in shape... and helps me recognize my friends and their kids as they grow up.

Sometimes the cards are pictures of the kids in the family doing their favorite sport or activity… or their in a great pose smiling from ear to ear… It’s usually when I see these pictures, the next thing heard is me calling out to Amy, “Hey… who are these kids again?” then she’ll tell me and then the next line is always, “Oh yeah… cute kids,. Man have they grown up.”

As I think about me having to be reminded which kids belong to which of our friends (which also reminds me that we haven’t seen enough of our friends), I’m also reminded that the Lord knows each and everyone of our names… of our faces

He knows our favorite poses… He knows our smiles… our tears… He knows our wants, our needs, and our desires… He knows our hurts and our pains… He has the hairs on our heads numbered (an easier task for some of us).

I find that absolutely amazing… Amazing that the Lord knows my name… knows my sin… knows my heart… and loves me any way.

In fact, He loves me so much that He sent His son Jesus… the one who we celebrate this Season by sending Christmas cards to our friends and loved ones…God sent this baby born in a manger to grow up to be a man… not just any man but a perfect man who would live and die and live again so that I might have life… be forgiven… saved… might one day join Him in Heaven.…

I love Christmas Cards… the pictures… the memories of old friends… and the reminder of why we celebrate the birth of Jesus - who gives us grace… and hope… and life.

May you and your family and friends have a Merry Christmas season and be reminded why we celebrate.

Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 NIV