Day 24 of Advent

Wilma B. (2010)

When Jesus came, so long ago
A Babe in that manger stall
Love came to earth to show mankind
God's love is for each and all.

God sent His son so long ago
Because he cares for us-I know
He cares all ways-through thick and thin
And gives us courage from within.

Where there is hatred, let it be
Subdued as others learn of Thee.
God's world would be such an awesome place
If hate and war ceased to deface.

There's room for one, there's room for all
No matter the color, size big or small.
Lord, may I ever heed your voice
And in my sharing, ask your choice.

So grant me Lord and Savior mine
To be forever first in line
To share your love and caring ways
Through out all my lifelong days,

---

Joshua J. (2010)

To me, He is all that is good in our world and all good that shall come.  
He is the light in the dark sky that shall never dim.  
He is the good of all goods, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace.  
He is the one true Messiah.  
He is Emanuel.

---

Drew H. (2007)

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Six words. One sentence. The gospel truth. Jesus Christ reigns supreme over all the world.
   
For me, the unspoken implication is just as powerful: that which does not reign. Only one can reign; only one can have supreme authority. And if that One is Jesus, then all else is subordinate and has no ultimate authority in life. To these we do not bestow power to have definitive influence upon us.

Fear and anxiety do not reign. For the past fifteen months, my only regular source of income has been my part-time job at Marble Memorial. To be sure, $15,000 does not go a long way for a family of three. So, over the past year, we’ve had to be very creative and careful in how we make and spend money.
   
What continues to amaze me is the fact that neither Caroline or I experience that dreadful anxiety that can paralyze people during times of financial hardship, or worse, become a wedge that drives couples apart. Instead, God has granted us a grace that sustains and encourages us.
   
If I truly believe that Jesus Christ reigns, that means he’s in control. And if I truly believe that he’s in control, it means he has a hand in my life situation and is working things out in ways that I do not perceive at the moment. And if I believe that he’s working things out for me, then I don’t have to allow worry and anxiety have the final word.
   
Thanks be to God for joy that comes daily into our world in Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme in all matters of life!