Mary's Other Half

"Blessed is the man
   who makes the LORD his trust."

Psalm 40:4 

This morning I was perusing one of my favorite people and bloggers, Mary Stafford, and was drawn to a great video she posted called A Social Network Christmas.

I know today is pretty crazy for most of you, but it's definitely worth a quick watch.

Mary gets a lot of credit, and rightfully so, for being so faithful, willing, and full of trust to follow God's plan. But what about Joseph?  In those days, women didn't have many rights, so for his fiance to become pregnant before they were married was a huge deal.  Either, he dishonored her, or Mary disrespected and betrayed him.  Neither situation makes Joseph look that great. 

So for Joseph to be so willing to trust is amazing!  I mean, Mary is one thing, after a few months, she clearly knows she's pregnant and if it was by anyone other than the Holy Spirit, I'm pretty sure she would remember.

Joseph however, has choose to trust the angel and Mary and believe that what the angel has said will come to be.  In my opinion, that takes an incredibly strong man.  

Typically, Mary is thought of as our beloved heroine who blesses the world with the gift of God's son, and there's a reason for that.  Still, I think Joseph deserves a little credit too! 

"Blessed is the man
   who makes the LORD his trust."

Psalm 40:4

"Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.  And he called His name JESUS. "

Matthew 1:25

Light of Life

Originally posted December 18, 2009

"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices..."

These words come from my favorite Christmas carol "O Holy Night."  We sang them at our Lessons and Carols service last Sunday night.  As I stood in the back singing after taking up the offering, I couldn't help but cry as I looked around and thought about how many of us have been weighed down this year by the weariness of the world, yet in the midst of that, have been miraculously sustained by the eternal hope we have in Christ.

As we sang, I watched the dark sanctuary slowly light up as we began passing candle light from one person to the next.  I've been to candle light services before, but there is something profoundly moving about watching it come to life from the back of the sanctuary.  As the light slowly builds, you eagerly await your turn to light your small candle, and in one tiny motion, you have the light!  It's an amazingly beautiful thing to watch as just one small flame slowly ignites an entire church.  

That small light represents the thrill of hope Christ's birth brings to a people walking in darkness, weighed down by the weary world.  With this light, we can rejoice as we eagerly celebrate the wonders of His love and the luminous light that Christ has brought to us.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, 

but will have the light of life." 

John 8:12 (NIV)

Standing next to me on Sunday was an adorable two year old girl who could hardly contain herself.  She was so excited about lighting her candle.  She kept swaying from side to side and anxiously looking at her mother asking, "Is it time yet?!?"  She was ready for the light!

As we walk through Christmas surrounded by lights on trees, houses, wreaths, and just about everywhere you can imagine, I pray that we will  reflect on the light of life that Christ has brought into this dark world.  And that just like the little two year old, we will eagerly await and yearn for more of the light of Christ.

"Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born..."

Love.

 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

With Christmas just days away, people are getting frantic.  Fortunately, I have most of my shopping done, but the amount of cars and people out and about each night I'm becoming increasingly more irritated. 

Yesterday my friend shared with me a column written in our local paper by Betsy Wright Rhodes.  It was a calming way to refocus and think about what's truly important, and no, it's not the rage I feel towards all of the horrible drivers of the world.  Her column is below:

As I write this column, just days before Christmas, I am filled with a wonderful kind of peace. 

The house is a wreck, no decorations are up and I haven't baked a single morsel.  Still-boxed holiday cards sit on my desk.  The shopping isn't complete.  And yes, I have a column to write. 

It's a columns about how many of us perfectionist women have gotten trapped into thinking we have to be all, do all and smile always.  How do we do the Christmas thing and everything else we normally do?  Well, we can't--at least not without sacrificing something that should not be sacrificed this time of year: Love. 

Since 7 am, I've snapped at my husband, yelled at my daughter and practically shoved my youngest out the door to catch the bus.

And then, something miraculous happened.  A check of my e-mails revealed a message from a friend.

Now, I'm focused on the real reason for the season.  I'm focused on God's gift of love to humanity in the form of a tiny baby named Jesus.  Now, instead of trying to create a facsimile of love with fancy decorations and pretty packages, I'm simply going to be love to my family and friends.

