A Love Letter

Happy New Year! I cannot believe another year has come and gone. Time seems to go by so fast the older I get. The kids asked if they could stay up and watch the peach drop last night, so Jon and I agreed. Shrek 2 was on TV so we watched that and then we still had 2 hours to wait until midnight. We didn't get a chance to watch The Nativity Story before Christmas, so we decided last night was the perfect time. We saw the movie in the theatre when it came out, but not since then. It was such a good reminder of what Christmas is all about. But it was also neat to watch it on New Year's Eve. It was a good reminder that Christ's birth isn't just for Christmas day...December isn't the only time we should celebrate Jesus' birthday. We should remember Him everyday. Remember His sacrifice. Remember His gift to us...Himself. God in the flesh. "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth." John 1:14. Awesome.

Each day I get an online devotional emailed to me. The following was sent last week, but it was one of those 'keepers.' Seemed appropriate to share on New Year's Day.

I hope you enjoy this Love Letter.

I see you sitting there-tired, worn out, and empty. Another year has used you up. You feel helpless like a baby. That's OK. I know all about being a baby. I was born one for you many years ago. I know the ache you feel to be held and loved, and that is why I came. I knew you would be sitting there, years in the future, praying and asking me to hold you, and I am dear one. Let me give you a special Christmas gift of love as I breathe new life into the very center of your soul.

Do you know that I think of you every moment of every day? I watch you patiently love the children I gave you, and I know how badly you feel when you fail and lose your temper. I forgive you, my child, just as you forgive your children when they make a mistake. "It's OK; we'll try again," you say to them, and I'm telling you the same thing, too. I'm so proud of you and how you've followed me when I asked you to teach your children about me. Your sacrifice says that you love me. I know all about that, too. I left everything that was mine when I came from heaven. I know how you feel when the Father asks so much of you.

Look at me, my child. You may feel beat up, but do you know that you are still beautiful? I see that smile. Yes, you're still as beautiful as the day I created you. I love who you are and I'm whispering your name. Can you hear me? Remember my child that this is not your home. You really belong here with me in heaven. But I want you where you are now to love this family I gave you. Don't give up. I want you to trust me. I won't let you down. Every promise I've made is true, and someday I'm coming back for you. But for now, rest in my love, and tonight and even tomorrow when you wake up, I'll be here watching over you. I love you. Merry Christmas.

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:14-15a).

Jesus, thank You for the best Christmas gift I could ever receive-Your forgiveness and love. My heart sings with praise to You for understanding my every need. I love You, Jesus, and offer You my life again to use however You choose. In Your name I pray, Amen.