Day 22 of Advent

Paula D. (2009)

When I think of “Before and After,” it usually involves a change for the better.  It makes me think of those TV shows, like Extreme Home Makeover, the Biggest Loser, etc.  And it’s easy to see the improvement.  But I’m sure that is not what Irma had in mind for our Advent Book.

It’s the spiritual makeover, which isn’t always apparent… and its this change that makes the biggest difference.  May you ask Jesus to be with you this Christmas, to really share your life with Him and see how He can change your heart, change your  Merry Christmas.

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Andrea R. (2009)

Before and after I really came to know Jesus can be translated into, “I once was lost, but now I’m found,” as given in the hymn Amazing Grace.

Before I came to know Jesus, I wasn’t a whole person.  In many ways, I had a good life—good parents, religious upbringing, good friends, good higher education, a professional career, and enough money.  But inside I was kind of a mess—immature, self-absorbed, didn’t know who I was, not really very happy, and didn’t understand what life was all about, although I didn’t think of it that way then.  I really was kind of a lost soul.

After I came to know Jesus, things changed.  It didn’t happen over-night.  Jesus made His presence known to me one time when I was in the depths of despair, and from then on, I never went back to the way I was.  Jesus brought to me the reality of His love, the inspiration and healing of the living Holy Spirit, the reality of God our Creator, parent and sustainer, and began the awakening of spirit within me.  I have been led to many places and many ways to learn more about the experience of God our Creator, Redeemer, Enabler, Father-Mother, Son Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit.  I have experienced much healing and now know more wholeness, joy and ability to love others in Jesus’ name.  I’ve got a ways to go on the journey ahead, but I can truly say with all my heart, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.”