And so, with peace in my heart, I pass on this bit of wisdom--1 Corinthians 13, the Christmas version:

If I decorate my house perfectly with bows, twinkling lights and shiny balls 

but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I bake dozens of Christmas cookies, prepare gourmet meals and arrange a beautifully adorned table

but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, sing carols in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity

but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels, attend myriad holiday parties and sing the choir's cantata

but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.  Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.  

Love is kind, though harried and tired. 

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.  Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure forever. 

She Said Yes!!

 Sweet little Cally got engaged on Friday!  We are thrilled!  

Too bad they're not that photogenic...

 ....or incredibly fun!

I knew I loved Marshall two years ago, when he was willing to go on a mini road trip with me and Cally.  Not only did he sweetly put up with all of our crazy sister antics, but I was struck by the way he was so taken by Cally simply for being Cally.  Her genuine, sweet, adorable, goofy self.  She didn't have to try be anyone else, just the woman God created her to be.  AND he's not averse to fabulous dance parties...double LOVE!

Congratulations you two!

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

Psalm 126:3 

Joy of Every Longing Heart

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about making an effort to turn the Christmas carols we hear all around us into true worship songs.

On Sunday morning, I was so touched by the song below, and I hope it ministers to your heart as well.  I LOVE this version—no bells and whistles, just pure worship.  Take a minute today to pause and ponder just how incredible it is that the Joy of every longing heart is here and He is madly in love with you.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Pause to Ponder

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Luke 2:19

The words above told to us from Luke can be so easily missed when read within the Christmas story.  I mean, we have shepherds, we have angels, we have wise men, we have live animals, AND we have the Savior of the world...who has time to ponder?

This verse always sticks out to me.  First, I wonder, why it's included?  Second, I wonder, how amazing Mary must have been to take time, in the midst of all the commotion, joy, and glory, to treasure all these things and ponder them in her heart.  

She paused, she savored, she delighted.  What a journey she had been on.  And yes, her journey was far from over, but just think about the past nine months:

The angel's visit, her three month stay with Elizabeth, seeing Joseph for the first time, their journey to Bethlehem, her time worshiping the Lord, giving birth in a stable—all of these things, she guarded and held them close to her heart.  

Don't you wonder what Mary's relationship with the Lord must have been like?  I mean, He clearly was pleased with her, since He chose her to be the mother of His Son, but I just wonder what her prayer time looked like?  What kind of insights did He whisper to her heart?  Yesterday, we saw a little glimpse of her heart of praise.  I read this morning, that her song of praise referenced 12 different Old Testament Scriptures—the girl loved God's Word!  I'm lucky if I can even remember a on sentence Bible verse, but merging 12 together?  Impressive!

Admittedly, none of us will be selected to give birth to God's one and only Son, but I think the secrets and treasures that Mary pondered are available to each one of us—little gifts and memories from God uniquely designed for us.

So my challenge to all of us is to take some time to pause and ponder—embrace the little and big treasures we have been given...the wonder of the Christmas story, special moments shared with people you love, gifts of scripture from God to you, brief moments spent in prayer and meditation.

There may be a lot going on around us and we may feel completely overwhelmed, but just like Mary, remember to take some time to pause, savor, and enjoy.

“Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

"I lie awake thinking of you,
      meditating on you through the night.
  Because you are my helper,
      I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings."

Psalm 63:6-7 (NLT)

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Deuteronomy 33:27

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."

Jeremiah 31:3

 

 

My Soul Magnifies

There may be tons of books you hear you should read, and forgive me for adding to the list, but do you want to know the best book you may have no idea you need?  It's called The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God by Stormie Omartian.  It's amazing.  I referenced it a few weeks ago here, but it's a must read.

I'm learning so much about our need to praise God, no matter what our circumstances may look like.  I don't know about you, but I've found there is unexplainable joy, peace, and freedom to be found when we're simply worshiping God because He is worthy and He deserves it.  When we worship God, He is near.  Praise brings the presence of God.

Psalm 22:3 says, "But you are holy, enthroned in the PRAISES of Israel."

Which brings me back to Mary.  You know what I love about her?  I LOVE her song of praise widely known as the Magnificat, which is translated as "My Soul Magnifies."  

Right after Elizabeth joyfully declares, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”  Rather than tooting her own horn and replying, "I know, right?  Aren't I just the most faithful woman you've ever seen?  No wonder God picked me!"  Mary begins to praise.

    “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
    How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
      and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
 For the Mighty One is holy,
      and he has done great things for me.
 He shows mercy from generation to generation
      to all who fear him.
 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!"

Luke 1:46-51 (NLT)

Isn't that beautiful?  There are so many wonderful translations, but I love the NLT's verseion, "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord..."

Throughout the year, a song that I adore and reminds me of Mary's song is called Exceeding Joy from the Hillsong album Hope.  The lyrics and YouTube clip are below. (E-mail friends, click here)

I have found exceeding joy,
Jesus answered when I called
this Name that has saved me,
pure love that embraced me.

Mercy, grace, eternal life.
Bought from darkness to His light.
While lost in my sin, He
raised me and made me live.

Chorus:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my heart joys in God my Savior,
for He lifts the lowly,
He's done great things for me.
I will sing, praising evermore,
He is mighty and Holy is His Name.

I will lift my head up high,
praising Jesus through each trial.
Though I have not seen Him,
I love Him completely.

Blessed

The Visitation, Raphael, 1519

 "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 

Luke 1:45 (NIV, 2010)

Growing up, as we read about the events leading up to Christ's birth, Elizabeth was always one of my favorites.  I took great pride in knowing that there was a character in the Bible who shared my name.  

Last week, as I was reading the story, I thought about how incredible it was that God, in His faithful perfection, provided Mary a companion to encourage her along the way.  

When Mary is taking in the news of her pending birth, as we looked at yesterday, the angel says to Mary, "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:36) 

A virgin birth obviously takes the cake, but God also miraculously helps Elizabeth conceive at her old age, which confirms even further that this is actually happening. (Though I'm sure the angel's visit had already done a pretty good job).

Following the angel's visit, Mary goes to see Elizabeth where she is strengthened and encouraged.  Another thing I love: not only is she not alone, but God provides someone to rejoice with her in what He is doing.

Upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth declares, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!  But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” 

  

Had there been any fear or anxiety about the events to come, I think Elizabeth's greeting helped to quell those emotions in Mary.  She's not scorned or rejected, but sweet Mary is incredibly blessed!  "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”  

Mary stays with Elizabeth for three months.  I would love to have been sitting around their table as these two pregnant women talked, laughed, ate, and rejoiced about both of their miraculous pregnancies.  Best of all, Elizabeth's husband Zachariahs, couldn't even talk during her pregnancy, so it was all girl talk all the time—delightful!   

Sometimes when we're stepping out in our faith, we may feel alone, crazy, or scared, and we need people in our lives who can speak truth to us and help us know we're not alone.  I love Elizabeth's role; she doesn't bring up any of the obvious questions, she simply rejoices.  "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”  

  

The Role of a Lifetime

The Annunciation, Leonardo da Vinci, ca 1474

 Aside from Baby Jesus, of course, each Christmas season, I marvel about the faith, belief and obedience of sweet, young Mary. 

Let's just think about this for a second—you're a young, teenage virgin about to get married, when all of a sudden, an angel comes to tell you that you're going to have a baby.  But, not just any baby, the Savior the world has been waiting for...talk about a lot to process! 

What does Mary do?  She asks the obvious question, "How can this be, since I'm a virgin?"  And once she has her answer, she's on board and ready to go. 

If this were me, I would have had a lot more questions and a few suggestions—What will my parents and Joseph think of me?  What will the neighbors say?  Why don't we just wait until I'm married?  How about we rethink this whole manger birth?   

But, these among many other reasons, is why God selected and destined Mary for the role of the lifetime.  Sweet, faithful Mary was chosen by God to give birth to His Son. 

My favorite exchange from when the angel visits Mary is towards the end when the angel says, 
"For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment." (Luke 1:37, Amplified)

 To which Mary replies, "Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said."  (Luke 1:38).

Mary put her fear, questions, anxiety, and doubts aside and chose to believe.  Even though it wouldn't be easy, people would talk, and many wouldn't understand, Mary chose to follow, obey, and move forward believing that God's way was the best way.  

Hope.

Card from Zazzle.com

"And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise

to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will HOPE in him."

  

May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in him, 

so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:12-13

The above verse from Romans is one of my all time favorite Christmas passages.  I discovered it about two years ago and even wrote about it here.  I love the HOPE that Christmas brings us.  

At long last, the long awaited Messiah is here.  The one we've heard about, talked about, and waited for.  He's here and He brings each of us the HOPE we so desperately need. 

Each year I ask myself the all important question, "To Christmas Card or not to Christmas Card?"  So far I always opt out of carding, but not because I haven't done any work...I design a card online, but never actually get to sending it.  (what that says about me is another post for another day).  The one thing that is always the same is the inside:

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in him, 

so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13 

Our Christmas card fate this year is still unknown, but one thing that is certain is my prayer for my little family, my big family, and my friends: 

Sweet friends, may the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in him, so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Linking Up

Merry, Merry!!  Below are some great Christmas posts to put you in the Christmas spirit!

• The One Who Bore Hope from Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet

• Hark. Hark. from Mary Goes Round and Round...

• Keep Singing from Nina Simone at Sophia and Olivia

• For When You Don't Live Up from Chatting at the Sky

Childlike Wonder

There is something so special about the wonder and awe through the eyes of a child.  Recently, my favorite niece Louisa is learning all about the Christmas story and Baby Jesus has become her very best friend.  She looks for him everywhere.  We went shopping on Saturday and all throughout the mall, any time she saw a nativity, snow globe, ornament, picture etc. she would get so excited and say, "Baby Jesus!  Baby Jesus!" 

Even though she's still quite young, it's amazing to watch her process the story and see her joyfully react to the angels, the star, Mary, shepherds, and of course, Baby Jesus.  

My sweet sister tried to capture a little of the action in a video below.  It may be hard to understand if you don't speak "Louisa" but you should be able to understand Jesus, Mary, manger, and I may have heard shepherd, but I'm not sure.  Picture this all day long....

Yes, I'm totally biased, but isn't she the cutest? 

So what's my point?  Let's not miss the excitement and joy to be had in heralding the arrival of the birth of Christ.  Though it may seem as though we've heard the story again and again, pray for fresh, childlike eyes to experience the power and the wonder of God's gift to us.  Let's come and adore Him with the wonder and awe He so rightly deserves.  

O come all ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye o come ye

To Bethlehem

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore him

O come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord... 

Yea Lord, we greet Thee

Born this happy morning

Jesus to Thee be all

Glory given

Word of the Father

Now in flesh appearing

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore him

O come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord  

(Email subscribers click here to hear Chris Tomlin's version)

Jingle Bells

My favorite Christmas CD since 1994

Despite my mom's fierce campaigning "Merry Christmas" continues to morph into "Happy Holidays", but for whatever reason, most people are still very welcoming of most Christmas carols.

Have you been listening to your "light fm" radio station, or even in restaurants and stores?  It's amazing the power and praise that is found within so many of the Christmas carols people have been enjoying for years.  You have Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, and even Riahnna all of a sudden all willing to sing about the birth of Christ.   

I was talking to my mom the other day and she said the Lord is challenging her to not simply enjoy the "sounds of the season", but to make an effort to use these opportunities to worship Him.

I LOVE worship music.  But I must confess, when it comes to Christmas songs (I'm talking the real ones...O Holy Night, Joy to the World, etc.) I don't embrace the worship as I should.

So my challenge to all of us, it to take these opportunities to worship the Lord.  Whether we're driving in the car, putting lights on the tree, shopping in the mall, or in church, let's embrace the depth and power of so many of our beloved Christmas carols.

"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord."

Ephesians 5:19

"This, This is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him praise

The Babe, the Son of Mary"

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her king;

Let every heart prepare Him room"

"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices...
Fall on your knees!  Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born."

Below are just a few of my favorites...and if you're interested in a great worship CD for Christmas here are two I love:
Christmas Worship Down Under, Hillsong
Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship, Chris Tomlin

The Baby That Saves Us

Yesterday in church I heard an incredible Advent sermon.  I'm sure bits and pieces will be sprinkled throughout the blog this month, but this morning, there's one little nugget that has really stuck.

Our minister Andy recalled a few years ago at Christmas when he went to buy a movie for his young daughter.  Scanning the titles he couldn't believe it—Dora Saves Christmas, Diego Saves Christmas, Elmo Saves Christmas...this list went on and on.

I did a little scan on Amazon and found the above as well as How The Flinstones Saved Christmas, The Elf Who Saved Christmas, The Dog Who Saved Christmas, The Toy That Saved Christmas... my list could go on and on as well.

Andy posed the question, "What is it about Christmas that needs saving?"  He continued, "Christmas doesn't need saving, but we do.  And rather than saving Christmas, Christmas saves us."

Among the list of those who got it wrong, he did reference one beloved children's cartoon that actually got it right.  45 years ago, Charles Schulz and his beloved Peanuts touched on the real meaning of Christmas and it has been airing nationally each year since 1965.

Towards the end, Charlie Brown frustratingly asks, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus, so calm and collected, replies, "Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about..." and he proceeds to the stage to recite Luke chapter 2:8-14.  (See below)

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

"Good news that will cause great joy for all people..."  Christmas does not need saving, but when put in proper context, the miracle of Christmas is what saves us.  What an incredible gift.  

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:15

"The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. "

Romans 6:23

Lights...Camera....Action

By Lisa Robertson

“A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.’” Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)

“Prepare the way of the Lord” is the title of the production that I direct every year. As the producer, I am responsible for the props, costumes, food and the performers. Even though preparations are made throughout the year, the show opens and closes in just one day - December 25th.

As the mother of five children, Christmas day is not my most successful day. Pressures, emotions and very high expectations dominate what should be a day of joy, reverence and gratitude. 

One of my lowest moments of mothering was on December 24th one year. Arriving at our church barely in time for my children to be dressed as angels and camels, I sat in the pew weeping. A young woman came up to me and told me that she was touched by my deep spiritual sensitivity. That couldn’t have been further from the truth! I was crying because I knew I was the worst mother in the world. Before leaving the house with the children dressed in their matching Christmas clothes, I had a complete meltdown. "Mean mommy" took over as I forced them into the car and chased them into the church.

Is this the way that we are supposed to celebrate the greatest gift ever given in the history of humanity?

God set the stage for the coming of His Son! He revealed His plan to many people over hundreds of years to prepare His people for their Savior. Did you know that in the Old Testament, over 400 Scriptures describe in detail the life of Jesus Christ? We should be prepared for Christmas! Decorating, shopping, gift giving are not the most important preparations we make.

Advent is the season of preparation.  A key element of Advent is the light of Christ. In many church traditions, the weeks before Christmas incorporate the use of an Advent wreath, both in the church and in people’s homes.

Often on the day after Christmas I wonder what went right and what went wrong. If I spend time preparing during the Advent season for the coming of Christ at Christmas, the chaos of Christmas preparation can transform into a peaceful radiance of Christ’s presence in our lives. This is the greatest gift that I receive each Christmas.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Jesus. Help us to prepare for the coming of Christ this Christmas. Let Your light shine in our hearts as we prepare for Christmas day! 

The Grand Miracle

"Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel, God with us."

Isaiah 7:14

The Christmas story is FULL of miracles and is what C.S. Lewis referred to as the "Grand Miracle."  Have you ever paused to really think about just what Jesus coming into the world meant on a practical sense?

"The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a fetus inside a Woman's body.  If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab."

-C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Have you ever thought about it that way?  Our loving and powerful God "made himself nothing" and came to us in human form. (Phil 2:6-7)  He left the perfection of the heavenlies and humbled himself by coming to us in the form of a little baby.  Rarely do I let that little truth sink in, because it's hard to even imagine.  But oh, what a powerful gift!  

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John 1:14

 Thank you Jesus, for loving us so much that you came to earth and made your dwelling among us.  We are forever changed by the gift of your birth.